Where to Stay in Mallorca: Best Areas + 15 Enchanting Hotels

Beaches, mountains and a sophisticated medieval city. Sounds idyllic, right?

It is – welcome to the Spanish island of Mallorca!

But here’s the thing.

There are so many delightful things to do in Mallorca – and the island is so diverse – that bedding down in one place limits what you can experience.

When planning where to stay in Mallorca, keep in mind that it’s a big island with four major areas, each with its own main attractions and vibe.

What you experience in the south will be vastly different from what you can find in the north.

Consider what your top holiday priorities are – beach lounging, adventure activities, historical sightseeing, mountain escapes, party time. Mallorca offers it all, but not all in every area.  

Ideally, you want to try and take in most of the island, especially if this is your first time visiting.

So when deciding where to stay on Mallorca, consider choosing not just one hotel in Mallorca, but two or preferably three in different areas.

Where to stay in Mallorca, Spain?

By splitting your time this way, you’ll experience the best of Mallorca.

Staying in a hotel or hotels in Mallorca on the beach, venturing out into the rural countryside and soaking up Mallorca culture in Palma will give you the ultimate appreciation of this lovely Spanish island.

(By the way, don’t get confused by the spelling. Mallorca is often spelled “Majorca” by the British. But it’s the same beautiful island, and we spell it both ways here.)

About Mallorca

The Balearic island of Mallorca is about 1,405 sq. miles (3,640 sq. km) in size, making it the largest island in Spain.

Its white sandy beaches are a big draw for many visitors.

But as mentioned, there are four major regions with a whole lot to explore. So when deciding on the best places in Mallorca to stay, it helps to look more closely at these four regions:

South Coast

If you’re familiar with only some parts of Mallorca, chances are they’re located on the southern coast.

That’s because this is where the most-visited tourist spots are, including the capital city of Palma de Mallorca and Mallorca’s most popular beaches.

You’ll also find quaint fishing villages, along with historical gems scattered inland.

The south coast is also home to the greatest number and variety of accommodations in Mallorca.

East Coast

This is the best area to stay in Majorca for families, as most of the island’s family-friendly resorts are located here.

Lapped by turquoise waters, the beaches are beautiful and likely to be surrounded by pine trees (compared to the sandier terrain of the south coast).

The east coast is also a great choice if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday mixed with some nightlife.

North Coast

Mallorca’s north coast is a less touristy part of the island.

The shallow waters and quiet beaches make it a great area for families traveling with kids and for couples in search of a peaceful getaway.

But you also find mountains. If you like the idea of more rugged and rural adventure travel (hiking!) – as dictated by the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range – then the north and west coasts are a must-see.

This area is home to some of Mallorca’s most scenic spots and villages.

The town of Pollensa (Pollenca), in particular, is a great place if you like exploring charming arts-and-crafts shops and lingering in delightful cafés and bars.

West Coast

Also dominated by the Tramuntana mountains, the west coast is the best place to stay in Mallorca for a more secluded away-from-the-crowds vacation. It’s one of the nicest parts of Mallorca, in our view.

You can choose between seaside digs on the cliffs or a finca (farmhouse-cum-inn) nestled in the mountains.

Best places to stay in Mallorca (which town or beach area?)

Best places in Mallorca for couples

Soller and Palma de Mallorca are the best towns to stay in Mallorca for couples looking to ignite some romance.

In Soller, you can cozy up in a finca and enjoy a peaceful rural holiday for two.

Where to stay in Mallorca for nightlife

If you’re chasing the ultimate party scene, head to Playa del Palma or Magaluf. They’re infamous for being every young foreigner’s top choices for hot party spots.

For a more mature crowd, but still lively and vibrant, then Palma de Mallorca is your best bet.

As the island’s main town, Palma has an after-dark club and lounge scene with an added touch of class and charm.

Where to stay in Mallorca for families

For families traveling with small children, Santa Ponsa on the south-west coast is very family-friendly.

It’s located in a protected bay – which translates into a wide shallow beach that offers the safest beach conditions for young kids.

Puerto Pollensa (or Port de Pollensa) in north-east Mallorca is another great option for families. It offers a safe quiet atmosphere that’s well-suited for families with older children seeking an easy-going vacation.

Another one of the best areas to stay in Mallorca for families is Port d’Alcudia and the Bay of Alcudia (also on the north coast).

There’s lots to do in Alcudia and surrounding area, from windsurfing, sailing and go karting to wandering the narrow streets of Alcudia Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

You’ll find several family-friendly resorts here.

Best places to stay in Mallorca for the beach

There are so many amazing beaches to choose from on the island – much of it depends on exactly what you’re after.

Puerto Pollensa is another excellent choice.

Located in north Mallorca, Puerto Pollensa offers a friendly low-key atmosphere with beautiful beaches, cute souvenir shops and restaurants.

Oh, and we should mention the resort area of Cala d’Or too. It means “the Golden Bay” – and that’s a fitting description for this great place.

Cala d’Or boasts no less than seven great beaches. The longest beach is Cala Gran – about 130 feet long – with fine sand and water sports like pedalo rentals.

Just keep in mind that these beaches are busy in high season. But you can usually always find a patch of sand to claim as your own.

Where to stay on Mallorca for a splurge

The best part of Mallorca to stay to see and be seen is Puerto Portals.

As a favorite Mallorca private-marina destination for celebrities and public figures, Puerto Portals is filled with luxurious hotels and posh nightlife spots.

15 Best hotels in Mallorca, Spain

In terms of specific accommodation, you’ll find many enchanting places to stay in Mallorca – from grand castles and adults-only boutique inns to farm fincas (converted farm estates).

Here are our picks for the 15 best Mallorca hotels, resorts and fincas.

This minimalist boutique hotel is ideally located right in Palma’s old town.

You’re just a short walk to Palma’s landmark Gothic cathedral (get your skip-the-line-tickets here) and the Royal Palace of Almudaina.

The 41 moderately-priced rooms are split between two buildings, one a 16th century palazzo (which we prefer) and the other a modern block.

In the middle is a stone courtyard sprouting a towering palm tree, under which 30’s-something guests linger, checking out emails on their laptops.

Guestrooms are snug, but the open bedroom/bathroom design helps make them feel bigger, and the Hotel Tres signature table that rolls over the bed is a clever space-saver.

White floors, wood floors and lots of glass lend a clean spare look.

Several rooms have king-size beds – hard to find in Mallorca.

Bonus: WiFi is free, rates include a plentiful breakfast and complimentary iPads are available to use.

2) Castillo Hotel Son Vida

Everyone from Michael Douglas, super-model Claudia Schiffer, rock musician Sting and the Spanish royal family have bedded down here.

A peaceful retreat surrounded by cypresses and pines – yet only 15 minutes by car, bus or taxi from the maze of Palma de Mallorca’s shopping streets – Castillo Hotel Son Vida perches high above the bay of Palma.

Part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, the 13th century castle hotel (complete with a knight statue in full shining armor in the lobby) has 164 rooms and suites.

Interiors include gilt-framed mirrors, Juliet balconies overlooking the twinkling lights of the city, and fresh-cut long-stem roses on antique dressers.

By day, take a dip in the grand outside pool set amid palms and pine trees, or tee off on any one of three nearby championship golf courses.

At night, dine on the outdoor stone terrace, lit by crystal oil lamps.

A spa features a state-of-the-art gym and light-filled treatment rooms with underfloor heating.

3) Finca Can Coll Boutique Country House

Fincas in Mallorca are a special type of accommodation.

They are traditional Spanish farmhouses that have been converted into boutique inns and B&Bs.

Some fincas are pleasantly modest; others are top-notch with guest casitas, swimming pools and 300-thread-count linens.

Finca Can Coll, where we stayed, is one of the sweetest Mallorca fincas.

A restored butter-yellow manor house, it has eight individually decorated rooms.

Spoil yourself with a suite featuring a huge outdoor terrace overlooking the mountains and terracotta tile roofs of Soller.

There’s also a tranquil pool in the garden for enjoying sunny lazy afternoons.

A talented chef whips up modern Mediterranean dinners, served outside by six-foot-high candelabras or inside the bodega (wine room).

Once or twice a week, you might be treated to Spanish paella, a tapas trilogy or a barbecue.

In the morning, delicious breakfasts of homemade blackberry yogurt, egg dishes and date-and-nut bread are taken in the shady garden.

Renowned among the 5-star luxury hotels in Majorca, Belmond La Residencia is gloriously nestled amid 30 acres of citrus and olive groves, within the coastal town of Deia.

Deia is home to artists and poets; Robert Graves lived in Deia for the last 50 years of his life.

(Clinging to the mountainside, Deia is so steep, with so little flat land, that villagers are buried standing up.)

Designed to complement the surrounding village, Belmond La Residencia has 76 rooms, clustered within four stone buildings.

Two are ivy-clad manor houses, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, set around a large inviting pool.

Persian carpets add warmth to red stone floors, and original oil paintings adorn the walls.

Lovely touches: Fresh-cut flowers are delivered to your room after check-in, and turndown chocolates come in mesh jewelry bags.

But for all its splendor, La Residencia isn’t stuffy – a yellow rubber duck greeted us in the bathtub.

Don’t miss dining in its brilliant El Olivo restaurant.

Cool activities? Walking with donkeys to a mountain refuge for a Mallorcan picnic in a stone shepherd’s hut.

We also loved swimming in lovely clear water at the hidden beach cove of Cala Deia.

5) Hotel Son Brull

The best place to stay in Majorca for couples? We hear Hotel Son Brull is pretty dreamy.

We haven’t stayed here yet. But this is one of the boutique hotels in Mallorca we’d like to check out next time!

Tucked away in the foothills of the mountains near Pollenca, Hotel Son Brull is housed in a former 12th century Jesuit monastery.

The 25 rooms are very modern and minimalist though, with concrete flooring, slick bathrooms with separate tub and shower, and Bang & Olufsen sound systems.

Comforts come in the form of king-size beds and pillow menus.

Keen to splurge? Two 2-bedroom villas have their own private pools.

Its restaurant is celebrated – guests rave over the crispy-skin roast suckling pig with purple carrot and the nougat-and- hot-chocolate dessert.

Jams are home-made, and the hotel produces its own gin and wine.

There’s also a spa with hammam, yoga studio and heated outdoor pool.

6) Pleta de Mar, Luxury Hotel by Nature

The location and amenities put Pleta de Mar in a league of its own.

You’re surrounded by serene luxury with two saltwater infinity pools, a full-service spa, an al-fresco fitness center and a great restaurant – all set amid lush Mediterranean gardens with pine and olive trees.

It’s just as luxurious in the 30 large suites. They feature wood floors, earth tones, natural fabrics and private terraces.

Premium suites include sea views and hot tubs, making it tempting to never leave!

If you decide to venture out, a leisurely 10-minute walk down the rural road gets you to Torre de Canyamel, an historic 13-century watchtower with a small museum and popular restaurant.

Hop in the car, and within 15 minutes, you reach the medieval castle in the town of Capdepera.

Or stroll the chic galleries and boutiques in the nearby town of Arta.

No matter which of the 121 available rooms you stay in at the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel, you’ll be spoiled with gob-smacking views of either the sea or mountains – revel in them from your terrace or balcony.

The Jumeirah is one of the top luxury resorts in Mallorca for families, and there’s lots you can do here.

Concierges can help organize bike rentals, tours, sunset boat trips and helicopter rides.

Adults and kids over 12 will love taking a dip in the infinity pool, while a second family pool welcomes guests of all ages.

There’s also a full-service spa, gym and an amazing outdoor heated hydro-pool that overlooks the nearby mountains.

Also treat the family to the historic tram ride into Soller town (2½ miles from Port de Soller). Visit gorgeous botanic gardens, a modern art museum and the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences.

8) Can Cera

If your accommodation wish list includes an exquisite luxury hotel in Palma de Mallorca – one that oozes history and has a prime location too – get thee to Can Cera!

(And sorry, little ones. This hotel is just for grown-ups.)

Check out the grand wood-paneled library. And take in spectacular views of the city from the rooftop sun terrace.

Located off Santa Eulalia Placa, Can Cera is within steps of Palma’s lively bars, cafés and antique bookshops. The Cathedral, Almudaina Palace and Parc de la Mar are just a brisk five-minute jaunt away.

Interested in activity recommendations and bookings – like museum and wine cellar visits, horseback riding, golfing or a sea trip on Can Cera’s own Italian-designed Pardo 43 boat?

The hotel’s friendly concierge service team is on hand to help.

Fontsanta Hotel is tucked away off a rural road, near the resort town of Colonia Sant Jordi.

On the southern tip of Mallorca, Colonia Sant Jordi is where boats depart daily for the magnificent Spanish national park known as Cabrera Island.

You can also enjoy the seaside with beautiful Es Trenc beach nearby and Ses Covetes beach just over four miles away.

Meanwhile, Es Salbrara’s salt marshes (and their wild flamingoes) lie right in the hotel’s front yard.

The hotel’s thermal spa will pamper you silly.

The naturally heated thermal spring waters found here feed a giant thermal pool, steam room, sauna, whirlpool tub plus 10 private thermal baths with 38-degree water temperature. 

Book a professional massage or any one of numerous beauty treatments, or reserve a private consultation with the on-site nutritionist.

Aside from all these thermal spring amenities, you also find two big swimming pools and four whirlpool tubs scattered throughout the perfectly manicured gardens.

As for the 36 ultra-modern rooms on this 19th century property, they’re serene and calming, with white walls, wooden floors and all the latest technology for the ultimate in comfort.

10) Hipocampo Palace

Indeed, you have lots of choices for how to spend a chilled day at the 5-star Hipocampo Palace, which sprawls over more than four acres of manicured tropical gardens.

If you’d rather be physically active – or sprinkle in some fun activities between your beach and pool time – play a match at one of the six tennis courts or tee off at a nearby golf course.

11) Finca Serena

Like Pleta de Mar (#6) and Fontsanta (#9), Finca Serena is another posh place to chill out in the middle of nature.

One of the finest fincas in Mallorca, the 40-acre property provides the perfect mix of pastoral simplicity and modern comfort.

Let your cares slip away as you lounge by the pool and bask in nature’s serenity. Wellness is an integral part of the place, so you can participate in yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi sessions too.

Get a taste of local flavors at the elegant on-site Jacaranda restaurant. It specializes in authentic dishes with seasonal ingredients fresh from its orchards.

You can also take advantage of their vineyard tour with wine and oil tastings because… Who doesn’t love a good tasting?

12) Grupotel Parc Natural & Spa

The Grupotel Parc Natural & Spa is nestled along the Bay of Alcudia.

With spectacular views, an incredible pool, expansive gardens, a white-sand beach at your finger tips and elegant rooms, it offers everything you need for a great family vacay.

All rooms include a terrace or balcony, so you’re sure to get a great view of either the pool, gardens or sea.

It’s easy to stay active with yoga classes, table tennis, volleyball, bowling and nearby hiking trails.

You’ll find more to do on the hotel grounds with their 5,180 sq. ft. swimming pool, sun beds, spa and wellness area that includes a fitness center, Turkish bath and heated pool.

Playa de Muro Beach is just in front of the hotel, so getting in some beach time couldn’t be easier.

Buses also stop in front of the resort and offer direct routes to Can Picafort and the medieval town of Alcudia.

13) El Llorenc Parc de la Mar

Calling all adults favoring a boutique Palma hotel with a pool!

Facing the sea – and crowned with a glorious rooftop infinity pool – El Llorenc Parc de la Mar has got you covered.

Its Moorish-inspired contemporary design is catnip for design enthusiasts and luxury hotel aficionados.

The rooftop beach club is winner.

Soak in the panoramic views as you lounge poolside on a Balinese sun bed underneath emerald-green feathered parasols. While you’re at it, enjoy a refreshing drink and bistro snack from the terrace cocktail bar.

Renowned local chef Santi Taura runs both of the hotel’s restaurants.

DINS offers a fine-dining experience with gastronomic Majorcan cuisine that gets rave reviews.

Tucked away in Palma’s medieval quarter of La Calatrava, El Llorenc is located near all the major sights (such as La Seu Cathedral).

A 15-minute walk takes you to the Portixol district, best known for its fish restaurants and charming bars.

14) Zafiro Palace Alcudia

You’ll never want for anything at the all-suite Zafiro Palace Alcudia, located in the popular tourist town of Port Alcudia.

Between the countless family-friendly amenities, onsite entertainment and food and beverage options, there’s zero need to leave the grounds.

Bike rentals? Check. Kids’ club? Yep. Daily entertainment, laundry service and a gym? Indeed.

Oh, and get this – there are 12 pools! One is adult-only.

The Zen Spa offers a Turkish bath, whirlpool tub, sauna and exercise classes too.

As for the food (always important on holidays!), you have five restaurant options. One is a buffet restaurant and the other four restaurants are themed: from Italian to Japanese.

There are also plenty of bars to be found, including a pool bar.

And let’s not forget you’re only a 10-minute walk from a long sandy beach.

15) Portals Hills Boutique Hotel

Say hello to the Mediterranean version of “Miami Beach meets Beverly Hills”! That’s Portals Hills.

Displaying a modern Art Deco design, Portals Hills offers 30 white-and-gold suites – including an exclusive penthouse completely furnished with designer Italian furniture by FENDI.

All accommodations feature impressive sea views, private balconies with seating areas, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, fridges and Nespresso coffee makers.

Rub shoulders with the international yacht set at the hotel’s buzzy pool bar and club. Who knows, you may spot a European celebrity or two!

Ten minutes from the hotel, you’ll find exclusive Portals Nous beach.

And from there, a few minutes’ walk away, Puerto Portals is a chic marina hotspot, well-known among the yachting community, with gourmet restaurants and designer boutiques.

So are you excited about visiting Mallorca?

We hope this guide on where to stay in Majorca helps you with your travel planning.

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Photo credits: 19, 25 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | 2 Hotel Son Brull | Other Mallorca hotel photos courtesy of the respective hotels

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