Regional comparison
Mallorca: north or east?
Two very different coastlines: a long sandy bay versus rugged calas. The comparison, criterion by criterion.
The gentle entry into the water makes the northern bays the island’s family region.
In brief
North or east of Mallorca – which is better?
The north suits families and water sports better: the Bay of Alcúdia offers kilometres of very gently shelving sandy beach and short distances. The east suits couples and explorers better: there, small rocky coves with clear water line up one after another, but you almost always need a car.
Profile of both regions
- North
- Alcúdia, Playa de Muro, Can Picafort, Port de Pollença
- East
- Cala d'Or, Porto Cristo, Cala Ratjada, Santanyí
- Beach type, north
- Long sandy beaches, very shallow entry
- Beach type, east
- Small coves between rocks and pine trees
- Transfer from PMI
- North approx. 55–70 min, east approx. 60–80 min
- Hire car
- North: helpful; east: clearly recommended
The comparison matrix
| Criterion | North | East |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Wide bay, dunes, s'Albufera wetland | Rocky coast, caves, coves lined with pines |
| Beaches | Very long, wide, fine sand | Small, sheltered, often turquoise |
| Families | Very good: shallow water, level paths | Good, but often steps down to the cove |
| Couples | Good, rather family-oriented | Very good: intimate coves, small harbours |
| Nightlife | Quiet, close to the hotels | Quiet to moderate, Cala Ratjada livelier |
| Peace and quiet | High outside the hotel zones | High, lively in Cala d'Or in high summer |
| Resorts | Alcúdia, Playa de Muro, Can Picafort, Port de Pollença | Cala d'Or, Porto Cristo, Cala Ratjada, Santanyí |
| Transfer from PMI | approx. 55–70 minutes | approx. 60–80 minutes |
| Need for a hire car | Medium – usable bus network | High – coves are scattered |
| Restaurants | Wide range of hotel and promenade options | Harbour restaurants, fish, small town centres |
| Activities | Water sports, cycling, birdwatching | Boat trips, caves, cove-hopping |
| Price level | Medium, lots of package deals | Medium to upmarket, fewer large hotels |
| Hotels | Large family and club hotels | Smaller hotels, apartments, aparthotels |
| Excursions | Formentor, Pollença, northern edge of the Tramuntana | Coves del Drac, Artà, Cap de Formentor far away |
Resorts in the north
Resorts in the east
Beaches compared directly
Conclusion
No blanket recommendation – it depends on the type of holiday.
The north suits you better if …
- →you are travelling with small children and need shallow water
- →you want plenty of beach time without car journeys
- →cycling, kitesurfing or windsurfing are on the agenda
- →you are looking for a large hotel with half board or all inclusive
The east suits you better if …
- →you want to head for a different cove every day
- →as a couple you prefer small harbours and quiet evenings
- →snorkelling and boat trips matter more than the width of the beach
- →you are planning on a hire car anyway
Frequently asked questions
Is the north or the east of Mallorca more family-friendly?
The north. The Bay of Alcúdia shelves extremely gently, the beaches are wide and the paths between hotel, promenade and water are mostly level. In the east, many coves are reached via steps.
How long does the transfer from Palma airport take?
To the north, allow around 55 to 70 minutes; to the east, 60 to 80 minutes. In high season, Saturdays can easily add 20 minutes.
Can you holiday in the east of Mallorca without a hire car?
To a limited extent. Cala Ratjada and Porto Cristo have bus connections, but the most beautiful coves are off the beaten track. If you travel without a car, you are more flexible in the north or in Palma.
Next steps