Son Balagueret Villa
Historic four-bedroom villa with a unique bedroom set in a turret, private heated pool, and stunning coastline views.
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.
Historic four-bedroom villa with a unique bedroom set in a turret, private heated pool, and stunning coastline views.
Small, cosy villa with swimming pool and gardens close to the main road that leads from the old town of Pollensa to Puerto Pollensa.
Spacious five-bedroom villa with private heated pool, classic Mallorcan features, and a wealth of thoughtful facilities.
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).
Perched atop the scenic hills of Mallorca, Villa Mitrana offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and natural beauty. This exquisite retreat provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the verdant landscapes that define the island's charm. Designed to accommodate up to six guests, it is the epitome of sophisticated comfort.
This elegant villa, set within the private Son Bunyola Estate, combines modern comforts with a serene atmosphere to ensure a truly relaxing holiday in Mallorca.
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.
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.
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.
This beautiful rural hotel is within the village of Selva in the north part of the island. It has a privileged setting at the heart of nature surrounded by olive, almond, orange and lemons trees.
Whiz around the local coastline with friends and family
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.
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.
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.
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.
Purobeach Illetas Beach Club offers a quintessential Mediterranean escape in the heart of Mallorca’s Illetas resort. Opened in May 2017, this stylish beach club combines natural beauty, elegant design, and the signature Puro spirit to create an unforgettable seafront experience. With direct access to the crystal-clear waters, sun-soaked terraces, and panoramic views of the Bay of Palma, every moment here celebrates the very best of the island.
Las Terrazas del Bendinat is a beautifully positioned seafront restaurant set within Hotel Bendinat, overlooking the clear blue waters near Portals Nous. Surrounded by nature and perched right above the Mediterranean, it offers a peaceful setting that feels far removed from the busier parts of the island, while still being easy to reach.
Chameli’s Restaurant in Portals Nous, Mallorca, has been a local favourite for over fifteen years, earning a reputation for traditional Market Cuisine with a modern touch. The menu celebrates the finest seasonal ingredients, offering fresh fish, premium meats, wood-fired pizzas, and grilled specialities. Their authentic paellas are a particular highlight, prepared using time-honoured techniques to create rich, memorable flavours. Each month, the chefs introduce new and inventive dishes, ensuring there’s always something fresh to try.
La Cabana Poolbar & Lounge at Portals Hills is a dreamy and unforgettable destination for drinks, dining, and relaxation in Mallorca. Situated in front of the infinity swimming pool and framed by impressive large windows, the bar offers stunning views that perfectly complement its stylish setting.
Purobeach Illetas Beach Club offers a quintessential Mediterranean escape in the heart of Mallorca’s Illetas resort. Opened in May 2017, this stylish beach club combines natural beauty, elegant design, and the signature Puro spirit to create an unforgettable seafront experience. With direct access to the crystal-clear waters, sun-soaked terraces, and panoramic views of the Bay of Palma, every moment here celebrates the very best of the island.
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.
Perched on a rocky headland at the end of Portals Nous beach, Tabgha is one of Mallorca’s most beloved beach bars, popular with both locals and regular visitors. Accessible via steps from the town or along the shore, it offers a relaxed, sun-soaked retreat with stunning sea views and a gentle coastal breeze.
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.
The square takes its name from Sa Llotja, the impressive Gothic market exchange building which overlooks it from one side. The decorative sandstone facade, contrasted with the lush green palm trees, makes for an idyllic setting. The plaza opens out towards the seaside promenade on one side and, on the other, tables and chairs from the surrounding restaurants spread out across the cobblestones. A great spot during the day and the evening.
With twin turrets and an angel over the door, this 15th-century seafront building looks half-castle, half-church. In fact it is neither.
The 18-hole course at Son Quint was created by James Arnold in 2009 and probably counts as the youngest course on the island. It has been landscaped using the native plants of Mallorca - featuring olive, carob and pine trees. Leyland cypresses provide a lateral protection to one side of the course. Throughout the 6,780 meters length of the course, stone walls typical to Mallorca, oleander bushes and lantana flowers complete a challenging, but fun, short golf course. The course was designed so to make best use of the views down towards the city of Palma and the Bay area.
This golf course, situated in Canyamel in the nort-east of Mallorca, is renowned for being one of the most beautiful on the island.
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.
Looking to play golf by the sea, then Alcanada might be the course for you. It's situated in the north of Mallorca on the peninsula of Alcudia. The golf course opened in 2003 and was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
This golf club was opened in 1995, originally designed by D.Santiago Sota. Between 2004-2006, the course was redesigned by Jose Maria Olazabal to prepare it for use on the International Pro-Tour.
This golf club opened in 2006 and was designed by Jack Nicklaus' firm, Nicklaus Design Company. The 18-hole course is a par 71 and has been integrated into the local environment to provide an immersive golfing experience - the course has been likened to a links course.
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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