Where to stay in Mallorca without a car: 7 Best areas

I love to explore places without a car, and on my website, I cover many topics for car-free travelers. In this article, we will visit Mallorca and help you find the best places to stay in Mallorca without a car. 

I will share my recommendations for the top areas to stay in Mallorca without a car, along with a helpful map. I’ll also tell you where I stayed in Mallorca and suggest the best hotels in Mallorca for all budgets.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearic Islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea, to the east of the Iberian Peninsula. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. 

Palma de Mallorca, often referred to simply as Palma, is the capital and largest city of the island. It is a bustling urban center with historic architecture and a vibrant cultural scene.

The Tramuntana mountain range in the northwest is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.

Mallorca is well-connected by air, with the Palma de Mallorca Airport serving as the main gateway to the island. It also has an extensive road network and public transportation for getting around.

If you are asking “Can I get around Mallorca without a car?” My answer is, “Yes, even though the best way to get around the island is by car, it is possible to get around Mallorca without a car by using alternatives such as buses, trains, taxis, walking, and boat tours.”

The island has an extensive bus network that connects the major towns and tourist destinations. EMT Palma is the main bus company operating in Palma de Mallorca, while TIB buses connect different towns on the island. Buses are an affordable and reliable way to travel around Mallorca.

The Palma Metro serves the city of Palma AND has two lines, M1 (Palma – University) and M2 (Palma – Marratxí). The metro station in Palma is Intermodal Station.

There are also suburban trains that connect Palma (Plaça d’Espanya Intermodal station) with other towns on the island such as Inca, Sa Pobla, and Manacor. The scenic vintage Palma to Sóller train is a popular choice for tourists.

Palma is the transportation hub of the island, making it easy to connect to other destinations. From the airport, you can get to central Palma by bus line 1, terminating at Placa Espanya in Palma’s Old Town.  

Mallorca is a great destination for cycling, with many dedicated bike lanes and routes. You can rent bicycles in many towns and explore the island at your own pace.

Taxis are available in most towns and can be a convenient way to get around, though they are more expensive than public transportation.

In many areas, especially in the cities and near the coastline, you can explore on foot. Palma’s historic center is perfect for walking, and there are beautiful coastal promenades in various parts of the island.

If you want to explore coastal towns or nearby islands, you can use boats and ferries. This is a great way to experience Mallorca from the water.

In some popular tourist areas, you can find special tourist trains and buses that take you to popular attractions and scenic spots.

Where to stay in Mallorca without a car?

The best areas to stay in Mallorca without a car are Palma de Mallorca, Sóller/ Port de Sóller, Playa de Palma, S’Arenal, Cala d’Or, Pollença/ Port de Pollença, and Alcúdia/ Port d’Alcúdia.

These are popular tourist areas with plenty of tourist attractions and amenities, so you can easily explore on foot, by public transportation, and taxi.

Palma is one of the most popular areas to stay in Mallorca for car-free travelers and first-timers. It is the capital city and transport hub of Mallorca, easily accessible from the port, airport, and beaches. It has a rich history, beautiful architecture, and plenty of restaurants and shops.  

Playa de Palma and S’Arenal are beautiful beach areas located close to Palma and the airport, great for beach holiday and enjoy the nightlife. 

Sóller is a charming town in the Tramuntana Mountains and well-connected to Palma by a scenic train. Port de Sóller  is a picturesque beach area located 15 minute tram ride from the old town of Sóller.

Cala d’Or is a popular resort town with beautiful coves and beaches. It’s located on the southeast coast of the island and is well-connected by bus to Palma and other parts of the island. 

Pollença/Port de Pollença, and Alcúdia/Port d’Alcúdia are located in the north of Mallorca and are known for their beautiful beaches and historic old town.

During my trip to Mallorca, I stayed in Palma, at the 4-star Petit Palace Hotel Tres. It is a great hotel, centrally located in the heart of the Old Town, an easy walk to major sights and the seafront area. It has Superb breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, and electric scooter rental service.

Below is a map of the popular areas in Mallorca for car-free travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.

Map of the best areas to stay in Mallorca without a car
Map of the best areas to stay in Mallorca without a car

Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Mallorca, especially for travelers without a car. I’ll explain to you how to reach each area and how to get around. I’ll also provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget. 

All hotels in Mallorca have been carefully selected by me, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them. If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.

7 Best areas to stay in Mallorca without a car:

1. Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is one of the best areas to stay in Mallorca without a car. Staying in the city center, near the old town, or along the waterfront is a great choice as it allows easy access to public transportation and most of the city’s attractions within walking distance.

Palma has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and metros, which can take you to different parts of the city and surrounding areas. You can purchase single tickets or multi-ride cards depending on the duration of your stay.

Palma is a very walkable city, and many of its attractions, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, and the historic old town, are within walking distance of each other. Exploring the city on foot is a pleasant way to experience its rich culture and history.

Palma offers a vibrant dining scene with numerous restaurants and cafes. You can enjoy local cuisine and international dishes within the city. Shopping enthusiasts can explore the city’s various boutiques and markets.

While you can enjoy the city of Palma without a car, you can consider taking organized day trips to explore other parts of Mallorca. Tour operators offer excursions to destinations like Sóller, Valldemossa, and the Tramuntana Mountains, which are accessible via public transportation.

Best places to stay in Palma de Mallorca without a car:

  • Luxury ($$$): Hotel Can Alomar, 5-star hotel, centrally located on Paseo del Borne Boulevard central Palma, right in the middle of everything, everything is a a short walk away from the hotel including the seafront promenade, Mallorca Cathedral, and Almudaina Palace.
  • Mid-range ($$): Petit Palace Hotel Tres, great 4-star hotel, located in the heart of the historical center of Palma de Mallorca. It offers paid airport shuttle services, Superb breakfast, and an outdoor swimming pool. It is only a 15 mins walk to the beach area.
  • Budget ($): Apuntadores 8, popular accommodation located in the old quarter, a short walk from Plaza de la Reina Square and Paseo del Born Avenue. Easy access to shops, restaurants, taxi/ bus stops for links to the airport, beaches, and other parts of the island.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PALMA DE MALLORCA

2. Playa de Palma

Playa de Palma is great base in Mallorca for car-free travelers. It is a popular resort area located on the south coast of Mallorca, not far from Palma de Mallorca. It’s known for its long sandy beach, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of tourist amenities

Most of these accommodations are located near the beach and the main promenade, so you’ll have easy access to the sea and various entertainment options.

Playa de Palma is well-connected to Palma and other parts of the island by buses. You can use buses to explore Palma, the airport, and other beach resorts. 

The main attraction in Playa de Palma is the beach itself. You can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the Mediterranean Sea, and partake in various water sports activities offered by local vendors. The beach promenade is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops.

There are numerous bars, clubs, and discos along the promenade, offering live music and DJs. It’s an excellent place for those looking to enjoy the nightlife without needing a car to get around.

Best places to stay in Playa de Palma without a car:

  • Luxury ($$$): Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma, 5-star beachfront hotel, located in Playa de Palma, only 5 mins drive from Palma Airport, and is surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops.
  • Mid-range ($$): Hotel Las Arenas, great 4-star seafront hotel located in Can Pastilla, a short walk from the bus stop that takes you to Palma city center.
  • Budget ($): Helios Mallorca Hotel & Apartments, very popular 3-star accommodation situated just off Palma Beach, right next to  Palma Aquarium, offering an outdoor pool, 24-hour front desk, and family rooms. Easy access to public buses to get to Palma Centre and Mallorca Airport.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PLAYA DE PALMA

3. S’Arenal

S’Arenal is located within a short bus/taxi ride from Playa de Palma, Palma, and the airport. Similar to Playa de Palma, S’Arenal is a popular destination for tourists, particularly those seeking beachfront relaxation and vibrant nightlife.

Best places to stay in Mallorca in S’Arenal without a car:

  • Budget ($): Hotel Gracia, great 3-star good value for money hotel, located in El Arenal, featuring a buffet restaurant serving Mediterranean food. It is within walking distance from the beach and bus stop for links to Palma and the airport.
  • Luxury ($$$): HM Ayron Park, 5-star seasonal hotel (February until November), a short taxi/car drive from the airport, within a short walk from the beach and a wide range of tourist facilities.
  • Mid-range ($$): whala!fun, 4-star hotel, located close to Calo de Sant Antoni Beach, Sa Cova Baixa Beach, and Playa de Palma Beach. It has Fabulous breakfast and 24-hour front desk.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN S’ARENAL

4. Sóller/ Port de Sóller

Sóller and Port de Sóller are two picturesque towns located on the northwest coast of Mallorca. Sóller is more inland, while Port de Sóller is on the coast. Sóller is nestled in the Tramuntana Mountains, while Port de Sóller is the coastal extension with a beautiful bay. 

One of the highlights of visiting Sóller is the historic wooden train that runs from Palma de Mallorca to Sóller. This is a popular way to reach Sóller without a car and enjoy stunning mountain scenery along the way. 

You can then take a tram from Sóller to Port de Sóller. The tram and train are both scenic and convenient modes of public transportation.

Sóller and Port de Sóller are compact towns that can be easily explored on foot. Sóller has a charming town center with narrow streets, shops, cafes, and the beautiful church of Sant Bartomeu. 

Port de Sóller offers a lovely promenade along the harbor, where you can enjoy waterfront dining and take in the views.

The Tramuntana Mountains surrounding Sóller offer excellent hiking opportunities. There are well-marked trails, such as the GR 221, that take you through beautiful landscapes. You can also explore the nearby villages and hamlets on foot.

Best places to stay in Sóller/ Port de Sóller without a car:

  • Luxury ($$$): Gran Hotel Soller, 5-star hotel, offering paid airport shuttle services and Superb breakfast. It is located in the center of Sóller, between the Tramuntana mountains and the ocean. It is 5 mins walk from the Palma-Soller train and tram taking you through the orange groves of the valley.
  • Mid-range ($$): Hotel El Guía, 4-star hotel, located in the old town of Sóller, a short walk from   Plaça de sa Constitució Square, shops and a market. Easy access to The tram stop to Sóller Port and Soller Railway Station.
  • Budget ($): Hotel Marina, great 3-star hotel located in Port de Soller, a short walk from the seafront promenade, close to the tram stop to go to Soller and the bus stop for Palma or other towns or villages on the island.. It offers views of Platja den Repic Beach
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN SÓLLER/ PORT DE SÓLLER

5. Cala d’Or

Cala d’Or is a popular resort town located on the southeastern coast of Mallorca and is well-connected with other towns by bus. It is a charming coastal destination that provides a relaxed and convenient environment for travelers without a car.  

Cala d’Or boasts several stunning coves and beaches, such as Cala Gran, Cala Ferrera, and Cala Esmeralda. You can easily access these beaches on foot from the town center and enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Best places to stay in Mallorca in Cala d’Or without a car:

  • Mid-range ($$): Inturotel Sa Marina, great 4-star hotel, located within walking distance from the  Cala D’Or and Cala Gran beaches, shops, restaurants, bus stops, and Cala Llonga Marina. 
  • Mid-range ($$): Sentido Fido Tucan – Beach Hotel, 4-star modern, adults-only hotel located a short walk from Cala Gran Beach. Central quiet location, easy walk from bars and restaurants.
  • Budget ($): Hotel Ses Puntetes, great 3-star accommodation, within walking distance from Cala Gran Beach in south-eastern Mallorca’s Cala d’Or resort.  It is a short drive from Cala Mondragó Nature Reserve and Val d’Or Golf Course. Close to the bus stop.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN CALA D’OR

6. Alcúdia/ Port d’Alcúdia

Alcúdia and Port d’Alcúdia are two lovely destinations on the northeastern coast of Mallorca. They are known for their historical charm, beautiful beaches, and a wide range of amenities. You can easily explore these areas without a car.

Port d’Alcúdia features a long sandy beach that is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. 

Alcúdia’s Old Town is charming and well-preserved, with its medieval walls and narrow streets. You can explore the historical sites, visit the market (held twice a week), and enjoy the local culture.

Best places to stay in Mallorca in Alcúdia without a car:

  • Luxury ($$$): Bordoy Alcudia Port Suites, 5-star boutique hotel located in Port d’Alcudia, a short walk from the harbor. Short taxi ride from a shopping center and an ancient Roman amphitheater.
  • Mid-range ($$): Sant Jaume, 4-star hotel located in a quiet area in the heart of Medieval Alcúdia, surrounded by the old city walls. short walk to Alcúdia Beach. Short taxi ride from The S’Albufera Nature Reserve.
  • Budget ($): Sand Beach Apartments, 3-star beachfront accommodation, located in Port d’Alcudia. Close to a Bus Stop as well as restaurants and supermarkets 
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN ALCÚDIA

7. Port de Pollença/ Pollença

Port de Pollença and Pollença are two charming destinations in the north of Mallorca. Pollensa Port is located 8km away from Pollença old town and is well-connected by public buses line 345 and line 340. The journey is around 15 minutes.

Port de Pollença features a beautiful sandy beach and a promenade lined with restaurants and bars. You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports activities.

Pollença boasts a historic Old Town with cobbled streets, a picturesque main square, and historic buildings. Visit the Calvari Steps, explore the town’s churches and museums, and enjoy the local market on Sundays.

Best places to stay in Mallorca in Pollença without a car:

  • Mid-range ($$): Hotel Miramar, 4-star beachfront hotel with a private beach, located  right on the Pine Walk, offering paid airport shuttle and Exceptional breakfast.
  • Mid-range ($$): Puerto Azul Suite Hotel, great 4-star hotel, short walk from the marina, and a range of shops, bars and restaurants along Port de Pollença’s seafront. 
  • Budget ($): Pensión Bellavista, 3-star good value for money hotel located in Port de Pollensa, easy access to restaurants,  8 min walk to bus station. Also a short walk from Paseo Voramar Street and its beaches where you can enjoy water sports such as sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN POLLENÇA

In conclusion, Palma, Playa de Palma, S’Arenal, Sóller/ Port de Sóller, Cala d’Or, Alcúdia, Pollença/ Port de Pollença are the best places to stay in Mallorca without a car. These areas are well-connected to public transportation, and offer plenty of accommodations for all budgets.

There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas that you can stay during your car-free trip to Mallorca. I hope you found my article helpful and enjoy your holiday!

If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality travel guides.

About Author: Ocean Cameron

I'm Ocean, founder and main editor of travelhotelexpert.com. I’m a passionate traveler who specializes in uncovering the best hotels and locations in every city, especially for first-timers, all without the need for a car.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. This means that, at absolutely no additional cost to you, I'll earn a small commission if you click through and purchase something I've recommended. I only recommend products that I use myself or firmly believe in. Thank you!

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