The beach in Palma de Mallorca with the cathedral in the distance
Travel Guide

Where to stay in Mallorca

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Faraway Worlds

Staff writers

Looking for hotel recommendations? Here are our top picks...

A tropical island off the coast of Spain, Mallorca is one of the top summer destinations in Europe. On the island, you will find idyllic beaches, incredible natural landscapes, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife.

Mallorca’s southern coast is the most touristy, with the most popular beaches. In contrast, the north of Mallorca is home to a changing coastline, from rugged cliffs to miles of sandy beaches, the Serra de Tramuntana mountain, and smaller towns. The north part of Mallorca also hosts the only airport on the island, in the city capital of Palma de Mallorca.

Mallorca is the perfect holiday destination whether you want to relax at the beach, go hiking in the mountains, or party until the sun rises again. Here are some of our favourite places to stay on the island.

At a glance

Best places to stay in Mallorca for first-time visitors

Palma de Mallorca

The cathedral of Palma de Mallorca

Palma is the capital city of all the Balearic Islands, located on Mallorca's northwest coast. The archipelago's main international airport is Palma, making it Mallorca's central travel hub.

In Palma, you will have plenty of things to see and do - there's a tourist attraction in pretty much every districts. Walk around the popular marina, visit one of the many art galleries, sunbathe at the beach, and go for an afternoon of shopping. And at night, you'll find many restaurants serving traditional food and international cuisines, theatres to watch a show, and nightclubs for an evening filled with dancing. 

Palma's old town has many incredible buildings to discover, like the Gothic La Seu Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Spain, the Royal Palace Almudaina, and the Arab baths. Also, don't miss a visit to the fantastic Bellver Castle, with its circular shape, from which you will enjoy an amazing view of the city and mountains!

The best districts to stay in Palma are the Casco Histórico, the Old City, Santa Catalina, and the Paseo Marítimo. Whether you are looking for a budget hostel, a chic boutique hotel, or a private apartment, Palma de Mallorca is the perfect place to stay if it's your first time in Mallorca.

Stay at the Summum Prime Boutique Hotel in the middle of the old town.

Best place to stay in Mallorca for couples

Port de Sóller

The coastal town of Port de Sóller with mountains in the background

Port de Sóller is a gorgeous coastal town in north Mallorca, surrounded by the Tramuntana Mountains and the crystal blue sea.

Port de Sóller's beachfront promenade and spectacular Mediterranean architecture make the town the perfect place to stay for a romantic getaway. While the town is close to Palma de Mallorca (only a 40-minutes drive), Port de Sóller has remained isolated for a long time, so you won't find huge buildings on the waterfront.

At the picturesque harbour, you will find many boutiques, seafood restaurants, cafes, and contemporary cocktail bars, which are perfect locations for watching the sunset. Port de Sóller also has two main sandy beaches, both well equipped with sunshades and beach beds, perfect for relaxing with your partner.

If you are looking for more fun activities in Port de Sóller, you can also paddle-board, kayak, hike, and climb. Another must-do is reaching the Far de Cap Gros lighthouse to enjoy an incredible view over the bay.

Port de Sóller offers medium-high end accommodation: whether you and your partner prefer to stay in a luxury hotel, a smaller boutique hotel, or a private villa, Port de Sóller's got you covered.

Stay at Hotel Esplendido for modern accommodation on the beach.

Best place to stay in Mallorca for families

Bay of Alcudia

A pristine beach in Bay of Alcudia in Mallorca, Spain

Located on the northern side of Mallorca, the Bay of Alcudia was the island's commercial centre in medieval times, and the town's architecture reflects it history.

The Bay of Alcudia is known for its soft and golden sandy beach and blue waters. All the main beaches along the Bay are furnished with sunshades, loungers, and kiosks offering water sports and boat trips.

The Bay of Alcudia is the perfect stay for families with kids. Besides the safe beaches, there are lots of activities to do in the area, from mountain biking and go-karting to playing golf. You will also find many shops for water activities, food, and souvenirs.

In the Bay of Alcudia, you can choose to stay in Port d'Alcudia or the charming town of Alcudia. Port d'Alcudia is well known for being home to family resorts, while Alcudia offers you plenty of opportunities to explore nearby, such as Formentor and Sa Calobra.

From cheap apartments to 5-star hotels, you will find plenty of accommodation options to suit you and your family in the Bay of Alcudia.

Stay at Innside by Meliá Alcudia for comfortable, family-friendly rooms near the beach

Best place to stay in Mallorca for nightlife

Magaluf

An aerial view of Megaluf

 Located on the southwest coast of Mallorca, Magaluf is the place to be if you are a party animal! Magaluf is Mallorca's biggest and most famous beach resort town.

In this modern-built town, you will find shopping centres, brands and designer stores, and high-end beach clubs. The town is popular for its beach, a kilometre stretch of golden sand lined with high palm trees. Here you will find numerous opportunities to practice water sports, such as kite surfing and kayaking.

However, Magaluf is famous mainly for its party scene: along the beachfront, there are over 50 bars and nightclubs, like the famous BCM Planet Dance, the biggest club in the area.

 You can also find quieter bars behind the main beach area, perfect if you are looking for a more relaxed night. Given the presence of so many bars and nightclubs, Magaluf tends to be frequented by younger tourists who travel to Mallorca in search of fun.

There are many attractions in Magaluf, such as Karting Magaluf, Katmandu Park, and Cala Palmanova Beach.

Resorts are the main accommodation you will find in Magaluf, some of which are 4 and 5-star hotels of very recent construction. In addition, some hotels have beach clubs where it's possible to party all night long! Magaluf is, without a doubt, the perfect place to stay if you want to party at night and go to the beach during the day.

Stay in the adults-only Hotel Florida Magaluf to recover from your night out in comfort.

Best place to stay in Mallorca for a quiet getaway

Cala d'Or

Little beach Cala Esmeralda in Cala d`Or city, Palma Mallorca, Spain

 Cala d'Or is located on the southeastern coast of Mallorca. A former fishing village, Cala d'Or is an incredible beach town frequented mainly by the locals. Pine-fringed sandy coves and crystal-clear waters are what you will find here, with the most famous one being Cala Esmeralda.

Whether you prefer to lie at the beach and relax or practice water sports, Cala d'Or is the perfect place to stay in Mallorca if you don't want to be in a spot packed with tourists.

Sail, dive, and swim, before ending the day by sipping cocktails in a beachfront bar at sunset. You won't find golf courses and water parks in Cala d'Or, which make it a tranquil location. Instead spend your time taking a boat trip to discover Mallorca's coast, visiting the Caves of Drach/Hams, and dining at a small restaurant to enjoy the local cuisine.

Cala d'Or is the perfect gateway to many of Mallorca's most beautiful 'calas' (coves). From Cala d'Or is also easy to access the Mondrago Natural Park, where you can discover the island's pristine nature.

 Cala d'Or offers a nice selection of accommodation options: apartment blocks and boutique hotels maintain the village appeal, and the absence of big hotels helps to make Cala d'Or the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a quiet stay.

Stay at Agroturismo Finca Sa Tanca to truly get away from it all, or opt for Apartamentos Parque Mar for apartments close to the beach.

Best place to stay in Mallorca for a local experience

Valldemossa

Valldemosa village nestled in the trees in Mallorca, Spain

Valldemossa is a charming town in northwest Mallorca set against the Tramuntana Mountains. The incredibly beautiful landscape offers plenty of hiking trails, and the town of Valldemossa is a village full of history and culture.

Ancient stone houses, small cafès, and art galleries make Valldemossa the perfect place to stay in Mallorca if you are looking for a local feeling.

Valdemossa is an excellent choice for your accommodation also if you are a history and nature-lover: between visiting the Centre Cultural Costa Nord de Valldemossa and exploring the gorgeous mountains, you will have a wonderful time while in town!

Valdemossa is far from Mallorca's main centres, and you need to rent a car to get there. But once in town, you will find a place where you can slow down and relax while enjoying the local atmosphere.

Stay at Es Petit Hotel de Valldemossa in a traditional stone house in the centre of town.

Planning a trip to Spain? Read our Spain travel guide.

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Last Updated 6 September 2023

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