Where To Stay In Mallorca

Written By The Mallorcan

Our Favourite Mallorca Hotels

Finca Serena

Best Areas To Stay In Mallorca

As one of the most popular islands in Europe, Mallorca is a fantastic place to visit at any time of the year. It’s no easy feat to name the single “the best area” in Mallorca. It all depends on what you’re after and what time of year you visit. Summer means exploring the beaches, winter is more suited to Palma and the mountains. The single best tip we can give for first-time visitors to Mallorca is to rent a car. There’s so much to see and it’s a lot easier to see the entire island if you have your own car.

Places in Mallorca

Mallorca is divided into the distinct regions: the southwest, northwest, northeast, southeast and Palma (the major city of Mallorca). Every area offers something different. The southwest is the most built up from a tourist and commercial point of view. You will find this area a bit busier than the rest of the island but also home to some of the best beaches stretching along the coast from Palma all the way out to Andratx and Sant Elm in the southwest corner. 

The northwest is (in our humble opinion) the most magical area of the island with breathtaking mountain villages, favoured by artists and other in-the-know visitors. This area is synonymous with the Tramuntana mountain range. It’s home to some of the most dramatic scenery you’ll find anywhere on the island as the mountains collide with the Mediterranean Sea. 

The northeast has a more remote feel to it as you begin to a lot less developed parts of Mallorca. Its a more relaxed vibe to the northwest but also generally a bit cheaper. It still has lots of charm and some beautiful beaches to explore. Further down the island, you have the southeast which is also home to some amazing beaches, a national park and cosy villages. Palma sits at the south of the island, just 10 minutes from the airport. Palma is large enough that you could spend an entire vacation there alone. It’s split into distinct neighbourhoods, has unlimited bars, restaurants and things to do and is within walking distance of the ocean.

Mallorca is a large island but with a car you can easily explore every area we’ve mentioned here and spend no longer than an hour going from one end to the other. Uber is now available and there is also a good bus network, just in case you don’t wish to rent a car.

Soller valley

Best Places To Stay In Mallorca

Best Luxury Hotels In Mallorca:

Best Boutique Hotels In Mallorca:

Best Cheaper Hotels In Mallorca:

Best Hotels For Families In Mallorca:

Best New Hotel In Mallorca:

Best Places In Mallorca for Sightseeing:

  • The northwest, in particular the villages of Deia, Soller and Valldemossa. Each of these mountain towns are spectacular and unique. The drives you can do through the mountain roads of the Serra de Tramuntana are unbelievable. Start in Valldemossa and take the road to Deia, onto Soller and then all the way to Pollensa and Cap Formentor. Staying anywhere along this route will give you the best value for sightseeing opportunities.

Best Place In Mallorca For Food And Restaurants:

Undoubtedly Santa Catalina in Palma. This has long been our favourite place to go and find a new brunch spot, bakery, bar or restaurant. There is seemingly an endless amount of places to try within a 10 minute walking radius. Some of our favourites include Agabar, Pizzacheira, Palma Bread, Rikito and KOH.

Best Place In Mallorca For Nightlife:

Palma ticks the most boxes for nightlife, due mostly to it’s sheer volume of options and catering to all vibes. Unlike the chaos you’ll find in nearby Magaluf, Palma’s nightlife is a bit more varied. Here’s our list of the best 29 bars in Palma.

Best Place In Mallorca For A Local Vibe:

Tough to choose just one but for us, Soller gets the nod. It’s a year round destination that even in winter can offer plenty of local happenings including the Saturday markets, hiking, great restaurants and just a generally amazing vibe.

Most Romantic Place In Mallorca:

Anywhere you’re lucky enough to see the sun set over the west coast. Sa Foradada is one option, as is Nautlius in Port Soller.

Best Place In Mallorca For Families:

The north is very family friendly, particularly areas around Pollensa and Cala Sant Vicenc. You’re away from the hustle and bustle, fighting for car parking and general chaos you’ll find further south. There are beautiful beaches to explore, mountains to hike and cosy villages to explore.

Best Place In Mallorca For Shopping:

Palma and Porto Pi. Palma has a very walkable mix of well know boutiques in addition to more artisan offerings. If it gets too hot there, take the 5 minute drive to the air conditioned Porto Pi shopping centre, which also has a solid offering of boutiques and speciality stores.

The 10 Best Areas In Mallorca For Visitors:

1. Palma

Palma is the epicentre of Mallorca. You’ll find an abundance of bars, restaurants and shopping, all easily walkable. Beautiful buildings, high energy and yet you’re still only a short distance from the ocean and the nearest beach clubs.

Best hotels in Palma:

Palma Bay sunset

Palma Bay at sunset.

2. Bendinat

Bendinat is a leafy enclave just 10 minutes from Palma where you can access beautiful coves for swimming, including two of our all-time favourites Cala Comtesa and Cala Bendinat.

Best hotels in Bendinat:

Hotel Hospes Maricel

Hotel Hospes Maricel

3. Portals Nous

Portals is ideal for those who prefer a bit of luxury. Great choice of high end hotels, nice swimming and a good spot for people watching at the Port. Just a short taxi to get in and out of Palma.

Best hotels in Portals Nous:

4. Andratx

Andratx town and neighbouring Port Andratx are beautiful parts of the island on the southwest coast, about 30 minutes from Palma. Things start to feel a bit more remote as you head west into this area and swimming spots will be slightly less crowded. It is still considered a wealthy part of Mallorca but maintains an authentic vibe and is less touristy that some of the beaches closer to Palma.

Best hotels in Andratx:

5. Valldemossa

Valldemossa is the first village we ever stayed in in Mallorca! It’s picturesque location and wonderfully unique town. Surrounded by dreamy scenery in the mountains, it tends to get quiet after dark but is worth the stay for the views alone.

Best hotels in Valldemossa:

6. Deia

Equally picturesque Deia is the preferred stay for big spenders, celebrities and artists alike. The scenery is second to none here plus you have a great choice of some amazing restaurants and secluded, secret coves just 5 minutes away.

The road to Deia

Best hotels in Deia:

7. Soller

Soller was home for us at one point and and we would love to return one day. The valley and mountains just create a powerful energy that is hard to put into words. You have the option of staying in Soller town or nearby Port Soller. There is so much to do including numerous hiking trails, swimming at the port and tons of great shopping and restaurant options.

L' Avenida

L’ Avenida pool view

Best hotels in Soller:

8. Pollensa

Pollensa is also close to our hearts as it’s the first long term residence we maintained in Mallorca. It is further away from Palma, taking around an hour to get to, but makes up for the distance in unmatched countryside and swimming options. It has a remote, more relaxed vibe but there is still plenty going on year round in Pollensa town.

Best hotels in Pollensa:

9. Santanyi

Santanyi is the best spot on the east coast to base yourself in. It’s conveniently situated to easily head north or south along the coast and sample all of the amazing and more remote beaches on this side of the island. Santanyi also holds it’s own with year round activity and a good selection of hotels and restaurants.

Best hotels in Santanyi:

10. Alaro

Alaro wraps up out top 10! It’s a beautiful village a little more inland that the rest of the list. This makes it quieter, more relaxed but very authentic. There’s some beautiful hotels and restaurants and a lively square during the summer. Alaro is a great option of you want a bit more solitude. Not too difficult to get in and out of Palma, driving takes around 20 minutes.

Best hotels in Alaro:

Other Mallorca Places Worth Checking Out:

  • Sineu

  • Colonia Sant Jordi

  • Bunyola 

  • Sant Elm 

  • Banyalbufar 

  • Son Vida 

  • Santa Maria 

  • Arta 

  • Alcudia 

  • Binnisalem

The Mallorcan
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