Idyllic but lively sandy beach featuring stunning turquoise waters
Cala Major is located within Palma Bay, around four kilometres to the west to the city of Palma.
At the edge of Palma, Cala Major beach is a soft sandy beach boasting brilliant blue turquoise waters within the resort area of Cala Major/San Augustin. It's location and beauty make this a popular beach in the summer months.
Sun loungers and thatch-roofed parasols are available to hire at an affordable rate, but in the summer you’ll need to be early as they sell out quickly. You have the added luxury of nearby public showers and toilets in situ during the summer months. Ramps facilitate access and lifeguards are on duty.
The beach’s regular crowd welcomes a wide demographic and variety of visitors. Expect anyone and everyone to be on this beach, including noisy children’s birthday parties; reggaeton-blasting teens; city dwellers on their lunch break; mahogany-Mallorquins and of course tourists.
Given its proximity to the city and its modest size, it gets incredibly busy during the summer months, and even more so at the weekends when the locals hit the shores. In the winter you can still enjoy the sunshine with a fraction of the summer crowd. Note dogs are also allowed on the sandy shores in the off season.
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.
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.
Small, cosy villa with swimming pool and gardens close to the main road that leads from the old town of Pollensa to Puerto Pollensa.
La Coma is set in more than an acre in the exclusive Colonya Valley opposite Pollenca´s Golf Course, yet within walking distance of the Old Town and just a 10-minute drive to Cala San Vicente and Puerto Pollenca beaches.
Historic four-bedroom villa with a unique bedroom set in a turret, private heated pool, and stunning coastline views.
Located in the highly sought-after area of La Font, at the foot of the stunning UNESCO Tramuntana mountains in Pollensa, Villa Esquina is just a 15-minute walk from the beautiful historic town of Pollenca and a 10-minute drive from the Port of Pollenca and surrounding beaches, making it ideal for large families or two families with children. This stunning family holiday home has 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 3 balconies with amazing views of the surrounding area and a large heated saltwater pool (15 metres long).
Retreat to the exquisite Villa La Font 64, a stunning three-bedroom Mallorcan villa located in the leafy and exclusive La Font suburb of Pollensa. Positioned in one of the most sought-after residential areas in La Font, this villa is just a stone's throw away from the historic Pollensa old town.
Spacious five-bedroom villa with private heated pool, classic Mallorcan features, and a wealth of thoughtful facilities.
Run by a German couple and set in a rural location in central Mallorca with views over the local countryside and mountains, Finca Son Jorbo offers style and comfort in a restored 17th century country house. With the convenience of bed and breakfast and the added benefit of fully equipped self-catered apartments, Finca Son Jorbo is the perfect combination.
Son Bunyola Hotel offers an intimate stay, providing the perfect base to explore Mallorca’s vineyards, olive groves, and charming countryside.
Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat is the place to stay if you're looking for somewhere that's rich in history but with all the modern amneties. Breathtaking views, gourmet cuisine and a relaxing environment, the ideal place for a peaceful stay in a beautiful location.
This charming hotel is located in the historical old town, in the very heart of Palma de Mallorca. It is within easy walking distance of attractions such as the 10th century Arab baths and Palma's breathtaking gothic Cathedral.
If you're looking for a perfect hideaway from your usual routine, then this lovely 15th century Mallorcan manor is the place to escape to.
This 18th-century farmhouse with 250 hectares of land is situated in the south of the island, between Llucmajor and the beautiful Cala Pi.
The Bendinat Royal Golf Course is magnificently situated 7 kilometres west of Palma, in an extensive wooded valley and in the heart of the Bendinat Housing Estate.
Whiz around the local coastline with friends and family
An area designed and intended for young adventurers. Sport, fun and adventure, it has 50 platforms and games divided into 6 circuits of different levels and heights.
Why not have an adventure and try the new water sport, Flyboard? Located in Port Calanova which has the perfect conditions to try this fun and exciting sport.
Maricel Restaurant is set in a privileged seafront location at the Hospes Maricel Hotel, offering direct views over the Mediterranean and a calm, refined atmosphere. The restaurant focuses on traditional Mallorcan cuisine, using fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. The menu includes classic rice dishes, seasonal tapas and carefully prepared Mediterranean plates, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options also available.
Arrels by Marga Coll Restaurant in Mallorca offers a dining experience rooted in Balearic tradition, with a clear philosophy of taking ingredients straight from the market to the table. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all given equal importance, each reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to local produce, careful preparation and respect for the island’s culinary heritage.
Collins Restaurant in Portals Nous offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of southwest Mallorca. Set within the stylish Portals Hills complex, this lively and chic venue combines modern Mediterranean cuisine with impeccable service, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
This cosmopolitan beach club is located in a beautiful spot in Illetas, one of the trendiest places to be seen. Anchor in the small and charming bay of Illetes, before heading ashore to the iconic and whiter-than-white setting that makes this brand so famous. Their large terrace overlooking the sea features comfortable sun loungers and day beds.
Step into Frankie’s in Puerto Portals, Mallorca, and enjoy an American-style diner experience with a stylish twist. Named in tribute to Frank Sinatra, the restaurant celebrates the singer’s favourite inflight dishes, inspired by the meals he served aboard his private Learjet 23. Here, you can taste Sinatra’s personal recipe for BBQ baby back ribs alongside classic American comfort foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and gourmet street food.
Perched on the beachfront of Portals Nous, Merchants Portals offers a dining experience that pairs exceptional cuisine with breathtaking sea views. Part of the acclaimed Merchants brand, this restaurant continues the legacy of culinary excellence established in Palma, bringing it to the shores of Mallorca’s most stylish marina.
This stylish modern poolside bar is situated within the Portals Hills Boutique Hotel.
This cosmopolitan beach club is located in a beautiful spot in Illetas, one of the trendiest places to be seen. Anchor in the small and charming bay of Illetes, before heading ashore to the iconic and whiter-than-white setting that makes this brand so famous. Their large terrace overlooking the sea features comfortable sun loungers and day beds.
Balneario Illetas Restaurant and Beach Club, located on the stunning Illetas beach just a ten-minute drive from Palma, offers a complete Mediterranean dining and leisure experience. Set against the backdrop of crystal-clear waters and a rocky cove, the restaurant transforms the finest local produce into dishes full of flavour, simplicity and quality. Each plate is carefully prepared to surprise and delight, making it a must-visit for discerning food lovers.
The painter and sculptor Joan Miro spent most of his life in Barcelona, but both his wife and mother were Mallorcan and he always longed to return to the scene of his childhood holidays to draw inspiraton from what he called "the light of Mallorca".
A well-preserved 14th-century royal fortress with fragrant pine woods, an interesting museum and superb views over Palma Bay.
Spain gets the theme-park treatment at this 'village' in the outskirts of Palma, where reproductions of famous buildings from Cordoba, Toledo and Madrid are gathered together with typical houses from the Spanish regions.
Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art was opened in 2004 as a cultural institution for research and dissemination of Balearic & Mediterranean art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
With twin turrets and an angel over the door, this 15th-century seafront building looks half-castle, half-church. In fact it is neither.
A royal palace has stood on this site next to Palma's cathedral since the Muslim walis (governors) built their alcazar soon after the Arab conquest.
The Son Vida golf course ranks among the island's most beautiful courses. Located just a few miles to the north-west of Palma, the tree-lined fairways offer breathtaking views of the spectacular surroundings down to the Bay of Palma. The course was one of the first to be created on Majorca in 1964 by F.W. Hawtree, but was renovated in 2001 by Kurt Rossknecht. The 18-hole golf course is a par 71. The golf course consists of fairly tight fairways with two water hazards. The greens tend to be small & round, with bunkers on either side. Doglegs on the course create challenges for the more experienced player.
This is a private 9-hole golf course just a few meters from the Rotana Hotel. The course is reserved for hotel and restaurant guests.
This golf club is renowned as one of the most beautiful courses on Mallorca. Situated in the far northeast of the island, the course sits in the foothills of the Llevant natural Park overlooking the Mediterranean sea.
Par72 offers luxury golf experiences in Mallorca hosted by British PGA Professional Jamie Knight.
The views from the 8th and 11th holes alone are worth a visit to the T Golf and Country Club Poniente. The recently renovated clubhouse is a perfect place to relax and unwind after an unforgettable day of golf.
There are two courses at Son Antem Golf Club - the masterpieces of Francisco López Segalés, one of Spain’s leading course designers. Since 1990, he has designed courses in all the major resort areas of Spain. With Son Antem, Segalés has garnered rave reviews from professional golfers and vacationing ones alike.
Cala Major (also known as Cala Mayor) and its neighbour Sant Agusti are holiday resort towns on the outskirts of Palma.
Illetas (also known as Ses Illetes) is a small, stylish resort tucked into the southwest coast of Mallorca just a few kilometres from Palma. In summer, it draws in visitors with its soft sandy beaches, calm turquoise waters, and laid-back upscale vibe. It’s one of the most attractive spots along the Bay of Palma, known for its whitewashed villas, leafy streets, and a mix of classic and modern hotels that blend into the hillside. The views are stunning, the atmosphere relaxed, and everything feels just a little more refined than your average beach resort.
Portals Nous is a small town 10km to the west of Palma. This is the place to stay if you want to spend time at the swanky marina of Puerto Portals.
The good, the bad and the ugly sides of Mallorcas tourist development meet along a 25km stretch of coast. Tacky resorts sit next to exclusive retreats, it seems that everyone wants a slice of Palma Bay. One moment you can be in Portals Nous, with its chic marina crammed with millionaires' yachts, the next in seedy Magaluf, all British pubs and wet T-shirt contests.
Puerto Portals is widely known as the most glamorous marina on the island. It has become an attractive destination for the rich and famous to moor their yachts and now caters for more than 600 yachts up to 60 metres in length. Unlike many other ports in Mallorca, there is a year-round buzz here. It’s the place to visit for designer shopping, people watching and first-class restaurants and bars.
The former fishing villages Portixol and Molinar, like many neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Palma, have experienced a bit of a renaissance in recent years. They have transformed from quiet fishing villages into some of the trendiest areas in the south-west of Mallorca. Their main attractions include a long stretch of beach, a beautiful promenade and a boho vibe. That’s before we even get started on the great selection of restaurants, bars and hotels servicing the area!
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See allLatest News & ReviewsThe island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.
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