9 Quiet Towns In Majorca That Are Still Off The Radar

Known for its spectacular beaches and affordable prices, Majorca has become one of the most popular holiday destinations among Brits. But away from the busiest resorts, there’s a different side to this beautiful island.

Look beyond the obvious and you’ll find sleepy mountain hideaways, throwback fishing villages and scenic wine country towns.

To give you a bit of inspiration for your next Majorca holiday, we’ve rounded up nine of the island’s quieter towns and villages.

1. Cala Figuera

A view of Cala Figuera village and bay in Majorca, Balearic Islands

Dazzling whitewashed houses backed by fragrant fig trees. Colourful wooden boats bobbing in a tiny blue harbour. The balmy Mediterranean lapping at the shore. Close your eyes, think 'Majorcan fishing village', and there’s a good chance Cala Figuera will be the image your mind conjures up.

The village sits at the mouth of a pretty, two-pronged bay on the southeast of the island, a quiet reminder of a past Majorca. There’s no sandy beach in the town – which is probably why it’s stayed so underdeveloped – but you can swim at the rock beach close to the harbour.

Close by, you’ll find Parc Natural de Mondrago, a large nature reserve known for its pristine white-sand beaches, hiking trails and insanely turquoise waters.

Where to stay in Cala Figuera

Completely refurbished in 2023, Hotel Santanyi Port is hard to beat for a boutique hotel stay. The decor is sleek, the pool stylish and the rooms are spacious with their own private terraces or balconies. For a fuss-free stay, Apartamentos Vistalmar Mallorca has simple but well-equipped self-catering apartments.

2. Estellencs

If you want your holiday to be really quiet, head to Estellencs, a perfect dose of rural Majorca in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.

The centre of Estellencs isn’t much more than a few pretty streets, a jumble of sandy-stoned houses draped in brilliant bougainvillea, and a handful of local bodegas serving traditional Majorcan cuisine. A winding road leads down to a rocky cove of clear water and infinite sea views.

Most people who stay here come for the hiking, so be sure to bring your walking boots as well as your swimming gear. Puig de Galatzo, a difficult but rewarding mountain trek, is one of the most famous hikes from Estellencs.

Where to stay in Estellencs

Relaxing is the name of the game at adults-only Maristel Hotel & Spa. The sunset views from the terrace are sublime and access to the spa is included with all rooms. For a more authentic stay, Sa Plana Petit Hotel is a charmingly rustic property offering a homemade dinner menu using local produce.

3. Consell and Santa Maria del Cami

An aerial view of Consell town in Majorca

The twin market towns of Consell and Santa Maria del Cami sit in the centre of Majorca’s wine country, surrounded by sprawling vineyards and beautiful brooding mountains.

Consell is the sleepier of the two, but well worth a visit for Bodega Ribas alone. Founded in 1711, this family-run winery produces a selection of small batch Majorcan wines, which you can taste on a tour of the bodega. Make it a hat-trick and visit Bodegas Macià Batle and Angel Bodegas, two other brilliant local wineries nearby.

Time your visit with the weekend when two massive markets take over the town centres every Sunday.

Where to stay near Consell and Santa Maria del Cami

You’ll have the best of both towns at your fingertips at Torrent Fals. This characterful country hotel has a home-from-home feel and a stunning pool area overlooking the mountains. Four-star Sa Cabana Hotel & Spa, less than five minutes from Consell, is a romantic paradise for two with 25 rooms and suites set within lush gardens.

4. Manacor

A view of Manacor town centre in Majorca

While Palma teems with cruise ship tourism, inland Manacor marches to a mostly local beat. Those who do spend a few days in Majorca’s second-largest town will be pleasantly surprised by its impressive gothic cathedral, pretty old town and understated café culture.

As the centre of Majorca’s handcrafted pearl trade, it’s also great for jewellery shopping – take a guided tour of the Majorca Pearl Factory on the edge of town to learn more about this delicate process.

Be sure to visit the Cuevas del Drach (The Dragon Caves), an enormous network of caves in nearby Porto Cristo. Cruise along Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in the world, before enjoying an unusual, if a little eerie, classical music performance in this cavernous natural auditorium.

Where to stay near Manacor

You don’t have to be a golf fan to enjoy a stay at the Rotana Golf Resort. This five-star hotel has received rave reviews for its service, scenery and restaurant, and it has the only private golf course in Majorca if you do want to tee off. Alternatively, Hotel Son Trobat Wellness & Spa perfectly blends rural charm with modern amenities, located just ten minutes outside of Manacor.

5. Pollensa

A view of a street in the town of Pollenca in Majorca

An ancient tumble of stone houses guarded by the mountains of Serra de Tramuntana, Pollensa might just be the prettiest old town in Majorca. This means it isn’t the quietest town on our list, especially in summer – but its good looks have secured it a slot.

Placa Major, at the heart of its beautiful medieval centre, is a café-lined piazza overlooked by the 13th-century Our Lady of the Angels, an imposing gothic church built by the Knights Templar. From here, you can hike up to the sanctuary of El Calvari via a 365-step pathway for panoramic views of the island’s surrounding pine-clad peaks.

If you’re craving a beach day, Puerto Pollensa is just a 15-minute journey away on the 301 bus. The beach gets busy in the summer, but with 1.5km (1 mile) of golden sand to play with, there’s plenty of room for everyone.

Where to stay in Pollensa

Inspired by nature and local art, Can Auli Luxury Retreat is a peaceful haven just minutes from Pollensa’s town centre. The adults-only hotel is well geared towards relaxation, with a beautiful courtyard pool, wellness treatments and yoga classes. Stay just outside of town and the peace and quiet only gets better at five-star Son Brull Hotel & Spa, immersed within rolling vineyards, olive groves and fruit orchards – ideal if you have cash to splash.

6. Canyamel

Orange houses on a hillside in Canyamel town in Majorca

One of Majorca’s sleepier beach resorts, Canyamel is a small, no-frills spot on the island’s northeast coast.

Unsurprisingly, its large, sandy beach is the main draw in town. Despite its golden sand, Canyamel has managed to slip under the radar, leaving it pleasantly underdeveloped.

Tear yourself away from the beach for the short trip to Cuevas de Arta, a small cave filled with bizarre stalactites just a few miles out of town. A little further past the caves, you’ll find a serene viewpoint to watch the sun set.

Where to stay in Canyamel

Between the sky pool, Turkish baths and outdoor jacuzzis, the Canyamel Park Hotel & Spa is R&R heaven. If you do decide to leave your sun-lounger, Canyamel’s Beach is just 50m away. With a prime spot right on the waterfront, Universal Hotel Castell Royal is a great-value choice for families. The rooms are bright, clean and have fabulous sea views.

7. Esporles

An aerial view of Esporles town in Majorca

Another one for the walking crowd, hard-to-reach Esporles sits in a serene valley at the centre of the Serra de Tramuntana.

The surrounding mountains are traced with hiking routes and the town itself is pretty, with enough to keep you happy for a few days in between hikes.

Not far from Palma, you can combine a few days’ city slicking with a tranquil escape up in the mountains. You’ll need to hire a car to get there, but the extra effort is worth it – trust us.

Where to stay in Esporles

Small country house hotels are the go-to accommodation in Esporles. All lush gardens and mountain views, Son Galceran is a top choice for a relaxed getaway. Freshly made juices and cocktails from the bar are a highlight. Just ten minutes from town, the four-star boutique hotel Posada del Marqués is set in tranquil gardens and has an almost 500-year-old hall at its centre, with a historic olive oil mill.

8. Sa Rapita

An aerial view of Sa Rapita town and coast in Majorca

Given its proximity to Es Trenc, an unspoiled white-sand beach widely said to be Majorca’s most beautiful, it’s a wonder Sa Rapita isn’t busier.

The town remains largely residential, with travellers mostly overlooking it for the larger resort of Colonia Sant Jordi on the other side of Es Trenc.

With beaches on both sides of the town, it’s a pleasant place to spend a few days away from the bustle of Majorca’s main resorts.

Where to stay in Sa Rapita

If you’re travelling on a shoestring, three-star Hostal Ca'n Pep has great reviews for its cleanliness, friendly staff and excellent value for money. It boasts a fabulous location too, just metres from the beachfront. Head out of town a little and you’ll have a few more hotel options, including four-star Can Canals Finca Hotel & Spa, complete with three pools and a restaurant specialising in local Majorcan cuisine.

9. Deià

Aerial view of the mountain village of Deia on Majorca

Deià is a little pocket of paradise in eastern Majorca. It was put on the tourist map by British poet Robert Graves in the 1930s, and has since become somewhat of a celebrity hideaway, attracting the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Kate Moss.

The town itself is full of artistic charm and characterised by its honey-coloured stone houses with green shutters.

Exploring the surrounding mountain trails is a must, as is a visit to Cala Deià beach – ten minutes away by car. The serene cove is wonderfully secluded and has an open-sided restaurant overlooking the water.

Where to stay in Deià

Five-star La Residencia calls itself a ‘sanctuary of artistic energy’ and a stay here will quickly have you agreeing. Mountain views, candle-lit terraces and sun-dappled rustic rooms are all part of the hotel’s bohemian spirit. Across town, Es Moli Hotel is a country house haven with 87 beautiful rooms, vibrant gardens and a 32m-long spring water pool.