Where to stay in Mallorca Without a Car

• Palma Nova is the best area for a holiday without a car in Mallorca, with lots of things to see and do nearby, such as Western Water Park, Pirates Show and Katmandu Park.
• Puerto de Alcudia also has lots to see and do nearby and is ideal for exploring the north of Mallorca.
• Palma, the capital, is great for a city trip. With public transport, you can explore much of the island.
• Playa de Palma is ideal for a quick visit as it is close to the airport and has lots to see and do nearby, such as the Palma Aquarium and Aqualand El Arenal.
• Cala Millor is the best option for those who want to explore the less touristy beaches in the South of Mallorca using boats or public transport.

Palma Nova

Palma Nova is a lively resort located next to the clubbing-focused Magaluf. The area has some excellent beaches and one of the largest varieties of bars, restaurants and pubs on the island, ranging from budget fast food to upscale dining.

This area is excellent for adults and children because of the many things to see and do here. While you can stay here with children of all ages, it is generally best for older children. During summer, younger adults, couples, and groups of friends are mostly here looking for a lively atmosphere. During winter and the low season, older couples are mostly here for the more relaxing vibes during these times of year.

• The best area if you want to have a lot of attractions and things to see and do nearby.
• Many public transport buses can take you quickly into Palma form where you have connections all over the island.
• The buses can also take you to many other popular nearby areas and beaches, such as Peguera, Santa Ponsa, Cala Vinyes, and many more.
• There is a lot to see and do in the area, such as the Western Water Park, Marineland Mallorca, Pirates Adventure, karting track, Katmandu Park, and the most extensive minigolf course on the island, Golf Fantasia.
• Plenty of bus tours leave from here every day to explore the rest of the island.
• Boat tours along the coastline.
• The famous Magaluf party area is within walking distance.
• Traffic free promenade next to the beaches makes it easy to walk everywhere.
• It is best to book a cheap shuttle or taxi bus from the airport to get to this area. However, public transportation is also definitely possible but more difficult.

Zel Mallorca is one of my favorite hotels here. It is close to everything and in a quiet location next to the beach. For Families, Marsenses Rosa Del Mar is in an excellent location to explore both Palma Nova and nearby Magaluf.

Puerto de Alcudia

Puerto de Alcudia is a very popular and big holiday destination in the North of Mallorca. Because of this, you can find everything you could want during your holiday here. There are lots of restaurants and bars ranging from budget-friendly to upscale, and there is also a pretty good nightlife, but mostly with a family-friendly focus.

The beach here is also ideal, especially for families with small children because of the small waves and shallow waters. While there are excellent hotels in Puerto de Alcudia for couples and adults, the general vibe of the resort is more family-focused. So, for adults staying here, it is best to stay near the marina, where everything is a bit more upscale and adult-focused.

• The best area to explore the North of Mallorca without a car.
• There are easy bus connections to most of the northern areas, Such as Alcanada, Playa de Muro, Can Picafort, and Puerto Pollensa.
• Also, popular inland areas like Pollensa and Alcudia, with lots of culture, history, and an authentically Spanish setting, are easily reached by bus.
• A go-karting track, horse riding ranch and waterpark for kids are all located here.
• Bus tours along the coastline to explore nearby beaches and towns.
• Plenty of bus tours take you to the most popular attractions on the other side of the island.
• Taxis on every street corner.
• This area is on the other side of the island from the airport, so it is best to book a cheap seat on the shuttle bus or taxi in advance.

Zafiro Tropic is great for families, and Viva Golf is great for couples and adults. Both are located near the marina and main street where most buses pass.

Palma

Palma, the capital of Mallorca, is also a great place to stay without a car. It is even better to stay here without a car, because of the parking situation. Especially during the winter season, this is a great place to stay on the island, as there is always something to see and do, while many other areas are mostly closed down then. Palma is great for those looking for a more authentic Spanish city trip experience with lots of tapas and shopping.

This area can be budget-friendly because of the many cheap hostels, but it also has many pricey fancy hotels. While I would not advise staying here with children, it is great for adults, solo travellers and couples.

• Best for those who want to explore the entire island of Mallorca without a car.
• Palma City has the biggest public transport terminus on the island and direct train and bus connections to most places on the island.
• The famous tourist train to Soller leaves from here.
• While most of Palma is walkable, you can use the EMT buses to explore the city and nearby destinations.
• Cheap and quick connection to the airport by bus.

Innside by Melia Palma Center is excellent for travellers looking for something budget-friendly in a good location to explore the city. It is also located only 200 meters from the bus and train terminus and a 10-minute walk to the old town.

Playa de Palma

Playa de Palma is not to be confused with Palma City, as many do. It is a more touristy area directly next to the beach. There is a huge beach here and plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. Over the years, this area has gone from a party-focused area to a more upscale and classy resort.

This area is very popular with younger couples, adults, solo travellers, and groups of friends who want to be close to the more clubbing and party-focused El Arenal in summer. Older couples like to have a quiet and relaxing holiday here in the winter months. There are also excellent family hotels here, but the main focus is on adults.

• The best area for those who want to be close to the airport for a quick visit to Mallorca.
• The public transport can quickly take you to the bus terminus in nearby Palma, where you have direct connections to most places on the island.
• Famous party areas like Bierkönig, Calle de la Cerveza and Arenal are nearby.
• Palma Aquarium and TirolinasGo are located here.
• Aqualand El Arenal and a karting track are just a few kilometres away.
• Many bus tours to nearby attractions in the Palma Nova area and to explore the rest of the island.
• Traffic free promenade, so it is easy to walk to nearby Can Pastilla or El Arenal.
• There is also a little tourist train that drives along the coastline.
• Closest to the airport from the areas on this list.

The Pure Salt Garonda is an excellent hotel for couples and adults. It is in a central location close to everything. For families, the Iberostar Cristina is a great choice in a similar location.

Cala Millor

Cala Millor has the longest white sandy beaches in the East of Mallorca, as well as nearby dunes and rocky areas from which to swim. This big, popular and lively area has lots of lively nightlife but no clubbing.

This area is excellent for couples and families, especially those with older children. Solo travellers and younger adults looking for a more clubbing-focused holiday might want to choose another destination, as this side of the island does not have much of that.

• The best area to explore the East of Mallorca without a car.
• Direct bus connections to popular nearby places and beaches like Cala Bona, Sa Coma, s’Illot, Porto Cristo and Cala Ratjada.
• With one bus change in Porto Cristo, you can also visit some of the island’s most beautiful and authentic beaches.
• Coves del Drach, Coves del Hams, Dinosaurland and Safari Zoo are nearby.
• A taxi to take you to nearby areas like Sa Coma, s’Illot, and Cala Bona does not cost much, about 10 to 15 euros.
• Boat tours along the coast to explore nearby beaches, markets and attractions.
• Cycling lanes throughout the area and to neighboring areas of Cala Bona and Sa Coma.
• This area is far from the airport. Before arriving, it is best to book a seat on the shuttle bus or a taxi.

Marins Playa is a great hotel for families on the border of Cala Millor and Cala Bona, so you can explore both areas on foot. Kyrat Amarac is great for adults and couples next to the beach and closer to the centre of Cala Millor.