Are you heading for the island of Mallorca, the most famous of the Balearic Islands? Here’s our guide to where to stay in Majorca!
The largest of the Balearic islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea off Valencia and Barcelona, Mallorca has 875,277 inhabitants spread over 3625.75 km². A popular holiday destination for Germans and Britons, it is nicknamed the « 17th Land » because 7% of the island’s permanent residents are German. With its ideal climate, history and culture, the island appeals to lovers of dream beaches, wild nature and mountains. We recommend visiting the island of Mallorca in spring and autumn, as prices swell in the summer with the influx of tourists and the heat is scorching.
From Palma – the capital – Pollença, to Artà, the six regions – Serra de Tramuntana (mountains, north), Ponent (southwest), Raiguer (farmland and vineyards at the foot of the mountains), Pla (center), Migjorn (southeast), Llevant (east) and the city of Palma – are sure to please.
So here are a few ideas of where to sleep in Mallorca during your stay.
Palma de Mallorca
Photo credit: Flickr – Laurent Bernier
The island’ s western capital, with a population of 406,492 – half the size of the island – was founded in 123 BC by Quintus Caecilius Metellus and is home to many historic buildings of great interest. In the town center – known as El Casco Antiguo – you’ll find everything a tourist on a sunny vacation could wish for: stores, beaches, bars and terraces, restaurants and a lively nightlife. As you wander through the city, you’ll pass by Le Seu Cathedral, Plaza España, Plaza Major and the Port of Palma, not forgetting the Ramblas or Parc de la Mer. On the outskirts of the city center, don’t miss a visit to Bellver Castle, a 14th-century edifice offering panoramic views of the sea and the city. Sleeping in Mallorca in Palma is a must if you want to party the Spanish way!
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The Serra de Tramuntana: Magaluf, Santa Ponsa, Palma Nova
Photo credit: Flickr – Alexander Schimmeck
Picturesque towns
The Serra de Tramuntana stretches along the west/northwest/north coast, dotted with pebble and gravel beaches on the mountainside. The water is crystal-clear and the scenery magnificent, although access to beaches and coves can sometimes be difficult. This is Majorca’s main mountain range. You’ll find picturesque stone villages, terraced cultivation and a charm relatively untouched by mass tourism: an authentic face of the Balearic Islands where it’s good to stay in Mallorca.
The Serra de Tramuntana municipalities are, in alphabetical order: Andratx, Banyalbufar, Bunyola, Calvià, Deià, Escorca, Esporles, Estellencs, Fornalutx, Pollença, Puigpunyent, Sóller, Valldemossa (photo).
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Magaluf
In the heart of Calvià, not far from Majorca, lies the Pantheon of nightlife: Magaluf. Considered the capital of partying, the town attracts tourists from all over the world every year, who juggle drunken evenings, thrills and idleness. Bars and discos are a dime a dozen, and with good reason: they’re around every corner! During the day, those who manage to get out of bed can indulge in a beach or shopping session between Punta de Sa Porrasa and Cala Vinyes, or venture to one of Magaluf’s many theme parks, such as Marineland or Western Park Water Park.
Staying in Majorca with Magaluf also gives you access to a wide choice of upmarket hotels and apartments which, much to the chagrin of the locals, make up the tourist face of the town. And with good reason: Magaluf attracts so many people every year, above all because of its prices: from hotels to activities, prices remain very affordable.
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Santa Ponsa
Are you looking for a place to stay in Mallorca in a luxurious, lush setting? Then head for Sante Ponsa, where couples, families and golf enthusiasts alike love to call home for the duration of their stay. Surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains and rich in superb scenery, Santa Ponsa also boasts a number of golf courses that attract golf enthusiasts. With its top-of-the-range hotels and luxurious properties, Santa Ponsa offers a welcoming and eclectic lifestyle, close to beautiful sandy beaches, all in a typical, peaceful setting, far from the hustle and bustle of Magaluf.
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Palma Nova
Just a few kilometers from Santa Ponsa, Palma Nova will delight travelers in search of beach and relaxation. Considered one of the island’s leading seaside resorts, it’s none other than Magaluf’s neighbor! Much more family-friendly, Palma Nova offers the same advantages as Magaluf, but without the excess – if you will. Staying in Mallorca with Palma Nova means beach sessions at Na Nadala, Son Manties and Es Carragador. On the agenda: reading, sunbathing or even diving or water sports sessions, enough to delight young and old in a rather family atmosphere. For a family afternoon, why not opt for one of the city’s theme parks, such as Kathmandu Park?
Rich in activities and good places to have a drink, eat and shop, Palma Nova’s hotel offer remains very affordable, even if it’s not as low-cost as in Magaluf. Here again, hotels, houses, apartments… the choice is yours! Palma Nova is very busy, so remember to book in advance.
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Colonia de Sant Jordi
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Foto Fitti
An authentic fishing village in the south of the island, Colonia de Sant Jordi is without doubt the ideal destination for travellers in search of tranquillity and discovery. Here, nature preserves this little cocoon surrounded by coves, beaches and other splendid landscapes such as the Cabrera Archipelago National Park, its salt flats, Ses Roquetes or Es Cabarol. Sleeping in Mallorca at Colonia de Sant Jordi is therefore synonymous with hiking, excursions, strolling and lounging in a place prized above all for its marine heritage.
While there’s been no shortage of hotels since the 1950s, Colonia de Sant Jordi offers a pretty good range of accommodation: from top-of-the-range to typical, there’s something for everyone at a reasonable price. Beware, however, if you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of tourists and excursion boats: although Colonia de Sant Jordi remains less crowded than some of the island’s other destinations, the village is nevertheless popular and can lose some of its charm in high season.
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Le Llevant
Photo credit: Flickr – Marco Verch
Mallorca’s east coast is full of natural paradises and traditional fishing ports, far from the mass tourism and hordes of tourists that crowd the streets of Palma. Be sure to visit Pollença and its old streets, climb the 365 steps to Calvari and enjoy the Sunday market (if you’re coming on a weekend). Head south-east fromAlcudia Bay (photo) and enjoy a stopover in Artà, with its many restaurants. If you’re looking for a seaside getaway in a seaside resort, aim for the east coast for accommodation in Mallorca.
This is the part of the island where you’ll find most of the fine sandy beaches, but they’re also very popular… Among the sites to visit are Porto Colom, Cala Magraner, Cala Pilota, Cala Figuera, Santanyi and Porto Cristo: these areas shine for the charm they offer, while further south is a livelier seaside resort: Cala d’or (boutiques, restaurants, bars, hotels and clubs). There’s a wide range of accommodation to choose from, but it’s the large hotel complexes that will dominate the choices when it comes to staying in Majorca.
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Now you know where to stay in Majorca during your stay. And what were your favorite places to stay?