Cheap Flights to Palma de Mallorca in May

The historic walled center of Palma is where you want to base yourself for a city-focused trip. Streets like Carrer de Sant Miquel and the Born promenade have excellent mid-range hotels in converted palaces — try Hotel Can Cera or Boutique Hotel Can Alomar. The neighborhood has the best restaurant concentration, is walkable to the cathedral and waterfront, and stays lively without being purely touristy.

Palma's coolest neighborhood for eating and drinking — the Mercat de Santa Catalina is the local food market and the streets around it are packed with independent restaurants, wine bars, and coffee shops that actually cater to residents. Hotel rates are slightly lower than Old Town. This is where you come for dinner at Bar España (the tortilla here is genuinely famous) or late-night vermouth at La Bodeguita.

The waterfront boulevard and adjacent Portixol village to the east are Palma's answer to a chic marina scene. Hotel Portixol is the original boutique hotel on the island and still excellent — Scandi-influenced design with direct sea views. Prices are 20–30% above Old Town equivalents but the morning walks along the harbor and the fish restaurants at Portixol are worth it if budget allows.

West of the old city, these hillside neighborhoods have the highest concentration of affordable Airbnb apartments and guesthouses, with local tapas bars and less tourist infrastructure. The views from Génova toward the bay are spectacular and underrated. A 15-minute walk or short bus ride gets you to the old town — good trade-off for a multi-day stay on a budget.

Not technically Palma but worth listing — this mountain village 30km northwest on the coast road is one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean. La Residencia (now a Belmond property) is one of the best hotels in Spain. Day-tripping from Palma is possible, but spending two nights here transforms the experience. The walk down to Cala Deià for a swim is obligatory.