Mallorca: where to stay? Palma, Alcúdia or the east coast

From Algeria, Google searches for "majorque" (Mallorca in French) reach about 590 a month and "palma" about 480, alongside "palma de majorque plage" or "palma de majorque hotel". The largest of the Balearic Islands, in the Mediterranean, Mallorca is both a capital city, Palma, and an island of beaches, coves and mountains. The area you choose changes everything: atmosphere, type of beach, travel times. Here is how to choose.

At a glance

• For the city and sightseeing: Palma, the capital, right next to the airport.
• With children: Alcúdia and Playa de Muro in the north, or Port de Pollença.
• For partying: Magaluf, west of Palma, best avoided with young children.
• For coves: the east coast, with Cala Millor or Cala d'Or.
• For mountains and peace: the Serra de Tramuntana and Sóller.

Palma: the capital, close to the airport

Palma is the island's capital. Its large Gothic cathedral, La Seu, overlooks the seafront, and the old town is best explored on foot, among lanes, squares, restaurants and tapas bars. The airport is just east of the city, which makes Palma the easiest base for a short stay or a trip without a car, with the beaches of the bay close by.

Good to know: around the Bay of Palma, some resorts are very lively in summer. With children, check the hotel's exact location and read recent reviews. Palma de Mallorca is one of the cities on our Spain page: choose your dates to see the hotels on offer.

Magaluf: west of Palma, for nightlife

West of Palma, Magaluf is known for its nightlife, with bars and clubs open very late. The beach is pleasant during the day, but the evening atmosphere does not suit families with young children. Neighbouring resorts are more mixed: here too, read the reviews carefully before booking.

Alcúdia and Playa de Muro: the family choice

In the north of the island, about an hour's drive from Palma and the airport, the Bay of Alcúdia is sheltered. Its long pale-sand beach continues towards Playa de Muro, where the sea is often calm and the water deepens gently: this is the area families look for most. A bonus for the curious: Alcúdia's old town keeps its medieval walls, and the Roman site of Pollentia is right next to it.

Just to the north, Port de Pollença has a calm bay and a pleasant promenade, with a more peaceful feel than the big resorts.

The east coast: coves and plenty of hotels

The east coast is lined with clear-water coves and resorts such as Cala Millor, with its large sandy beach, or Cala d'Or, spread over several coves. There is a wide choice of hotels. Some resorts are very busy in summer; for more peace, aim for a smaller cove or a hotel set slightly back.

The Serra de Tramuntana and Sóller: the mountains

In the north-west, the Serra de Tramuntana has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011 for its mountain landscapes, terraced farmland and villages. Sóller, Port de Sóller and the mountain villages suit travellers who want to walk, enjoy the scenery and rest away from the crowds. A car is very useful there.

When to go

Summer is the high season. In July and August, the midday heat is intense and beaches are full: with young children, keep the beach for the morning and late afternoon. Late May, June and September are often more pleasant, with a sea that is already warm and fewer people. For another stay in Spain, see also where to stay in Barcelona and Alicante and Benidorm.

Entry requirements

Mallorca is part of Spain. In principle, Algerian travellers need a Schengen visa, and a hotel booking is part of the application: read our guide to hotel bookings for a Spanish visa, then check the current requirements with the consulate or on the official website before you travel. We do not sell any visa service.

Book your hotel in Mallorca

For Palma, choose the city on our Spain page. For Alcúdia, the east coast or Sóller, contact us: our team checks availability and price with the property, then offers you the booking. From Algeria, you pay in dinars without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you once payment is made. The process is explained in our guide to booking a hotel without a bank card.

Reminder: the information above is given for guidance and requirements can change. Always check the latest conditions before you travel.

See our hotels in Palma de Mallorca

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.