Locations
Why Mallorca ?
The largest of the Spanish Balearic islands, Mallorca is a mixture of landscapes – the spectacular Tramontana mountain range, dramatic sea cliffs, hidden valleys with ancient olive terraces, citrus groves, picturesque villages & rolling agricultural plains.
It’s a neat package within 3,625 square kilometres (1,400 square miles) & you are never more than 25 minutes from the coast, with over 70 beaches.
Mallorca’s weather is a huge attraction. We enjoy a temperate, subtropical climate of short, mild winters & hot summers, perfect for outdoor living. There are first class marinas, water sports, 24 golf courses & a network of routes for cycling enthusiasts.
Palma airport is a major European hub, only 10 minutes east of the city & the whole island is well developed with excellent road & public transport systems. Health care is of the highest standard & there’s a wide choice of International Schools.
Whether you’re looking for a permanent or holiday home, there’s a location to suit everyone.
PALMA CITY AGAINST ITS STUNNING TRAMUNTANA MOUNTAIN BACKDROP
Palma
Palma is a supremely liveable, safe city with lots of character, a medieval heart & interesting waterfront.
Property in the centre consists mainly of apartments – the higher you go, the lighter & more expensive, with a great demand for outside space. Only 5% of residents have parking in the old city. Elsewhere, concessions are available in many of the underground car parks.
A LUXURY COMMUNITY IN SANTA PONSA EAST OF THE MALGRATS ISLANDS
South West
The most popular area, offering all year round life, the best marinas & quick access to Palma & international schools. Bendinat, Portals Nous, Costa den Blanes, Sol de Mallorca, Cala Vinyes & Santa Ponsa are residential areas targeted by permanent residents as well as buyers looking for a second home.
At its western tip, price per m2 in Puerto Andratx is higher than anywhere else on the island. The harbourside is unspoilt, with a small fishing fleet, yacht club, a huge selection of restaurants & an upmarket vibe. Hillside villas in Montport, La Mola & Cala Llamp afford panoramic sea views.
Rural locations in the south west are Calvia, Es Capdella or further west, S’Arraco, all just 8-10 minutes from the coast.
North West
Mallorca’s most dramatic region, dominated by the Tramuntana, a chain of limestone mountains with impressive peaks & plunging sea cliffs, intercepted by sheltered valleys of orange orchards.
This area, awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO, is a haven for anyone seeking peace, tranquility & inspiration. There are countless paths, old donkey trails & the famous dry stone route stretching from Andratx to Pollensa.
Sea access is restricted to a few shingle beaches with challenging access though you will find a sand beach in Puerto Soller, a safe harbour with a marina protected from the prevailing north westerlies.
The mountain villages of Valldemossa, Deia & Soller can be busy in summer as they are incredibly picturesque. Fornalutx was once voted the prettiest village in Spain. Esporles & Bunyola are leafy towns off the tourist radar.
Rural properties in the north west often have water deposits & use a highly reliable tanker delivery service though many have official water rights within their deeds allowing certain hours per week from local mountain springs.
North
The wide bay of Pollensa is safe & shallow with a low key yachting scene. The sandy beach is ideal for families with young children. Pollensa town has all year round life & a medieval core with large church square & extensive Sunday street market. You can reach Palma city in just 35 minutes on the motorway.
There are many child friendly apartment communities close to the port. Sea view properties are limited as the surrounding land around the bay is flat. The Alcudia peninsula is good for families with older children or teenagers, with more challenging water sports & night life.
The countryside in the north is dotted with fincas & villas, many of which have rental licences. An alternative location to consider just 10 minutes from Pollensa town is Crestatx/Son Toni, a quiet, green residential area close to Sa Pobla.
BOATHOUSE PROPERTIES IN THE QUAINT FISHING PORT OF CALA FIGUERA
South East
The south east coast grew in popularity through tourism which is concentrated around Cala D’Or where there are many sandy coves & inlets with frontline villas, the majority reflecting Ibizan architecture. Very quiet in the off season, there are some exquisite nature reserves such as Mondrago.
Areas of interest include the towns of Santanyi, Ses Salines & the agricultural flatlands south of Campos. A little further west, Sa Rapita has gained in popularity, next to the protected Es Trenc beach with its turquoise waters. Further along the coast, a chain of residential urbanisations on the clifftops form the commuter belt leading into Palma city.
LLUCHMAJOR COUNTRYSIDE WITH VIEWS TO PUIG DE RANDA
Inland
You can live in the quietest part of the countryside yet not feel isolated as you are never more than 25 minutes from the coast.
Popular locations inland include Santa Maria, Alaro, Selva or Campanet, all village communities with a central square & close to the foothills of the Tramuntana mountain range. Inca is a larger, working town but surrounding countryside is pretty. Further east, but within easy reach of fast roads into Palma, lie villages such as Santa Eugenia or Algaida though be aware of flight paths.
Country properties on “rustica” land often come with their own challenges, such as boundary maintenance, wells or water deposits & potential legal issues so thorough due diligence is essential.
Non EU buyers need Ministry of Defence permission to buy property in rural areas, a quirky Balearic law which is nothing to worry about but allow a bit more time for completion.