WHERE TO STAY AND EXPLORE IN PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN
Updated: 5 hours ago
Mallorca is a Balearic island off the coast of Spain (Near Barcelona) It is a 1 hour flight from Barcelona or there are a limited amount of direct flights from random airports (EWR - Newark, NJ) being one of them a few days a week in season.
The island is small and it takes 1 hour - 1 1/2 hours to get from one side to the other. You can stay 5-7 days and see most of the island.
You land in Palma, which is the city of Mallorca. It is a central location to stay if you want a city vibe or you can go West or East to more remote villages for your stay. Every village has shops, cafes and restaurants. Palma being a city has some luxury shops, but mostly reasonable cost / casual attire clothes. The villages you will find more boutique / tourist items.
**You must rent a car since there is limited transportation if you go to the villages. Everywhere you go there is parking, so you don’t need to worry about it. I do recommend renting the smallest car possible that will still fit your bags since many streets are small and parking have tight space.
HOTELS
Depending on which side of the island you want to stay, will determine which hotel.
Palma is a city vibe and these hotels are luxury but boutique
Hotel Can Cera
El Llorenç Parc de la Mar
Can Aulí Luxury Retreat - Adults only
Puro Grand
Antigua Palma
Finca Serena (30 mins north of Palma)
Sant Francesc Hotel Singular
Sant Francesc Hotel Singular is a boutique hotel in the heart of Palma. Walking distance to everything!
Formenter is the North side of the island and known for its beach low key vibe.
Can Simoneta (north east side of the island)
Pleta de Mar, Luxury Hotel by Nature (north east side of the island)
The Four Seasons Formentor
The Four Seasons is the most luxurious and stunning hotel on the island and it is the only hotel on the beach and on the most beautiful beach on the island, this is a WIN!
It is extremely expensive but worth it if you have the financial means to stay at the hotel.
Deia is on the West Side of the island and it has both mountains and beach and it’s closer to the surrounding villages that most people come to Mallorca to explore.
La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca
Santanyi is on the East side of the island and it’s my personal favorite. It’s only a 1 hour drive to the West side that you can easily take a day trip to that side, so If you prefer a more remote and tranquil luxury hotel, within a charming village that has a market on Saturday and close proximity to many of the most beautiful beaches.
Can Ferrereta Hotel (This is where I stayed and it is one of the best hotels I have experience. It is modern, but still holds the rustic Mallorca vibe) The service is impeccable, the attention to detail is exceptional and the amenities are stunning!
Cal Reiet Holistic Retreat (this hotel / retreat is a 10 mins walk from Can Ferrerta Hotel. It offers yoga sessions and a has the most AMAZING vegetarian cuisine I have ever tasted! If you don’t stay there, it’s a must try for dinner. The property is a charming 1881 Villa with a magnificent garden.)
VILLAGES
Palma Central Location and 10 mins drive from airport (Stroll Palma's Paseo del Borne and Avenida Jaime III & Paseo Borne where you’ll find beautiful trees surrounding the street and plenty of shops and restaurants.)
Palmas Cathedral
Jardines de S’Hort del Rei
Palma Restaurants
AHIMSA COFFEE & SLOW FOOD (15 mins drive)
Ca Na Sissy - Café & Brunch
Café 22
Fera Palma Restaurant (Courses)
Quadrat
DINS Santi Taura
Restaurant Botànic
El Patio de Gloria
L'Àtic Restaurant. Hotel saratoga
Terra
WEST SIDE OF ISLAND
Deia (40 mins drive from Palma) (It’s a small village that has the 1 luxury hotel, but not much to do / see. The beach that is close by is very small and mostly rock)
Valldemossa (15 mins drive from Deia) (Quaint small village worth seeing and walking the area)
Sóller (15 mins drive from Deia or 30 mins from Valldemossa) (It is the most popular of all the villages in Mallorca since it has many restaurants, shops and markets)
Fornalutx (10 mins drive from Sóller)
EAST SIDE OF THE ISLAND
Santanyi (50 mins drive from Palma and 70 mins drive from Deia)
NORTH SIDE OF ISLAND
Alcúdia (46 mins drive from Palma) (This side of the island is mostly low key beach vibe and not much luxury. If you don’t have much time, it’s not a must see)
Formentor and Mirador des Colomer
An insanely spectacular panaramic view
BEACHES
S'Amarador beach (East side of the island and 10 mins from Santanyi)
Cala Del Moro - (East side of the island and 5 mins drive from Santanyi. The beach is a strenuous nature hike just to get to the beach, so if you’re not in the best physical shape, I do not advise - although it is the most beautiful beach on the island)
TOURS
Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca (this is the cathedral in Palma)
Drach Caves (Not great, but if you like caves or have children it might be worth it)
Cap de Formentor (Hiking path that has a spectacular view)
GARDENS
Jardins d'Alfàbia
Raixa Estate and Garden
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