Mallorca - where to stay?!

[PinkPomelo]

I'm at an absolute loss where to stay on Mallorca! Looking for somewhere not too built up, nice restaurants and a beach you can walk to but still a little nightlife in the bars.

I've read other threads but can't seem to land on somewhere... want to avoid the magaluf type places, taking a 11 month old baby. You seem to get more for ur money ie. Better apartments in resorts like cala dor and playa de muro but they're an hour transfer which is quite long. Staying nearer palma would be handier but can't see anywhere that doesn't look v built up? Any help appreciated.

Would you consider hiring a car? We always do, and have found it generally similar in price to return transfers, but with the added advantage of being able to explore more widely.

We’ve done it when travelling as a couple and with kids. Ours are teenagers now so we get a slightly bigger car but with just 1 you could go for the smallest size. When ours were v young it had the added advantage of making it easier to get about places, go to the supermarket etc…

It means you don’t have to compromise on where you want to stay as well, Mallorca is pretty easy to navigate.

I’ve read some stuff on TripAdvisor about the beach at puerto pollensa being full of sewage - is that true??