Where to stay in Mallorca

It depends on the trip you want:

• Palma: great for city life, food and getting around by public transport; perfect all year round.
• North (Alcúdia, Port de Pollença, Platja de Muro): long beaches with shallow water, ideal for families.
• Southwest (Portals, Santa Ponça, Port d'Andratx): close to Palma, marinas and coves; Magaluf is the party area.
• East and southeast (Cala d'Or, Cala Millor, Cala Rajada, Santanyí): turquoise coves and a relaxed feel.
• Serra de Tramuntana (Sóller, Deià, Valldemossa): mountains, hiking and stone villages; best with a car.
• Inland: fincas and agritourism stays with pools, to switch off.

If you won't rent a car, choose Palma or an area with good bus links.

When comparing prices, add the tourist tax: for every night you pay the sustainable tourism tax, from €1 in hostales and campsites to €4 in five-star hotels; from November to April it is 75% lower, from the ninth night in the same place you pay half, and under-16s pay nothing. It is usually paid at the accommodation.

If you're bringing a car, ask about parking first. Central Palma is a low emission zone and most of the old town is camera-controlled streets (ACIRE): if your hotel is inside, ask whether it registers your number plate. In central Sóller, a rental car that is not electric can't enter without prior authorisation through your hotel. And if you want peace and quiet, bear in mind that drinking in the street is banned in Platja de Palma, s'Arenal and Magaluf, but they are still the busiest party areas.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the tourist tax in Mallorca in 2026?

Per night: €4 in 5-star and 4-star superior hotels, €3 in 4-star and 3-star superior, €2 in 1 to 3-star hotels, holiday rentals and agroturismos, and €1 in hostales and campsites. From November to April it is 75% less and under-16s don't pay.

Is it better to stay in Palma or on the coast?

Palma is better without a car and out of season, since everything leaves from there and the city is lively all year. The coast pays off in summer if you want to walk to the beach. Many people split their stay between Palma and the north or southeast.

Updated in October 2026