The Mallorca Guide I Wish Someone Had Sent Me: Where to Stay, Eat, Drink & Beach Club
Sometimes all you need is a couple of days away with your best friend.
Life had been busy, and we’d been talking for months about booking a trip. We were long overdue a proper catch up, but more than that, we wanted to make new memories together rather than just sit over coffee reminiscing about old ones.
With flights taking just over two hours from the UK (and surprisingly affordable), Mallorca felt like the perfect choice. We based ourselves in Palma, just a 20 minute transfer from the airport, making it an ideal destination whether you’re planning a long weekend or a few days in the sunshine.
We visited at the end of April, and the weather couldn’t have been better. Warm sunshine, blue skies and that first taste of summer we’d both been craving.
If you’re planning a girls’ getaway, celebrating a special occasion, or simply fancy escaping for a few days, this guide has everything I wish someone had sent me before we went. From where to stay and the best restaurants and cocktail bars to beach clubs, hidden gems and all the places worth saving, here’s exactly how to plan the perfect trip to Mallorca…
Where We Stayed
For our trip, we stayed at the INNSiDE by Meliá Palma Center and I genuinely don’t think we could have picked a better base for exploring the city.
One of the main reasons we chose this hotel was its location. Situated just a short walk from Palma’s beautiful Old Town, we could easily wander the charming streets, browse the boutique shops, stop for coffee and soak up the atmosphere without needing taxis. It made exploring Palma feel effortless.
The hotel itself has a modern, relaxed feel with gorgeous boho inspired interiors throughout. Our room was spacious and comfortable and had everything we needed – especially considering it was just a base for sleeping!
The highlight, though, was definitely the rooftop. After a day of exploring, there was nothing better than heading upstairs to cool off in the pool, order a cocktail and enjoy the sunshine while taking in the views across Palma. It quickly became our favourite spot in the hotel and felt like a little oasis in the middle of the city!
Breakfast was another hit. There was a huge selection each morning with everything from fresh fruit and pastries to hot breakfast options.
Take a look at the hotel’s website here.
Other Hotels Worth Considering
Zel Mallorca
If you’re after a stylish, beach club style escape, Zel Mallorca is a fantastic choice! Located in Palmanova, you’ll have a beautiful, white sandy beach with turquoise water right on your doorstep.
Hotel Son Caliu Spa Oasis
Also located in Palmanova, this hotel is perfect if you’re looking for a slightly quieter, more luxurious stay. Set on its own small cove, it’s known for its spa, sea views and peaceful atmosphere.
Hotel Es Princep
If you want to stay in the heart of Palma, Hotel Es Princep is one of the city’s most luxurious options! The rooftop bar here is fantastic too.
Hotel Sant Francesc Singular
For a boutique city break, Hotel Sant Francesc is hard to beat. Tucked away in Palma’s charming Old Town, it’s surrounded by picturesque streets, independent boutiques and cafes. The rooftop pool is one of the most photographed in the city and offers incredible views over Palma’s rooftops!
Restaurants Worth Booking
The Merchant
Now this place was beautiful! Elegant interiors but really – you want to be sitting outside amongst the trees and sparkly lights! Go for the cheesecake with warm strawberry sauce!
La Rosa Vermutería
A lively tapas restaurant serving some of the best small plates in Palma.
El Camino
A stylish counter style restaurant where you can watch the chefs prepare your food.
Ombu
A modern tapas restaurant just moments from Palma Cathedral.
Fera Palma
If you’re celebrating something special, Fera is a fantastic choice and the setting is beautiful!
Ritzi Palma
A chic Italian restaurant serving fresh pasta, seafood and classic Italian dishes – a lovely option if you’re after something a little different from traditional tapas.
Where We Had Drinks
Es Princep Rooftop
One of the most beautiful rooftop bars in Palma with panoramic views across the cathedral and the sea. Perfect for golden hour cocktails!
Abaco Bar
An iconic Palma cocktail bar unlike anywhere else.
Origin Palmanova
A relaxed beachside cocktail bar serving great drinks just steps from the sea – gorgeous!
Beso Beach Mallorca
A chic beach club with a lively atmosphere, delicious food and DJs throughout the day. The perfect spot to spend a long afternoon by the sea.
El Llorenç Rooftop
A stylish rooftop tucked away in Palma’s Old Town.
Brassclub
One of Palma’s best cocktail bars.
Nakar Hotel Rooftop Bar
A stunning rooftop overlooking Palma with an infinity pool and incredible sunset views.
Sky Bar at Hotel Hostal Cuba
Located in Santa Catalina, this rooftop is famous for its panoramic marina views.
Beatnik Restaurant & Bar
A trendy rooftop in the heart of Palma with stylish decor and delicious cocktails.
Beach Clubs & Day Spots
No girls’ trip to Mallorca is complete without at least one beach day. Whether you’re looking for a lively beach club, a relaxed afternoon by the sea or somewhere to spend the day soaking up the sunshine – these are the places I’d recommend.
Beso Beach Mallorca
If you’re looking for that luxury beach club vibe, Beso Beach is the place to be. There’s DJs, great food (try the paella!) It’s definitely on the pricier side but perfect if you’re celebrating something special.
UM Beach House Portals
One of Mallorca’s most aesthetic beach clubs. Ideal if you’re after a luxury beach day.
Purobeach Palma
An adults only beach club overlooking the sea, with an infinity pool, spa, sunbeds and of course, cocktails.
Nikki Beach Mallorca
If you’re after a livelier atmosphere, Nikki Beach is the one. There’s music, entertainment and great food so ideal for birthdays, hen parties or anyone wanting more of a party vibe…
Cala Major Beach
One of the closest beaches to Palma, with soft sand, calm water and plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. A great option if you don’t want to travel far.
Illetas Beach
A beautiful collection of small coves with crystal clear turquoise water. It feels much more exclusive than some of Mallorca’s larger beaches and is perfect for swimming! Worth a visit!
Palmanova Beach
A long sandy beach with calm water, beach bars and lots of restaurants nearby.
Travel Tips & Things to Know
Do You Need a Car?
If you’re staying in Palma like we did, I’d actually recommend not hiring a car. Everything in the city is within walking distance and taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced.
Best Time to Visit
We visited at the end of April, and maybe we were lucky but the weather was perfect. We enjoyed sunshine and temperatures in the mid 20s, meaning we could relax by the pool, explore the city comfortably and even spend time on the beach without the intense summer heat. If you’re looking for a quieter trip with beautiful weather, I’d highly recommend spring but of course this is a great summer destination too.
Book Ahead
If there are restaurants, rooftop bars or beach clubs you really want to visit, book them before you travel. Popular spots like The Merchant, Beso Beach and some of Palma’s rooftop bars can fill up days or even weeks in advance, especially during weekends and throughout the summer!
Pack Comfortable Shoes
One of our favourite things about Palma was simply wandering. The Old Town is full of beautiful streets, hidden courtyards, boutique shops and cafes so you’ll easily clock up plenty of steps without even realising.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Mallorca is one of Europe’s most popular destinations and after this trip, I completely understand why.
From wandering the charming streets of Palma and discovering incredible restaurants to long afternoons at beach clubs and sunset cocktails on rooftop terraces, it was exactly the reset we both needed. More importantly, we came home with a whole collection of new memories rather than just talking about old ones and that’s exactly what we’d hoped for!
Would I return? Absolutely! I don’t think we’ve even scratched the surface of what Mallorca has to offer…
I’d recommend this itinerary to anyone planning a girls’ getaway, a couples’ escape or even a long weekend with family. With its short flight time, easy airport transfer, beautiful beaches and incredible food, it’s one of those destinations that manages to feel both relaxing and exciting all at once!
If you’re thinking about booking Mallorca, let this be your sign – you won’t regret it!