Where to Stay in Mallorca, Spain in 2025 – The 8 Best Areas

When considering where to stay in Mallorca, you first need to know the variations in the different spots of the island, which is one of Europe’s tourist hot spots. From the packed tourist vibe of the southwestern beach regions close to the capital to the quiet and scenic northern and eastern reaches ideal for relaxation, families, and adventure activities.

Maybe you want to live it up and let down your hair with a backdrop of white sandy beaches and clear warm water. Or perhaps you would instead discover some of the island’s lesser-known northern and northeastern regions with their scenic little towns and fishing villages.

Either way, you’ll undoubtedly encounter the Mediterranean lifestyle at its best when you stay in Mallorca, with its friendly locals and comparably reasonable pricing ranges.

There is plenty on offer and lots of diversity, so to make it a little easier, I have highlighted where to stay in Mallorca from my visits to the picturesque Spanish island.

Best Places to Stay in Mallorca

Just need to be pointed in the right direction for the best accommodations in Mallorca? Here are our quick picks!

The 8 Best Areas To Stay In Mallorca

1. Palma de Mallorca

Historic and lively area of Mallorca that is ideal for first-time visitors with money to spend

Best Hotels in Palma de Mallorca – Hotel Almudaina • Melia Palma Bay • Hotel Colon

The capital of Mallorca in the South is unsurprisingly historic and lively. It is the spot where many first-timers and seasoned tourists alike head for, and pretty much all of the districts in Palma have tourism attractions of some form.

Palma is the main travel hub for the entire island, and alongside the city’s international airport, there is also a bustling seaport, not to mention bus and train stations. Public transportation is widespread and efficient enough to ensure you can easily navigate.

The best areas of Palma to consider staying in are the Casco Histirico, in the Old City, and the Paseo Maritimo, along Maritime Boulevard. These are relatively close to each other and are the main areas for hotels, nightlife, and various other amenities in a touristy setting, as well as a spot of historic architecture and culture.

The most comprehensive accommodation range you will likely find in Mallorca is in these two districts, although it won’t be the easiest on the wallet.

You’ll find international chains and luxury resorts near the beaches, boutique hotels, and hostels a bit further in. All things considered, though, Palma will fit a range of budgets regarding accommodation.

2. Magaluf

The best nightlife you will find on the island

Best Hotels in Magaluf – Innside Calvia Beach • Hotel Samos • Hotel Florida

About an hour from the capital, a little more to the southwest of the island is the coastal town of Magaluf. This is a spot well-known as a favorite with British holidaymakers. Thus Magaluf’s nightlife is fairly vibrant but not to the extremes of Playa de Palma.

If you are looking for luxury beachfront resorts, you won’t be disappointed here, although there is also a fair range of affordable apartments, boutique hotels, and comparatively budget inns. The hostels seem a bit thin on the ground, indicating that the nearby Palma would be the better option for this type of budget accommodation.

There are various family attractions in Magaluf, like “The House” in Kathmandu Park, water parks, and go-karts.

3. Santa Ponsa

The best area to find a piece of tranquility and soak up the sun

Best Hotels in Santa Ponsa – Sun Beach • Hotel Casablanca • TRH Jardin Del Mar

Another somewhat upscale location, Santa Ponsa has a large bay that is also very shallow. So swimmers are safer here, which is why the area is a haven for families. It is also popular with couples searching for a little solitude, although there is plenty of adventure, including a spot of golf.

Hence the three golf courses make this a popular location for golfers, and it features a few challenging holes. Regarding accommodation, the options in Santa Ponsa lean more toward the high-end. If you want to stay in one of the luxury hotels in this coastal town, you might consider checking out their off-season discounts.

4. Calla Ratjada

A less popular tourist area that still offers the Mallocra experience on a budget

Best Hotels in Calla Ratjada – Hotel The Sky • Prinsotel La Prineda • The Corner House Boutique

Cala Ratjada is across the island on the east coast and is another excellent location for visitors looking for relaxing white sandy beaches, pristine waters, and nature tours if the mood takes them. A ferry boat trip is available that offers a rather scenic way to view some areas of the island, and there is also some nightlife once the evening draws in.

As this spot on the east coast leans more towards the undiscovered parts of Mallorca as far as tourism goes, the accommodation prices tend to be more reasonable.

5. Calla Millor

A large coastal town for those that want to experience the everyday culture of Mallorca

Best Hotels in Calla Millor – Hipocampo Palace • Calla Millor Park • Saturno

This is a relatively large coastal town with a 5-kilometer stretch of impressive beach. Calla Millor is likely to hold some appeal with a broad age range of tourists, and again the accommodation is more reasonably priced than in the southern regions.

All the amenities you could ask for on a beachfront are available, including plenty of seafood restaurants, bars, pubs, and nightclubs. If that is not enough, then Palma is easily accessible from Calla Millor. You can get there via both public and private transportation along a large main road that connects directly to the island’s capital.

6. Cala d’Or

This quiet area packed with resorts and spas is the ideal spot to relax in luxury

Best Hotels in Cala d’Or – Hotel Cala Dor • Hotel d’Or • Hotel Antares

Cala d’Or is a somewhat more expensive but delightful resort, all about secluded beaches with a more local vibe. In many ways, this place is the ideal beach vacation away from the chaos of mass tourism. The locals can be found on this stretch of beach, which adds to its more authentic, natural feel.

The architecture along the coast is also impressive in that it is a mix of Mediterranean style with a modern twist. The beach resorts in Cala d’Or tend to be a bit more expensive, but you will still be able to find a range of more affordable, smaller boutique-type hotels located more in the residential regions of the town.

7. Can Picafort

Catered towards tourists, the area offers an abundance of attractions for visitors to the island

Best Hotels in Can Picafort – Hotel THB Gran Bahia • Grupotel Gran Vista • Hotel Villa Barbara

Heading to the northern regions, you will find Can Picafort, one of the most popular tourist spots on Alcudia Bay. You will find lots of activities and tours here, including Albufera Park. This is one of the area’s main attractions and is a natural and unspoiled wetland region of the island.

Can Picafort has been increasingly developed in terms of tourism over the last few years, and more people have been coming to the area. The accommodation price ranges are very reasonable though and some of the region’s best.

Indeed, any budget travelers won’t be disappointed with the options over on this side of Mallorca unless you are looking for a hostel, which is not prevalent on this side of the island.

8. Playa De Muro

An affordable beachfront ideal for those traveling with kids

Best Hotels in Playa De Muro – Grupotel Los Principes • JS Alcudi Mar • Grupotel Amapola

Playa de Muro is a long stretch of the Mediterranean coastline, where you can find many beachfront hotels. It does get a little crowded throughout the peak season. However, many visitors tend to be families with younger children rather than late-night revelers.

One of the main factors is that the water is safe and shallow along this stretch of walled coast, making it ideal for kids to paddle away the day in.

You’ll still find enough restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars to keep you happy here. As with most stretches of beach in coastal towns, the accommodation is likely to be more reasonably priced the further away from the ocean you stay.

That said, Playa de Muro is also one of the most affordable beach spots you are likely to find in all of Mallorca.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Mallorca

So, Where Should You Stay in Mallorca?

• Palma de Mallorca — An ideal mix of historical sites and modern amenities, Palma de Mallorca is a perfect home base for those looking to get in the most activities during their visit.

• Magaluf — Popular with British holidaymakers, this area is ideal for those looking to party the night away and unwind on the beaches the next day.

• Santa Ponsa — Spas, golf courses, and shallow water beaches make this picturesque location ideal for couples. Just be aware that this is an upscale area of Mallorca and may not work for those traveling on a budget.

• Calla Ratjada — A reasonably priced, lesser explored area of Mallorca, Calla Ratjada is ideal for those concise about their budget and more inclined to spend their day relaxing on the beach.

• Calla Millor — This larger coastal town offers plenty of seaside beaches and a more vibrant cultural experience than the other areas.

• Cala d’Or — A quiet area packed with spas, resorts, and small boutique hotels, Cala d’Or is the ideal area to unwind and live in the moment.

• Can Picafort — A popular tourist area, Can Picafort is tailored to visitors and offers various attractions, accommodations, and dining options.

• Playa De Muro — The long shallow beach around Playa De Muro makes it ideal for families who want to spend their day on the beach.

Whether you are a first-timer in Mallorca happy to head to the densely-populated tourist beaches seeking sun and fun, or a more seasoned visitor who now much prefers the northern spots — you’ll be impressed with the charm and diversity of the largest Balearic island of them all. It offers a little something to accommodate a wide range of preferences.