Where to Stay in Mallorca: Best Towns & Hotels to Stay (2023)

Mallorca has something to offer just about every type of visitor. That’s what I love about the island; it can accommodate nature lovers, creatives, history buffs, and your average holidaymaker as easily as one another. 

Dotted with serene fishing villages, bustling towns, and the vibrant capital of Palma, this island is so much more than a party destination for you to visit on a weekend away. It’s got delicious local delicacies, crumbling Gothic castles, pristine beaches, and towering mountains for you to explore. So, what are you waiting for?

If you’re waiting to book your accommodation – then fair enough. Mallorca has so many hotels, motels, and Airbnb’s to choose from that it can feel overwhelming. I remember trawling through what felt like dozens of hotels when I planned my first trip to the island before I found one I was comfortably settling on.

That’s why I’ve created this easy-to-follow guide. It’ll show you where to stay in Mallorca, highlighting popular areas and accommodation options.

Getting to Know Mallorca

There’s so much to rave about in Mallorca. The island is home to its own distinct, unique culture, dialect of Catalan, cuisine, architecture, and so on. It’s surrounded by crystal-clear blue waters and fascinating underwater landscapes, making it a fantastic place for snorkeling. 

The roots of Mallorcan society are deeply varied, too. Its history stretches back to the Roman era. But it doesn’t stop there – did you know that Mallorca was also under Muslim rule, for a time, as part of the Emirate of Cordoba?

And, if we fast forward to more recent years? The island was significant for the Nationalist faction of the Spanish Civil War. This was a period of real upheaval, and Mallorca saw plenty of the conflict firsthand. 

It might sound cliche, but I feel there are almost countless things to do in Mallorca. Whether you want to spend your holiday hiking, snorkeling, or eating tapas, you won’t be disappointed by your trip here.

That said, it’s certainly worth considering how you’d ideally like to spend your trip before you plan it – this can help you figure out when the best time to visit Mallorca will likely be for you. 

Best Stays in Mallorca by Region

I’ve been reflecting on why Mallorca attracts tourists from across the globe. After all, it’s a complex question – several factors contribute to Mallorca’s charm and appeal.

However, I think a major draw for visitors is the incredible range of accommodation options guests can choose from. Whether you’re looking to stay in a traditional bed and breakfast for your holiday, something more lavish, or somewhere unique and novel, I’m certain the perfect place will be in Mallorca. 

The island’s different regions have their strengths in terms of the experiences they can offer travelers; as a result, I recommend that you tailor your itinerary based on the type of accommodation you’re looking to stay in. Plus, I suggest you remain open to planning your trip around what you want to do and see on the island. 

This is because Mallorca’s different regions have vastly different attributes they can offer visitors. Knowing which of these you find most appealing will make picking your accommodation much easier. 

North Mallorca: Pollensa and Alcudia

Mallorca’s dreamy north is home to many of the island’s most dramatic vistas and eye-catching landmarks. It’s sprinkled with languid, white sandy beaches stretching as far as the horizon, and its many ancient villages have plenty of historical value and interest. 

With settlements like Alcudia and Pollensa boasting landmarks with origins in the medieval era, the northern part of Mallorca is trendy amongst history enthusiasts in particular. There’s probably no better place to sample authentic Mallorcan architecture and city planning; here, you can immerse yourself in the sights and surrounds of ancient towns that time has all but forgotten. 

This island segment is generally frequented by hikers and nature enthusiasts, who also appreciate its relative remoteness and unspoiled landscapes. The best beaches in North Mallorca also happen to be, by and large, fantastic snorkeling spots; less crowded than the beaches surrounding Palma, there’s no better place to come for the chance to get truly up close and personal with Mallorcan marine life.

South Mallorca: Palma de Mallorca and Playa de Palma

If you’re young and love to party, you’re likely going to more or less make a beeline for Palma or Magaluf as soon as you land in Mallorca. And fair enough, after all, the island’s capital is home to some incredible nightlife and a buzzing city atmosphere. But don’t be fooled! Beneath the surface, it’s got far, far more to offer. 

I promise you; there are more things to do in Palma de Mallorca than just going nightclubbing. The city is a must-visit for history enthusiasts thanks to its incredible landmarks, including La Almudaina, Castell de Bellver, and the Catedral-Basilica de Santa Maria de Mallorca. 

Palma de Mallorca’s beaches aren’t anything to sniff at, either. Despite being the largest settlement on the island of Mallorca, the area just outside Palma is home to some idyllic stretches of white sand and blue seas. Playa del Palma is one of these, but there are what feels like countless others near a similar standard. 

East Mallorca: Cala d’Or and Porto Cristo

Do you want to slow down and enjoy a slower-paced lifestyle during your holiday in Mallorca? If so, you’ll find the island’s eastern coast ideal to unplug while you soak up some rays. 

With villages like Cala d’Or and Porto Cristo being especially worth visiting, east Mallorca is generally renowned for its spotless beaches and relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere.

You’ll find that this corner of the island tends to attract a slightly older, more laid-back crowd. While there’s perhaps less on offer in this part of Mallorca regarding activities and attractions, there’s nothing quite like relaxing by the shore in a quiet east Mallorcan village and enjoying authentic tapas or a refreshing glass of wine. 

I honestly found it a challenge even to narrow down a selection of the best beaches in East Mallorca, because there are so many on this part of the island that I could have included. All in all, if you’re coming to Mallorca to relax, first and foremost, then you’ll almost definitely want to head east! 

West Mallorca: Valldemossa and Sóller

Mallorca’s rugged west coast, with its humble villages and moody, towering mountain ranges, is perfect for exploring if you enjoy areas that are more remote and off the beaten track than is the norm. 

Especially worth visiting in this part of the island are Soller, known for its architecture and orange groves, and Deia, a hilltop village, the population of which has a reputation for being exceptionally literary and creative. 

While it might lack the massive thrills of the more built-up parts of the island, west Mallorca is perfect if you prefer exploring the less traveled path or appreciate unique places and settings. 

Best Places to Stay in Mallorca for Different Travellers

One of Mallorca’s real strengths is how easily it can cater to travelers with vastly different preferences and priorities. Someone visiting the island to hike for a week isn’t going to want the same kind of lodgings as someone who might be traveling to Mallorca for a luxury spa weekend, after all.

Below, I’ve compiled recommendations for different types of accommodation in Mallorca that I feel would best suit various traveler profiles. I hope this helps you find the perfect place to stay for your trip to the island! 

Luxury Hotels in Mallorca

Luxury means different things to different people. In Mallorca, there are luxury hotels around the island, and they generally offer elite service, amenities, views, food, and so on.

There are three luxury hotels that I’d especially recommend in Mallorca; not only do they seriously tick all the boxes in terms of what you’d expect from 5-star lodgings, but they conveniently also accept bookings via Booking.com. 

Pleta de Mar is a luxury hotel with stunning sea views, garden access, free private parking, gym access, and fully air-conditioned rooms.

Can Ferrereta, located near Santanyi, is a smaller, more intimate option with its own bar, indoor and outdoor pool, and fitness center. 

If you’re keen for a truly immersive, one-of-a-kind experience, though, I would suggest staying at Son Brull Hotel & Spa; set in a converted 17th-century monastery near peaceful Pollensa, the hotel combines refined elegance and class with absolute luxury to give guests a truly unparalleled experience during their stay.

Couples’ Resorts in Mallorca

There’s no shame in it; many couples travel to Mallorca because it’s an incredibly romantic destination. With gorgeous sunsets, agreeable weather, and delicious Mallorca food and wine around every corner, the island has always struck me as a natural getaway choice for couples. 

Naturally, some accommodation has more of a romantic feel to it than others. Featuring spacious, airy rooms with gorgeous courtyard views, the Yartan Boutique Hotel is a great choice for couples looking for somewhere refined but lowkey to stay during their trip.

If you’re looking for a more rugged, rustic feel, Agroturism Son Foguero makes for a stunning and memorable choice. 

Or, if you feel like going all out, Sa Pedrissa in Deia might be your best bet. Featuring jaw-dropping views of the sea and coastline, this hotel, which operates out of a converted 17th-century house, absolutely screams romance… but in an understated way (if that’s even possible). 

Hotels Near Nightlife in Mallorca

Many people travel to Mallorca to sample the incredible local nightlife, and for good reason! Most clubs and bars in Mallorca worth checking out are in the capital of Palma and Magaluf.

If you’re planning on visiting the island to party, I would suggest choosing accommodation near where most of the nightlife in Mallorca is concentrated. You can make the most of it. 

The Hotel Florida in Magaluf is above the beach, providing guests easy access to sea swimming and excellent onsite amenities.

Also situated in Magaluf is the slightly more upscale INNSiDE by Meliá Calviá Beach, which couldn’t be placed better for exploring the clubs in the area.

And, the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Palmanova is the perfect place to relax after a long night spent out on the town.

Family-Friendly Resorts in Mallorca

Mallorca is a classic destination for a family getaway and for a good reason. You’ll find that Palma is great at catering to kids (outside of the nightclubs, anyway!). Otherwise, the larger, more developed beaches usually tend to be family-friendly. 

Mallorca is home to several very family-friendly resorts, some of which I can recommend.

My first pick is the ROBINSON Cala Serena, which has TVs in all its rooms and a wealth of activities available to guests, including golf, water sports, and an onsite theatre. 

Zafiro Palace Alcudia is another favorite of mine; in addition to its massive network of swimming pools, the hotel has a dedicated kids’ play area.

Finally, the stunning La Residencia in Deia has plenty of novel entertainment options for kids, including a resident donkey.

Beach Resorts in Mallorca

It’s not exactly a secret that Mallorca is home to some pretty nice beaches. This island is home to some of Europe’s most stunning beaches.

You can find pristine, A-grade beaches across Mallorca, but I suggest focusing on the northern and eastern coasts for untouched, less crowded shorelines. Moreover, I also recommend you consider staying at specific accommodations that enhance your beach experience.

Just a stone’s throw away from Palma, Hotel Bon Sol offers direct access to some of the best beaches in South Mallorca. It cultivates a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that makes it impossible not to feel at ease there. 

If you’re searching for a place to stay nearby Mallorca’s snorkeling beaches, you can’t go wrong with The Sea Hotel by Grupotel, an adults-only hotel right above Can Picafort.

For a luxury getaway that heavily emphasizes water sports and beach access, I recommend Hipotels Eurotel Punta Rotja. 

Nature Getaways in Mallorca

To put it very simply, Mallorca is a haven for nature lovers. So much of the island has unspoiled forests, mountain landscapes, gorgeous beaches, etc.

Mallorca is also home to some incredible national parks; Mondragó, located on the island’s southeast coast, is a fantastic place to take in some stunning scenery and spot rare animals like lizards and birds. 

The mighty mountain range of the Serra de Tramuntana is also noteworthy for cycling in Mallorca (as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site). And, if all of that wasn’t enough, you can explore the enormous Drach Caves, uninhabited islands like Sa Dragonera, and more. 

Culture in Mallorca

Even in a country such as Spain, which is renowned for its culture of actively supporting creatives, Mallorca stands out as a shining example of artistic brilliance and innovation. Not only does this island have a pretty packed annual festival schedule, but it is also full of remarkable landmarks and artwork.

Pollensa’s annual classical music festival is one of my favorite music events in Mallorca. And look, I get it; classical music isn’t for everyone. However, if you feel you have something of an aversion to the genre, I’d encourage you to withhold judgment until you’ve had the chance to sample the festival in Pollensa; it’s often found to be a deeply moving, rewarding experience by attendees. 

If you’re a visual art fan, I recommend traveling to the Can Prurera Museum of Modernism. Located in the stunningly picturesque hamlet of Soller, this is easily one of the best examples of how deftly the island has managed to preserve its historical identity while embracing emerging trends in different schools of visual art.

If you love sampling different kinds of architecture, then there’s probably no better place in Mallorca than in Palma’s Old Town. Here, a melting pot of different cultures and visual styles truly comes alive; not only is this very visually striking, but it’s also a major part of Mallorca’s cultural identity more broadly. 

Car Rental in Mallorca

I strongly recommend renting a car in Mallorca for your trip. With your own car, you’re not beholden to the whims or plans of anyone else; you can see what you want to, when you want to. It’s also worth noting that Uber in Spain, and especially in Mallorca, is not as common as in other places. So, you’re better off renting a car than relying on such services.

Your Mallorca Journey Awaits

Mallorca is a remarkable place in many ways; I hope this article has inspired you to start planning your own trip there soon!

Ultimately, the island can cater to travelers with all kinds of interests and preferences regarding accommodation. Whether you want to try scuba diving, stay in a humble bed and breakfast, or a luxury hotel, you can do so in Mallorca. I hope you have a fantastic trip!