- Travel Enthusiast
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
WHERE TO STAY IN MALLORCA - SPAIN
Mallorca is one of those islands where where you stay matters just as much as what you plan to see. The island is bigger than many expect, and each area offers a completely different atmosphere. Some areas are built around beach resorts, while others feel defined by elegant old towns and quiet mountain villages.
Instead of asking “What’s the best hotel in Mallorca?”, the better question is: What kind of Mallorca experience are you after?
This guide breaks down where to stay in Mallorca, Spain, along with well-located, well-rated hotel recommendations that make exploring the island easy and enjoyable.
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PALMA DE MALLORCA – BEST FOR FIRST-TIMERS
If this is your first time in Mallorca, staying in Palma de Mallorca is a smart choice. The historic center is full of life, with walkable streets, beautiful architecture, and easy access to beaches, transport, and restaurants.
Palma works especially well if you want a balanced trip – city energy during the day, relaxed evenings, and day trips to the rest of the island without moving hotels.
Location: South coast of Mallorca, close to the airport.
Why stay here: Easy airport access, excellent dining options, and a central location for day trips across the island.
Recommended stays:
Budget-friendly: El Josemari Youth Hostel – A rare budget option inside Palma’s old town, housed in a former convent and well placed for exploring the historic center entirely on foot.
Mid-range: Hotel Almudaina – A well-placed city hotel close to the cathedral and Passeig del Born, with a rooftop terrace that adds a nice end-of-day touch.
Luxury: Hotel Antigua Palma – Casa Noble – A small, refined 5-star hotel set in a restored noble house, offering a peaceful stay right in the heart of Palma’s historic quarter.
ALCÚDIA & PORT DE POLLENÇA – BEST FOR BEACHES AND HISTORY
In the north of the island, Alcúdia and nearby Port de Pollença offer a mix of historic streets, open landscapes, and long sandy beaches.
Alcúdia feels especially atmospheric in the evenings inside its old town walls, while Port de Pollença leans more coastal, with a relaxed promenade and easy access to viewpoints and nature in the surrounding area.
Location: North of Mallorca, near long beaches and Cap de Formentor.
Why stay here: A blend of history and beach time, spacious surroundings, and easy access to northern highlights like Cap de Formentor.
Recommended stays:
Budget-friendly: Palm Garden – An affordable base on the edge of Alcúdia, well placed for getting to the beach and around the north of the island without paying for added amenities.
Mid-range: Fonda Llabres Boutique – A boutique stay set within the old town walls, known for its historic setting and easy access to Alcúdia’s evening atmosphere and dining scene.
Luxury: Bordoy Alcudia Port Suites – An adults-only retreat near the waterfront, offering generous suites, contemporary design, and a more polished stay close to the promenade.
SÓLLER & PORT DE SÓLLER – BEST FOR MOUNTAIN SCENERY
Set between the mountains and the sea, Sóller and nearby Port de Sóller are a great fit if Mallorca, for you, means scenic drives, walking trails, and dramatic landscapes rather than busy resort life.
This part of the island feels noticeably quieter, especially in the evenings, with a slower pace and a more local atmosphere than the main beach hubs.
Location: Northwest Mallorca, between the Serra de Tramuntana and the coast.
Why stay here: Striking mountain and coastal views, direct access to hiking and cycling routes, the historic Sóller train, and cooler evenings than the south coast.
Recommended stays:
Budget-friendly: Hostal Nadal – One of the most affordable places in Sóller, located just outside the historic center and suitable if you’re prioritising location and scenery over hotel extras.
Mid-range: Alcázar Hotel Sóller – A polished boutique-style stay in the centre with a pool, sun terrace, and sauna.
Luxury: Gran Hotel Sóller – An elegant 5-star hotel set in a restored modernist building, combining spa facilities, refined interiors, and a prime location in the heart of Sóller.
CALA D'OR – BEST FOR EASY BEACH ACCESS
On the southeast coast, Cala d'Or is a good fit if Mallorca means short walks to the sea, sheltered coves, and an easygoing rhythm built around beach time. The town is compact and walkable, with several calas scattered along the coastline.
It’s calmer than the island’s livelier resort areas and works well for a slower-paced stay focused on swimming, coastal walks, and long lunches by the marina.
Location: Southeast coast of Mallorca.
Why stay here: Easy access to multiple calas, calm waters, a walkable layout, and a relaxed atmosphere that suits beach-focused trips.
Recommended stays:
Budget-friendly: Hostal Oasis Dor – A simple, affordable guesthouse in a central spot, making it easy to walk to both the beach and the town centre.
Mid-range: Hotel Cala d’Or Playa – A reliable option with a calm atmosphere and easy access to seaside walks and swimming coves.
Luxury: Melia Cala d’Or Boutique Hotel – A polished boutique hotel near the sea, known for its attentive service, comfortable rooms, and prime location in Cala d’Or.
DEIÀ & VALLDEMOSSA – BEST FOR QUIET VILLAGE STAYS
High in the Serra de Tramuntana, Deià and Valldemossa are best suited to short stays focused on scenery, quiet evenings, and village life.
These are not bases for constant sightseeing, but they shine if the goal is to slow down, enjoy the landscape, and experience a more intimate side of Mallorca.
Location: Northwest Mallorca, in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.
Why stay here: Mountain views, peaceful surroundings, and a slower rhythm that feels far removed from the busier parts of the island.
Recommended stays:
Budget-friendly: Hostal Villa Verde – One of the more accessible options in Deià, offering simple comfort in a beautiful setting.
Mid-range: Bordoy Continental Valldemossa – A hillside stay with spacious rooms and wide-open views, offering a calm base just outside Valldemossa with scenery that really stands out.
Luxury: La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca – An iconic luxury retreat in Deià, with beautifully designed rooms, lush gardens, and views that make the Tramuntana feel unforgettable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What is the best part of Mallorca to stay in?
The best area to stay in Mallorca depends on how you plan to spend your time. Palma de Mallorca works best for first-time visitors thanks to its central location, dining scene, and easy transport links. For beach-focused trips, Cala d'Or is a strong choice, while Sóller or Port de Sóller suit travellers drawn to scenery and a slower pace.
Where should you avoid staying in Mallorca?
Areas built mainly for mass tourism can feel limiting if you want to explore the island. Parts of Magaluf and El Arenal are heavily nightlife-focused and don’t offer much outside the resort strip. They can work for short party trips, but they’re not ideal bases for discovering Mallorca’s towns, landscapes, and culture.
Where is the prettiest part of Mallorca?
Many travellers consider the Serra de Tramuntana the most beautiful part of the island. Villages like Deià, Valldemossa, and Sóller combine mountain scenery, stone architecture, and sea views, creating some of Mallorca’s most striking landscapes.
Is Mallorca an expensive destination?
Mallorca can feel expensive in peak summer and in areas focused on luxury resorts, but overall it offers a wide range of options. With the right base and timing, it’s easy to balance costs by mixing affordable stays, local dining, and free or low-cost experiences like beaches, hikes, and village visits across the island.
