Mallorca Travel Guide: 12 Most Beautiful Mallorca Resorts, Cities and Villages
Mallorca is known for its dreamy beaches and endless party nights. However, my favourite part of my visit was neither of these things. Personally, I loved exploring the little charming towns on the coast. And if you’re planning a trip through the most beautiful Mallorca spots, my list is here to help! In this article, I have made a list of my top favourite 12 Mallorca resorts, towns and villages that should be on your itinerary as well.
I loved spending the day exploring the cobbled streets, eating at local restaurants and finding little boutique shops, then ending the day at a nearby beach away from the major crowds you find around the capital, aka Palma de Mallorca. There is something so calming and relaxed about spending your time in the smaller Mallorcan towns, so I’ve highlighted my 12 favourites below to show you why they’re worth a day trip from the capital. You just need to choose your favourite ones and go!
Here are all 12 towns I included in my Majorca travel guide:
Getting around Mallorca
In this guide, I’ll mention the TIB buses a lot, as it is the main method of public transportation outside of Palma de Mallorca. To check all the schedules and pricing, you can visit the Transport public de Mallorca’s website.
TIP: If you buy your ticket online, you’ll get it in digital QR format and it’ll be 40% cheaper than the price on the bus.
Another option of getting around in Mallorca is by rented car, which is also my most recommended option. There are some places that are a bit harder to reach with public transportation, so a car will offer you ALL the flexibility in the world! I recommend checking for car options and up-to-date prices on this website. Alternatively (and a fun option) would be to rent a scooter for your day trips!
Okay, let’s get this started! If you’re curious to find out where to go in Majorca, in the following list you’ll find my top Mallorca resorts, towns and villages. I am, of course, excluding Palma de Mallorca. For a complete guide to Palma de Mallorca, check out the following article:
RELATED READ: 7 Things to Do in Palma (Mallorca, Spain)
Valldemossa
WHY VISIT VALLDEMOSSA?
This is probably one of the most romantic places in Majorca! Valldemossa, located just 17 km from Palma, is one of the most famous villages on the island and not just for its cobbled streets, pink houses and fairytale feel. Valldemossa is the destination where the composer Chopin and his lover, Aurore Dudevant, spent one of their winters almost two hundred years ago. In fact, Frédéric Chopin himself liked the place so much, he said that Valldemossa is “the most beautiful place in the world”. That MUST mean something!
Valldemossa also has a museum in Chopin’s honour. It can be found within a 13th-century monastery and it is filled with memorabilia from their stay, as well as Chopin’s Mallorcan piano, with which he composed his collection of 24 preludes. And there’s also a festival taking place here every year, called the Chopin Classical Music Festival.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND THERE?
Valldemossa won’t be a very long visit. Although popular with tourists, the town itself is quite small and you’ll find that 1-2 hours is more than enough. You can walk around the village, visit the museum, drink a cup of coffee and enjoy some coca de patata, one of the village’s staple sweets.
WHERE TO STAY?
Mirabó de Valldemossa – Located on a hill, this hotel provides beautiful views across the town. I’m in love with the bare stone walls in the hotels interior and the outdoor infinity pool overlooking the mountains!
WHERE TO EAT?
Ca’n Mario – A family-run restaurant that has gained its place in the heart of the locals. This restaurant is great for trying traditionally Mallorcan dishes.
HOW TO GET TO VALLDEMOSSA?
By car: 15 min drive from Palma de Mallorca
By scooter: 40 min drive from Palma de Mallorca
By bus: TIB bus – line 210
Leaving from Palma Plaza d’Espanya every 1-2hrs, starting at 6.30 AM. Duration: 30 minutes. Costs 1.90€ each way
By organised tour: I recommend this tour of Soller Port and Valldemossa that will take you to the two villages by bus.
Deià
WHY VISIT DEIÀ?
Life in Deià is still led by locals and holds a simple, laid-back vibe. This pretty little village is etched into the hills, so even though it has some of the cutest streets to explore, be prepared to walk up and down a lot here. While in town, make sure to check out La Casa de Robert Graves, a well-known English novelist and poet that used to live here in the ‘30s. The overall mood is of a wealthy village, with pretty upscale hotels and amazing restaurants.
A 20-minute walk (or 10 minutes by car) from Deià you’ll find the cobbled shores of Cala Deia, a stunning cove beach set between large rocks and the perfect place to spend the afternoon.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND THERE?
I recommend making a full day trip by combining a visit to Valldemossa and Deia. Then end the day chilling at Deia Beach.
WHERE TO STAY?
Hotel Des Puig offers spacious, great value apartments and suites with an outdoor pool, restaurant and gym.
WHERE TO EAT?
S’Hortet serves healthy and delicious meals in a little lush corner and for a really good price. (I loved their buddha bowls, yum!).
HOW TO GET TO DEIÀ?
- By car: 50-min drive from Palma de Mallorca
- By scooter: 40-min drive from Palma de Mallorca
- By bus: TIB bus – line 210. Leaving from Palma Plaza d’Espanya every 1-2hrs, starting at 6.30 AM. Duration: 45 minutes. Costs 2.95€ one-way, 5.90€ return. Please be sure to ask if the bus stops at Deià when you jump on, as not all buses on this line do.
- By organised tour: I recommend this day trip departing from Palma that will take you to Soller, Deía and Valldemossa.
Pollença & Puerto Pollensa
WHY VISIT POLLENSA AND PUERTO POLLENSA?
Please note that there’s quite a difference between Pollensa, the inland village and Puerto Pollensa, the port. Both of them are worth a visit and I’ll tell you about each below:
Pollença
Made up of super narrow streets, the northern town of Pollença is built like a maze with the main square right in the centre of it all. It holds two main historic places of significance. First, there’s the Roman Bridge, one of the only remaining parts of Roman history in Mallorca and a mystery to most people that studied the history of this island. Second, there are the 365 Calvari steps – a stairway that brings you from the main square directly to the Calvario Chapel with every step representing one day of the year. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view over the Tramuntana mountains.
Pollença is one of the bigger towns on the island and offers many more options for accommodation and dining.
Puerto Pollensa
The port is only 7.6 km away from the village and it’s a must on your Mallorca itinerary! Wide areas of white sand beach, palm trees, tons of charming cafes, historical buildings and an authentic vibe – this is what you’ll find in Puerto Pollensa, a perfect place for relaxation in Mallorca. There’s also a former fortress here – La Fortaleza and plenty of amazing beachfront restaurants where you can grab a bite and unwind. If you have enough time, make sure to drive to Cala Sant Vicenç as well, a superb natural cove located only 10 km away from the port.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND THERE?
You can visit both places on a one day trip.
WHERE TO STAY?
- POLLENSA: Son Brull Hotel & Spa is a modern hotel with beautiful rooms and a stunning outdoor pool. They also have a tennis court – how cool is that?
- PUERTO POLLENSA: Hotel Miramar is a great beachfront hotel with an outdoor pool and wellness centre.
WHERE TO EAT?
- POLLENSA: Celler El Moli has local food, a great vibe and an amazing menú del día set for a good price.
- PUERTO POLLENSA: Ca’n Panxo is where you’ll find amazing food and a very relaxed atmosphere.
HOW TO GET TO PUERTO POLLENSA?
- By car: 50-min drive from Palma de Mallorca
- By bus: TIB bus – line 340. Leaving from Palma Plaza d’Espanya every 30-50 min, starting at 5.30 AM. Duration: 1 hour. Costs 5.50€ one-way, 11€ return.
RELATED READ: 3 Exciting Day Trips From Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Fornalutx
WHY VISIT FORNALUTX?
Self-titled as the prettiest village in Spain, the cobbly hilltop village of Fornalutx is praised for perfectly maintaining its picturesque streets. Once a simple Arab farm, the town’s charm lies heavily in its deep history which dates back to the 13th century when the Catalans settled on the island. Also, its position between the Alfabia Mountains and the Els Cornadors make for absolutely phenomenal views. This means that one of the best things to do here is to sip a coffee in a charming cafe with a view of the mountains! Make sure to check out Plaça d’Espanya as well, the heart and soul of the city.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND THERE?
I would recommend giving yourself 2-3 hours to roam around in Fornalutx.
WHERE TO STAY?
Hotel Apartament Sa Tanqueta De Fornalutx – amazing aparthotel with a shared saltwater outdoor pool, gardens and terraces.
WHERE TO EAT?
Café Med – A gourmet experience with a specialised tasting menu for either lunch or dinner.
HOW TO GET TO FORNALUTX?
- By car: 30-min drive from Palma de Mallorca
- By bus: TIB bus – line 212
Leaving from Port de Sóller at 8:45 AM, 11.00 AM, 1.00 PM and 5.15 PM.
Duration: 15 minutes. Costs 1.50€ one-way or 3€ return
Leaving from Sóller at 8.50 AM, 11.05 AM, 1.05 PM and 5.15 PM.
Duration: 10 minutes. Costs 1.50€ one-way or 3€ return - By foot: 45 minutes from Soller
Santanyí
WHY VISIT SANTANYI?
Santanyi is found in the Southeast of Mallorca. Its walls, once protecting the town from pirates, are built with the same golden stones that were used to build the iconic La Seu Cathedral in Palma. Even though this town is known for its calm atmosphere, it is still a nice tourist hotspot, genuinely Mallorcan due to its architecture. Its local market (taking place Wednesdays and Sundays) has gained a reputation as one of the best in Mallorca.
Near Santanyi are some of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches such as Calo Des Moro and Cala Lombard if you want to make a day trip out of it. Totally recommended!
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND THERE?
I recommend reserving a whole day to visit Santanyi and its surrounding beaches.
WHERE TO STAY?
S’Hotelet de Santanyi is a charming bed & breakfast with beautiful rooms, a cool outdoor pool and it’s located 5 minutes by car from the beach.
WHERE TO EAT?
Es Cantonet is a super romantic spot for date night, featuring Mediterranean fine dining with an Asian twist.
HOW TO GET TO SANTANYI?
- By car: 50-min drive from Palma de Mallorca
- By bus: TIB bus – line 501
Leaving from Palma every 2 hrs, starting at 6.00 AM
Duration: 1 hour. Costs 6.75€ one-way.
RELATED READ: 10 Best Beaches in Mallorca, Spain
Sóller & Port de Sóller
WHY VISIT SOLLER?
Exciting, yet still hidden from the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds. Soller is a fishing village scattered with cosy restaurants and cafes that offer an incredible view of the Tramuntana mountains. The town is surrounded by orange groves and it’s set in a lush valley – an image to remember! Unforgettable cliff hotels, a nice central square, hiking opportunities, charming cobbled streets, artisan shops with local goods – you’ll find all these in Soller and more. Oh, and by the way, the freshly squeezed orange juice is a must!
Only a short orange, wooden tram ride away (Tranvía de Sóller) from Soller, you’ll find Port de Soller. Just like Pollensa and its harbour, these two destinations are totally worth visiting on a day trip. Port de Soller is where you’ll find beachfront cafes, two lighthouses and lots of beautiful beaches where you can relax all day long.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND THERE?
I’d recommend reserving a full day trip to explore Soller and its harbour.
WHERE TO STAY?
- SOLLER: Hotel Finca Ca N’ai – a gorgeous 4-star hotel in a renovated country house that preserves an authentic vibe. The large balconies are a huge plus!
- PORT DE SOLLER: Hotel Esplendido is a beautiful 4-star hotel located right on the beach, with modern rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar and more.
WHERE TO EAT?
SOLLER: Casa Álvaro is located right in the city’s main square and it serves great Spanish food and wine.
PORT DE SOLLER: Sa Barca serves fresh Mediterranean dishes with a contemporary twist and sunset views! After your meal, make sure to stop by IO Gelats Artesans for some yummy ice cream.
HOW TO GET TO SOLLER?
- By car: 25-min drive (25km) from Palma de Mallorca
- By bus: TIB bus – line 204. Leaving from Palma every half an hour, starting at 8 AM. Duration: 30 minutes. Costs 3€ to 5€ one-way.
- By organised tour: I recommend this tour of Soller Port and Valldemossa that will take you to the two villages by bus.
Alcúdia
WHY VISIT ALCUDIA?
Alcudia, in north Majorca, is one of the most well-preserved towns in Mallorca, with a medieval old town and lots of narrow streets, as well as 13th-century buildings. While you’re here you can walk around, grab a bite or drink a coffee in one of the numerous restaurants and cafes or, if you’re visiting on a Tuesday or Sunday, you can explore the local market. Alcudia is also surrounded by beautiful beaches (Playa de Alcudia, Playa de S’illot) – the perfect ending to your day.
TIP: I also recommend this awesome cruise that will take you from Alcudia to some of the most important highlights around: Formentor Lighthouse, Cap Pinar, Es Coll Baix beach and more. This Llevant Peninsula Nature Reserve private boat tour is another cool idea.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND THERE?
Not too long, 2-3 hours will be just enough. If you’re visiting on a market day, you might want to add a couple more hours to your stay.
My recommendation is to combine Alcudia and Cap de Formentor (below) in a one day trip.
WHERE TO STAY?
ARA Alcudia is a beautiful 4-star hotel with a terrace, rustic yet modern rooms, a concierge service and a wonderful buffet breakfast.
WHERE TO EAT?
Pipper’s Restaurant is located on the beach in Alcudia’s harbour and it serves fresh Mediterranean food, as well as sushi.
HOW TO GET TO ALCUDIA?
- By car: 35-min drive from Palma de Mallorca (55 km)
- By bus: TIB bus – line 302. Leaving from Palma approx. every hour starting at 7.45 AM. Duration: 50 minutes. Costs 6-9€.
Cap de Formentor
WHY VISIT CAP DE FORMENTOR?
Epicness at its best! Unlike all the villages and towns I mentioned above, Cap de Formentor is actually located on a superb peninsula (Formentor Peninsula) with an unforgettable landscape. It’s located in the northern part of Mallorca and the best way to reach it is by car – trust me, you’ll be snapping pictures the entire ride! Once you’re there, enjoy the remote vibe or go to the lighthouse (Far de Formentor – one of the best Majorca attractions!) to take some incredible pictures. It’s the tallest lighthouse in all the Balearic Islands!
By the way, I totally recommend a morning cruise with a stop at Formentor Beach. More details here.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND THERE?
I recommend doing a combined day trip to Cap de Formentor and Alcudia on the same day. You can reserve a full day for both. Or combine Puerto Pollensa with Cap de Formentor for one full day as well.
WHERE TO STAY?
Formentor Royal Hideaway Hotel is the only accommodation on the peninsula, but they don’t currently take reservations. You can check the link to see the updated situation. Alternatively, you can stay in Pollensa or Puerto Pollensa, which is only 17 km away.
WHERE TO EAT?
Platja Mar Restaurant is right on the beach and they serve Mediterranean dishes with views of the bay.
HOW TO GET TO CAP DE FORMENTOR?
- By car: 25-min drive from Port de Pollença (16 km). 1h10’ from Palma de Mallorca (77 km).
- By bus: From Puerto Pollensa – TIB bus, line 353. There are only 4 buses per day. Duration: 30 minutes. Costs 4€ for the roundtrip ticket. From Palma – TIB bus, line 340 to Puerto Pollensa (see details above), then take line 353 to Cap de Formentor.
Please note that the bus to Cap de Formentor only works from the 15th of June to the 15th of September.
- By organised tour: I recommend this hassle-free day trip from Palma that will take you to Formentor Beach, Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa.
Port d’Andratx
WHY VISIT PORT D’ANDRATX?
Authentic and a little bit posh too! Located in the Southwest of Mallorca, 5km from Andratx town, Port Andratx is the perfect spot to escape the tourists crowds and spend some time on stunning beaches. The harbour is filled with bars, cute shops and cosy cafes and don’t be surprised if you spot some celebrities around here as well, as many own hillside houses in Port d’Andratx. Definitely one of the best resorts in Mallorca!
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND THERE?
I recommend reserving 2-3 hours to walk around Port d’Andratx.
WHERE TO STAY?
La Pérgola is a stunning aparthotel with a huge outdoor pool and peaceful rooms. Very close to the beach as well!
WHERE TO EAT?
Trespaís, located only a short walk away from the waterfront, serves authentic tapas and various Mediterranean dishes.
HOW TO GET TO FORT D’ANDRATX?
- By car: 25-min drive from Palma de Mallorca (32 km).
- By bus: TIB bus – line 101. Departing from Palma every 30 minutes, starting 7.57 AM. Duration: 40 minutes. Costs 3-5€.
- By organised tour: I have found this 3.5-hour Mallorca Boat Cruise in Paradise that stops at Port d’Andratx for 40 minutes.
RELATED READ: 9 Best Restaurants in Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Banyalbufar
WHY VISIT BANYALBUFAR?
10th century vibes in a charming, small hilly town. Banyalbufar will definitely take you back in time when things were simpler and a lot calmer and you’ll get to see how locals used to live hundreds of years ago. Banyalbufar is one of the best Mallorca towns to visit if you want to enjoy beautiful beaches but also hike in gorgeous settings with a mountain view. There aren’t many restaurants and cafes around and few hotels too, so Banyalbufar is all about stepping back and calming the mind. By the way, don’t forget to check out the famous watchtower here – Torre del Verger!
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND THERE?
I recommend reserving around 3 hours for Banyalbufar.
WHERE TO STAY?
Son Borguny – cute, cosy and nicely decorated! This 3-star hotel is only 700m from the beach, which is a great advantage.
WHERE TO EAT?
1661 Cuina de Banyalbufar serves healthy dishes with local ingredients.
HOW TO GET TO BANYALBUFAR?
- By car: 20-min drive from Palma de Mallorca
- By bus: TIB bus – line 202. Departs from Estació Intermodal in Palma several times a day, starting at 9 AM. Duration: 45 minutes. Costs 3-5€.
Portocolom
WHY VISIT PORTOCOLOM?
Portocolom is one of the best natural harbours in Mallorca and one of the most beautiful destinations around. In all honesty, I think Portocolom is a bit underrated! It has colourful fishermen houses, stunning beaches with golden sand (Cala Marçal is just an example) and an unforgettable laid-back vibe. There are also tastings at the nearby vineyards, diving opportunities and everything in between. Perfect spot for total relaxation!
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND THERE?
I recommend reserving around 2-3 hours for Portocolom, more if you want to do some diving or join a wine tasting.
WHERE TO STAY?
Es Varadero is a gorgeous 70 m² apartment on the beachfront with a superb terrace where you can enjoy the view.
WHERE TO EAT?
HPC Restaurant – restaurant, cafe and music bar all in one! They serve very good food, including some yummy salads!
HOW TO GET TO PORTOCOLOM?
- By car: 1-hour drive from Palma de Mallorca (68 km)
- By bus: TIB bus – line 501. Departs from Palma at 9, 10.30, 12, 1, 2, 3.30, 5, 6.30, 7.30 and 8.30 PM. Duration: 1 hour and a half. Costs 5-7€ one-way.
Cala Figuera
WHY VISIT CALA FIGUERA?
Last but definitely not least, there’s Cala Figuera village. Located in the Southeast part of Mallorca, this is one of the less touristic places on my list. Cala Figuera is a tiny fishing harbour (and it shows!) where you can do some people watching and indulge in fresh seafood in one of the restaurants or local markets. Although it doesn’t have its own beach, there are diving opportunities here as well as some hiking trails departing from the harbour and up to the cliffs. If you want to stay the night, I recommend booking an apartment or villa in order to completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this pretty place!
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND THERE?
A couple of hours should be enough to explore the harbour and taste some seafood dishes.
WHERE TO STAY?
Apartaments Marina Sol i Pins offers lovely apartments with access to a garden and an outdoor swimming pool. Barbecue facilities included too!
WHERE TO EAT?
Es Port serves big portions of Mediterranean food as well as pizzas.
HOW TO GET TO CALA FIGUERA?
- By car: 1-hour drive from Palma de Mallorca (69 km)
- By bus: TIB bus – line 501 from Palma to La Verge 2 (7 stops), then switch to line 516 from La Verge 2 to Cala Figuera (3 stops). Departs from Estació Intermodal in Palma 3 times a day, starting at 8.50 AM. Duration: 1 hour 30’. Costs 7-9€.
This was my complete Mallorca guide to the 12 best towns, villages and resorts! If you want to visit Mallorca, please don’t make the mistake of only visiting Palma, there are so many other wonderful destinations – from Valldemossa to Fornalutx, Santanyi and Pollensa, I have told you everything you need to know about each of them in this article!
And if you’re curious to read more about other places to visit in Mallorca, I recommend clicking here to find all my articles about this amazing place in the Balearic Islands. And in this section you’ll find all my articles about Spain!
Which one is your favorite?
xoxo,
Melissa
Want to know more about travelling to Mallorca?
- Check out all my Mallorca Travel Guides here.
- Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
- Time to book your boat to get to the Islands? Head over here.
- Not get travel insurance??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
- Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Mallorca so you don’t miss a thing!
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