Palma de Mallorca, the vibrant capital of Spain’s largest Balearic Island, is a Mediterranean gem that blends historic charm, stunning beaches, and modern amenities. Known for its Gothic cathedral, lively waterfront, and rich culinary scene, Palma is an ideal base for exploring Mallorca’s diverse attractions. Whether you’re traveling with family, seeking a romantic getaway, or craving a cultural adventure, Palma offers accommodations to suit every preference and budget. This guide explores the best places to stay in Palma Mallorca, focusing on where to stay in Majorca for families, best areas to stay in Palma de Mallorca, best places to stay in Palma de Mallorca, and best hotels in Palma Mallorca Spain.
Drawing on insights from sources like Lonely Planet, Spain.info, and Booking.com, this guide will help you plan a memorable stay in Palma
- Why Choose Palma Mallorca for Your 2025 Stay?
- Best Places to Stay in Palma Mallorca
- Where to Stay in Majorca for Families
- Best Areas to Stay in Palma de Mallorca
- Best Hotels in Palma Mallorca Spain
- Other Notable Places to Stay in Palma Mallorca
1. Why Choose Palma Mallorca?
Palma de Mallorca, often simply called Palma, is the cultural and economic hub of Mallorca, offering a perfect blend of history, modernity, and Mediterranean allure. The city’s iconic Palma Cathedral (La Seu), historic Old Town, and vibrant Paseo Marítimo waterfront make it a magnet for travelers. With proximity to stunning beaches like Cala Major, family-friendly attractions, and a culinary scene featuring ensaimada pastries, pa amb oli, and fresh seafood, Palma caters to diverse tastes. Its Mediterranean climate—mild winters (10–15°C) and warm summers (25–30°C)—ensures year-round appeal.
Palma’s accessibility via Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) and ferries from mainland Spain, combined with its compact size, makes it an ideal base for exploring Mallorca. This guide highlights the best places to stay in Palma de Mallorca and answers where to stay in Majorca for families, ensuring a tailored stay for your adventure.
2. Best Places to Stay in Palma Mallorca
Palma’s diverse neighborhoods offer unique vibes, from historic charm to beachside relaxation. Below are the best places to stay in Palma Mallorca, selected for their proximity to attractions, amenities, and traveler preferences, based on insights from Lonely Planet, Spain.info, and Booking.com.
Old Town (La Lonja): Historic Heart
Why Stay: The Old Town, including La Lonja, is Palma’s historic core, with narrow cobblestone streets, the Palma Cathedral, and vibrant tapas bars. Ideal for culture enthusiasts and couples.
Highlights:
- Proximity to Attractions: Walk to La Seu, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, and Paseo del Born for shopping.
- Dining: Enjoy tapas at La Rosa Vermutería or seafood at Forn de Sant Joan.
- Atmosphere: Charming courtyards and historic architecture.
Accommodations:
- Luxury: Hotel Can Cera – 17th-century mansion with a spa ($200–$350/night).
- Mid-Range: Boutique Hotel Posada Terra Santa – Historic charm with a rooftop pool ($120–$180/night).
- Budget: Hostal Pons – Cozy guesthouse in a historic building ($50–$80/night).
- Activities Nearby: Explore Bellver Castle, shop at Mercat de l’Olivar, and join walking tours.
- Cost: Daily budget: $80–$150; accommodation: $50–$350/night.
Santa Catalina: Bohemian and Trendy
Why Stay: Just west of the Old Town, Santa Catalina is a vibrant neighborhood with trendy cafes, markets, and a bohemian vibe, perfect for foodies and young travelers.
Highlights:
- Santa Catalina Market: Fresh produce and tapas stalls.
- Dining: Duke Restaurant for international flavors and Lab Cocktail Bar for drinks.
- Walkability: Close to Old Town and Paseo Marítimo.
Accommodations:
- Luxury: Hotel Sant Francesc – 19th-century mansion with a rooftop pool ($200–$350/night).
- Mid-Range: Hotel Hostal Cuba – Stylish retro hotel with a rooftop bar ($100–$150/night).
- Budget: Hostal Corona – Affordable rooms near the market ($40–$70/night).
- Activities Nearby: Visit Es Baluard Museum, stroll the Paseo Marítimo, and enjoy nightlife.
- Cost: Daily budget: $70–$130; accommodation: $40–$350/night.
Paseo Marítimo: Waterfront Vibrancy
Why Stay: The Paseo Marítimo is Palma’s lively waterfront, known for yacht views, nightlife, and proximity to Bellver Castle. Perfect for those seeking vibrant evenings.
Highlights:
- Nightlife: Bars and clubs like Tito’s Mallorca International Club.
- Dining: Vandal Palma for fusion cuisine.
- Beach Access: Close to Cala Major beach.
Accommodations:
- Luxury: Castillo Hotel Son Vida – Historic castle hotel with a golf course ($250–$400/night).
- Mid-Range: Hotel Costa Azul – Modern hotel with a rooftop pool ($100–$150/night).
- Budget: Hostal Pinar – Simple rooms near the port ($40–$70/night).
- Activities Nearby: Cycle along the waterfront, visit Bellver Castle, and take boat tours.
- Cost: Daily budget: $80–$150; accommodation: $40–$400/night.
Portixol and Es Molinar: Coastal Tranquility
Why Stay: These seaside neighborhoods east of Palma offer a relaxed vibe, a beach promenade, and authentic Mallorcan charm, ideal for couples and families.
Highlights:
- Portixol Beach: Small beach for swimming and sunbathing.
- Dining: Ola del Mar for seafood with sea views.
- Cycling: Scenic bike paths to Palma’s center.
Accommodations:
- Luxury: Portixol Hotel – Chic seafront hotel with a pool ($200–$350/night).
- Mid-Range: Hotel Palma Bellver – Modern rooms with sea views ($100–$150/night).
- Budget: Hostal Villa Catalina – Simple rooms near the beach ($40–$70/night).
- Activities Nearby: Kayaking, dining at waterfront restaurants, and exploring Palma’s Old Town.
- Cost: Daily budget: $70–$130; accommodation: $40–$350/night.
Cala Major: Beachside Convenience
Why Stay: Located just west of Palma, Cala Major offers a sandy beach and easy access to the city, making it a great choice for families and beach lovers.
Highlights:
- Cala Major Beach: Wide beach with shallow waters.
- Proximity to Palma: 10-minute drive to the Old Town.
- Dining: Restaurante Illetas for Mediterranean cuisine.
Accommodations:
- Luxury: Nixe Palace Hotel – Beachfront resort with a spa ($200–$300/night).
- Mid-Range: Hotel Be Live Adults Only Marivent – Seafront with modern amenities ($100–$150/night).
- Budget: Hostal San Telmo – Basic rooms near the beach ($40–$70/night).
- Activities Nearby: Swimming, visiting Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró, and exploring Palma’s attractions.
- Cost: Daily budget: $70–$130; accommodation: $40–$300/night.
3. Where to Stay in Majorca for Families
Palma de Mallorca is an excellent base for families visiting Majorca, offering family-friendly accommodations, beaches, and attractions. Here are the best places to stay in Majorca for families, focusing on Palma’s neighborhoods:
Cala Major
Why Family-Friendly: Cala Major’s wide, shallow beach is ideal for kids, with lifeguards and amenities like sunbed rentals ($10/day). The area is close to Palma’s attractions, such as Palma Aquarium (15-minute drive).
Top Family Hotels:
- Nixe Palace Hotel ($200–$300/night): Beachfront resort with a kids’ club, pools, and family suites.
- Hotel Be Live Adults Only Marivent ($100–$150/night): Offers family rooms despite its name, with beach access.
- Hostal San Telmo ($40–$70/night): Budget-friendly with family apartments near the beach.
- Activities: Visit Palma Aquarium ($30/adult, $20/child), explore Bellver Castle, and enjoy water sports.
- Tips: Book family suites early for summer; bring beach toys for kids.
Portixol and Es Molinar
Why Family-Friendly: These quiet seaside neighborhoods offer a small beach, safe cycling paths, and proximity to Palma’s Old Town. The relaxed vibe suits families seeking a calm base.
- Portixol Hotel ($200–$350/night): Family suites with sea views and a kids’ pool.
- Hotel Palma Bellver ($100–$150/night): Spacious rooms and easy access to Portixol Beach.
- Hostal Villa Catalina ($40–$70/night): Affordable apartments for self-catering families.
- Activities: Bike along the promenade, visit Palma Aquarium, and dine at family-friendly Ola del Mar.
- Tips: Rent bikes (~$15/day) for family outings; book self-catering options for convenience.
Santa Catalina
Why Family-Friendly: Santa Catalina’s proximity to Santa Catalina Market and parks makes it great for families who enjoy a lively yet manageable atmosphere. It’s walkable to Palma’s attractions.
Top Family Hotels:
- Hotel Sant Francesc ($200–$350/night): Offers family suites and a rooftop pool.
- Hotel Hostal Cuba ($100–$150/night): Spacious rooms and a kid-friendly rooftop.
- Hostal Corona ($40–$70/night): Budget-friendly with access to kid-friendly cafes.
- Activities: Visit the market for snacks, explore Es Baluard Museum (family workshops), and stroll to Parc de la Mar.
- Tips: Choose hotels with breakfast included; visit parks like Parc de Sa Feixina for kids.
Family Tips for Palma:
- Attractions: Palma Aquarium, Bellver Castle, and Katmandu Park (30-minute drive) are kid-friendly.
- Transport: Use TIB buses or taxis for short trips; stroller-friendly areas include Portixol and Cala Major.
- Dining: Opt for family-friendly restaurants like Restaurante Toque with kids’ menus.
- Booking: Reserve family suites 3–4 months in advance via booking.com for summer.
4. Best Areas to Stay in Palma de Mallorca
Palma’s neighborhoods offer distinct vibes, catering to different traveler needs. Here are the best areas to stay in Palma de Mallorca:
Old Town (La Lonja)
- Why Stay: Perfect for first-time visitors and culture lovers, with historic sites like La Seu and Royal Palace of La Almudaina steps away.
- Pros: Walkable to major attractions, vibrant dining, and charming atmosphere.
- Cons: Narrow streets can be noisy; limited parking.
- Best For: Couples, history buffs, and foodies.
- Top Hotels: Hotel Can Cera, Boutique Hotel Posada Terra Santa, Hostal Pons.
Santa Catalina
- Why Stay: Trendy and bohemian, with the Santa Catalina Market and proximity to the Old Town. Ideal for foodies and young travelers.
- Pros: Lively cafes, walkable to attractions, and vibrant nightlife.
- Cons: Can be crowded; higher prices in peak season.
- Best For: Young travelers, couples, and families.
- Top Hotels: Hotel Sant Francesc, Hotel Hostal Cuba, Hostal Corona.
Paseo Marítimo
- Why Stay: Lively waterfront with nightlife, yacht views, and access to Cala Major beach. Great for vibrant evenings.
- Pros: Scenic views, nightlife, and easy beach access.
- Cons: Noisier due to nightlife; further from historic sites.
- Best For: Nightlife lovers and beach enthusiasts.
- Top Hotels: Castillo Hotel Son Vida, Hotel Costa Azul, Hostal Pinar.
Portixol and Es Molinar
- Why Stay: Quiet seaside areas with a relaxed vibe, ideal for families and couples seeking tranquility.
- Pros: Beach access, cycling paths, and authentic Mallorcan feel.
- Cons: Slightly further from Old Town (15-minute walk).
- Best For: Families, couples, and relaxation seekers.
- Top Hotels: Portixol Hotel, Hotel Palma Bellver, Hostal Villa Catalina.
Cala Major
- Why Stay: Beachside neighborhood with easy access to Palma’s center, perfect for families and beach lovers.
- Pros: Wide beach, family-friendly amenities, and quieter vibe.
- Cons: Limited nightlife; 10-minute drive to Old Town.
- Best For: Families and beach enthusiasts.
- Top Hotels: Nixe Palace Hotel, Hotel Be Live Adults Only Marivent, Hostal San Telmo.
5. Best Hotels in Palma Mallorca Spain
Here are the best hotels in Palma Mallorca Spain, covering luxury, mid-range, and budget options:
Luxury Hotels
- Hotel Can Cera (Old Town): A 17th-century mansion with a spa, gourmet restaurant, and elegant suites. Perfect for romantic getaways near La Seu. ($200–$350/night)
- Castillo Hotel Son Vida (Paseo Marítimo): A historic castle hotel with a golf course, spa, and panoramic views. Ideal for luxury travelers. ($250–$400/night)
- Hotel Sant Francesc (Santa Catalina): A 19th-century mansion with a rooftop pool and Michelin-starred dining. Great for foodies. ($200–$350/night)
- Portixol Hotel (Portixol): Chic seafront hotel with a pool and Mediterranean design, ideal for coastal relaxation. ($200–$350/night)
Mid-Range Hotels
- Boutique Hotel Posada Terra Santa (Old Town): Restored 16th-century building with modern amenities and a rooftop pool. Walkable to major sites. ($120–$180/night)
- Hotel Hostal Cuba (Santa Catalina): Stylish hotel with a retro vibe and rooftop bar, perfect for young travelers. ($100–$150/night)
- Hotel Costa Azul (Paseo Marítimo): Modern seafront hotel with a rooftop pool, close to nightlife. ($100–$150/night)
- Hotel Palma Bellver (Portixol): Comfortable rooms with sea views, near Portixol Beach. ($100–$150/night)
Budget Hotels
- Hostal Pons (Old Town): Cozy guesthouse in a historic building, ideal for budget travelers seeking charm. ($50–$80/night)
- Hostal Corona (Santa Catalina): Affordable rooms near the market, great for exploring Palma’s food scene. ($40–$70/night)
- Hostal Pinar (Paseo Marítimo): Simple rooms near the port, perfect for budget-conscious travelers. ($40–$70/night)
- Hostal Villa Catalina (Portixol): Basic but clean rooms near the beach, ideal for families. ($40–$70/night)
- Tips: Book via booking.com or hotels.com for deals, especially in spring or fall. Check for family suites or sea-view rooms for added value.
6. Other Notable Places to Stay in Palma Mallorca
Beyond the top neighborhoods, consider these additional options for unique stays in Palma:
El Terreno
- Why Stay: A residential area near Bellver Castle, offering a local vibe and proximity to Cala Major.
Top Hotels
- Hotel Feliz ($100–$150/night): Modern hotel with a rooftop terrace.
- Hostal Bonany ($40–$70/night): Budget-friendly with a pool.
- Activities Nearby: Visit Bellver Castle and explore Paseo Marítimo.
- Cost: Daily budget: $60–$120; accommodation: $40–$150/night.
Son Armadams
Why Stay: A quiet area near Paseo Marítimo, ideal for travelers seeking peace close to the city.
Top Hotels:
- GPRO Valparaíso Palace & Spa ($150–$250/night): Luxury hotel with a spa and gardens.
- Hostal Villa Rainbow ($40–$70/night): Affordable guesthouse with a local feel.
- Activities Nearby: Cycle to the Old Town, visit Es Baluard Museum.
- Cost: Daily budget: $60–$120; accommodation: $40–$250/night.
Planning Your Stay in Palma Mallorca
Best Times to Stay
- Spring (March–May): Mild weather (15–20°C) and fewer crowds, ideal for Old Town and Santa Catalina stays.
- Summer (June–August): Warm weather (25–30°C) for beach stays in Cala Major and Portixol, plus festivals like Nit de Foc (June).
- Fall (September–November): Pleasant temperatures (18–25°C) for exploring Palma’s cultural sites with fewer tourists.
- Winter (December–February): Mild (10–15°C) for cultural stays in the Old Town and festive markets.
Getting Around
- Flights: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) serves direct flights from major European cities (~$50–$150).
- Buses: TIB buses connect Palma to beaches like Cala Major (~$2–$5).
- Taxis/Uber: Short rides within Palma cost $5–$15.
- Biking: Rent bikes (~$15/day) for exploring Portixol or Paseo Marítimo.
- Walking: Palma’s Old Town and Santa Catalina are highly walkable.
Tips for Staying
- Book Early: Reserve accommodations 3–4 months in advance for summer or festive periods via booking.com or hotels.com.
- Pack Smart: Bring sunscreen, swimwear, and comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets.
- Learn Basic Spanish: Phrases like “Gracias” (thank you) and “Por favor” (please) enhance interactions.
- Check Events: Visit spain.info or visitmallorca.com for festival schedules, like Palma’s Sant Sebastià (January).
- Budget Wisely: Expect daily costs of $60–$150, with affordable dining like pa amb oli ($5–$10) and tapas ($3–$8).
Cultural Tips
- Respect Traditions: Observe local customs during festivals and in historic areas.
- Tipping: Round up the bill or add 5–10% in restaurants.
- Sustainability: Use reusable water bottles and public transport for eco-friendly travel.
Find Your Perfect Palma Stay
Palma de Mallorca is a Mediterranean gem offering diverse accommodations for every traveler. The best places to stay in Palma Mallorca, from the historic Old Town to the beachside Cala Major, cater to couples, families, and adventure seekers. The best areas to stay in Palma de Mallorca, such as Santa Catalina and Portixol, provide vibrant and tranquil options, while the best hotels in Palma Mallorca Spain, like Hotel Can Cera and Portixol Hotel, ensure comfort across budgets.
For families, where to stay in Majorca for families is answered with kid-friendly options in Cala Major and Portixol, offering beaches and attractions like Palma Aquarium. Whether you’re exploring Palma’s Gothic cathedral, dining on ensaimada, or relaxing by the sea, Palma delivers an unforgettable stay.
- Book Early: Secure accommodations, flights, and activities well in advance, especially for summer.
- Travel Off-Peak: September or spring for milder weather and fewer crowds.
- Use Public Transport: Buses and bikes make Palma travel affordable and eco-friendly.
- Savor the Cuisine: Indulge in pa amb oli, sobrassada, and seafood at restaurants like Forn de Sant Joan.
- Stay Informed: Check spain.info or visitmallorca.com for event updates.
Start planning your Palma stay today and immerse yourself in the magic of Mallorca’s capital. Where will you stay?
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