Towns & Villages in Mallorca — 5 of Our Favourites

A typical old Mediterranean town, Sóller is made up of narrow streets lined with traditional style residential townhouses with the famous green Mallorcan shutters. The main square, Plaça Constitució, has plenty of cafés where you can enjoy a freshly made drink, and every Saturday the area comes alive when the local market takes place. Culture vultures come from far and wide to visit Sóller for its rich history, the beautiful architecture and museums. It's also a town that hosts many traditional Mallorcan fairs and festivals throughout the year.

Sóller lies a couple of miles inland from its port, Port de Sóller. There is a vintage tram that runs from the town to the port, which is one of the most famous attractions for tourists in the area. It’s also really easy to travel between Sóller and Palma, thanks to a vintage train, dating back to 1912, that connects the two and travels several times throughout the day. The train journey is an experience in itself as it passes through some wonderfully scenic countryside.

In recent years, a few stylish boutique hotels have opened in the area, making Sóller a trendy holiday destination amongst some of the islands most affluent visitors. Although it’s worth knowing that the town remains very much Spanish in terms of its full-time residents and there are very few expats living here year-round, which is perhaps part of its appeal.

Petra is best known as being the birthplace of Fray Junipero Serra, a missionary who some claim founded California. Petra is also known for its sandstone, which has created many of the villages of Mallorca. Celebrated for its traditional charm and tranquil atmosphere, Petra retains a strong sense of history with its stone houses, cobbled streets, and quiet squares. 

Visitors can explore local churches, artisan shops, and wineries producing authentic Mallorcan wines. The village hosts seasonal markets and festivals that highlight rural traditions. Petra offers a peaceful retreat from the island’s bustling coastal resorts, making it ideal for those seeking culture, history, and an authentic glimpse of Mallorcan life.

Valldemossa's quiet and picturesque streets are brimming with artisan shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Doorways are lined with beautiful plants and flowers, and many houses feature a portrait of Saint Catalina Thomàs, the first saint to be born in Mallorca. With a local population of around 2,000 residents, in recent years, Valldemossa’s rising popularity has led to an increase in visitors, meaning its once peaceful streets can now feel noticeably busier, especially during peak summer. Most tourists come to Valldemossa on day trips to see the Real Cartuja, the Carthusian Monastery where Chopin and George Sand once spent a winter. Visitors tend to stay for a few hours before continuing on towards Deia, another mountain village on the west coast that overlooks the sea and the setting sun.

Valldemossa’s beautiful countryside naturally draws hikers and nature lovers here. It’s also a favourite destination for those looking to escape the island’s more crowded beach resorts in favour of a tranquil mountainside retreat. 

Located in a stunning coastal stretch, at the bottom of a funnel-shaped valley, lies Port d’Andratx, a harbour claimed by many as one of the prettiest in Mallorca. The main town, built in the mid 20th century, is located on the southern side of the port and retains its character thanks to the presence of fishermen. In the summer, this side of the harbour has a wonderfully bustling atmosphere thanks to the lively bars and restaurants that line the water's edge boasting wonderful sea views amplified by the many yachts mooring in the bay. Although the port is quieter in the winter months, with many restaurants closing between November and March it is still a nice place to visit as it appears to revert back to its roots as a small fishing port.

The Club de Vela marina on the north side of the port has a distinguished cosmopolitan legacy. It is also the biggest attraction in the area for some of the most affluent individuals evident by the number of larger yachts dwelling here. Many of them also own a villa on the surrounding hillsides. Speaking of the area’s inhabitants there’s a mixture of local native Mallorca inhabitants, international expats who have retired to the area and, of course, some holiday home owners who come and go throughout the year.

The town has some nice buildings solely dedicated to apartments, whilst villas dot every conceivable space on the surrounding hillsides from Port d’Andratx to the ancient rural town of Andratx about 5km away. This area of Mallorca is also blessed with glorious countryside, which attracts many visitors keen to explore some of the island's natural beauty.

Alcúdia is a perfectly restored walled town on the site of a Roman settlement with remains of ancient houses and a theatre. The maze of narrow streets tucked inside Alcúdia’s old medieval walls has been thoughtfully restored, giving the town a fresh charm while keeping its historic character. It’s all part of Mallorca’s effort to showcase a more authentic and inviting side to visitors.

Located about five minutes by car from the coast, Alcúdia should not be confused with the beach resort of Port d'Alcúdia. Many of Mallorca's oldest settlements were built several miles inland to provide protection against prowling pirates, while their port and coastal areas were only developed in more recent times as tourism became a major source of income for the island.

Alcúdia actually provides a real contrast to the more touristy beach resort of Port d'Alcúdia. With a wealth of history and charm, this town offers visitors an authentic Mallorcan experience. From its big weekly market through to traditional fiestas and fairs and classical music festivals, the town puts on a whole host of cultural events. The boutique style hotels and first class gastronomic restaurants that have opened in the area mean the town is becoming more attractive for those keen to immerse themselves in a wholesome Mallorcan experience whilst visiting the island. It is also surrounded by beautiful countryside, explorable by car or by bicycle.