Cala Major Beach, Palma de Mallorca

Directly on the beachfront, there are two chiringuitos open all day in the summer and usually with reduced hours in the winter. Dine on pizza, pasta, and beachside snacks with gorgeous terrace views out towards the Balearic water.

The summer months also see a couple beach bars pop up directly on the sand - great for takeaway drinks, sundowners and refreshing cocktails on tall bar stools.

You’ll find Cala Major beach in the southwest of Mallorca, its the nearest bay to the centre of Palma, around four kilometres west from the city.

Being one of the island’s oldest tourist spots, recent years have seen a serious amount of money invested into the area; creating an eclectic mix of run-down shabby 70’s architecture, now juxtaposed with state-of-the-art Scandi vibes. It's ever-expanding residential area with tall south-facing apartment blocks all boast knockout views, and is surrounded by a purpose-built beach resort; ensuring there’s a fantastic selection of hotels, bars, and restaurants to choose from.

The population here is somewhat international but especially popular with the Brits and Swedes.

The entrance into the water is smooth with a very gradual increase in depth making it perfect for swimming and relaxing on your Lilo. There are public showers and toilets, ramps for access, and lifeguards on duty.

Protected on both sides by rocky outcrops, the water is mostly clear, warm, and calm with occasional opportunities to surf when conditions allow.

The beach is 250 metres long and around 50 metres wide and enjoys its ‘Blue Flag Beach Status’,

The natural beach has been enhanced with additional fine white sand, and it is a lovely spot, very conveniently situated for Palma and local services.

There’s not much you can rent here on the beach itself, except for paddle boards and kayaks from the beachside chiringuito during the summer months.

Within a ten minute walk up the road however, you have Port Cala Nova, offering a large variety of water sports-based gear and activities, with everything from XL paddleboards, Jet Ski hire, sailing, windsurfing and yacht charters.

• "Not far from Palma center by public bus, you will be charmed by this site! You can have a drink or tapas, and enjoy the view." - Trip Advisor
• "Fell in love with Mallorca. After a day at the cathedral and old town, we wanted a dip in the water. I'd done research to find this beach and it was definitely worth it! Crowded but not fussy. Protected cove with a couple of restaurants on the perimeter. Cabs will drop you off about 100 yards from the beach, but to get one back to port, you need to walk about 300 meters up the Main drag to the taxi stand. If it's a busy day (like ours was!), you'll also need to call the cab company to let them know you're waiting. Will definitely go back." - Trip Advisor
• "Lovely little bay with a beautiful beach, loads of nearby restaurants and cafe/bars. Would consider staying here next time I'm in Mallorca." - Trip Advisor

If you’re driving to Cala Major beach, there is paid on-street parking along Avinguda de Joan Miro behind the beach. There is a public car park on your right, coming down from the Ma-1 off junction 11b. Parking can be troublesome in the peak of the summer, arrive early to avoid disappointment. If you’re coming from central Palma, their public transport links are also very good. The beach is easily accessible by bus from the city centre (Bus lines 3, 20 or 46). A short taxi ride costs around €10-15.