At the heart of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca, has some fantastic coastal towns. People often want to know which place to choose as a base for their holiday. Two often discussed locations are the popular coastal towns of Puerto Pollensa in the North and Cala D'Or on the south coast. Both beckon travellers with promises of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant shops, delectable restaurants, and a plethora of activities.
This comprehensive guide goes beyond the surface, exploring the nuances of each destination, from the captivating shores to the pulsating nightlife, aiding you in choosing the perfect Mediterranean retreat. Which one will come out on top?
Let's begin with Mallorca's number one attraction, it's pristine sandy beaches. Mallorca is a beach lovers haven.
When we stayed in Puerto Pollensa, we quickly realised that this place is more than just a beach—it’s an experience. The main beach is wide and golden, perfect for lazy days in the sun, but what really stood out to us was how much more there was to do on and around the water.
One morning, we took a catamaran trip along the coast—honestly one of the highlights of our trip. Cruising past secluded coves with the Tramuntana mountains in the background was unforgettable. We stopped to swim in remote bays, and it felt like we had the island to ourselves. On another day, we tried jet skiing, which was a total adrenaline rush, especially with those mountain views as a backdrop!
We also did a half-day boat trip out to the Formentor Peninsula, where we found postcard-perfect beaches and unspoiled nature. The beach at Formentor itself is absolutely stunning—powdery white sand, turquoise water, and pine trees framing the shoreline. It had that secluded, untouched vibe that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem.
Even when we weren’t on the boat, we were kayaking, paddleboarding, or just floating in the shallows. And when we wanted to explore further, we drove out to the Blue Flag Playa de Muro—recently named the best natural beach in the world—and I can see why. It was beautifully wild, with soft dunes and crystal-clear water. Another afternoon was spent discovering the coves at Cala Sant Vicenç, which are perfect for snorkelling and quieter beach time.
Puerto Pollensa felt like the place to be if you’re into variety, nature, and adventure, but still want that laid-back beach town vibe. It checked every box for us.
A few days later, we headed down the coast to Cala d’Or, and immediately noticed the difference in energy. This resort is all about intimate coves and calm, clear water—think hidden inlets framed by rocks and pine trees rather than long stretches of sand.
We spent most of our time hopping between the small, sandy calas—like Cala Gran and Cala Esmeralda. These beaches were compact but beautiful, and the water was so clear it felt like swimming in a pool. Our favourite way to explore was by kayak, paddling from one cove to the next, discovering little caves and swimming spots along the way.
The pace here is slower and more relaxed. One day, we booked a boat trip to Mondragó Natural Park, and it was just what we needed—a peaceful escape into nature. After anchoring near Cala Mondragó, we followed a nature trail through the pine forest and found a quiet spot to swim. It’s the kind of place where you can disconnect completely.
Another must-see was Es Trenc beach, about a 40-minute drive from Cala d’Or. It felt like a different world—wide open, wild, and with a national park backdrop. Yes, there’s a nudist section (which we politely steered clear of), but the main area was full of families and couples. The beach felt so natural and undeveloped—like something out of a travel magazine.
Snorkelling in Cala d’Or was another highlight. Around the rocky shores, we spotted all sorts of colourful fish. It’s ideal for anyone who loves being in the water but doesn’t need the buzz of watersports or big beach crowds.
Honestly, both places have their own kind of magic—it just depends on what kind of beach holiday you’re after.
For us, Puerto Pollensa edged it out—we loved the mix of beach, mountains, and adventure. But Cala d’Or was the perfect place to unwind afterwards. If you have time, doing both is the best of both worlds.
One of the unexpected highlights of our trip to Puerto Pollensa was the shopping—especially the weekly Wednesday market in the Plaza Miquel Capllonch. We wandered through colourful stalls brimming with handmade jewellery, woven bags, ceramics, local cheeses, and sun-ripened fruit. There was such a friendly, authentic vibe. I picked up a beautiful hand-stitched bag from a local artisan that I still use all the time—it’s such a great memento.
On Sunday, we ventured to the Old Town market in nearby Pollensa. It had a slightly different feel—more rustic, more traditional—and the setting was just gorgeous. Cobblestone streets, live music in the background, and local artists selling their work made it feel like stepping into another era. After browsing, we climbed the Calvari Steps (yes, all 365 of them!), and the views at the top were absolutely worth it. You can see right across the rooftops to the Tramuntana mountains and out to sea.
We also loved getting lost in the narrow backstreets of both the Port and Old Town—there are some lovely independent galleries and artisan shops tucked away. It’s not the place for big-name fashion brands, but that’s what we liked about it. Every purchase felt meaningful and connected to the island.
Cala d’Or, on the other hand, had a much more polished, upscale vibe when it came to shopping. The boutiques in the town centre were beautifully curated, and it felt like a mini version of a Mediterranean fashion district. I picked up a couple of elegant linen pieces and some locally made jewellery that felt more boutique-luxury than rustic.
On Wednesday, we visited the Porto Petro Market, which had a great balance of handcrafted goods and gourmet treats—perfect for picking up gifts or a bottle of local olive oil to take home. The market was smaller than Puerto Pollensa’s but still had plenty of charm, and the setting near the marina gave it a relaxed, coastal feel.
For a proper shopping day, we drove over to Santanyí on Saturday. The market there was fantastic—artisanal stalls, homeware, and beautiful leather goods. The town itself is full of character, and the cafés lining the square made it easy to spend a full morning just soaking up the atmosphere. It felt like the place where local tradition meets modern Mediterranean chic.
Puerto Pollensa:
One of the highlights of our time in Puerto Pollensa was the food—so much variety, and every meal felt like a little celebration. One evening, we did a DIY tapas tour, hopping between small bars tucked into the town’s winding streets. At each stop, we tried something new—padron peppers, sobrasada on toast, octopus, patatas bravas… and of course, we paired everything with a glass of chilled Mallorcan wine.
The seafront restaurants were something else. We had an unforgettable lunch at Los Faroles—freshly grilled sea bass with lemon, followed by a traditional paella that we’re still talking about. The view of the marina made it even better.
One local gem that came highly recommended (and lived up to the hype) was El Posito, just off the main square. It was buzzing with locals enjoying the Menu del Día, and the dishes felt authentically Spanish—rustic, hearty, and full of flavour. We also visited Finca Can Axartell, a beautiful winery nearby, where we tasted a flight of Mallorcan wineswhile surrounded by olive trees and mountains. A total treat for the senses.
We’ve actually written up our full restaurant guide to Puerto Pollensa—there are just too many good spots to squeeze into one trip! You can read our guide to the best restaurants in Puerto Pollensa and the best tapas in Puerto Pollensa.
Visit the local wineries in the region for a taste of Mallorcan wines. Finca Can Axartell, set against a scenic backdrop, provides a delightful wine-tasting experience.
Cala d'Or:
Cala d’Or offered a more refined and polished dining experience, and it felt effortlessly elegant. We had a standout dinner at Port Petit on the marina—Mediterranean dishes with a creative twist, beautifully plated, and the setting was just dreamy with the yachts bobbing gently beside us.
For a special evening, we booked a table at Es Molí d’en Bou, a hidden gem nestled in lush gardens. It was one of the most romantic meals we had during our trip—soft candlelight, impeccable service, and the kind of food you don’t forget in a hurry. Definitely a place to linger over dessert and wine.
For a more traditional Mallorcan experience, we headed to C’an Bernat, where we tucked into slow-cooked lamb and tumbet (a local veggie dish). Everything felt homemade and soulful.
We also spent an afternoon in Santanyí, a short drive away, where we stumbled upon Sa Botiga, a rustic-modern spot serving fresh local fare with a contemporary edge. It was the kind of place where every bite tasted like summer.
Both towns have their own flavour, literally:
Honestly, we’d return to both in a heartbeat—for us, it wasn’t about which one was better, but which one suited our mood that day!
We quickly discovered that Puerto Pollensa isn’t about wild party nights—it’s more about chilled-out vibes, sunset cocktails, and the occasional late-night dance when the mood strikes. Most nights, we’d stroll along the seafront promenade, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere as the town slowly lit up for the evening.
One of our favourite spots was the Lemon Bar at the Daina Hotel—live music, a buzzing crowd, and front-row seats to the marina. If we were still up for more after dinner, we’d pop into Tecun or Rustic Café—both fun spots to keep the night going with a laid-back crowd and great cocktails.
And yes, we did make it to Chivas Night Club, the town’s one and only proper club. It’s been around for decades and has this nostalgic, old-school party energy that made us feel like we’d stepped into a bit of local nightlife history. It’s small but mighty!
If we felt like something slower-paced, we’d head to Illa d'Or Hotel’s terrace—the view over the bay with a well-mixed G&T in hand? Pure bliss. Another hidden gem was Terraza 360 near the yacht club—elegant rooftop vibes and the perfect place to wind down under the stars.
Overall, Puerto Pollensa’s nightlife felt varied yet mellow—a mix of easygoing bars and a few places to let loose without the mayhem of bigger resort towns. It suited us perfectly when we wanted nights that were more about connection and good conversation than chaos.
Cala d’Or came with a totally different energy at night—sleek, stylish, and just a little bit glam. We spent a few evenings at the Marina, which really comes alive after dark. One night we grabbed a table at La Scala, sipping cocktails under twinkling lights with the sound of clinking glasses and jazz in the background. It felt like being on a Mediterranean movie set.
For a little more buzz, we swung by Dugan’s Irish Bar, which had live music, a lively crowd, and that fun, feel-good pub vibe. Later, we found ourselves dancing at Bongo’s, which struck the perfect balance between upbeat and classy.
If you’re in the mood to just chill, Lola’s was our go-to. We’d lounge with a sangria or two, sharing some tapas and listening to the DJ spinning beachy tunes. It had that kind of barefoot elegance that makes you forget what time it is.
Here’s how we’d sum it up:
Either way, both towns gave us memorable evenings—it really just depended on our vibe that night.
We flew into Palma de Mallorca Airport, which is the main gateway for most visitors to the island. From there, we tried both journeys to see which one felt easier.
Getting to Puerto Pollensa took us just under an hour by car—about 65 km, but the roads are smooth and scenic, especially once we got closer to the north coast. We hired a car, which gave us a lot of freedom to explore, but there were plenty of shuttle and taxi options too, making it a breeze even without your own wheels.
We headed to Cala d’Or, which is around 60 km from the airport and took roughly the same amount of time—again, about 45–50 minutes depending on traffic. It’s an easy drive, and well-signposted the whole way. Whether you’re going north or southeast, both destinations are equally accessible—so travel time didn’t sway our decision much.
After experiencing both towns firsthand, we can honestly say it comes down to your personal travel vibe.
In Puerto Pollensa, we found wide sandy beaches, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a real sense of laid-back luxury. It had a timeless charm, a place where we could slow down, soak up nature, and enjoy easy-going days and mellow nights. The mix of activities—from scenic hikes to watersports and vineyard visits—kept us as busy (or relaxed) as we wanted to be.
Cala d’Or, by contrast, gave us that boutique, Mediterranean resort feel. Its intimate coves, stylish marina, and sophisticated nightlife made it perfect for when we were craving romantic dinners, fashionable shops, and upscale beach days. It’s a little more polished, and perfect for couples or friends wanting a chic coastal escape.
Ultimately, we loved both—and we now understand why so many travellers return to their favourite year after year. Each town has its own heartbeat, and the one you connect with most will likely steal a piece of your heart.
So whether you're all about family fun in the sun, hidden coves and crystal waters, or stylish nights and seaside charm, Puerto Pollensa and Cala d’Or each offer their own version of Mallorcan magic.
Whichever one you choose, you really can’t go wrong. We’re already planning our next trip back.
