Mallorca has been one of my go-to travel destinations for years—and with good reason. With its postcard-perfect beaches, warm sunshine, breathtaking scenery, and mix of laid-back charm and buzzing nightlife, it’s easy to see why people from all over the world keep coming back. If you’re planning your own Mallorcan escape, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is where to stay—and that’s not always easy.
I often hear people torn between Alcudia and Santa Ponsa, and I’ve been there too. Both towns offer a calmer vibe compared to some of the island’s busier tourist hotspots, and each one makes a great base for day trips to explore more of what Mallorca has to offer. The good news is, you really can’t go wrong with either—but depending on what kind of traveller you are, one might suit you better than the other.
In this article, I’ll break down what makes Alcudia and Santa Ponsa unique, and hopefully help you figure out which one fits your travel style best. Whether you're chasing beach days, cultural charm, or just a relaxing retreat, I’ve got you covered.
When I first arrived in Alcudia, one of the things I was most excited about was diving into the local food scene — and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. As someone who loves trying different dishes and sharing food around the table, tapas in Alcudia quickly became one of my favourite parts of the trip.
There’s just something special about ordering a mix of small plates, sipping a cold glass of wine or a local beer, and soaking up the lively atmosphere of a proper Spanish tapas bar. Whether we were in Alcudia Old Town, with its cobbled streets and historic charm, or closer to the beach in Port d’Alcudia, we always managed to find a place serving delicious, authentic tapas — and a warm welcome to match.
Over the course of our stay, we tried a fair few tapas spots (okay, maybe more than a few), and I’ve pulled together my personal favourites in this guide. If you’re planning a visit and wondering where to eat tapas in Alcudia, here are the places I’d recommend — from tucked-away local gems to popular restaurants with unbeatable views. Trust me, you won’t go hungry.
I’ve visited a lot of places in Mallorca, but Puerto Pollensa will always hold a special place in my heart — especially as a destination for families. Nestled along the island’s northeast coast, this peaceful seaside town is one of those spots that instantly puts you at ease. Whether it’s your first trip to Mallorca or you’re returning for another sun-soaked holiday, Puerto Pollensa has that perfect mix of natural beauty and welcoming charm that makes you want to stay a little longer.
When we first arrived, it didn’t take long to understand why Puerto Pollensa is so popular with families. It’s not just about the golden beaches (though they’re truly stunning) or the calm, shallow waters that are ideal for little ones. It’s the whole vibe — relaxed, safe, and full of options to keep everyone in the family entertained.
We spent our mornings strolling along the Pine Walk, grabbing ice cream and watching the boats bob gently in the bay. The afternoons were for beach time, paddleboarding, or exploring the old town, where the local market buzzes with colour and life every Wednesday. Even the pickiest eaters in our group were happy, thanks to the huge variety of cafés and restaurants dotted around the marina.
Beyond the town itself, there’s so much to explore. We took a day to wander through nearby nature reserves, spotting birds and enjoying the stillness that comes with being surrounded by Mallorca’s raw, untouched beauty. It was one of those moments where you realise how much this island has to offer beyond just its coastlines.
If you’re considering a family trip to Mallorca, I genuinely recommend putting Puerto Pollensa at the top of your list. It’s the kind of place that gives you space to relax, plenty to do, and memories your kids (and you!) will talk about long after you return home.
Nestled at the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountain Range, one of the most prominent parts of Mallorca’s natural landscape, you’ll find the idyllic town of Calviá. Located on the Southwest of this Balearic isle, and viewed as charming by its residents and visitors alike, Calviá is the beating heart of Mallorca’s south, with its municipality of the same name being the most popular on the island.
Aside from its lively and vibrant nature, Calviá and its surrounding municipality has much to offer those who want to experience a bit of everything that Mallorca has to offer in one place. Situated in a tranquil area of countryside brimming with natural beauty, the bustling town centre is lined with bars, restaurants, and clubs, and nearby you’ll find swathes of sandy shoreline, leaving much to be marvelled at in this part of the island.
From the moment we arrived in Mallorca, I knew this island was going to leave its mark. Tucked away off the east coast of mainland Spain, it’s more than just a beach destination — it’s a place that unfolds in layers the longer you explore. Over the course of our time here, we discovered that Mallorca isn’t just one kind of place; it’s many.
We were constantly surprised by how much diversity there was in such a compact island. One day we’d be meandering through sun-drenched mountain villages, watching hawks circle overhead and sipping coffee with views of olive groves. The next, we’d be diving into the vibrant buzz of coastal towns, swimming in turquoise bays before heading out for seafood and sangria as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Whether we were hiking through the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana, discovering charming inland settlements bursting with local life, or simply unwinding on a quiet stretch of beach, every part of the island offered something new. Wildlife lovers, foodies, beach bums, history buffs, party seekers—we met them all here, each carving out their own kind of paradise.
For us, Mallorca became a beautiful blend: a bit of relaxation, a touch of adventure, and just the right amount of that spirited nightlife energy that seems to come alive under the stars. It’s a place where you can go off-grid or go all in — and we couldn’t wait to explore more of it.
