Where To Stay in Mallorca: The Best Areas and Locations

Nine visits in and Mallorca has never once disappointed me, which says a lot. It’s one of those rare destinations that works however you want to holiday: lively city breaks, slow weeks on the beach or spicy days in the mountains. There’s a version of Mallorca for almost every kind of traveller, and I’ve tried most of them!

Below I’m sharing my favourite regions by vibe – whether you’re after outdoor adventure, peaceful crowd-free spots or a turquoise cove to do absolutely nothing in – I’ve got you covered.

The Practicalities:

Getting There & Getting Around:

There are direct flights to Mallorca from most UK airports and it is around a two-hour journey. Once on the ground, I recommend renting a car as you will need one to access the beaches, hikes and sights on the island.

Prices:

You can visit Mallorca on a budget or splurge on luxury hotels. Cut costs by staying in an Airbnb or Agroturismo, as well as cooking in your accommodation or choosing low-cost meals when possible. Quieter regions in shoulder season tend to come with a slightly lower price tag, but in peak season it can be hard to find truly affordable options.

How Long To Stay:

It all depends on what the vibe of your trip is, you can easily spend a long weekend dipping your toe in what the island has to offer, but similarly could fill two weeks if you made it into a bit of a road trip with multiple stops.

When To Go:

Mallorca is a year round destination. Peak season for sunshine is June to September, but the shoulder season of April/May and October is a prime time for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

The Best Areas to Stay In Mallorca:

Sóller

Where to stay in Mallorca for Hiking

If hiking is your main priority, Sóller should be at the top of your hit list. This cute little town is located right in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains – Mallorcas UNESCO-listed mountain range. You can easily access a whole range of hikes from beginner to advanced if you base yourself here, just make sure you have a car to get to the trailheads. It is also a short drive, or pretty tram ride, away from the coastal town of Port de Soller which has plenty of waterside cafes and restaurants as well as a small beach. That being said, Sóller wouldn’t be my recommendation if you’re looking for lots of beach time alongside your hikes as there are limited options nearby.

You can check out my full Mallorca hiking guide here.

My favourite hotels: Finca Ca’n Quatre and Ecocirer Hotel

Other great locations in the same region: Port de Sóller, Valdemossa and Bunyola.

Palma

Where to stay in Mallorca for a city break

Palma is the capital of Mallorca and the perfect place for a wholesome city break. It has a stunning old town, dominated by the iconic La Seu cathedral which is seriously impressive. Plus there are plenty of cobbled back streets to explore, lined with vintage shops, independent cafes and restaurants. The coffee and food scene is incredible – I have to recommend El Camino for a meal (but book far in advance!). Palma also makes a brilliant base if you want to explore the wider island. You’re well connected by road, so day trips to the mountains, central vineyards, the east coast coves, or the south are all very doable.

My favourite hotels: Can Cera and Hotel Gloria de Sant Jaume

Other great locations in the same region: Port de Sóller, Valdemossa and Bunyola.

Santanyí

Where to stay in Mallorca for beaches:

If beaches are your priority, the southeast of Mallorca is where you want to be and Santanyí is my personal pick for a base. We actually went there for our mini-moon! It’s a gorgeous little town with a market, restaurants, and easy access to some of the most stunning coves on the island. This includes the iconic Caló des Moro, Cala Llombards, and Cala Santanyí itself. You’ll want a car to get between them, and securing parking can be a challenge in high season so try to go early in the day if you can!

If you want something a bit bigger and livelier with more of a resort feel, Cala d’Or is a solid alternative just down the road but for me, Santanyí has more charm and character.

My favourite hotels: Can Ferrereta

Arta

Where to stay in Mallorca to escape the crowds:

If you’re looking to get away from the busier tourist areas, the region around Artà in the northeast is a brilliant shout. It’s quieter, less developed, and honestly feels like a different island compared to some of the more popular areas. It has a little bit of everything. There’s beaches like Cala Torta and Cala Estreta and beautiful peaceful hikes in the Llevant Natural Park. A personal highlight was the hike down to Platja des Caló, a gentle trail that rewards you with an untouched cove at the end. If you want a bit more of a town base, Artà itself is worth considering. It’s a lovely hilltop town with a fortress, market and cute cafes without being super touristy.

My favourite hotels: Es Raco d’Arta and Jardi d’Arta

Pollença

Where to stay in Mallorca for a little bit of everything:

If you want a base that is the best of both worlds, Pollença is your answer. The old town is gorgeous, with views over the island, a beautiful square and plenty of cafes and restaurants. You’re also brilliantly placed to explore the varied surroundings. There’s Cap de Formentor, one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline on the island, with incredible hiking and cycling routes along the peninsula as well as some beautiful beaches and hidden coves. Port de Pollença is just a short drive down the road and has a completely different vibe with waterside restaurants, a lovely pine-lined walk along the seafront, and a more relaxed resort feel if that’s what you’re after for an evening. Plus you can access the northern stretches of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, so if hiking is on the agenda alongside everything else, this is a brilliant base for that too.

My favourite hotels: Mon Boutique Hotel and Can Auli