Where to Stay in Mallorca Spain: Best Areas & Hotels
Wondering where to stay in Mallorca for your trip? You’re in the right place!
I live in Barcelona and have spent time exploring the island, and I can tell you that where you base yourself will totally shape your experience.
Mallorca might look small on a map, but it’s a lot bigger than most people expect, and each area has a completely different feel.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best places to stay in Mallorca based on your travel style and share my top hotel picks in each area.
I’ll also go over when it actually makes sense to rent a car so you can decide if you really need one for your trip.
Quick Picks: Where to Stay in Mallorca
Here are a few of my top hotel picks based on location, design, and price:
Map of the Top Areas to Stay in Mallorca
Before we begin, take a look at the map below of the top areas to stay in Mallorca so you can get a better sense of how the island is laid out.
You’ll most likely be flying into Palma de Mallorca Airport, with Palma (the capital city) located on the west side and acting as the main hub.
This part of the island is much more developed, with larger resorts, beach towns, and all-inclusive style hotels in places like Palma Nova, Santa Ponça, and Magaluf.
On the northern side of the island are the Serra de Tramuntana mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), where you’ll find scenic villages like Deià, Valldemossa, and Sóller.
On the opposite side, the southeastern coast is known for its clear turquoise water, sandy beaches, and smaller coves.
Further north, the eastern coast has a similar feel but slightly larger resort towns like Alcúdia and Pollença.
Mallorca kind of has a mix of flat sandy beaches and more rugged coves, so the experience can vary quite a bit depending on where you stay.
And while there are some beautiful finca (estate) style hotels in the middle of the island, I’d highly recommend staying along the coast since that’s really what makes Mallorca so special.
Best Areas to Stay in Mallorca Spain
These are the best areas in Mallorca to stay:
1. Southeastern Coast: Best for Beaches & Coves
The southeastern coast of Mallorca is one of the best areas to stay if you’re looking for beautiful beaches and those classic rocky coves with clear turquoise water.
It stretches around towns like Cala d’Or and Santanyí, with easy access to some of the island’s most scenic spots like Cala Llombards and Caló des Moro.
This part of the island feels more relaxed compared to the western side near Palma, with fewer large resorts and more boutique-style hotels and smaller properties.
But it still has a good selection of restaurants, beach clubs, and places to go out in the evening, so it’s not totally remote.
I really love this area because it really captures that iconic Mallorca look with rugged coastline and crystal clear water.
It’s a great choice if you want a balance of relaxing beach days with enough going on nearby.
Best Places to Stay on the Southeastern Coast
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay on the southeastern coast:
2. Port de Sóller: Best for Scenic Views & Relaxation
Located on the northern coast, Port de Sóller is one of the most scenic places you can stay in Mallorca.
There’s actually the town of Sóller, which sits slightly inland, and then Port de Sóller right on the water. While both are really cute, I’d definitely recommend staying at the port.
The whole area wraps around a bay with mountains in the background, so the views are honestly hard to beat.
This is also where you’ll find that vintage wooden tram you’ve probably seen on social media that runs between Sóller and the port.
The vibe here is very relaxed and peaceful, and a lot of the hotels have balconies overlooking the water.
The beach is nice and convenient, but it’s probably not the most stunning on the island compared to some of the smaller coves elsewhere.
Best Places to Stay in Port de Sóller
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Port de Sóller:
3. Port de Pollença: Best for a Laid-Back, Upscale Feel
Port de Pollença sits on the northeastern corner of the island and has a more relaxed, slightly more upscale feel.
Like other areas on the island, there’s the inland town of Pollença and then Port de Pollença right on the coast, and I’d recommend staying at the port for easy beach access.
It’s set along a beautiful bay near the Cap de Formentor peninsula and Cala Sant Vicenç, which gives it a more scenic and less built-up feel compared to some of the resort areas.
You’ll find some higher-end stays here (this is where Four Seasons is), so it’s a good option if you want something a bit more elevated.
The overall vibe is calm and relaxed, with a nice mix of restaurants, a waterfront promenade, and a more polished feel.
It’s about an hour drive from the airport, so it works best if you’re planning to rent a car.
Best Places to Stay in Port de Pollença
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in the Port de Pollença area:
4. Palma de Mallorca: Best for City Feel
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the island and its main hub, so it’s one of the easiest places to base yourself.
It’s just a short drive or bus ride from Palma de Mallorca Airport, which makes it a great option if you don’t want to rent a car but still want a lot to do nearby.
You’ll find tons of great restaurants, shopping, and landmarks like the famous Mallorca Cathedral right in the city.
There are also some really cute boutique hotels here, many with rooftop pools and views over the Old Town.
While Palma does have some beach areas, they’re not the best on the island, so you’ll probably want to venture out of the city center for better beaches.
It’s a great pick if you want more of a city feel with easy access to everything.
Best Places to Stay in Palma de Mallorca
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Palma de Mallorca:
5. Deià: Best for Luxury Stays
Deià is a small mountain town on the north coast that feels completely different from the beach areas.
It’s super aesthetic and known for its stone buildings, dramatic mountain backdrop, and those beautiful hotel terraces with pools overlooking the landscape.
This is where you’ll find La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, which is one of the most expensive hotels on the island.
It’s a great choice for a honeymoon or if you just want to splurge and have a really special, quiet setting.
Just keep in mind it’s not directly on the beach, even though the coast is nearby.
Also, getting here involves winding mountain roads, which can be a bit challenging to drive on.
Best Places to Stay in Deià
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Deià:
6. Valldemossa: Best for Mountain Charm
Valldemossa is another mountain town in the north and has a very similar vibe to Deià, but it sits further inland.
It’s known for its stone streets, historic buildings, and really peaceful setting surrounded by the Serra de Tramuntana.
The whole town feels quiet and a bit more low-key, which makes it a great option if you want to slow things down.
Since it’s inland, you won’t have direct beach access, so you’ll need to drive if you want to spend time by the water. And like Deia, the mountain roads can be a bit challenging.
It’s a great choice if you love that mountain village vibe and don’t mind being a little removed from the coast.
Best Places to Stay in Valldemossa
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Valldemossa:
7. Alcúdia: Best for Families
Alcúdia is located on the northeastern coast just south of Port de Pollença and is one of the best areas to stay in Mallorca for families.
The bay here is wide and flat with calm, shallow water, which makes it great for swimming and beach days.
It’s a bit more built up compared to some of the other areas on the island, so it doesn’t have quite the same charm, but there’s a lot going on.
You’ll find lots of restaurants, shops, and activities, along with a good selection of larger resorts and family-friendly hotels.
It’s a great option if you want a stress-free beach stay with everything close by. Just keep in mind it’s about an hour drive from the airport.
Best Places to Stay in Alcúdia
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Alcúdia:
8. Peguera: Best for Convenience & Beach Access
Peguera is located on the western coast (north of Palma), and it’s great for convenience and easy beach access.
I actually stayed here on my last trip to Mallorca, and I have to say the beach really surprised me.
It’s wide with soft sand and shallow, clear turquoise water, so it’s perfect for an easy beach day.
The area itself does feel a bit more touristy but it’s very walkable, with lots of shops and restaurants close together.
Also, the crowd tends to skew a little older, and it doesn’t have the same character as some of the other parts of the island.
But if you want a beautiful beach with a super convenient setup, it’s a really solid option and you can easily get by without renting a car.
Best Places to Stay in Peguera
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Peguera:
9. S’Arenal: Best for Budget-Friendly Stays
S’Arenal is located just south of Palma and is one of the more affordable areas to stay in Mallorca.
It has a long stretch of sandy beach with calm water, and you’ll generally get better value here compared to areas closer to the city.
The vibe is more of a classic resort setup, with larger hotels, beachfront promenades, and everything you need within walking distance.
It’s definitely more touristy and not as scenic as some other parts of the island.
But, it’s a good option if you’re trying to keep costs down but still want easy beach access.
It’s also very close to the airport, which makes getting in and out super simple.
Best Places to Stay in S’Arenal
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in S’Arenal:
10. Santa Ponça: Best for a Quieter Resort Stay
Santa Ponça is located just south of Peguera on the southwest coast and is another easy area to reach from the airport.
It has a similar setup with beach resorts and a central bay, but it tends to feel a bit quieter and more low-key.
The hotels here are generally newer and more modern, so it’s a good option if you want something a little more updated.
You’ll still have a solid mix of restaurants and places to grab a drink, just without as much of a busy atmosphere.
The beach is nice and easy for swimming, with calm water and a relaxed vibe.
It’s a great choice if you want a comfortable resort stay that feels a bit more peaceful.
Best Places to Stay in Santa Ponça
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Santa Ponça:
11. Palma Nova: Best for All-Inclusive Resorts
Palma Nova is located just north of Palma on the southwest coast, so it’s super convenient to get to from the airport.
This area is known for its stretch of larger hotels and resorts, with a lot of all-inclusive options.
It definitely has a more built-up feel and tends to be busier, especially during peak season.
The beaches here are wide, sandy, and easy to access. There’s also a lively atmosphere with lots of restaurants, bars, and things to do nearby.
It’s a good option if you want an easy, resort-style stay where everything is taken care of.
Best Places to Stay in Palma Nova
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Palma Nova:
- Zel Mallorca (not all-inclusive)
- Zafiro Palace Palmanova
- MarSenses Rosa del Mar Hotel
12. Magaluf: Best for Nightlife
Magaluf is right next to Palma Nova on the southwest coast, but has even more of a party vibe.
This is the main nightlife hub of Mallorca, with lots of nightclubs, beach clubs, and bars that stay open late.
It’s definitely more high-energy and can get pretty busy, especially in the summer.
Personally, it’s not my scene, but it’s a popular choice if you’re looking to go out and be in the middle of the action.
During the day, you still have access to a nice sandy beach, but the focus here is really on the nightlife. It’s a good fit if that’s a big part of what you want from your trip.
Best Places to Stay in Magaluf
Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Magaluf:
Do You Need to Rent a Car in Mallorca?
Before my first trip to Mallorca, I always heard that renting a car was a must. But after visiting, I don’t necessarily think that’s true.
It really depends on where you’re staying and what kind of trip you want.
If you’re planning to just stay at a resort and relax, you definitely don’t need a car.
You can easily arrange a transfer from the airport, and in areas closer to Palma on the west side, taxis are easy to use for getting around.
On my last trip, I didn’t rent a car at all and had no issues.
We booked a transfer from the airport, and our hotel helped call taxis for dinners and getting around. There’s also Uber, although it’s not always the most reliable.
That said, if you’re staying in the north, east, or southeastern parts of the island, renting a car is usually the better option.
It makes getting from the airport easier (and usually cheaper) and gives you the flexibility to explore different beaches, smaller coves, and nearby towns in Mallorca.
Just keep in mind that driving in the mountain areas in the north can be a bit challenging with winding roads, and parking can be limited in some places.
Tips for Booking Your Stay in Mallorca
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when booking your stay in Mallorca:
- Book in advance: It’s no secret that Mallorca is extremely popular right now, and the best hotels tend to sell out quickly. Make sure to book your accommodation well in advance, especially if you’re visiting Mallorca during peak season.
- Check the distance from the airport: Mallorca is a lot bigger than most people expect, and getting to the other side of the island can easily take an hour or more. Double check how far your hotel is from the airport so you know what to expect on arrival.
- Plan your trip for the right time: Mallorca isn’t super warm all year round, and a lot of hotels, beach clubs, and restaurants close in the off-season. The best time to visit is typically late May through September for warm beach weather, or April and October if you want fewer crowds but still decent temperatures.
- Plan your transportation: It’s important to decide in advance whether or not you want to rent a car. If you don’t plan on renting one, be sure to arrange a transfer from the airport so your arrival is as smooth as possible.
- Check for parking: If you do decide to rent a car, make sure to check with your hotel ahead of time to see if parking is available and if there are any additional fees.
- Be prepared for German influence: One thing that surprised me a lot was how strong the German influence is in Mallorca. It’s very common to see menus, signs, and even entire restaurants catering to Germans throughout the island.
Final Thoughts: Best Places to Stay in Mallorca Spain
I hope this guide has helped you figure out where to stay in Mallorca and what area makes the most sense for your trip!
If you don’t want to rent a car, I’d recommend staying on the west side closer to Palma where everything is more accessible and easy to get around.
If you’re comfortable renting a car, then I’d lean toward the southeastern coast since it has that classic Mallorca feel with beautiful beaches and those clear turquoise coves.
Or the north is quieter and more relaxing with the mix of mountains and beaches.
I’d just highly recommend staying along the coast rather than inland, since that’s really what makes the island so special.
No matter where you choose, you really can’t go wrong with a coastal spot!
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