Towns & Villages in Mallorca

This small town between Inca and the S'Albufera marshes is a sleepy little place, a typical rural Mallorcan town.

Cala Major (also known as Cala Mayor) and its neighbour Sant Agusti are holiday resort towns on the outskirts of Palma.

The former fishing villages Portixol and Molinar, like many neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Palma, have experienced a bit of a renaissance in recent years. They have transformed from quiet fishing villages into some of the trendiest areas in the south-west of Mallorca. Their main attractions include a long stretch of beach, a beautiful promenade and a boho vibe. That’s before we even get started on the great selection of restaurants, bars and hotels servicing the area!

A village steeped in old-world charm, Valldemossa lies in an idyllic valley in the midst of the Tramuntana mountains. Its ancient blonde stone houses contrast vividly against the surrounding green forests of olive, oak and almond trees, and the blue sky above. It’s the kind of place you can sit back and soak up the scenery with a warm drink and pastry in the winter and a cold glass of wine and nibbles in the summer. 

Magaluf is arguably one of Europe’s most well-known beach resorts. Over the past couple of decades, significant investment and revitalisation efforts have been made to transform its image from a budget-friendly party hotspot to a more upscale and refined destination.

Perched high on a ridge in Mallorca’s countryside and surrounded by old stone windmills, the sleepy village of Montuiri is probably the most impressive sight on the road between Palma and Manacor.

Porreres is typical of the small towns on the Mallorcan plain - nothing much to see, but an easy-going atmosphere and a good place to while away a couple of hours.

Porto Petro or Portopetro can be found within the district of Santanyí. This fishing village which retains much of its traditional charm, with most of its buildings, developed in the early 20th century, being handsome, colourful houses with authentic Mallorcan shutters.

This fishing village, once the port for Felanitx, was named in honour of Christopher Columbus, who is said - without much evidence - to have been born here. Popular with Mallorcan and Spanish visitors and set inside a deep natural harbour, Portocolom still has the feel of a small fishing port, with boats around the quay and pastel-coloured houses lining the waterfront, each with its own landing-stage.

The town of Andratx is located in a valley on the southwestern tip of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Surrounded by orange groves and almond trees, which leave a 'snowfall' of blossom each February, Andratx is a pretty, sleepy rural town that embodies the authentic Mallorca.

On the north coast of Mallorca lies the Bay of Alcudia, a gorgeous coastline comprising of turquoise shallow waters and long, soft golden sandy beaches. It is therefore not much of a surprise to find Majorca's biggest beach resort here. From Port d'Alcudia, in the west, to Can Picafort 10km down the coast, you will find a strip of apartment blocks and resort style hotels that offer everything from budget self-catering to luxurious five-star accommodation.

Santa Ponsa, also known as Santa Ponça, is a holiday resort situated in a beautiful sheltered cove in the south-west of Mallorca. Despite being a favourite among British visitors for over 40 years, it’s remarkably avoided too many of the high-rise developments seen in some of Mallorca’s neighbouring coastal resorts. Santa Ponsa bay sits against a gorgeous mountain backdrop, dotted with well-designed villas and apartment buildings that blend in nicely with the scenery.

Fornalutx, at the top of the Sóller Valley and deep within the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, calls itself the prettiest village in Spain and it's hard to disagree!

The good, the bad and the ugly sides of Mallorcas tourist development meet along a 25km stretch of coast. Tacky resorts sit next to exclusive retreats, it seems that everyone wants a slice of Palma Bay. One moment you can be in Portals Nous, with its chic marina crammed with millionaires' yachts, the next in seedy Magaluf, all British pubs and wet T-shirt contests.

Porto Cristo – also known as Portocristo – is a charming fishing village on Mallorca’s east coast, nestled at the end of a long, sheltered bay. With its Blue Flag sandy beach and clear turquoise waters, it has become a relaxed, family-friendly resort that makes the most of its idyllic setting.

Esporles is one of Mallorca’s best-kept secrets, a wonderfully pretty place thanks to the well-preserved traditional blonde stone architecture and stunning setting in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.

Sineu is a traditional inland town located geographically at the centre of Mallorca. Visitors looking to immerse themselves in the ‘real’ Mallorca, or seeking solitude away from the touristy side of the island will find Sineu an attractive destination.

The small rural town of Petra lies in the middle of Mallorca, surrounded by agricultural land.