Where to Stay in Palma de Mallorca (Best Places in 2024)

8 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Palma de Mallorca

Palma is one of the best places to visit in Spain and is located on the southern coast of Mallorca. 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 are great for different styles of travel.

Old Town

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

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

There are a variety of Palma de Mallorca hotels to choose from within Old Town. This includes luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and more. Many of these accommodations even come with amenities like a swimming pool and rooftop terrace. 

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

Overall, Old Town is a top choice for where to stay in Palma de Mallorca. It’s packed with charm, beauty, and everything you’ll need for the perfect stay in one of the best cities in Spain.

Pros of Staying in Old Town Neighborhood:

• Close to all the top attractions
• Close to the Mediterranean Sea and marina 
• Central location
• Convenient for taking day trips and accessing public transportation
• Perfect for walking around
• Lots of great restaurants, bars, and shopping
• Lots of hotel options
• You will not need a rental car to get around

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 • Bordoy Cosmopolitan

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

The beaches that makeup 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, which has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and many other amenities to enjoy. What’s really great about the many of the hotels here, though, is their proximity to the beach.  

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:

• Great beach access
• Good for water activities
• Good option for families, and travelers of all ages
• Close to downtown Palma
• Lots of great restaurants and bars
• Close to family-friendly attractions
• Walkable 
• Close to Avenida de Gabriel Roca (Paseo Marítimo)
• You will not need a rental car to get around
• 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 & Less Bustle | ✨ 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 (depending on transportation). This neighborhood is perfect for families 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 a little 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. However, there is a diverse range of hotel options to suit different needs in Cala Major, plus plenty of activities nearby. Cala Major is truly the ideal place to stay for visitors to get the best of both worlds.

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 a luxury hotel or place to stay? Portals Nous is your answer. This resort town is about 15-30 minutes west of Palma (depending on transportation). 

Portals Nous is filled with luxury resorts and boutique hotels as well as residential areas. There’s a real cosmopolitan feel to Portals Nous, and many celebrities choose to vacation here. If you’re traveling for luxury and don’t mind the higher price tag, this is the area for you. 

Portals Nous is a beautiful place to enjoy a little R&R. There are tons of amenities to be enjoyed in this area. 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 of Portals Nous 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, pools, and luxury amenities.

Pros of Staying in Portals Nous Neighborhood:

• Luxurious area
• Residential atmosphere 
• Lots of great restaurants, bars, and boutiques 
• Vibrant marina
• More surrounded by nature
• Occasional celebrity sightings 
• Good nightlife
• Access to golf courses 
• Access to wellness amenities 
• Good place for boat enthusiasts with lots of yacht clubs

Cons of Staying in Portals Nous Neighborhood:

• Hotels can be pricey
• Restaurants, shops, and amenities can be more expensive
• 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 near Palma de Mallorca if great beaches are your top priority. This area has three beautiful beaches—Es Carregador, Na Nadala, and Son Matias.

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 a variety of restaurants and bars worth checking out. Palma Nova also has a great beach promenade. 

All in all, Palma Nova is a great option if you want to spend a good part of your vacation playing and relaxing on an idyllic beach. Aparthotel Ponent Mar and Zel Mallorca are two top hotels for beachfront access.

Overall, this coastal resort town will suit a variety of visitors. Palma Nova is situated between Portals Nous and Magaluf. It is 20-45 minutes away from central Palma (depending on transportation). 

Pros of Staying in Palma Nova Neighborhood:

• More relaxed atmosphere 
• Popular for families, retirees, and expats
• Beautiful beaches 
• Good for water activities, including boat trips
• Lots of great restaurants and bars
• Good local 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 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 place to stay. 

Magaluf is located 25-50 minutes west of Palma (depending on transportation) and just past Palma Nova. Just about 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. 

Outside of 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. Simply put, Magaluf is a vacation playground for younger travelers and those looking to make some midnight memories. 

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’ll need to enjoy a beach vacation without breaking the bank. It is located 15-35 minutes east of Palma (depending on transportation).

S’Arenal has a variety of accommodation options like the simple yet budget-friendly Hostal Villa Maruja 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 nearby Magaluf. 

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:

• Good beach access
• Good for water activities
• Decent selection of restaurants and cafes
• More affordable option
• Good nightlife 
• Younger crowd
• Close to Avenida de Gabriel Roca (Paseo Marítimo) for biking and walking
• More of 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 Small Town Charm | ✨ 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 a great option 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 the area
• More limited options for restaurants, bars, and shopping

Tips for Staying in Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a Major Tourist Destination

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. A bus ticket is €2, 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 de Mallorca 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 Palma 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 Palma de Mallorca

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 a Variety of Hotel Options Throughout Palma

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.

Many Palma de Mallorca Hotels Offer Amenities

There are certain amenities you can expect at most hotels in Palma de Mallorca 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 

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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 our perfectly planned 10-day Spain itinerary to see how you can make the most out of this beautiful country.