Beaches in Mallorca — 10 of Our Favourites

You will find many locals come here, especially on weekends throughout the year, and certainly show how it's done when it comes to putting on a family beach picnic spread. No sun loungers are available to hire, so bring extra towels or a deck chair for comfort, but there are showers to wash off the salt and sand. Note the beach does get busy in July and August, especially on the weekends, so get down there early if you are planning a trip. Free street parking is available behind the promenade, although you might have to endure a couple of laps of the one-way system to find a space if arriving from late-morning onwards.

Restaurants
Here you will find a choice of fine dining and international favourites through to authentic eateries, most of which have a casual but bustling atmosphere, from lunchtime until late into the night.

Nightlife
If you find yourself looking for somewhere to go after dinner, a Spanish style taverna or a couple of hotel bars can be found within the vicinity of this area. Those looking for a more vibrant party atmosphere, Palma and S'Arenal are both within easy reach (5-10 minutes by taxi) and offer a good selection of late night bars and nightclubs.

Hotels
Portixol is very much a residential area, however there's a good selection of hotels from trendy boutiques through to world-famous names within walking distance of the beach. Palma's city centre is just a few kilometres away where you are spoilt for choice when it comes to hotels, the old-town boutique hotels are a firm favourite for a city-break.

Santa Ponsa beach is a relatively large resort style beach featuring sun-loungers and parasols, toilet and shower facilities in the summer months. At the edge of the beach, there is a is path that winds around pine trees through a small area of parkland, perfect for escaping the peak heat of the day. Some chiringuito style beach bar restaurants can be found on the beach, perfect for breaking up a day of sun worshipping on the sand.

Behind the promenade you'll find shops with beach toys and inflatables, and further bars, cafes and restaurants, many of which are geared towards families, with soft play facilities inside.

Every year, within the first two weeks of September, the beach plays host to one of the areas biggest festivals the Rei en Jaume which celebrates the successful landing of King Jaime I in 1229 and his subsequent conquering of the Moors. On the eve of Sant Joan, on the 23rd July, the beach comes alive with beach parties, bonfires and devils.

Find out more about Santa Ponsa by looking at our Guide to Santa Ponsa.

During the high season, Cala Fornells becomes regularly occupied with both residents and tourists thereby naturally becoming a little more crowded in the summer months. However, its warm and relaxed atmosphere within a semi-urban district, means you’ll be easily entertained for the entire day here… if not more.

Restaurants
This lovely cala sports its own wonderful little beach bar on one side of the sand, playing relaxed and feel-good tunes for the regularly, casual dining holidaymakers. For those preferring a quieter ambience, the opposite side of the beach offers just that. 

Nightlife
There’s not much happening during the beach’s later hours, but the nearby town of Peguera is less than a kilometre away offering a selection of lively entertainment for both tourists and locals alike.

Hotels
Holiday accommodation, residential homes and various restaurants surround this beautiful beach occupying the front line of the coast. With several hotels near the resort, a wonderful upscale family run hotel with an artificial solarium overlooks the picturesque bay itself on a relaxed street of bars and restaurants behind.

The main stretch of Playa de Palma is a Blue Flag beach which starts just beyond Can Pastilla and finishes at the resort of S'Arenal with a length of over 4.5 km. It's a lovely, wide beach (average of around 30 metres) with golden white sand. The shallow, clear water is suitable for children and there is usually plenty of space for playing.

All the facilities are on your doorstep: sun loungers, parasols, toilets, showers, disabled access and lifeguards on duty. There are also, of course, plenty of beach bars and restaurants to grab refreshments or enjoy a spot of lunch.

On the eastern side of Playa de Palma, by the marina of San Antonio de la Playa, lies the little beach of Cala Estancia with 200 metres in length and 35 metres deep. It's very well protected from the wind and boasts golden sand and clear waters. As it's located right at the end of the airport runway bear in mind that, if you are noise-sensitive, this may not be the beach for you.

This area of Mallorca is popular with German tourists, and the built up resorts of Can Pastilla and S'Arenal make these beaches quite busy in the summer months.

Restaurants
Along the promenade, you'll find a myriad of beachfront restaurants offering fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. From grilled octopus to paella and tapas, these restaurants provide a delightful dining experience with a view of Palma Bay. For more choice, head into the city.

Nightlife
Some chill-out bars provide cosy seating areas and ambient music along the promenade, creating the perfect setting for unwinding after a day of sunbathing. Or if you want some late night fun, head to Palma's city centre, with the Paseo Maritimo, Santa Catalina and the old town offering a range of options from bustling bars to vibrant clubs. 

Hotels
Several hotels are situated just behind Palma's beach, offering a diverse range of options from large corporate chains to upscale boutique establishments. With such variety, visitors have ample choice to suit their preferences and tastes.

Playa Carregador is at the eastern end of the resort and is 600 metres long by 60 metres deep.This beach is famous for its (artificially enhanced) fine white sand and clear blue sea.

Also enjoying artificially enhanced silky soft sand is Playa de Palmanova beach. In the heart of the resort, it is enormous at one kilometre long and 60 metres deep. With heaps of space for families, there are several small playgrounds and shaded grassy areas at the rear.

The largest and farthest west beach is Son Matias, offering several trendy bars and a great spot to spectate with a drink. It rolls on for 1200 metres and is 100 metres deep.

Facilities are excellent in all areas with sun loungers and parasols for rent, showers and toilets, good disabled access and a high level of lifeguarding services.

Free car parking is available and access is also possible by public bus.

Restaurants

There are many International and Mediterranean restaurants and bars located on the promenade behind the beach with several waterfront establishments looking out to sea. The area caters to differing tastes and budgets with a friendly and vibrant holiday vibe and you’ll easily find something to suit your preferences.

Nightlife

Palma Nova has enough animated bars and beach clubs to keep you entertained for weeks. With everything from chill-out lounges to sports bars, British style pubs, karaoke bars and beachfront parties, tourists will easily find their home comforts here amidst fellow families on holiday or younger groups of travellers.

Full of bars, clubs and restaurants with live music and resident DJs, new bars are always opening in the area ensuring Palma Nova’s facilities continue to improve. Palma Nova’s clubs will keep you dancing with themed nights, live DJs and a great mix of local and international music. There’s usually also some promenade entertainment in the form of street performers, artists and souvenir vendors.

Hotels

Palma Nova is particularly popular with British and European tourists thereby benefiting from a wide range of hotels, apartments, and resorts to accommodate its visitors. The peak tourist season typically falls between May and September when the weather is warmest and sunny.

Tucked away in the far south-west corner of Mallorca, Sant Elm is a charming coastal village known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. Overlooking the island of Sa Dragonera, this small resort offers a quieter alternative to the busier southwest, with a lovely sandy beach, clear waters and a strong connection to nature.

The main beach is split into two areas, with soft sand and shallow, calm waters that are ideal for families. In summer, sunbeds, parasols and pedaloes are available, while confident swimmers can head out towards the small island of Es Pantaleu. The bay is also popular with visiting yachts, adding to the laid-back Mediterranean feel.

Restaurants

Despite its small size, Sant Elm has a good selection of restaurants, many specialising in fresh seafood and enjoying prime waterfront locations. Dining here is all about simple, well-prepared dishes paired with sea views, whether you’re stopping for a relaxed lunch or a sunset dinner overlooking the bay. A short stroll inland reveals a handful of casual cafés and local spots, offering a more low-key alternative to the seafront.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Sant Elm is low-key and relaxed, centred around a few bars with a slightly bohemian feel. Evenings are typically spent enjoying drinks by the sea or along the village promenade, rather than late-night partying. For those looking for a livelier scene, nearby areas such as Andratx or Palma offer more options, while Sant Elm remains focused on peaceful evenings and a slower pace.

Hotels

Sant Elm offers a small but appealing range of accommodation, including boutique hotels, aparthotels and private villas. Many properties enjoy sea views or close proximity to the beach, making it an ideal base for those looking to unwind. The village is particularly suited to travellers seeking a quieter stay, with easy access to walking routes, boat trips to Sa Dragonera and the wider Tramuntana coastline.

The summer holidays make the beach here crowded, but in the off season you’ll often have the entire beach to yourself and the privacy to enjoy the golden sand, rocky cliffs and shimmering turquoise water.

Restaurants
Despite being a smaller beach with limited amenities, there are a few restaurants to choose from closeby. Most of them offer local seafood and paella focused menus with wonderful views of the water.

Nightlife 
Party hubs Puerto Portals, Magaluf, Santa Ponsa and Palma are all just a short taxi ride from the beach, and several festivals and events are held in the surrounding area.

Hotels
The beach sits between Calvia’s residential streets and so there aren’t many hotels directly on the beach, but once you head toward Portals Nous, you’ll be spoilt for choice on Mallorca’s south west coast. 

Being designed for tourists, Camp de Mar is fully equipped, featuring public showers and toilets, ramps for the disabled, and lifeguards on duty. Sun beds and parasols are available for hire, along with the seasonal and well-loved pedalos.

Lacking in soulless hotel blocks and lively beach bars, Camp de Mar resort offers numerous independent accommodation options, for ‘bougie’ tourists looking to relax. For those in need of livelier evening entertainment, Port Andratx is just around the corner.

A favorite destination for discerning travelers seeking an upscale beach experience, Portals Nous sits in southwest Majorca between the glamorous marina of Puerto Portals and the charming village center. The beach, known locally as Playa Oratori, is a relatively large and handsome stretch featuring Mallorca's picture-perfect turquoise waters and fine golden sand.

The beach's location is second to none, with world-class restaurants and bars in Puerto Portals on its doorstep and the more modest but charming amenities of Portals Nous village just a few minutes' walk away. This prestigious part of the island offers some of Mallorca's finest hotels, top beach clubs, and exceptional gastronomy, along with activities ranging from family-friendly waterparks to championship golf courses.

Portals Nous beach offers excellent facilities including sun loungers and parasols for rent, showers, toilets, and good disabled access. The beach can be accessed from the village by walking down a small lane (leading to the church) and then down some steps. Alternatively, visitors can park in Puerto Portals and walk through the small shipyard to reach the beach. Public transport connections are available to the area.

Restaurants

The main high street of Portals Nous, focused along Carretera d'Andratx, is a short walk from the beach and features a good selection of restaurants alongside independent shops, bookshops, a supermarket, and quaint newsagents. Beach bars along the shore provide the perfect setting for sundowners while watching the sunset.

For those seeking a cosmopolitan and elegant dining experience, the ritzy bars and restaurants within Puerto Portals offer champagne and cocktails before or after dinner in a sophisticated atmosphere. A more casual affair awaits in Portals Nous village directly behind the beach, with traditional Spanish tavernas, international pubs, and various other establishments to choose from.

Nightlife

Portals Nous offers diverse evening entertainment options to suit different preferences. Puerto Portals provides an upscale nightlife experience where guests can dress up and enjoy cocktails or champagne in elegant surroundings. The village atmosphere is more relaxed, with traditional tavernas and international venues creating a friendly, laid-back vibe. Beach bars provide a perfect transition from day to evening with sunset drinks and casual ambiance.

Hotels

As a destination popular with tourists seeking quality accommodation, Portals Nous and the surrounding area offer plenty of clean and contemporary hotels. Options range from 5-star resort-style properties and glamorous boutique hotels to more affordable yet chic alternatives. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, there's a good selection of private villas of varying sizes and budgets available close to the villages.

Although Portals Nous dates back to the 1950s, substantial investment has ensured the amenities are both modern and exciting. In August, Portals Nous and surrounding areas celebrate with festivities including crafts, sports competitions, and open-air concerts.

The resort of Illetas claims Illetas Beach (Playa de Illetes) and the smaller coves of Cala Oli and Cala Comtessa. The main beach of Illetas is Illetas Beach, it is surrounded by leafy picturesque trees and urban buildings, built in a semi circle around the cove. The beach has been very well looked after, buildings were built on the rocks to ensure plenty room for sunbathing. Sun beds and parasols are available to hire, and there are toilets, ramps for the disabled and lifeguards on duty. In the summer, the turquoise waters here are filled with yachts, bringing an upmarket feel to the place.

Restaurants
There are a few restaurants along the beach, including elegant terraces that offer mediterranean seafood. For a more casual vibe, there are snack restaurants and ice cream bars available. A few restaurants can be found within Illetas, serving traditional Mediterranean fair, and head to the 5-star hotels for fine dining options. Down the road in Cas Catala and Cala Major you will find further options available, from international restaurants, pizzeria's, Thai cuisine and much more. Cala Nova Port is also within easy walking distance and provides a wonderful setting for some food and cocktails.

Nightlife
Nightlife here tends to be sophisticated and mostly based in the surrounding hotels and beach clubs. However, the late-night bars, parties and restaurants in Palma and Puerto Portals are only a short taxi ride away. In the peak of summer Cala Nova Port also provides some live entertainment and exceptional parties on the weekends.

Hotels
There's a range of hotels nearby Illetas beach, boutique, 5-star and resort options to cater for different types of holidaymakers from family-friendly to adult-only options. Puerto Portals, Portals Nous and Bendinat are also very close by and also offer some great hotel choices. Or if you are looking for a bit more buzz, there's also some wonderful hotels within the city of Palma.