Where to Stay in Palma de Mallorca (Best Places)

8 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Palma de Mallorca

Palma is located on the southern coast of Mallorca, and is one of the best places to visit in Spain. The city is situated on a beautiful expanse of coastline with areas to stay extending down Palma’s east and west coasts. Old Town is the most popular place to stay, but other areas may be better suited to different travel styles.

Old Town

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Old Town Hotels: Sant Francesc Hotel Singular • Hotel Basilica • Hotel Cappuccino • Hotel Cort

Old Town is the best, most popular place to stay in Palma for first-time visitors. This charming neighborhood makes up the central part of the city and tons of historical attractions are within walking distance.

There are plenty of hotels to choose from, including luxury and boutique. Many of these accommodations even come with a swimming pool and rooftop terrace. Hotel Basilica has both, and is my #1 hotel choice in Palma for its overall value, central location, and simple elegance.

Choose Hotel Cappuccino if you want the most central location possible. This beautiful 5-star hotel is in the true heart of Old Town, directly across from the 17th-century city hall building. In the same plaza, you’ll also find my top boutique hotel recommendation, Hotel Cort.

Sant Francesc Hotel Singular is another fantastic choice. This highly-rated hotel is located in the midst of Old Town with incredible views of Palma’s historic skyline. It also has a rooftop pool with views of the royal palace and cathedral! 

Pros of Staying in Old Town Neighborhood:

• Perfect location for exploring locally and taking day trips
• Close to the Mediterranean Sea and marina 
• Walkable
• Great restaurants, bars, and shopping
• Lots of hotel options

Cons of Staying in Old Town Neighborhood:

• Hotels can be pricey
• Busier than other neighborhoods
• Can be noisy 
• Parking may be more difficult 

Playa de Palma

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Playa de Palma Hotels: Helios Mallorca Hotel & Apartments • Hotel Ciutat Jardi • Aparthotel Fontanellas Playa

Check out Playa de Palma if you and your family are headed to Palma for some fun in the sun. This stretch of beach located on Palma’s east coast is home to family-friendly resorts, attractions, and activities. 

The beaches that make up Playa de Palma have amenities like bathrooms, showers, and beach bars for food and drinks. It gets quite busy during the summer, but the beaches are big enough to accommodate visitors of all ages. 

Many beach resorts make up Playa de Palma. Helios Mallorca Hotel & Apartments is one of these. It has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, family rooms, and plenty more amenities.

Aparthotel Fontanellas Playa is another good beachfront choice for families, as it also has family rooms, including some with kitchenettes. Plus, they have an indoor play area and kids club.

Playa de Palma is home to many restaurants, bars, and tourist shops. This area is also the closest to Palma Airport.

Pros of Staying in Playa de Palma Neighborhood:

• Family-friendly
• Beach access & water activities
• Close to downtown Palma
• Lots of great restaurants and bars
• Walkable 
• Close to Avenida de Gabriel Roca (Paseo Marítimo)
• Lots of hotel and resort options
• Near Palma Airport

Cons of Staying in Playa de Palma Neighborhood:

• A little farther from top attractions 
• Can be noisy 
• Less local culture 
• Outside of Palma city centre

Cala Major

👉 Best Area For Beaches & Convenient Location | ✨ Best Cala Major Hotels: Nixe Palace • Hotel Joan Miro Museum • Eurostars Marivent

Cala Major is an ideally located neighborhood just 10-20 minutes west of Palma. This neighborhood is perfect for families and those who want to be outside the city for a more relaxing beach getaway, but still have access to amenities. 

The major draw to Cala Major is the beach since the vibe tends to be calmer than other beaches in Palma. For families with younger kids, the beach here has clear, shallow waters with soft sand and palm trees for shade. It’s also lined with beach bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Nixe Palace is a highly-rated hotel with direct beach access, terrace views of the sea, and family rooms. Hotel Joan Miro Museum is a good mid-range hotel with friendly service and plenty of amenities.

Pros of Staying in Cala Major Neighborhood:

• Good beaches
• Access to water sports activities 
• Relatively close to Palma 
• Good for families
• More laid back vibe
• Access to good restaurants, bars, and amenities
• Pretty scenery 
• Variety of hotel options
• Close to some of Palma’s attractions

Cons of Staying in Cala Major Neighborhood:

• Smaller beach 
• More commercial downtown scene
• Outside of Palma city centre
• Might need a rental car, depending 

Portals Nous

👉 Best Area For Luxury | ✨ Best Portals Nous Hotels: The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort • Portals Hills Boutique Hotel • Lindner Hotel Mallorca Portals Nous

Looking for luxury? Portals Nous is your answer. This resort town is about 15-30 minutes west of Palma. 

Portals Nous is filled with luxury resorts and boutique hotels as well as residential areas. There’s a real cosmopolitan feel to the town, and many celebrities choose to vacation here. 

Enjoy a little R&R with all the amenities available in Portals Nous.This includes golf courses, a lively marina, wellness spas, high-end boutiques, and tons of upscale bars and restaurants.

Aside from the glitz and glam, the cherry on top is the bright blue waters and beautiful scenery, which can be enjoyed at a hotel like The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort. Here, guests can enjoy stunning ocean views, three pools, three restaurants, a seafront golf course, full spa, and beautiful rooms. Not to mention, the property itself is private and lavish. 

Lindner Hotel Mallorca Portals Nous is another beautiful hotel with a spa, swimming pools, and proximity to the golf course. But it has a cheaper price tag than the St. Regis. 

Pros of Staying in Portals Nous Neighborhood:

• Luxurious area
• Lots of great restaurants, bars, and boutiques 
• Vibrant marina
• Scenic
• Occasional celebrity sightings 
• Nightlife
• Amenities like spas, golf course, and yacht clubs

Cons of Staying in Portals Nous Neighborhood:

• Hotels, shops, and restaurants can be pricey
• Further distance from Palma and the city centre
• Might need a rental car, depending

Palma Nova

👉 Best Area For Scenery & Relaxation | ✨ Best Palma Nova Hotels: Elba Sunset Mallorca Thalasso Spa • Aparthotel Ponent Mar • Zel Mallorca

Palma Nova is the place to stay if great beaches and relaxation are your top priority. This area has three beautiful beaches — Es Carregador, Na Nadala, and Son Matias. Palma Nova is situated between Portals Nous and Magaluf. It is 20-45 minutes away from central Palma. 

Palma Nova has a fun, lively atmosphere that makes it a great place to stay for travelers of all ages. For families, there are activities like water sports, golfing, and boat trips. For adults, there are good restaurants and bars worth checking out. Palma Nova also has a great beach promenade. 

Zel Mallorca epitomizes Palma Nova’s scenic and relaxing atmosphere. This luxurious property oozes Mediterranean charm and has the perfect beachfront location, along with a spa, pools, and restaurants. The hotel also offers activities like yoga classes, scuba diving, and more.

Aparthotel Ponent Mar is more geared towards families, but you’ll still benefit from access to the sea, as it’s right on the water. The hotel offers family rooms and kid-friendly amenities as well as games, activities, and programs for the whole family to enjoy. 

Pros of Staying in Palma Nova Neighborhood:

• Relaxed atmosphere with beautiful beaches
• Popular for families, retirees, and expats
• Good for water activities, including boat trips
• Restaurants, bars, and shopping
• Access to nearby golf courses 
• Good base for day trips 
• Lively beachside promenade

Cons of Staying in Palma Nova Neighborhood:

• Can be noisy because of nearby nightlife
• Further distance from Palma and city centre
• Might need a rental car, depending 

Magaluf

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Magaluf Hotels: Melia South Beach • Hotel Florida Magaluf • INNSiDE by Melia Calvia Beach

Magaluf is Palma’s top nightlife destination. So, if that’s your kind of scene, you’re not going to want to skip over this area. It’s a vacation playground for younger travelers and those looking to make some midnight memories.

Magaluf is located around 25-50 minutes west of Palma, depending on transportation. It’s just past Palma Nova. Pretty much everything here is catered to the avid nightlife scene, and happy hour doesn’t really have a timeline. 

There are endless pubs, bars, and nightclubs to choose from, but a couple of hotspots are BCM Square and Punta Ballena. Many hotels and resorts also host parties and events, so there’s always something to do. 

Book a stay at Hotel Florida Magaluf if you want to be close to the nightlife but still get some rest and relaxation. This adults-only property is walking distance from popular bars and clubs. On-site, you’ll find scenic sea views, an outdoor pool, and plenty of food and drink. 

Apart from the nightlife, Magaluf has some fun attractions like Western Water Park Magaluf, Katmandu Park, and a big shopping mall. For swimming and water activities, the main beaches are Magaluf Beach and Nikki Beach.

Pros of Staying in Magaluf Neighborhood:

• Accessibility to beaches 
• Great nightlife
• Lots of amenities 
• Lots of great restaurants and bars
• Lively atmosphere
• Good for younger crowds

Cons of Staying in Magaluf Neighborhood:

• More touristy
• Noisy because of nightlife
• Further distance from Palma and city centre
• Might need a rental car, depending 

S’Arenal

👉 Best Area For Affordability | ✨ Best S’Arenal Hotels: Hotel Gracia • whala!fun • Hostal Villa Maruja

S’Arenal is a great option for younger travelers and those on a budget. This neighborhood has everything you need to enjoy a beach vacation without breaking the bank, and is located about 20-30 minutes east of Palma.

S’Arenal has a variety of accommodation options like the simple yet budget-friendly Hostal Villa Maruja (my top budget hotel) and the more modern Hotel Gracia.

S’Arenal has a wide stretch of beach with lots of room to roam. A vibrant promenade extends along the beach, with different restaurants, bars, and cafes to enjoy. The beach is also kid-friendly with lots of water activities to take part in. 

Parties and events are easy to come by for younger travelers who want some nightlife. Plus, S’Arenal has a more chilled-out vibe than the previously mentioned Magaluf area.

Overall, S’Arenal is a good, laid-back option for budget travelers. Its location outside of Palma makes it ideal for enjoying nature and the beach, and then throwing in some nightlife at the end of the day.  

Pros of Staying in S’Arenal Neighborhood:

• Affordability
• Good beach access & water activities
• Decent selection of restaurants and cafes
• Good nightlife 
• Younger crowd
• Close to Avenida de Gabriel Roca (Paseo Marítimo) for biking and walking
• Laid back vibe 
• Not too far from Palma Airport

Cons of Staying in S’Arenal Neighborhood:

• Further distance from Palma city centre
• Can be noisy from nightlife
• Less restaurant and shopping options than other areas
• Might need a rental car, depending 

Soller

👉 Best Area For A Charming & Quaint Atmosphere | ✨ Best Soller Hotels: Hotel Ca’l Bisbe • Hotel Finca Ca N’ai • Hotel Esplendido

Soller is a small, charming Mediterranean town located 30-45 minutes north of central Palma. This town is often done as a day trip from Palma. But, because of its location and charm, it’s an option worth considering for a place to stay if you don’t mind being outside of the city.

Staying in Soller is a great option for couples and families since the area offers a little more seclusion. Stay at Hotel Ca’l Bisbe in the main town of Soller for a charming and historic experience. Or, stay at Hotel Esplendido in Port de Soller, which is located on the Mediterranean Sea. Both options offer small-town charm and scenery. 

Soller is also great for nature lovers since the mountains and sea are both within reach. You’ll have no shortage of outdoor activities to choose from, and endless scenery to enjoy. For an authentic stay in a classically Mediterranean town, Soller is perfect. 

Pros of Staying in Soller Neighborhood:

• Charming small town
• More history and culture 
• Access to the beach in Port de Soller
• Walkable downtown
• There are public transportation options between Soller and Palma 
• Less crowded and touristy than other areas in and around Palma 
• More private and secluded 
• Lots of options for vacation rentals 
• Good day trips and excursions nearby

Cons of Staying in Soller Neighborhood:

• Further distance from Palma and city attractions
• You will likely need a rental car to get around
• More limited options for restaurants, bars, and shopping

Tips for Staying in Palma de Mallorca

Palma Can Feel Touristy

Palma is one of the best places to visit in Spain. It’s no stranger to tourism, and it’s noticeable. This is not to say that Palma doesn’t have any local flair — it does — but tourism is something to be mindful of. Expect to see lots of resort towns, attractions geared towards tourists, and more.

Prices Can be Higher Than Mainland Spain

Prices in Palma tend to be a bit higher than in other cities throughout mainland Spain. To save a little money (and have a more local experience!), look for off-the-beaten-path restaurants and eat at local markets. 

You Can Take the Local EMT Buses to Get Around

Palma’s local bus system is efficient and well organized. Using the local EMT buses (blue and white buses) is the best and cheapest way to get around Palma and the surrounding areas. You can pay for your fare with cash or card, or you can buy a bus pass at a local tobacco shop.

Explore the Island of Mallorca with Day Trips

Palma is a beautiful city with tons to do, see, and enjoy. But if you have time, I highly recommend getting out of the city and exploring more that Mallorca has to offer. There are tons of charming towns and natural attractions that make for great day trips. 

Palma Is a Walkable City

Palma de Mallorca is definitely a walkable city. And if you choose to stay in Old Town, this is especially so. The other places mentioned in this article are also decently walkable within their designated town or area. However, the walkability between towns/areas will vary. 

A Lot of Attractions and Businesses are Seasonal

Mallorca is a major beach destination. So, if you choose to visit in the off-season, know that many local attractions and businesses may be closed. This includes things like beachfront bars and restaurants, boat tours and excursions, and more. Double-check these things ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Biking is a Fun Way to Explore Palma and Its Surrounding Areas

Palma de Mallorca has a great coastline pathway called Avenida de Gabriel Roca (also called Paseo Marítimo). The paved promenade is over three miles long and makes for the perfect afternoon ride. You can rent a bike locally, and then spend an afternoon taking in the sights from the coastline. 

Know the Best Times to Visit

Summer is the most popular season to visit Palma de Mallorca. However, Palma experiences sunny weather nearly year-round. Visit during the late spring or early fall to avoid some of the crowds and bustle. This way, the weather is still warm enough to swim.

For more, read our guide on the best time to visit Spain.

Pack for a Mostly Warm, Mediterranean Climate

You can expect a Mediterranean climate in Mallorca and throughout the Balearic Islands. The weather in Palma remains warm throughout most of the year, with summer highs ranging between 80-90°F, and spring and fall ranging between 60-70°F. The winter months are mild, hovering around 40-50°F.

For more, see our guide to what to pack for Spain.

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of our Spain packing list here!

There Are Tons of Hotel Options

Mallorca is known for its many beach resorts, but know that there are a variety of accommodation types to choose from. Looking for a boutique hotel? Luxury hotel? Secluded resort? Budget hostel? No need to worry. Palma de Mallorca and its surrounding areas have all of these accommodation options and more.

Amenities Like Pools, Spas, and Outdoor Terraces Are Aplenty

There are certain amenities you can expect at most hotels in Palma because it’s a beach destination. For example, you can expect an outdoor swimming pool, and sometimes an indoor swimming pool, at many accommodations. Other amenities might include a sun terrace, wellness & spa treatments, and more. 

FAQs About Where To Stay in Palma de Mallorca

Where is the best part of Palma to stay?

Old Town is the best part of Palma de Mallorca to stay in, especially for first-time visitors. This area is walkable, filled with many attractions, and offers great options for shopping and dining.  

Where should I stay in Mallorca for the first time?

Palma is the best, most convenient place to stay for first-time visitors to Mallorca. The city is walkable, offers many things to do, and has a variety of hotels to choose from. 

How many days do I need to spend in Palma de Mallorca?

You need to spend seven days in Palma de Mallorca, ideally. This should give you enough time to see the main attractions, do outdoor activities, spend time at the beach, and do some day trips.

Do I need a car to get around Palma?

You do not need a car to get around Palma if you stay close enough to the city. However, if you plan on staying longer and doing day trips in order to see more of Mallorca, I recommend renting a car. 

Is Palma de Mallorca a party destination?

Palma de Mallorca is not entirely a party destination. Nearby places like Magaluf and S’Arenal offer opportunities for nightlife, but not all of Palma has this vibe. There is something in Palma for visitors of all ages and interests.    

What other areas in Mallorca are good places to stay?

Other areas in Mallorca that are good places to stay include Port de Pollenca. This is an area on the northern coast that has a romantic reputation and is great for couples. The Bay of Alcudia is another good area on the northeastern coast that’s a good option for families since it has many resorts to choose from.

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Whether you’re traveling with your partner, as a family, or solo, I hope this guide helped you choose where to stay in Palma de Mallorca! Next up, read my guide on the best things to do in Palma.