Cala d'Or, Santanyí and Cas Concos (south-east)
Cala d'Or, which has more of our villas than any other town, is a white-washed resort spread around small coves and a marina. Santanyí is a honey-stone market town. The Mondragó natural park, with the coves of s'Amarador and s'Arenal, is close by. Cas Concos is a quiet inland village. Palma airport is around 50 minutes to an hour away.
Best for: Couples and families who want small coves with clear water
Not for you if: You want a long sandy beach: this coast is mostly small coves that get busy in August.
Alcúdia, Port d'Alcúdia and Can Picafort (north)
The bay of Alcúdia has a long sweep of fine sand and shallow water, ideal for younger children. Alcúdia has a walled old town, and the s'Albufera wetland reserve lies between Port d'Alcúdia and Can Picafort. Villas run from the edge of town into the countryside around Muro and Santa Margalida. Palma airport is around 45 minutes away.
Best for: Families who want long, shallow sandy beaches
Not for you if: You want seclusion: the bay of Alcúdia is one of the island's busiest summer resort areas.
Pollença and Cala Sant Vicenç (north)
Pollença is an old stone town at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains, with a main square full of cafés. Port de Pollença, a few kilometres away, has a calm bay for swimming and sailing, and Cala Sant Vicenç has small coves under the cliffs. From mid-May to mid-October the road to Cap de Formentor is closed to private cars from 10am to 10pm. The airport is around 45 to 50 minutes away.
Best for: Walkers, cyclists and families who want mountains and a pretty old town
Not for you if: You want to drive to Formentor in summer: private cars are restricted, so you take the bus.
Campos, Ses Salines, Llucmajor and Cala Pi (south)
Campos and Ses Salines sit behind Es Trenc, around ten kilometres of white sand and shallow water in a protected natural area, with salt pans behind it. Colònia de Sant Jordi is the base for boat trips to the Cabrera national park. Cala Pi is a small cove in a narrow inlet. This area is around 30 to 45 minutes from Palma airport.
Best for: Beach lovers who want Es Trenc and easy access to Palma
Not for you if: You want nightlife or a resort strip: this is a quiet, rural corner.
The east coast (Porto Cristo, Cala Murada, Son Servera, Capdepera, Artà)
Porto Cristo is a harbour town next to the Caves of Drach, Cala Murada is a quiet cove resort, and Son Servera and Capdepera give access to golf and the beaches of Cala Millor and Cala Ratjada. Artà is a hilltop market town near the protected Llevant peninsula. Manacor and Felanitx are working towns inland, with many rural villas nearby.
Best for: Families who want a mix of coves, caves and market towns
Not for you if: You want a short airport transfer: the east coast is around an hour from Palma.
Inland Mallorca (Inca, Búger, Selva, Campanet, Sencelles)
The central plain and the foothills of the Tramuntana are farming country of almond groves, vineyards and stone villages. Inca is the main market town, and Selva and Campanet sit right under the mountains. From here the north coast and Palma are both around 30 to 40 minutes away, which makes it a good base for exploring the whole island.
Best for: Groups and families who want a private finca with space and a pool
Not for you if: You want to walk to the beach: these villas are in the countryside and the coast is a drive away.
Palma
Mallorca's capital has the Gothic cathedral on the seafront, an old town of narrow lanes, the Santa Catalina market and a long seafront promenade. Villas and houses are in the city and the surrounding residential areas, around 15 to 20 minutes from the airport, with beaches a short drive away.
Best for: Couples who want a city break with the beach close by
Not for you if: You want a quiet rural villa: city properties have less outdoor space.
