Where on Mallorca should you live? This question is almost as important as the decision to move here in the first place. The island is surprisingly diverse, and the difference between city life in Palma, a quiet finca in the interior and a coastal town in the north-east is enormous. This guide introduces you to the best places to live on Mallorca for German expats and helps you find the right place for your situation.
How to find the right place
Before settling on a place, ask yourself a few fundamental questions: do you work remotely or do you need a job on the island? Do you have children who need to go to school? How important is a German community nearby? Do you need good access to the airport? And of course: what is your budget?
Mallorca can be roughly divided into four zones: Palma (urban, expensive, best infrastructure), the south-west (exclusive, many Germans, upmarket), the north and north-east (family-friendly, touristy, moderate prices) and the interior (authentic, affordable, less infrastructure).
The most important advice right away: rent first. Live on the island for at least six to twelve months before you buy. That way you get to know the different corners and find out where you really feel at home.
Palma de Mallorca
Palma is the capital and the economic, cultural and social centre of the island. For city people, young professionals and digital nomads Palma is often the first and best choice.
What Palma offers:
The city has everything you need for daily life and more. International schools, German-speaking doctors, coworking spaces, a diverse restaurant scene and a lively cultural programme. The old town is beautiful, the Santa Catalina district is the meeting point of the international community, and the harbour offers Mediterranean atmosphere at every turn.
Popular districts:
Santa Catalina is the trendiest district in Palma. Tapas bars, international restaurants and small shops line up alongside each other. The atmosphere is cosmopolitan and relaxed. Many expats and digital nomads feel at home here. Rents are at the top end - a 2-room flat costs 1,200 to 1,600 euros.
El Terreno lies west of the centre on the hillside with views over the harbour. The district is up and coming and offers slightly lower rents than Santa Catalina for a similar location. Here you find a mix of long-established residents and newcomers.
El Molinar and Portixol lie east of the centre right by the sea. The waterfront promenade is great for jogging and cycling. These districts have their own, quieter atmosphere than the centre and are popular with families and couples.
Son Espanyolet and Son Armadams are quiet residential districts with good connections to the city centre. Rents are slightly more moderate than in the trendy districts, and the everyday infrastructure is excellent.
Pere Garau is a multicultural, lively district with one of the best weekly markets in Palma. Rents are among the cheapest in the city. The district is changing and is being discovered by more and more young people.
Infrastructure: Palma has the best infrastructure on the island. Public transport (EMT buses, metro), shopping, doctors, international schools - everything is there. The airport is reachable in 15 minutes.
Rental prices: 900 to 2,500 euros depending on district and flat size. Most expensive in the centre and Santa Catalina, cheapest in Pere Garau and Son Gotleu.
Best suited for: city people, singles, young couples, digital nomads, anyone who values good infrastructure and variety.
Tip: Explore Palma's districts
Before deciding on a district, spend a whole day there. Go shopping in the morning, have a coffee in a local café in the afternoon and stroll through the streets in the evening. That gives you a real feel for the atmosphere and noise levels.
Santa Ponsa and Calvià
The south-west of Mallorca around Santa Ponsa, Peguera and Calvià is the region with the largest German community on the island. Here you find German doctors, German supermarkets, German restaurants and a well-connected expat community.
What the region offers:
Santa Ponsa has a large, family-friendly sandy beach, several golf courses and solid infrastructure with supermarkets, pharmacies and doctors. Peguera lies a little further west and is quieter. Calvià itself is a larger municipality inland with good administration and schools.
Advantages: strong German community that eases the transition. German doctors and service providers on the spot. Family-friendly surroundings with good beaches. Solid infrastructure. Good bus connections to Palma (around 30 minutes).
Disadvantages: can feel like a "German bubble". Very touristy in summer. Rents at the upper end (800 to 1,500 euros for a 2-room flat). Integration into Spanish culture is more difficult because you rarely need Spanish in daily life.
Best suited for: families, retirees, anyone looking for a gentle introduction to island life and who values a German community.
Sóller and the valley
The Sóller valley is one of the most beautiful spots on Mallorca. Surrounded by the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana, with orange groves, historic architecture and the nearby harbour of Port de Sóller, the area offers an outstanding quality of life.
What Sóller offers:
The small town (around 14,000 inhabitants) has everything for daily needs: supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, doctors and a lively centre around the Plaça de la Constitució. The Saturday market is one of the most beautiful on the island. Port de Sóller is just a few kilometres away and offers a sandy beach, waterside restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere.
Connections: Sóller is reachable from Palma in about 30 minutes through the tunnel. The tunnel toll is around 4 euros per trip (free for residents). There is also the TIB bus (line 210) and of course the historic Tren de Sóller. Connections are good, but you need a car for daily life.
Rental prices: 700 to 1,200 euros for a 2-room flat. Fincas and country houses in the surroundings are considerably higher (1,500 to 3,000 euros).
Best suited for: nature lovers, families seeking quiet, artists and creatives, remote workers, anyone who appreciates mountain landscapes and Mediterranean village life.
Alcúdia and Port de Pollença
The north of Mallorca around Alcúdia and Port de Pollença is a family paradise. The historic old town of Alcúdia, the kilometres-long sandy beach and the relaxed atmosphere make the area one of the most popular residential areas for families.
What the region offers:
Alcúdia has an impressive medieval old town with city walls, restaurants and small shops. Alcúdia beach, at almost 7 kilometres, is the longest on the island and is perfect for families with young children (shallow water, lifeguards, good infrastructure).
Port de Pollença is somewhat quieter and more upmarket. The bay offers beautiful views of the mountains and the promenade is ideal for evening walks. Many British and Scandinavian expats live here.
Infrastructure: supermarkets, doctors, pharmacies and restaurants are available. There are international schools nearby (e.g. the Academy International School). Bus connections to Palma are available via TIB line 352, with a journey time of around one hour.
Rental prices: 700 to 1,200 euros for a 2-room flat. Slightly more expensive in Port de Pollença. In winter prices drop noticeably, as many holiday flats are then offered as long-term rentals.
Best suited for: families with children, couples seeking quiet and nature, water sports enthusiasts (sailing, kitesurfing in the Bay of Pollença).
Watch out: Winter can get very quiet
Many shops and restaurants in the north close from November to March. For some that is relaxing, for others too quiet. If an active social life is important to you, winter in the north can be a challenge.
Cala Ratjada and the north-east
Cala Ratjada in the north-east is a popular coastal town with a growing German expat community. The town offers beautiful beaches (Cala Agulla, Cala Mesquida), a picturesque harbour and a relaxed atmosphere.
What Cala Ratjada offers:
The town has solid basic amenities with supermarkets, restaurants and a few doctors. The beaches in the surrounding area are among the most beautiful on the island. Nightlife exists but is not excessive. In summer it is lively; in winter considerably quieter.
Rental prices: 600 to 1,000 euros for a 2-room flat. Considerably cheaper than Palma and the south-west.
Disadvantages: the distance to Palma is around one hour by car. Infrastructure is smaller than in Palma or the south-west. In winter it gets very quiet.
Best suited for: beach lovers, couples and families with a moderate budget, anyone looking for a quieter alternative to the south-west.
Inca and the interior
Inca is the third largest town on Mallorca and lies in the heart of the island. For anyone looking for authentic Mallorca while keeping costs down, Inca is an excellent choice.
What Inca offers:
Inca has one of the largest weekly markets on the island (Thursdays), good shopping, restaurants and a lively local atmosphere. The town is known for its leather goods industry and has some handsome old factory buildings converted into restaurants and cultural venues (such as the Celler Can Ripoll).
Connections: Inca has excellent connections to Palma. The SFM train reaches the island capital in 35 minutes, with good frequency. By car on the motorway you are in Palma in about 30 minutes. This makes Inca attractive for commuters too.
Rental prices: 500 to 800 euros for a 2-room flat. That is significantly cheaper than Palma or the coastal towns. Houses and fincas in the surrounding area are also more affordable.
Similarly affordable and authentic are places such as Sineu (beautiful Wednesday market), Binissalem (known for its wine), Santa Maria del Camí (charming and close to Palma) and Campos in the south.
Best suited for: budget-conscious expats, families who appreciate authentic village life, commuters who travel to Palma by train, anyone who doesn't need to be near the beach.
Tip: Train commuter towns along the T1 line
The towns along the T1 train line (Santa Maria, Consell, Binissalem, Inca) are ideal for commuters. You live affordably inland and reach Palma in 20 to 35 minutes by train. No traffic jams, no parking stress, and travel with the Tarjeta Intermodal is cheap.
Andratx and Port d'Andratx
The area around Andratx in the south-west is the most exclusive corner of Mallorca. Anyone with a larger budget who values quiet, nature and upmarket dining will find their place here.
What the region offers:
Port d'Andratx has one of the most beautiful harbours on the island, surrounded by top-class restaurants, galleries and an international community. The landscape in the hinterland is spectacular, with pine forests, fincas and sea views. Andratx itself is a quiet town inland with a weekly market (Wednesdays) and a relaxed atmosphere.
Rental prices: 1,000 to 2,000+ euros for a 2-room flat. Villas and fincas with sea views can quickly reach 3,000 to 6,000 euros and more.
Best suited for: well-heeled couples and families, art lovers, sailors, anyone looking for exclusivity and quiet in spectacular surroundings.
Manacor and the east
Manacor is the second largest town on Mallorca and lies in the east of the island. The town is considerably less touristy than the coastal regions and offers authentic Spanish small-town life.
What Manacor offers:
Good infrastructure with supermarkets, doctors, schools and a lively town centre. The Monday market is one of the largest on the island. In the surrounding area you find some of Mallorca's most beautiful beaches (Cala Mondragó, Cala Varques, Cala Romantica) within 15 to 20 minutes by car.
Connections: by train (SFM line T2) you reach Palma in about one hour. By car on the motorway it takes around 50 minutes.
Rental prices: 550 to 900 euros for a 2-room flat. Considerably cheaper than Palma and the coast.
Best suited for: families and couples seeking authentic small-town life, budget-conscious expats, anyone wanting to live close to the east coast beaches.
Llucmajor and the south
Llucmajor lies south of Palma and is one of the fastest-growing municipalities on the island. Its proximity to Palma (20 minutes by car), lower rents and good infrastructure make Llucmajor an attractive alternative.
What Llucmajor offers:
The town has a large weekly market (Wednesdays and Saturdays), supermarkets, doctors and schools. In the surrounding area you find some beautiful beaches (Es Trenc, Cala Pi) and the well-known outlet centre "Festival Park" on the motorway to Palma.
Rental prices: 600 to 1,000 euros for a 2-room flat. Houses with gardens from 900 to 1,500 euros.
Best suited for: families wanting to live close to Palma without paying Palma prices, commuters, anyone who values space and a garden.
Comparison table: All places at a glance
| Place | Rent (2-bed) | Beach | Infrastructure | German community | Connection to Palma |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palma centre | 1,000-1,800 € | 10 min. | Very good | Medium | - |
| Santa Ponsa | 800-1,500 € | Direct | Good | Very large | 30 min. |
| Sóller | 700-1,200 € | 5 min. (port) | Good | Small | 30 min. |
| Alcúdia | 700-1,200 € | Direct | Good | Medium | 60 min. |
| Cala Ratjada | 600-1,000 € | Direct | Medium | Medium | 60 min. |
| Inca | 500-800 € | 30 min. | Good | Small | 35 min. (train) |
| Andratx | 1,000-2,000+ € | 10 min. | Medium | Medium | 35 min. |
| Manacor | 550-900 € | 20 min. | Good | Small | 50 min. |
| Llucmajor | 600-1,000 € | 20 min. | Good | Small | 20 min. |
Prices and travel times are indicative and can vary depending on exact location and season.
Whatever place you choose, take your time exploring different areas before committing. Rent first somewhere that appeals to you and give yourself at least six months before making a long-term decision. Mallorca is small enough to explore the whole island regularly, and large enough to offer the right place for everyone.
When you are ready to start your flat search, our guide to renting a flat has all the details on portals, rental contracts and tips for a successful application. And if you are considering buying your own property, our guide to buying property will help you further.