Compare regions
Mallorca north, south, east or west – which region suits you?
The geographical decision before choosing a place: beach, scenery, atmosphere and transfer compared.
In short
Which Mallorca region suits my holiday?
Which side of Mallorca suits you best depends on your type of holiday: the north offers long beaches and plenty of family infrastructure, the east many resorts and coves, the west the Tramuntana scenery, and the south/south-west short distances to Palma, city amenities and a variety of coastal towns.
Region first, then place
The region determines the scenery, type of beach and transfer. The place finder then helps you make the finer choice within the region.
The four Mallorca regions in brief
Strengths, limitations and typical resorts in each region.
North
Beach holidays with nature and a family focus
Strengths
- ✓Long sandy beaches on the Bay of Alcúdia
- ✓Plenty of family infrastructure
- ✓Nature and nature parks
- ✓Excursions such as Formentor and Pollença
Bear in mind
The journey from Palma airport is longer than to the south-west.
Place profiles in this region
East
Classic resorts with coves and beaches
Strengths
- ✓Sandy beaches and calas in one region
- ✓Many long-established resorts
- ✓Suitable for families and couples
- ✓Activities, caves and boat trips
Bear in mind
Depending on the place, the transfer from the airport is longer.
Place profiles in this region
West / Tramuntana
Scenery, mountains and places with atmosphere
Strengths
- ✓Tramuntana scenery and mountain backdrop
- ✓Hiking and scenic routes
- ✓Townscapes with character
- ✓Atmosphere rather than resort bustle
Bear in mind
Fewer classic long sandy beaches than in the north or east.
Place profiles in this region
South / south-west / Palma region
A wide range from city to resort
Strengths
- ✓Close to the airport with short transfers
- ✓Wide choice of places and hotels
- ✓Very wide range of restaurants
- ✓Different types of beach and plenty to do in the evening
Bear in mind
The atmosphere varies greatly from place to place – it pays to look closely here.
Place profiles in this region
Central comparison table of Mallorca's regions
Regional classification – within each region the places still differ considerably.
| Region | Beaches | Scenery | Families | Couples | Without a hire car | Nightlife | Transfer | Typical character |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North | Long sandy beaches | Bay, nature parks, Formentor | very well suited | well suited | easy | moderate | rather long | Beach and nature |
| East | Sandy beaches and calas | Coast, caves, hills | very well suited | well suited | easy depending on the place | moderate to lively | medium to long | Classic resorts |
| West / Tramuntana | Small beaches and coves | Mountains, terraces, orange valley | limited | very well suited | easy in Port de Sóller | quiet | medium | Scenery and atmosphere |
| South / south-west | From city beach to cove | Coast, city, hills | well suited | well suited | very easy | from quiet to very lively | short | Widest range |
Which part of Mallorca is the most beautiful?
No region is the best for every type of holiday. The more useful question is what should shape your holiday: a long sandy beach, a variety of coves, mountain scenery, or a city and short distances. After that, the decision is usually clear.
Mallorca north or south – which is better?
The north is strong if a long sandy beach, shallow water and nature are the priority – typical destinations are Port d’Alcúdia, Can Picafort and Port de Pollença. The south and south-west score with short transfers, proximity to Palma and a very wide choice of different places. If your trip is short or Palma is part of it, the south is usually the more practical choice.
Mallorca east or west – which is better?
The east is the classic beach-holiday region with resorts, sandy beaches and calas. The west stands for the Tramuntana, hiking and places with character, but has smaller beaches. For a pure beach holiday the east suits you better; for scenery and an active holiday, the west.
Which region has the most beautiful beaches?
For long, wide sandy beaches the north leads with the Bay of Alcúdia. If you are looking for small coves, the east and south-east are right for you. In the south around Colònia de Sant Jordi there are wide, natural beach areas, while the west has scenic but smaller beaches.
Which region is best for families?
The north and east offer the most family-oriented resorts with gently shelving water and promenades. In the south-west, Peguera is a very family-friendly alternative with a short transfer.
Which region is best for couples?
The west around Port de Sóller and Valldemossa and the south-west with Port d’Andratx stand for atmosphere, good food and quiet evenings. In the south-east, Cala d’Or is a popular choice if swimming is part of the plan.
Which region works best without a hire car?
The Palma region is the easiest: the city, Playa de Palma and the south-west are well connected. Individual places in the north and east such as Port d’Alcúdia or Cala Millor also work without a car, but excursions are more limited there.
Which region has the shortest transfers?
The Palma region and the south-west are closest to the airport, the north and parts of the east considerably further away. Exact journey times depend on the destination, route and traffic and should not be planned as a flat figure.
Which region is suitable for nature and active holidays?
The west with the Tramuntana is the island's hiking and scenic region. The north combines nature with beaches and cycle paths, and the east offers coastal paths, caves and boat trips.
Less suitable if …
A region alone does not guarantee the right holiday: within each region, places differ considerably in atmosphere, type of beach and evenings.
If you are only staying a few nights, think carefully about longer transfers to the north or north-east.
Related RM24 pages
From choosing a region to choosing a specific place.
Found your place? Now plan your trip
From region to place to booking.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Mallorca is the most beautiful?
There is no universally most beautiful region. The north scores with long beaches and nature, the east with resorts and coves, the west with the Tramuntana scenery, the south and south-west with proximity to the airport and a wide choice.
Mallorca north or south – which is better?
The north is particularly suited to beach holidays with nature and families, the south and south-west to short transfers, a wide choice and proximity to Palma. For short trips, the transfer time favours the south.
Mallorca east or west – which is better?
The east offers classic resorts with beaches and calas, the west scenery, mountains and places with atmosphere. For a beach holiday the east is the obvious choice, for hiking and views the west.
Which region has the most beautiful beaches?
For long sandy beaches the north leads with the Bay of Alcúdia, for small coves the east and south-east. The west has scenic but smaller beaches.
Which region is best for families?
The north and east offer the most family resorts with shallow water, promenades and suitable infrastructure. In the south-west, Peguera is also a very family-friendly place.
Which region is best for couples?
The west with Port de Sóller and Valldemossa and the south-west with Port d’Andratx stand for atmosphere for two. In the south-east, Cala d’Or is a popular choice for couples.
Which region works best without a hire car?
The south and south-west around Palma are the easiest without a car. In the north and east, individual places such as Port d’Alcúdia or Cala Millor also work well, but excursions are more limited there.
Which region has the shortest transfers?
The Palma region and the south-west are closest to the airport. The north and parts of the east mean noticeably longer journey times – exact times depend on the destination, route and traffic.
Next steps
Found your region? Now choose the right place
The place finder compares 18 resorts by who you travel with, getting around, type of beach, evenings and transfer time.