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Mallorca is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean with its incredible coves and crystal clear water. Choosing the right place to stay can completely change your experience. From popular beach resorts and historic old towns to peaceful mountain villages and quiet coastal escapes, the island offers something for every visitor.
Whether you are visiting Mallorca for the first time, planning a beach focused holiday, travelling as a couple or family, or deciding whether you need a car, this guide breaks down the best areas to stay in Mallorca, what each region is best for, and the top hotel recommendations in each area.
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Contents
Choosing where to stay in Mallorca depends on the kind of trip you are planning. Some areas are best suited to first time visitors who want culture and convenience, while others are ideal for beach holidays, romantic escapes, family friendly resorts, or lively nightlife. This quick overview highlights the best areas to stay in Mallorca based on different travel styles, helping you decide where to base yourself.
Depending on your means of transport, we would highly suggest spending a few nights in a few different areas to really get a good feel for the island.
Best for first-time visitors: Palma de Mallorca
Best for beaches: Playa de Muro, Cala d’Or, Cala Santanyí
Best for couples and romantic trips: Deià, Valldemossa, Port de Sóller
Best for families: Alcudia, Playa de Muro, Port de Pollensa
Best for a quiet, local feel: Santanyí, Pollensa
Best for nightlife: Magaluf, Palmanova
Best if you are visiting without a car: Palma, Port de Sóller, Cala d’OrPalma de Mallorca
BEST FOR | First-time visitors, city breaks, culture, car free travel
Palma is the capital of Mallorca and the best base for travellers who want a mix of history, food, shopping, and easy transport links. The city is home to the impressive La Seu Cathedral, charming old town streets, boutique shopping, and a growing food scene. Palma also offers quick access to nearby beaches and excellent public transport connections across the island. Which is perfect for travellers who prefer a city atmosphere and those visiting Mallorca without a car.
Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca
Hotel Cappuccino Palma
A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Town, featuring elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, and excellent dining.
Sant Francesc Hotel Singular
A refined luxury hotel set within a restored historic mansion. It offers spacious rooms, a peaceful courtyard, and a rooftop terrace with city views.
BOOK | Sant Francesc Hotel Singular
Hotel Can Alomar
An upscale boutique hotel overlooking Passeig del Born, perfect for travellers who want immediate access to Palma’s best shopping and restaurants.
Best for | Families, long sandy beaches, relaxed resort stays
Located in northern Mallorca, Alcudia and Playa de Muro are known for some of the island’s best beaches. The shallow waters and wide stretches of sand make this one of the top areas to stay in Mallorca for families. Alcudia Old Town adds historic charm, while Playa de Muro is home to modern beachfront resorts.
Where to stay in Alcudia & Playa de Muro
Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village
Family friendly beachfront resort with spacious suites, direct beach access, multiple pools, kids facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for longer holidays.
BOOK | Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village
Zafiro Palace Alcudia
High end resort offering large suites, several pools, varied dining, and excellent facilities for families planning comfortable longer stays together on the island.
Hotel Astoria Playa
Adults only hotel near the beach, offering a relaxed atmosphere, modern rooms, attentive service, and quality dining for a peaceful stay.
Best for | Couples, scenery, mountains and sea
Set between the Tramuntana mountains and the Mediterranean, Sóller and Port de Sóller offer one of the most scenic settings in Mallorca. This area suits travellers who enjoy hiking, coastal walks, and a quieter pace. The historic tram linking the town and port adds charm, while the bay provides a relaxed beach setting.
Where to stay in Sóller & Port de Sóller
Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa
One of Mallorca’s most luxurious hotels, offering panoramic sea views, a world-class spa, and exceptional dining.
BOOK | Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa
Hotel Espléndido
Stylish beachfront hotel in Port de Sóller with modern rooms, sea views, and easy access to the promenade, cafes, and harbour.
Ca’s Xorc Luxury Retreat
A peaceful countryside hotel surrounded by olive groves, perfect for travellers seeking privacy and mountain views.
Best for | Romantic escapes, boutique hotels, quiet villages
These mountain villages are among the most picturesque places to stay in Mallorca. Known for stone houses, winding streets, and dramatic scenery, Deià and Valldemossa suit couples and travellers looking for tranquillity rather than beaches.
Where to stay in Deià & Valldemossa
Belmond La Residencia
World renowned luxury retreat offering exceptional service, artistic interiors, beautiful gardens, and stunning mountain views in a peaceful village setting.
Hotel Valldemossa
Set within a former monastery, this unique retreat offers tranquil gardens, historic character, and panoramic valley views ideal for a quiet escape.
Hoposa Costa d’Or
Adults only hotel near Deià, perfect for a quiet scenic stay, offering sea views, nature surroundings, and a relaxed understated atmosphere.
Best for | Beaches, couples, relaxed resort towns
Cala d’Or is known for its whitewashed buildings and small sandy coves with clear water. It offers a more refined and laid back alternative to larger resorts, making it a popular choice for couples and relaxed travellers.
Where to stay in Cala d’Or
Melia Cala d’Or Boutique Hotel
Elegant boutique hotel close to the marina, featuring spacious rooms, calming design, a spa, and an intimate atmosphere for couples.
BOOK | Melia Cala d’Or Boutique Hotel
Inturotel Cala Esmeralda
Adults only beachfront hotel with modern design, relaxed vibe, direct beach access, and facilities suited to laid back coastal stays.
BOOK | Inturotel Cala Esmeralda
Hotel Cala d’Or
Classic hotel overlooking Cala Gran beach, offering a central location, sea views, and easy access to shops, restaurants, and coastal walks.
Best for | Quiet beaches, local feel, slower travel
Located in the southeast of Mallorca, Santanyí offers a more traditional and peaceful experience. The surrounding coves, including Cala Santanyí and Mondragó Natural Park, are ideal for swimming and coastal walks.
Where to stay in Santanyí
Can Ferrereta
Beautifully restored boutique hotel blending historic charm with modern luxury, refined rooms, tranquil courtyards, and attentive personalised service throughout the property.
Hotel Cal Reiet
Wellness focused boutique hotel centred on yoga, holistic treatments, peaceful gardens, and excellent dining, ideal for restorative stays in Mallorca’s southeast.
Hostal Playa Mondragó
Simple well located accommodation near one of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches, offering convenience, nature access, and great value for money.
Best for | Families, cyclists, traditional charm
Pollensa offers historic streets and a relaxed atmosphere, while Port de Pollensa provides a scenic promenade and family-friendly beaches. This area suits travellers who enjoy walking, cycling, and traditional dining.
Where to stay in Pollensa & Port de Pollensa
Hotel Illa d’Or
Classic beachfront hotel with refined rooms, sea facing terraces, excellent dining, and a timeless atmosphere overlooking the bay in Pollença’s Port area.
Hoposa Uyal
Stylish promenade hotel ideal for couples and active travellers, offering comfortable rooms, sea views, cycling facilities, and a lively location.
Son Brull Hotel & Spa
Luxury countryside retreat set in a former monastery, offering privacy, elegant rooms, landscaped grounds, and a full service spa experience throughout.
Best for | Nightlife, budget stays, younger travellers
Magaluf is known for its nightlife, while Palmanova offers a more relaxed alternative with family-friendly beaches. Both areas are close to Palma and well connected.
Where to stay in Magaluf & Palmanova
ME Mallorca
Stylish contemporary hotel delivering a modern beach club atmosphere, chic design, lively social spaces, and a prime seaside location in Mallorca.
INNSiDE Calviá Beach
Contemporary hotel known for its rooftop pool, sea views, modern rooms, and energetic vibe close to the beach area in Calviá.
Zafiro Palmanova
Good value family friendly hotel with spacious rooms, multiple pools, kids facilities, and an easy walk to the beach nearby.
If beaches are your main priority, the best areas to stay in Mallorca include Playa de Muro, Cala d’Or, Port de Sóller, and Cala Santanyí. These destinations offer clear turquoise water, sandy beaches with easy swimming access, and a strong choice of beachfront and coastal hotels, ranging from family friendly resorts to adults only boutique stays.
If you plan to explore Mallorca without hiring a car, Palma, Port de Sóller, Alcudia, and Cala d’Or are the easiest and most practical places to stay. These areas have walkable centres, reliable public transport, and convenient access to beaches, restaurants, shops, and boat trips, making them ideal for relaxed, car free holidays.
Choosing where to stay in Mallorca depends on how you want to spend your time on the island. Beach focused holidays work best on the north and east coast, cultural city breaks suit Palma, while peaceful, scenic escapes are best in the Tramuntana mountains or rural inland areas.
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What is the best area to stay in Mallorca for first time visitors?
Palma is often the best choice for first time visitors, offering culture, beaches, excellent restaurants, and transport connections, all in one easy to explore location.
Where should families stay in Mallorca?
Playa de Muro, Alcudia, and Palmanova are popular with families thanks to sandy beaches, calm water, family friendly hotels, and plenty of activities nearby.
What is the best area to stay in Mallorca for couples?
Couples often prefer Port de Sóller, Deià, or Cala Santanyí for their romantic scenery, quieter atmosphere, boutique hotels, and beautiful coastal views.
Where should I stay in Mallorca for nightlife?
For nightlife, Palma, Magaluf, and parts of Playa de Palma offer the widest choice of bars, clubs, beach clubs, and late night dining options.
Is it better to stay in Palma or a beach resort?
Palma suits travellers who want culture, dining, and city life, while beach resorts are better for relaxed holidays focused on swimming, sunbathing, and coastal scenery.
Where is the quietest place to stay in Mallorca?
The Tramuntana mountains, Valldemossa, Deià, and rural fincas inland are ideal for travellers seeking peace, nature, and a slower pace of travel.
Do I need a car in Mallorca?
You do not need a car if you stay in Palma or Port de Sóller, but hiring one is recommended if you want to explore remote beaches, mountain villages, or rural areas.
What is the most luxurious area to stay in Mallorca?
Deià, Port de Sóller, and rural countryside estates are known for luxury hotels, refined dining, and exclusive settings surrounded by natural beauty.
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