What is the best place to buy a second home: Mallorca or the Côte d’Azur?
If you’re considering buying a second home in the Mediterranean, two destinations often top the list: Mallorca and the French Riviera. Both offer exceptional natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a sophisticated lifestyle, but each has its own unique appeal.
This blog compares Mallorca vs. the Côte d’Azur across the key factors that matter most when purchasing a holiday home: ease of access, climate and seasonality, lifestyle, cost of living, local activities, short-term rental potential, and the strength of the expat community.
How easy is it to get to Mallorca and the Côte d’Azur?
Even though Mallorca is an island, it is very accessible. Palma de Mallorca airport offers frequent direct flights from all the major European cities, in particular from the UK, Germany, France, and Scandinavia. Once you arrive, most destinations on the island are reachable within an hour by car.
The Côte d’Azur benefits from a robust road and rail network. It is easily accessible by car, train, and plane. Nice International airport offers year-round connections, and destinations like Antibes, Cannes, Valbonne, and Mougins can be reached within 30 to 60 minutes from the airport. The Côte d’Azur is particularly well-positioned for those who value the flexibility of being able to drive to their holiday home, or who want to be able to come for short stay visits.
Can you rent out your second home in Mallorca and on the Côte d’Azur?
Many second-home buyers look to short-term holiday rentals as a way to help cover the running costs. Both Mallorca and the Côte d’Azur are attractive from a rental demand perspective but local regulations can be strict, and they vary by region.
In Mallorca, authorities introduced firm guidelines. In certain zones, holiday rentals are restricted, especially in Palma. However, properties in designated touristic areas or rural settings may qualify for a rental license under specific conditions.
On the Côte d’Azur, short-term letting is regulated in some of the towns. Registration, permits, and sometimes a change-of-use-authorisation is required, for example in Nice. Some areas have capped the rental duration for primary residences and set a maximum rental quota per neighbourhood.
With Lazazu, you can rent out your holiday home effortlessly – provided, of course, that local regulations and licenses allow it.
What is the climate and seasonality like in Mallorca and on the Côte d’Azur?
Both destinations enjoy a Mediterranean climate, but the seasonal rhythms are slightly different.
Mallorca has warm, dry summers and mild winters. The high season runs from May to September, with spring and early autumn also popular among nature lovers and cyclists. Winters are quieter, but still offer sunshine and blue skies.
The French Riviera enjoys a slightly longer holiday season. Its mild winters and sunny shoulder seasons make it a true year-round destination. Cities like Cannes, Nice, and Menton as well as many of the surrounding villages maintain a lively atmosphere even in the colder months, attracting both tourists and long-stay residents.
Mallorca is ideal if you are seeking winter sun and a quieter escape during the low season. For more consistent activity in every season, the French Riviera may be more suitable.
What is the lifestyle like in Mallorca and on the Côte d’Azur?
Life in Mallorca revolves around the outdoors and a slower pace. Think soaking in the sun on the beach, hiking and cycling adventures, exploring the villages, and simply enjoying the good life with great weather and delicious food. Towns like Sóller and Deià offer a relaxed, authentic charm, while Palma adds a more cosmopolitan energy with galleries, shops, and restaurants. The lifestyle is grounded, health conscious, and in tune with nature.
On the Côte d’Azur, the pace is a little faster and the tone more refined. There is a strong emphasis on the arts, fine dining, and social events – think regattas, jazz festivals, and outdoor cinema. The lifestyle here is effortlessly elegant, with a sense of old-world glamour combined with modern comforts.
Mallorca appeals to those seeking natural beauty, relaxation, and slower living. In contrast, the Côte d’Azur offers a more cosmopolitan lifestyle, with lively towns, luxury experiences, and a buzzing social calendar.
What is the cost of living in Mallorca and on the Côte d’Azur?
While both regions are considered premium destinations, there are some differences when it comes to overall costs.
Mallorca, tends to offer better value, especially in areas away from Palma or the island’s coast. You will often find more affordable options for restaurants, local services, and maintenance.
The French Riviera is generally more expensive – both in terms of property prices and day-to-day living. Dining out, services, and groceries tend to carry a higher price tag, particularly in tourism hotspots like Saint-Tropez, Cap Ferrat, and Cannes.
What kind of activities can you enjoy in Mallorca and on the Côte d’Azur?
If you are drawn to hiking, cycling, sailing, or exploring remote coves, Mallorca’s natural diversity is hard to beat. The Tramuntana mountains are ideal for active getaways, while beach lovers can discover a different bay every day. The island also offers local markets, food festivals, and wellness retreats throughout the year.
Meanwhile, the Côte d’Azur offers a broader blend of cultural and leisure activities. From yachting and wine tastings to art museums, concerts, and boutique shopping, there is something for every interest. For ski enthusiasts, several ski resorts can be reached in under two hours.
Is there a strong expat community in Mallorca and on the Côte d’Azur?
Yes, both regions have well-established expat communities, making them also particularly welcoming for international second-home owners.
Mallorca has a long tradition of British, German, Dutch, and Nordic homeowners, and many local businesses cater to these communities.
The French Riviera is similarly diverse. The region attracts seasonal visitors as well as full-time international residents from across Europe and beyond.
Whether you are relocating part-time or simply visiting often, both destinations are well-suited to foreign homeowners looking for a sense of belonging.
Which destination is right for you – Mallorca or the Côte d’Azur?
Ultimately, the best second home destination comes down to what matters most to you — and how you want to spend your time away. Mallorca and the Côte d’Azur each offer their own unique charm and enduring appeal. It’s not about choosing the “right” place, but the one that feels like (a second) home to you.
Make yourself at home in Mallorca, on the Côte d’Azur, or beyond with Lazazu
At Lazazu, we make co-owning a carefully curated holiday home in Mallorca, on the French Riviera, or beyond, a completely hassle-free experience. Each holiday home is beautifully furnished and fully managed – so you can simply relax and enjoy it. Share your holiday home criteria with us and schedule a consultation call to begin your co-ownership journey.
Discover more about Lazazu:
How Lazazu co-ownership works | Frequently asked questions about shared holiday homes | The benefits of fractional ownership | Browse Lazazu’s selection of second homes | The difference between timeshare and co-ownership