This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you use these links.
Mallorca is the largest of the beautiful Balearic Islands, located off the east coast of Spain. It is also one of the most popular destinations to enjoy a European summer holiday. Glistening blue bays, rugged coastline, and gorgeous sandy beaches pull tourists to Mallorca each year. And with breathtaking mountains, perfect for hiking, scenic cycle routes, charming towns, and lively nightlife, Mallorca really does have something for everyone.
Table of Contents
7 beautiful places to stay in Mallorca, Spain
When planning your trip to this beautiful island, you might be wondering where is the best place to stay in Mallorca? Well, this really depends on what you are looking for. Couples visiting Mallorca looking for a quieter break may want to look at the charming towns of Pollenca or Soller. Whilst the long stretches of sandy beaches in Cala Millor and Sa Coma attract families staying in Mallorca. If you are looking for nightlife, then the city of Palma is perfect, and nearby Portals Nous provides a touch of glamour for a younger crowd seeking a bit of luxury.
Whatever your holiday style, this post covers 7 of the best areas to stay in Mallorca to help you plan your perfect Mallorca holiday.
1. Cala Millor
Calla Millor is located on the east coast of Mallorca, one hour’s drive away from Palma airport. The main attraction in Cala Millor is its long sandy beach, which stretches out for over 2km. Alongside Cala Millor’s long beach is the pedestrianised seafront promenade, lined with bars and restaurants. The promenade is perfect for a morning run, evening stroll, bike ride or to simply sit and watch the world go by. For the early birds, watch the sunrise as you stroll along the promenade, or take a morning dip in the sea. It’s the best way to start the day!
In Cala Millor’s backstreets, you will find a large variety of shops, selling souvenirs, clothing and accessories, as well as smaller bars and restaurants. At the end of Cala Millor beach is Castell de la Punta de n’Amer. This small fortress sits on the peninsula between Cala Millor and Sa Coma. Inside the fortress is a small exhibition and you can wander around the ground and visit the cafeteria.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can join a buggy or quad bike tour from Cala Millor. Or, if you prefer to stay on the water, there are paddleboard rentals and kayak tours, too. There are also plenty of activities for children in Cala Millor, including La Reserva and Splash world waterparks and a small fair ground.
You won’t find loud nightclubs in Cala Millor, however, some of the bars do have live entertainment in the evening. Cala Millor is most well suited for families visiting Mallorca, or couples who prefer a quieter holiday but still want plenty of facilities and things to do.
2. Cala Bona
Located right next to Cala Millor, Cala Bona almost feels like an extension of its larger neighbour. Cala Bona is slightly quieter than Cala Millor, however there are still plenty of shops and restaurants lining the promenade, and around the small marina. The beach in Cala Bona is quite small and more of a shingle beach, however, Cala Millor’s main beach is only a short walk away.
One of the best things to do in Cala Bona is to take a local bus to Porto Cristo to visit the Drach Caves, or the Ham Caves. You can also take local buses to Cala Millor and Sa Coma to enjoy the beaches and shops. Another popular day trip from Cala Bona is to visit the Saturday market in Cala Ratjada. It is possible to take the local bus to Cala Ratjada, however a more scenic option is to take the ferry, for beautiful views of the coastline.
If you want to explore other areas of Mallorca, you will need to rent a car as there are not many long-distance buses here. However, if you are looking for a week’s relaxation, then Cala Bona would make the perfect location for a couple’s getaway.
3. Porto Cristo
By Georgia at First Step: Europe
On the East Coast of Mallorca is the small town of Porto Cristo. This gem is perfect for families or couples on a romantic getaway looking for a quieter, more relaxed stay in Mallorca.
Getting to Porto Cristo is a breeze. From Palma Airport, it’s about a 50-minute drive. Hop in a rental car, or if you’re not in a rush, buses can get you there too, with a bit of scenic detouring along the way. If you are big on walking, you can even walk to other nearby beach resorts of Sa Coma and Cala Millor from Porto Cristo.
The Cuevas del Drach (Drach Caves) are a must-do in Porto Cristo. These limestone caves are home to one of the largest underground lakes in the world. You’ll take a boat trip on this eerie (yet beautiful) lake, and, if you’re lucky, catch a classical concert performed in the caves—yep, it is as strange and wonderful as it sounds.
Beyond the caves, Porto Cristo has a lovely marina and plenty of sandy beaches to relax on. You’ll also find a mix of local and international restaurants, including Quince, which is known for its fresh seafood and friendly service. Be sure to try the Calamari – it is delicious!
4. Pollenca
By Tanya at The T word on Travel
Looking for a hidden gem great for families or a romantic couples get-away on the island of Majorca? The sun-drenched, biscuit-coloured town of Pollenca on the Northern tip of the island might just fit the bill.
This charming town of only 16,000 inhabitants offers narrow and compact cobblestone streets to explore with many shops and restaurants. The mediaeval design of the area means that it’s easily accessible on foot, and in fact; parking can at times be quite difficult. It is best to park the car in a designated lot on the outside of town and walk in.
The busy town centre named Placa Major is a hive of activity boasting many cafes and tapas bars, along with the beautiful church of Santa Maria De Pollenca. Sundays offer a popular town-wide market running from 8am – 1:30pm. This market is a must-see with over 300 stalls of locally produced handi-crafts, fresh produce, along with flea market style goods. Start in the center at Placa Major, and then branch out to explore the connecting streets.
Two other worthy stops in Pollenca are the 365 Calvari Steps which are lined to the top with beautiful cyprus trees; it is a pilgrimage route ending at the temple of El Calvari. Or view the beautiful Pont Roma bridge believed to be constructed in the year 123 BC or thereafter. Vibrant culture and a rich history make the enchanting town of Pollenca an unforgettable experience
5. Port de Sóller
By V Kay at Travel Addicted Unicorn
Port de Sóller is located on Mallorca’s northwest coast. It is one of the best areas to stay for those looking for a mix of natural beauty, relaxation, and authentic Mediterranean charm. Port de Sóller is a small resort town situated on a beautiful bay and surrounded by the Tramuntana Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage site).
One of the reasons why Port de Sóller is one of the best areas to stay in Mallorca is that it offers stunning scenery without the tourist crowds. Also, visiting it makes for a great day trip around Mallorca. The relaxed vibe of the town, combined with its scenic port and marina, makes it a peaceful getaway, yet still offers many interesting things to do. Such as enjoying the sandy beaches, waterfront restaurants & shops or hiking in the mountains.
One unique feature of this beautiful town is the tram that runs between Port de Sóller and Sóller. Sóller is a different town that is located inland. The tram ride lasts about 15- 20 minutes in one direction and is a popular tourist attraction in its own right. From Sóller you can board a vintage train called Ferrocarril de Sóller, which offers a scenic ride through the mountains. It runs between Palma, Mallorca’s capital, and Sóller. This is not only a convenient way to get there but also an attraction in itself, providing spectacular views of the island’s landscapes. You can even combine the two with a boat trip to Sa Calobra in a one day tour.
Keep in mind that the tram (Tramvia de Sóller) and the train (Ferrocarril de Sóller) are not the same thing. The tram runs between Sóller to Port de Sóller and the train runs between Sóller and Palma. For those flying into Mallorca, you can also drive to Port de Sóller from Palma, which takes about 40 minutes.
6. Porto Colom
By Paula at La Vie en Marine
One of the most underrated areas to stay in when visiting Mallorca has to be the town of Porto Colom. As one of the most picturesque fishing villages on the island, Porto Colom will delight everyone with its laid-back yet chic charm. Although it comes with a lovely promenade and an Old Town which is perfect for strolling along, its main attractions remain its two beaches. S’Arenal and Cala Marçal are both lovely beaches with fine white sand and turquoise water that is perfect for bathing.
For those not too keen on water sports, the surrounding area offers a wide range of hikes and small towns to explore like S’Horta or Cas Concos. One place attracting tourists from all over the island, and a hotspot for bikers, is the church on top of the Sant Salvador. The breathtaking views here make it a worthy addition to your Mallorca bucket list!
Porto Colom is also a great place for food lovers and there is no seafood more exceptional than the one served at the beach bar in S’Arenal. One of the most incredible views you can get in the area is at the mÁxime restaurant, at the local golf course. There you can enjoy delicious food while overlooking the green hills meeting the azure blue ocean and horizon. All in all, Porto Colom makes for the perfect summer destination for solo travellers, families, foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts. Its variety of activities, restaurants, and sceneries make it truly special and the ideal place for anyone trying to find an alternative place to stay in Mallorca.
7. Palma
Palma is a lively city in the south of Mallorca and is capital of the Balearic islands. Similar to the popular town of Malaga in the Costa del Sol, Palma is a melting pot of history, culture and modern living. The city is known for its charming Old Town, with gothic buildings and picturesque squares. Not forgetting the impressive Palma Cathedral, which dominates the skyline of the city. For just €25, you can go inside the cathedral and onto the roof terraces. It is recommended to book your ticket online in advance to avoid queues outside the cathedral.
Close to the cathedral is the Passage del Born – a tree lined street with high end shopping and cute cafes. Exploring the old town, you will also find plenty of independent boutiques, ice cream shops and restaurants dotted in between the pretty buildings and narrow alleyways.
Away from the centre of town, take a leisurely stroll along Palma Marina, admiring the luxury yachts, or take a boat trip to explore the beautiful coves and coastlines that Mallorca is so well known for.
Another popular attraction in Palma is the Castell de Bellver – a circular stone castle dating back to the 1300’s, perched on the hilltop above the bay. Take the Palma sightseeing bus to the castle for magnificent views over the marina, city and across to the Tramuntana mountains.
Despite being a lively city, you will still find some beautiful beaches in and around Palma. The closest beach to Palma centre is Can Pere Antoni. Whilst it is not as lively as Barcelona’s urban beach, there are still a couple of beach bars and hotels lining the soft sandy beach. Another great option is Cala Mayor, which is just 10 minutes away by car and a great place to spend the day when staying in Palma. One of the largest beaches in Palma is El Arenal, which boasts over 4km of gorgeous beach. However it is sat just in front of the airport, so you will have planes above you throughout the day.
How to get around Mallorca
When considering where to stay in Mallorca, make sure to look into the transport options available. Many of the smaller towns in Mallorca only have local buses, which service the surrounding area. There are not many long-distance buses that cross the island. For example, to get to Palma city from some of the beach towns on the east coast, you would need to take two different buses. Resulting in quite a long journey, especially if you are only visiting Palma for the day.
If you want to see more of the island, you will need to either book a day trip, or rent a car. Getting around Mallorca by car is probably the best way to explore the island, and if you rent a car for a few days, you can visit several of the beautiful places at your own pace.
Despite limited long distance public transport options, there are several dedicated airport buses which will run to various parts of the island. Taxi transfers can also be booked in advance, so getting to and from the airport should not be an issue.
When is the best time to visit Mallorca?
Mallorca has a typical mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. If you are visiting Mallorca as a family and travelling in the school summer holidays, expect highs of around 30 – 32 degrees celsius in August. This is great for sun-worshippers, however it can be too hot for many activities outside of the water.
The ‘shoulder season’ of May and June and September and October can be a great time to visit Mallorca. During this time, the weather is still warm, but more bearable to walk around and enjoy some sightseeing. Accommodation is also slightly cheaper than in the peak summer months.
If you want to have more of an active holiday in Mallorca, then the spring and autumn is a great time to visit. These cooler months make it ideal to enjoy cycling, hiking or playing golf.
Where is the best area to stay in Mallorca?
In summary, when considering where to stay in Mallorca, you need to think about the type of holiday you want. If you are looking for a city break in Mallorca, then Palma is definitely the best place to stay. However, if you are a couple visiting Mallorca and prefer smaller, more charming towns, then perhaps Port de Soller or Pollenca could be a good choice. Whilst families looking for the perfect break might be best staying in one of the beach towns on Mallorca’s east coast.
