A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Cancun for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Cancun?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Cancun, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a stunning, cultural, and historic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Cancun

Cancun is a active, adventurous, and wild city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Palma de Mallorca and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Cancun?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Palma de Mallorca than Cancun. While Cancun is larger than Palma de Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its food, music, and historical sights, while Cancun attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Palma de Mallorca is famous for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also well known for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Cancun is famous for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun and Palma de Mallorca. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Cancun?

Cancun is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cancun can be an interesting and educational experience. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palma de Mallorca is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Palma de Mallorca has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Cancun have terrific vibes after the sun sets.

Palma de Mallorca is a world class party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Cancun is a must-see party destination. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cancun Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Cancun is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Palma de Mallorca while you're in town. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Cancun is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cancun Better for Resorts?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Cancun offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its diving and snorkeling.

People travel to Cancun specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Cancun have terrific beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Palma de Mallorca are among the best in the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cancun Better for its Old Town?

Palma de Mallorca is very good for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Palma de Mallorca. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca and Cancun are both places where visitors can find nice hiking trails.

Palma de Mallorca has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Cancun?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Palma de Mallorca and Cancun.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Cancun offers some nice shopping areas. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cancun Better for Families?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cancun is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

Palma de Mallorca is a very kid-friendly island. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cancun Better for Couples?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cancun has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca and Cancun are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Palma de Mallorca is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Cancun is a great island to visit for backpackers. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Cancun.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cancun a more walkable city?

Cancun is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Cancun?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Palma de Mallorca. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Palma de Mallorca. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cancun, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cancun than Palma de Mallorca. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cancun that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Cancun?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Cancun, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Cancun?

Palma de Mallorca is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With museums and nightlife around the wild city of Cancun, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Cancun?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With nightlife and food around the party-hard destination of Cancun, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Cancun?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural destination of Palma de Mallorca. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cancun is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.

When comparing the travel costs between Palma de Mallorca and Cancun, we can see that Palma de Mallorca is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Palma de Mallorca is in Europe and Cancun is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Cancun?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Palma de Mallorca. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca and Cancun, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.