Where to Stay in Mallorca (Best Towns & Map included)
Mallorca is not new to Europe. For years, Brits and Germans have filled its beaches and cafés. In some places, German almost feels like a second language. In Canada, though, Mallorca is still off the beaten path. That is slowly changing. In 2025, Air Canada opened a direct flight from Montreal, my hometown, to the island and, suddenly, Mallorca feels much more accessible.
The first time I went to Mallorca, I found it hard to picture just how diverse the island really is. From reading a guidebook, it looks rather uniform. Once the ground though, it feels wildly diverse. The wild mountains in the west feel nothing like the small east coast calas hiding between pine trees. Even the mood changes as you drive.
Mallorca is one of my favorite beach destinations in Europe. The island has a beautiful capital city, and beyond it, many charming Spanish towns for us travelers who enjoy a slower pace. There are dramatic mountains and some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. Where you stay really shapes your trip. I don’t think there are bad places here, but some areas offer a type of vacation that doesn’t suit me. It helps to know what kind of trip you want before choosing. On one long stay, during a road trip around the island, I split my time between four places. It completely changed how I experienced Mallorca.
While creating this guide, I came across several lovely hotels I couldn’t resist including. They are divided according to the part of Mallorca where they are located.
key takeaways
- The part of Mallorca that is best to stay in is either Sóller, Palma de Mallorca, Alcudia or Cala Figuera.
- The prettiest part of Mallorca is Western Mallorca and particularly the beautiful town of Valldemossa.
- You need a car in Mallorca if you want to make the most of the island. There are many hidden beaches and remote villages that you’ll have a hard time reaching with public transport.
I recommend to rent a car in Spain through Discovery Car with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Jump to
Overview Region by Region
Western Mallorca
Western Mallorca is the mountainous part of the island, where a serpentine road runs through the Serra de Tramuntana and leads to the most romantic historic villages of Spain. It’s the place for avid cyclists, and the calas on this side of Mallorca are often reached at the end of narrow hairpin roads dropping deep into ravines.
Palma and the Southwest
Palma, the bustling capital of Mallorca, has the most restaurants, bars, and hotel options, and it’s very well connected to the rest of the island. The old town is great for almost anything you might want, just not the first place to look if you want to stay right by the beach. For that, check out Palma Nova or Sant Elm a bit farther southwest.
Northern Mallorca
Pollença, Cap de Formentor, long sweeping beaches, and multiple bays make up this more low-key part of the island. It’s calm, scenic, and most often a great value for your money or if you like to go off-the-beaten-path.
East Coast of Mallorca
For a true beach-hopping Balearic adventure, it’s hard to think of a better place than the east coast of Mallorca. Whether you stay inland or in one of the coastal towns, you can expect endless beach days ahead of you.
Things to Take into Account to Choose Where to Stay in Mallorca
- Your budget: Depending on your budget, the best bang for your buck will be different. On a mid-range budget, I’d rather stay in eastern Mallorca than in Valldemossa, for example. You’re going to get a much nicer room, view, and overall experience there.
- Who you’re travelling with: Whether you’re alone, with friends, travelling as a couple, or with a young family, you won’t want to stay in the same place. I’d say you’re better off alone in Palma, in Western Mallorca as a couple, with friends in Eastern Mallorca, and in both Eastern and Northern Mallorca if you’re travelling with family.
- What type of vacation you want to have: Are you coming to Mallorca for a road trip around the island, like I did last time, or do you want a resort-style stay where you won’t have to leave the hotel much? Are you planning a guys’ trip cycling in the west, or beach-hopping in the east?
- Your Transport: Are you planning to rent a car in Mallorca, or will you take a transfer to your hotel and rely on public transport when needed? Overall, the best places to stay without a car are Palma, Valldemossa, and Sóller/Port de Sóller. They’re all well connected and big enough to get by easily. On the east coast, Santanyí is likely the best choice if you want decent transport links. That said, you can still spend a full week here without a car—just expect to move a bit slower and plan with some patience.
I recommend to rent a car in Spain through Discovery Car with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Western Mallorca
The western part of Mallorca is the mountainous side of the island. Why would you base yourself there? I get it. When I think about Mallorca, I picture the sea, not deep valleys.
But here’s the thing. This is where some of the island’s most beautiful ports are found. The mountain roads are a joy to drive and many of Mallorca’s most significant historic villages are found right here.
Sóller
Sóller is a charming town on Mallorca’s west coast, larger than Deià or Valldemossa, and probably home to the island’s most beautiful town square. As the biggest city on this part of the island, it offers plenty to see and do. Historic streets, local markets, a scenic tram route that goes through the mountains to the sea, Sóller has it all!
Getting to Sóller is simple even without a car. The historic train linking Palma to Sóller is fully operational and offers a unique way to see the island, and it’s over-the-top scenic too! However, you might still prefer to have a car to explore Mallorca more freely. Once there, Sóller is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Some of the island’s best hiking trails are just a short walk away.
If you prefer to stay by the water, Port de Sóller is also a popular option. It should be noted that Port de Sóller is a separate village from Sóller. The port town has a lovely harbour and an enjoyable sandy beach. Its waterfront is lined with many bars and restaurants. However, I think the town of Sóller itself has more character.
For a quieter, more secluded experience, the nearby village of Fornalutx is a perfect choice: most visitors only pass through while hiking, making it a great off-the-beaten-path option. If the budget allows, you might also consider Deià and Valldemossa.
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Mid-range | Alcazar Hotel Soller | From € 194 / night |
| Luxury | Hotel Corazón | From € 420 / night |
| Mid-range | Meem Townhouse | From € 180 / night |
| Budget | Hostel Sóller | From € 124 / night |
Deià and Valldemossa
If you want a romantic or luxurious vibe, the small area around Valldemossa and Deià is where you should look. The most luxurious hotel, the honeymoon dream spot, Belmond La Residencia, is right there in Deià.
Deià is a small, historic village known for its charm and beautiful views. Its cobbled streets are a favorite for visitors looking for a quiet holiday. The town also has a surprisingly lively food scene. If you like walking, Deià is perfect, with some of Mallorca’s most scenic hiking routes starting just here.
Smaller and more intimate than Palma, Deià has long been a retreat for artists. It’s especially appealing for honeymooners or anyone wanting a relaxed base to stay in Mallorca. On the downside, Deià doesn’t offer much sightseeing beyond walks and hikes. Parking can be tricky in summer, and it’s not ideal for people without a car.
Then there’s Valldemossa. If you’re not staying in the hyperluxurious hotels of Deià, Valldemossa would be my preferred choice. It sits in a terraced landscape and is known for its car-free cobbled streets and famous monastery. The town has more culture and is a bit bigger than Deià. You’ll find more cafés, restaurants, and things to explore without leaving town. Visitors can enjoy local experiences, like olive oil tasting at the wonderful Son Moragues, all within walking distance.
Valldemossa is also easier if you’re driving, with more parking than other smaller villages on these mountains. It’s well located for exploring the Serra de Tramuntana, and among west-side towns, it’s one of the most central, making trips to the north, east, or south coast easier.
In terms of vibe, Valldemossa and Deià really are top picks. They mix the charm of traditional Mallorca, beautiful mountain roads, and a practical base for exploring the island.
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Luxury | Belmond La Residencia | From € 1.3k / night |
| Luxury | Sa Pedrissa | From € 430 / night |
| Mid-range | Hoposa Costa d’Or | From € 190 / night |
| Budget | Hostal Miramar | From € 104 / night |
Palma and the Southwest
Palma de Mallorca
Palma is the island’s capital, and it’s a much better place to stay than many people expect. It’s a real city that is set right on the water. The historic centre is beautiful and its old streets and landmarks are easy to explore on foot.
Staying in Palma de Mallorca works especially well for a short stay. Three nights is a great starting point, and even one or two nights at the end of a trip make sense. Palma deserves more than a quick stop. There’s enough here to fill four days or more without trying too hard. You don’t need to be deeply into history to enjoy it either.
What you’ll find are the La Seu cathedral, Bellver Castle (Spain’s only round castle) and many museums. The food scene is one of the strongest on the island and same thing can be said of the nightlife. Just keep in mind that Palma is a city, not a beach town. There is a sandy beach in town, but most of the better ones sit outside the centre. As a base, though, it’s very practical. You can reach almost anywhere on the island within about an hour and a half, even without a car. Parking is difficult, but if you plan to stay central and move around by bus or train, Palma makes things easy.
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Luxury | Palma Riad | From € 421 / night |
| Luxury | Convent de la Missio | From € 380 / night |
| Mid-range | Ars Magna Bleisure Hotel | From € 180 / night |
| Mid-range | Casa Catalina | From € 190 / night |
Sant Elm
I didn’t know where to put Sant Elm at first. Geographically, it sits on the southwest coast of Mallorca and could feel a little closer to Palma than Valldemossa or Sóller. In reality, it’s a bit more isolated from the rest of the island than Sóller, Deià, or Valldemossa. Sant Elm is its own calm pocket at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana. Port d’Andratx is nearby, which means you’re close to more shops and services if you need it. (I found the shops in Port d’Andratx to be more upscale than in Palma.) You still get the sense of being on the quiet edge of the island, without being too far from the busier side if you need it.
The village itself is small and traditional. You get the feel that this international tourism hasn’t yet found its way to Sant Elm. Life moves slowly here, and it’s one of my top suggestions for where to stay in Mallorca if you’re into slow travel like I am. Many call it one of the prettiest spots on the island, and it’s easy to see why. It’s also a good base if you like walking or hiking.
Sant Elm is tiny in scale. There are only a few hotels, one hostel, and a short list of bars and restaurants, plus some private villas. It’s simple and low-key. Days are spent at the beach or heading out by boat to Dragonera Island, which leaves right from the village. Just know that choice is limited, and in high season the village can feel crowded despite being off-the-beaten-path. For cyclists, the hill out of town is a long one, while the ride back down is really enjoyable.
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Budget | Universal Hotel Aquamarin | From € 125 / night |
| Budget | Hostal Dragonera | From € 130 / night |
Northern Mallorca
Port de Pollença and Alcúdia
Port de Pollença and Alcúdia are the heart of northern Mallorca. One reason to stay in this area is that it feels calmer than the east or south of the island. With fewer crowds, apart from the people passing through to Pollença, it definitely has a more local feel, which I like. Also, even though it looks far from everything, being on the other side of the island, it’s simple to reach and do day trips from, thanks to the direct motorway from Palma.
First, there is Port de Pollença. It is the more off-the-beaten-path option, which is usually my preference. The seaside town has a wide sandy beach, clear water, and a calm seafront that doesn’t feel loud at all. Hotels here are good and the town feels lived-in rather than resort-heavy. It’s a strong base if you like cycling and hiking, since many of the island’s best routes are nearby. It also works well for families and groups who want space and easy access to both the sea and the mountains.
Alcúdia, just down the road, is more resort-oriented. It’s close to Playa de Muro, one of the longest and best sandy beaches on the island, Families often prefer this town since it’s so convenient and perfect for beach time.
Both towns are close to quiet coves like Cala Sant Vicenç or Cala Bóquer, you can reach Formentor in under 30 minutes, or take the stunning mountain road toward Sóller. Honestly, it’s a part of Mallorca that balances beaches and landscapes really well.
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Budget | ARA Alcudia | From € 127 / night |
| Budget | La Goleta Hotel de Mar | From € 109 / night |
| Mid-range | Hotel Illa d’Or & Club Apts | From € 170 / night |
East Coast of Mallorca
But some of the spots Mallorca is most famous for right now are found in the east. The endless string of calas, the small port town of Cala Figuera, the Cala Mondragó natural park. If you’re not much of a culture lover and are simply chasing the perfect Mediterranean summer, Eastern Mallorca is where you should go. It’s the island’s main tourist hub, yet its popularity is never felt too much. Somehow, it still keeps a touch of wildness. This side of the island feels like a good balance. Lively beaches and popular spots sit just a short drive from quiet inland villages. If I had to choose one area for a classic beach trip, this would be it. Many of my favorite beaches are here, and the eastern coast of Mallorca delivers, again and again.
The east is known for its small coves, not long stretches of sand. The water is clear, the beaches soft, and swimming here is what my Euro-summer dreams are made of. Places like Caló des Moro are famous for a reason. There are no mountains to speak of, so this is not the best area for hiking. But for swimming, sun, boat days, and slow afternoons by the sea, it works beautifully. If you prefer flat terrain instead of the rising mountain roads in the west, cycling here is also a joy.
Cala Figuera or Santanyi
Towns and hotels of Eastern Mallorca tend to feel a bit more restrained than the large resort hubs in the south. There’s a mix of active seaside towns and more quiet fishing ports, especially in the southeast. Among everybody’s favorite for where to stay in Mallorca: Cala Figuera is a super quaint fishing village and the town of Santanyí is also pretty and well-locatedé. Porto COlom is also a good choice. But honestly, also everywhere on the east is a
and Porto Colom has a quiet elegance with its lighthouse and boats. It does take longer to reach from Palma, and it stays busy in high season, but if beaches matter more to you than anything else, Eastern Mallorca is an easy choice.
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Luxury | Cal Reiet Holistic Retreat | From € 413 / night |
| Luxury | Can Ferrereta | From € 466 / night |
| Mid-range | Petit Hotel Es Figueral | From € 152 / night |
| Budget | Apartaments Marina Sol i Pins | From € 76 / night |
Read more
Mallorca Travel Guide · Santanyí Day Trip · Valldemossa Day Trip · 2 Weeks Itinerary Andalusia & Balearic Islands · Ses Salines
