For years, Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands in Spain, has been a top holiday destination in Europe due to its lovely weather, sandy beaches, and beautiful resort towns. It is quite obvious why it is such a popular location.
The island has been claimed by the British and Germans as their top party destination, with boat and beach parties starting in the early afternoon and lasting until sunrise.
But there is much more to Mallorca than just parties and nightlife! If you are looking for a more relaxing and authentic experience, the hinterland, beautiful old towns, mountain ranges, hidden coves, and breathtaking nature will make you absolutely fall in love with this island.
With so much going on on this little island, it can be quite a challenge to figure out where to stay in Mallorca. I have gathered my favorite areas and hotels in Mallorca so you can find exactly the right place for you!
The best places to stay in Mallorca
South Coast
The South Coast is the most popular area on the island, including the capital Palma, Portals Nous, Magaluf, and El Arenal, which are mainly known for their party vibe. If it's fantastic nightlife and great shopping opportunities you're after, then I recommend you stick to this area.
East Coast
The East Coast of Mallorca is a great destination for a family vacation, as it's full of beautiful beaches and dreamy bays and is still quite busy but much more family-friendly. The top spots here are Cala Millor, Cala d'Or, and Cala Ratjada.
North Coast
If you really want to be away from the crowds, then the North Coast should be your go-to destination! The towns and villages such as Port de Pollenca, Port d’Alcúdia, and Can Picafort are pretty low-key here, making it perfect for a more peaceful experience.
West Coast
If you're looking for a romantic getaway, I recommend Port de Soller on the West Coast. Here you can enjoy the beautiful mountain ranges and miles of coastal paths for outdoor activities and seclusion with your loved one.
1. Where to stay in Mallorca for the first time, sightseeing & shopping: Palma
Palma de Mallorca, one of the most popular places in Mallorca, is the capital city and is conveniently located very close to the airport. This makes it an ideal choice if you're planning a long weekend trip to the island.
The city has a lot of things to do and see, including historical sites, bars, and shops. It is an excellent destination for first-time visitors who want to sightsee and shop. I personally like to use the city as a starting point to explore other parts of the island, as Palmas is very centrally located.
Best area for:
First timers
Sightseeing
Shopping
Exploring the island
Things to see & do in Palma de Mallorca
If you're visiting Palma de Mallorca for the first time and want to do some sightseeing, then it is a perfect destination for you. Make sure to visit the magnificent Catedral de Palma (the Cathedral of Majorca), the historical center, and Bellver Castle; these are some of the hottest spots that you shouldn't miss!
The streets of Palma Old Town are also jam-packed with bars, restaurants, and unique boutiques selling everything from local souvenirs to handmade jewelry. If it's souvenirs and some new accessories you're after, then you'll have a great time roaming the shopping streets of Palma.
Best hotels to stay in Palma de Mallorca
($$$) INNSiDE by Meliá Palma Bosque
The INNSiDE by Meliá Palma Bosque is a 4-star hotel located in the city center of Palma de Mallorca, boasting multiple swimming pools.
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($$) Hotel Palma Bellver
If you are looking for a mid-range option, then the Hotel Palma Bellver is a great choice, as it comes with a spacious terrace and an outdoor pool.
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($) Hotel Araxa
The Hotel Araxa is an adults-only affordable hotel located in Palma de Mallorca. It has spacious rooms with balconies, as well as an outdoor pool.
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2. Where to stay in Mallorca for nightlife & a young crowd: Magaluf
Magaluf is a popular, even an almost notorious, party destination among young Brits. It has a lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, and a fun atmosphere. Over the years, many high-rise hotels and holiday apartments have been built, making them affordable for younger crowds.
There are many activities to enjoy in the area, and there is also good public transportation that can take you to Palma de Mallorca and the rest of the island.
Best area for:
Wild nightlife
A young crowd
Day trips from Palma
Things to see & do in Magaluf
If you're visiting Magaluf, you're most likely looking for an unforgettable night out. From beach parties and boat parties to bars and clubs, there are plenty of options to choose from!
Are you looking for great bars near the Magaluf main square? Check out Coyotes Karaoke Bar, Peaky Blinders Tavern, or The Ivy Lab Cocktail Bar. And if you want to dance all night, be sure to visit the nightclubs Boomerang and Bananas!
If you're not into partying all day, I suggest checking out some of the theme parks nearby. Western Water Park is perfect for a family outing, and Katmandu Park features an awesome 4D cinema experience.
Best hotels to stay in Magaluf
($$$) Meliá South Beach
The Meliá South Beach is a 4-star hotel right on the beach, with an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant. The luxury hotel is perfect if you want to be close to the action but still have a peaceful environment.
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($$) INNSiDE by Meliá Calviá Beach
The INNSiDE by Meliá Calviá Beach is a great mid-range option with a rooftop pool and terrace.
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($) Sotavento Club Apartments
The Sotavento Club Apartments is an affordable and cozy accommodation with its own pool area, located right by the beach.
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3. Where to stay in Mallorca for parties & budget accommodation: Playa S’Arenal (popular with German tourists)
El Arenal is to the Germans what Magaluf is to the British!
If you want to balance affordability with partying during your stay in Mallorca, then staying in S'Arenal might be a good option. This area is located on the southern coast of the island and has many beautiful beaches.
There's plenty of nightlife here and day parties and the majority of places to stay here won't break the bank. This is also a great place to stay if you want to be able to explore other parts of Mallorca, such as Palma or Magaluf.
Best area for:
Nightlife
Affordable prices
Things to see & do in El Arenal
El Arenal features three popular party locations named “Ballermann 6”, “Mega Park”, and “Bierkönig”, all designed as German beer gardens and attracting a large number of party-loving visitors. These venues mainly cater to German tourists and play “Schlager music,” a type of party music originating from Germany. Welcome to the world I grew up in…!
Are you tired of day parties and all-nighters? Aqualand El Arenal is a huge waterpark located in the heart of El Arenal. It is an ideal day activity to take a break from the tiring party scene and beat the heat on a sunny day!
Best hotels to stay in El Arenal
($$) Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma
The Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma is a mid-range hotel located in El Arenal, which comes with an outdoor swimming pool and spa center.
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($$) Occidental Playa de Palma
The Occidental Playa de Palma is a 4-star hotel located right on the beach, with its very own swimming pool and rooftop terrace.
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($) Hotel Paradiso Garden
If you're looking for something that doesn't break the bank, Hotel Paradiso Garden is a great option. It has comfortable rooms with balconies and an outdoor swimming pool.
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4. Where to stay in Mallorca for the best beaches: Cala Millor, Cala d’Or & Cala Ratjada
Mallorca is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. So if you are looking to stay somewhere with easy access to great sandy beaches, then I suggest Cala Millor, Cala d'Or, and Cala Ratjada!
These are my favorite towns on the East Coast, as they offer a perfect balance of relaxing beaches, solid nightlife, and a lively atmosphere. You can find plenty of laid-back beach bars, restaurants, and shops, making it a great option if you're looking for a night out without the noise and craziness of places like Magaluf or El Arenal.
Best area for:
Stunning beaches
Chilled out nightlife
A great balance between beach and nightlife
Things to see & do on the East Coast
Since you're in an area with Mallorca's most beautiful beaches, take advantage of them! The eastern coast has many hidden bays, coves, and stunning beaches nestled among pine trees.
I suggest taking a few days to go on a road trip to the East Coast by car. Make sure to visit Cala Millor, Cala d'Or, and Cala Ratjada, as well as everything in between. My favorite places along this route are S'Estany d'en Mas and the Drach caves!
I recommend booking your hire car in Mallorca with Discover Cars. Make sure you do this ahead of time to not miss out, especially in the busy summer season!
Best hotels to stay on the East Coast
($$$) Lago Garden Apart-Suites & Spa Hotel
The Lago Garden Apart-Suites & Spa Hotel is a luxurious four-star hotel located in Cala d'Or, with its own swimming pool and luxury spa.
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($$) THB Guya Playa
The THB Guya Playa is a great mid-range option located right on the beach, with a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a jacuzzi.
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($) Grupotel Aguait Resort & Spa
The Grupotel Aguait Resort & Spa is a great budget option for those looking for something more affordable but still comfortable. It comes with its own outdoor pool and spa center.
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5. Where to stay in Mallorca for luxury: Portals Nous
Portal Nous is a wonderful place to stay in Mallorca, situated in the southern part of the island. It's a small and peaceful town that offers beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, a stunning golf course, and excellent yacht clubs. Not surprisingly, celebrities are fond of it. Plus, it is conveniently close to Palma and is absolutely worth visiting for a day if you are staying in the capital.
Portal Nous is an ideal neighborhood where you can have a relaxed dinner while watching the sunset and strolling through the quiet cobblestone streets. With many residents living here, it's less crowded with tourists and has more of a residential feel.
FYI: Portals Nous is considered to be the most luxurious area of Mallorca, so be prepared to pay a bit more for your stay there.
Best area for:
Relaxation
Luxury
Seclusion
Things to see & do in Portals Nous
Portals Nous is not known for its activities, as it is primarily a residential area where locals go about their daily routines. Therefore, my favorite activity is observing people, including occasional celebrities, strolling by while I relax at one of the excellent cafés or restaurants in town.
Without a doubt, the best spot for this is LILA Portals. The restaurant serves seafood and Mediterranean dishes with a view of the bay. Another great spot is Spoon Restaurant in Portals Nous; this is the perfect place to have sunset drinks by the sea!
Best hotels to stay in Portals Nous
($$$) Barceló Illetas Albatros
The Salles Hotels Marina Portals is a great mid-range option located in the heart of the town, with a massive outdoor pool and a spa.
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($$) Salles Hotels Marina Portals
If you are looking for something more affordable, the Leonardo Boutique Hotel is a great option. The luxury hotel has comfortable rooms with private balconies and an outdoor pool.
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($) Leonardo Boutique Hotel
If you are looking for something more affordable, the Leonardo Boutique Hotel is your best choice. It has comfortable rooms with private balconies and sea views.
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6. Where to stay in Mallorca for couples: Port de Sóller
If you're looking for a place to stay in Mallorca where you can have an adventurous or romantic experience in nature, you might want to consider visiting this charming village. The village of Port de Sóller is quite traditional and usually filled with tourists who are looking for a more serene and secluded getaway or who want to explore Mallorca's natural beauty.
The beaches in this area are lovely and usually less crowded than other parts of the island. Additionally, public transportation is easily accessible, allowing you to visit other villages on the island if Port de Sóller is too quiet for you. That being said, if you're not the biggest nature fan, this spot might not be right for you.
Best area for:
Relaxation and seclusion
Honeymoons
Hiking
Scuba diving
Things to see & do in Port de Sóller
The historic tram in Soller is a top attraction that has been in operation since 1912. It's one of the oldest trams in the world and is still used by both locals and tourists to travel between Soller and Port de Soller. This is a fantastic way to discover the area and take in the beautiful views!
If you're looking for a more thrilling experience, I suggest a visit to Octopus Mallorca. As a PADI Dive Center, they provide scuba diving lessons, day trips, and camps for kids to discover the stunning underwater scenery of Mallorca. Their instructors and staff are incredibly supportive, and their exceptional service makes them stand out as one of the best dive shops on the island.
Best hotels to stay in Port de Sóller
($$$) Hotel Esplendido
Hotel Esplendido is an excellent four-star hotel with stunning sea views located right on the beach in Port de Soller. Its restaurant offers fantastic Mediterranean dishes, and its spa is the perfect place to relax after a long day.
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($$) FERGUS Style Soller Beach
The FERGUS Style Soller Beach is a great mid-range option, located just steps away from the beach. Its modern rooms come with private balconies and great views of the bay.
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($) Hotel Marina
The Generoso Hotel & Marina is a great budget option in Port de Soller and perfect for couples. It's located right next to the beach, with its own outdoor pool and bar.
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7. Where to stay in Mallorca for families & away from the crowds: Port de Pollenca, Port d’Alcúdia & Can Picafort (North Coast)
Want a peaceful family vacation away from crowds? Port de Pollenca is an excellent choice due to its smaller size and location on the North Coast. While the beaches are less busy than those in Palma, the town itself is far from dull. Once a resort town in the early 20th century, it is now an ideal destination for romantic getaways and family holidays.
The town of Port de Pollenca will also give you a much more authentic experience than the more touristy cities, as it is a small and traditional fishing village. Port d'Alcúdia and Can Picafort are also close to Port de Pollenca, so you can easily explore all three towns during your stay.
Best area for:
Families
Relaxing beach getaway
Relaxation
Things to see & do on the North Coast
For anyone interested in Roman history, the old town of Alcúdia is definitely worth a visit. It is rich in history and has several ruins, including a Roman amphitheater located just outside the main wall of the old town. The amphitheater is within walking distance of the main public bus stop.
From Port of Alcúdia, you can also take many different boat trips, including dolphin-watching tours and snorkeling trips which also stop at the local beach to swim in the clear waters.
Best hotels to stay on the North Coast
($$$) Hotel Illa d'Or & Club Apts
The Hotel Illa d'Or & Club Apts is a luxurious four-star hotel situated in Port de Pollenca. It's a great spot for families or couples who want to be close to the beach and enjoy stunning views of the bay.
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($$) Hoposa Uyal
The Hoposa Uyal is a great mid-range option located in the heart of Port de Pollenca. It has comfortable rooms with balconies and a spacious terrace perfect for sunbathing.
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($$) Hoposa Bahia
The Hoposa Bahia is an ideal budget option, located right in the center of Port d'Alcudia.
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($) Hotel Eolo
The Hotel Eolo is an excellent budget-friendly hotel in Can Picafort.
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Book Your Trip To Spain
Book Your Flight
I recommend using Skyscanner as the easiest way to find and compare the best airfares to and within Spain.
Book Your Hotel
My top pick for finding the perfect accommodation is Booking.com, as they guarantee the best room rate available, plus you get free cancellation on most bookings.
Book Your Tours & Activities
I like finding and pre-booking tours with Get Your Guide and Viator. You will book with instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities.
Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees
I highly recommend getting a Wise account to withdraw money in Spain, pay for meals on the Visa card, or shop in Euros. With Wise, you always pay the real exchange, so you never pay more than you need to.
Stay Connected Anywhere
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Where to stay in Mallorca – Frequently Asked Questions
🏝️ Are Mallorca and Majorca the same island?
Yes! Mallorca and Majorca are one and the same. The island is known by two different names, depending on where you live: it is known as Mallorca in Spanish and Majorca in English.
⭐ Is Mallorca worth visiting?
Absolutely! Mallorca is a great destination for all types of travelers, from families to couples and solo adventurers. The island offers great nightlife, picturesque beaches, family-friendly activities, affordable prices, and plenty of things to do!
❓ Which side of Mallorca is best to stay?
It really depends on what you are looking for. The East Coast is well-known for its lively resorts, while the North and West Coasts are more peaceful and ideal for those who want to get away from the crowds. Ultimately, there is something for everyone in Mallorca!
📍 What’s the best area to stay in Mallorca?
The best area to stay in Mallorca really depends on your preferences. If you're looking for a beach holiday, then Palma or the East Coast is probably the best option, while if you want to explore more of Mallorca's nature and historical sites, then the North Coast and West Coast would be ideal.
📅 How many days should I stay in Mallorca?
From short weekend trips to multi-week vacations, anything is possible. If you just want to relax, then a few days are plenty; however, if you want to explore the entire island or come on a family vacation, then I recommend at least a week.
✔️ Is Mallorca safe?
Mallorca is generally very safe and has a low crime rate. It is always important to take sensible precautions when traveling, but Mallorca does not have any particularly dangerous areas or issues of which travelers should be aware.
🗺 Should I choose Mallorca or Ibiza?
Both islands are great options for a holiday, but they offer very different experiences. Mallorca is known for its tranquil atmosphere and mix of both historical sites and beaches, while Ibiza has a livelier nightlife and more opportunities to party.
Where to stay in Mallorca – Final Words
Mallorca is a stunning Mediterranean island that offers something for everyone! Whether you're looking for a relatively quiet family holiday, wild nightlife, or something in between, Mallorca has it all.
I hope you liked my favorite areas of Mallorca as much as I do and that it made it a little easier for you to decide where to stay on your next vacation there.
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