Where to Stay in Palma de Mallorca 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map

Palma de Mallorca is one of Europe's most elegant Mediterranean capitals, combining Gothic grandeur with contemporary cool. The compact old town offers walkable historic charm, while the waterfront and nearby beaches provide sun and sea. Choose between historic center immersion, trendy Santa Catalina, or beach-focused stays along the coast.

Editor's Pick for First-Timers

Old Town (Casco Antiguo)

Walk from the magnificent Cathedral through medieval lanes to tapas bars and boutique shops. Palma's old town rivals Barcelona's Gothic Quarter but with a fraction of the crowds. Beach access via quick bus or taxi.

Culture & History

Old Town

Foodies & Local

Santa Catalina

Beach & Charm

Portixol

Beach Resort

Playa de Palma

Marina & Luxury

Paseo Marítimo

Quick Guide: Best Areas

Old Town (Casco Antiguo): Cathedral, historic palaces, tapas bars, boutique shopping
Santa Catalina: Trendy market, local restaurants, hip bars, foodie paradise
Portixol / Es Molinar: Beachfront, fishing village charm, upscale restaurants, cycling
Playa de Palma / S'Arenal: Beach resort, families, all-inclusive, water sports
Paseo Marítimo / Bellver Area: Marina, yacht clubs, sunset bars, Bellver Castle

Things to Know

  • S'Arenal/Playa de Palma 'Ballermann' area is infamous for rowdy German party tourism
  • Some El Terreno/Gomila area bars have sketchy reputations
  • August sees massive crowds and prices - consider shoulder season

Understanding Palma de Mallorca Geography

Palma wraps around the Bay of Palma with the Gothic Cathedral dominating the waterfront. The old town climbs behind it. Santa Catalina extends west. The Paseo Marítimo promenade runs along the bay to the west. East lies Portixol (converted fishing village) and eventually Playa de Palma (beach strip).

Main Districts Historic: Old Town (cathedral, palaces), La Llonja (nightlife). West: Santa Catalina (trendy), Paseo Marítimo (marina). East: Portixol/Es Molinar (beach village), Playa de Palma (beach resort). Hills: Bellver (castle), Son Vida (golf resorts).

Accommodation Map

Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.

Best Neighborhoods in Palma de Mallorca

Old Town (Casco Antiguo)

Best for: Cathedral, historic palaces, tapas bars, boutique shopping

$86+ $194+ $486+
Luxury
First-timers History Couples Culture

"Medieval lanes, Gothic cathedral, and Renaissance palaces"

15 min walk to Playa de Palma bus
Nearest Stations
Passeig des Born Plaça d'Espanya Metro (15 min)
Attractions
La Seu Cathedral Royal Palace Arab Baths Passeig des Born Santa Eulalia
9
Transit
Moderate noise
Very safe, tourist area.

Pros

  • All sights walkable
  • Atmospheric streets
  • Best restaurants
  • Shopping

Cons

  • No beach
  • Tourist crowds
  • Some streets noisy at night

Santa Catalina

Best for: Trendy market, local restaurants, hip bars, foodie paradise

$76+ $162+ $410+
Mid-range
Foodies Local life Nightlife Hipsters

"Former fishermen's quarter turned Palma's coolest neighborhood"

15 min walk to Cathedral
Nearest Stations
Plaça d'Espanya Metro (10 min walk)
Attractions
Mercat de Santa Catalina Local bars Es Baluard museum Marina
8.5
Transit
Moderate noise
Safe, trendy neighborhood.

Pros

  • Best food scene
  • Local atmosphere
  • Trendy bars
  • Market dining

Cons

  • No beach
  • Can be noisy
  • Walk to sights

Portixol / Es Molinar

Best for: Beachfront, fishing village charm, upscale restaurants, cycling

$97+ $216+ $540+
Luxury
Beach Couples Foodies Active travelers

"Converted fishing village with beach, restaurants, and local charm"

15 min bus to Old Town
Nearest Stations
Bus to center (10 min)
Attractions
Portixol beach Cycling path Fishing harbor Upscale dining
7
Transit
Low noise
Very safe, upscale neighborhood.

Pros

  • Beach access
  • Great restaurants
  • Cycling
  • More relaxed

Cons

  • Far from old town
  • Limited nightlife
  • Need transport

Playa de Palma / S'Arenal

Best for: Beach resort, families, all-inclusive, water sports

$54+ $130+ $302+
Budget
Beach Families Budget Party

"Classic Mediterranean beach resort strip"

30 min bus to Palma center
Nearest Stations
Bus 23/25 to Palma (30 min)
Attractions
Long beach Balnearios Water sports Nightlife strip
7
Transit
High noise
Safe but can be rowdy party areas.

Pros

  • Best beaches
  • Beach hotels
  • Water sports
  • Family-friendly

Cons

  • Far from culture
  • Can be tacky
  • Package tourism feel

Paseo Marítimo / Bellver Area

Best for: Marina, yacht clubs, sunset bars, Bellver Castle

$92+ $194+ $540+
Luxury
Luxury Yachting Nightlife Views

"Glitzy marina and waterfront with yacht club atmosphere"

15 min walk to Old Town
Nearest Stations
Near ferry port Buses along seafront
Attractions
Marina Bellver Castle Sunset bars Yacht clubs
8
Transit
Moderate noise
Very safe, upscale area.

Pros

  • Marina atmosphere
  • Sunset bars
  • Close to center
  • Bellver views

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Traffic noise
  • Walk to old town

Accommodation Budget in Palma de Mallorca

Budget

$75 /night
Typical Range: $65 – $86

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Most Popular

Mid-Range

$151 /night
Typical Range: $130 – $173

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$322 /night
Typical Range: $275 – $373

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Our Top Hotel Picks

Best Budget Hotels

Hostal Brondo Architect

Old Town

8.8

Design-forward budget hotel in restored historic building with rooftop terrace overlooking the old town.

Budget travelersDesign loversCentral location
Check Availability

€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel Can Cera

Old Town

9

Intimate boutique in 17th-century palace with courtyard, period details, and personalized service.

CouplesHistory loversBoutique experience
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Hotel Cort

Old Town

8.9

Stylish boutique facing the iconic olive tree in Plaça Cort, with rooftop terrace and excellent restaurant.

FoodiesCentral locationRooftop seekers
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Nakar Hotel

Paseo Marítimo

8.7

Modern design hotel with rooftop pool, panoramic bay views, and easy access to both marina and old town.

ViewsRooftop poolsModern style
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€€€ Best Luxury Hotels

Hotel Portixol

Portixol

9.2

Scandi-chic boutique on the fishing harbor with bikes, beach access, and acclaimed restaurant.

CouplesBeach loversDesign seekers
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Sant Francesc Hotel Singular

Old Town

9.5

Magnificent 19th-century mansion with rooftop pool, courtyard restaurant, and exquisite rooms around a cloister.

Luxury seekersArchitecture loversSpecial occasions
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Hotel Cappuccino

Old Town

9.1

Boutique hotel in 17th-century palace with rooftop bar, industrial-chic design, and perfect location on Passeig des Born.

Design loversCouplesSocial atmosphere
Check Availability

Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden

Old Town

9.4

Ultra-luxury mansion with tropical garden, pool, and some of Palma's largest suite accommodations.

Ultimate luxuryPrivacyGardens
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Smart Booking Tips for Palma de Mallorca

  • 1 Book 2-3 months ahead for July-August peak season
  • 2 Easter week and October (mild weather) increasingly popular
  • 3 Many boutique hotels in converted Mallorcan mansions - worth the premium
  • 4 Airport is only 8km from center - easy taxi/bus
  • 5 Rent a car for day trips to island beaches and villages (Valldemossa, Deià)
  • 6 Some hotels close November-March - verify dates

Why you can trust this guide

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Jan Krenek

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Palma de Mallorca?
Old Town (Casco Antiguo). Walk from the magnificent Cathedral through medieval lanes to tapas bars and boutique shops. Palma's old town rivals Barcelona's Gothic Quarter but with a fraction of the crowds. Beach access via quick bus or taxi.
How much does a hotel cost in Palma de Mallorca?
Hotels in Palma de Mallorca range from $75 per night for budget accommodation to $151 for mid-range and $322 for luxury hotels. Prices vary by season and neighborhood.
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Palma de Mallorca?
Old Town (Casco Antiguo) (Cathedral, historic palaces, tapas bars, boutique shopping); Santa Catalina (Trendy market, local restaurants, hip bars, foodie paradise); Portixol / Es Molinar (Beachfront, fishing village charm, upscale restaurants, cycling); Playa de Palma / S'Arenal (Beach resort, families, all-inclusive, water sports)
Are there areas to avoid in Palma de Mallorca?
S'Arenal/Playa de Palma 'Ballermann' area is infamous for rowdy German party tourism Some El Terreno/Gomila area bars have sketchy reputations
When should I book a hotel in Palma de Mallorca?
Book 2-3 months ahead for July-August peak season