© [J.Rains]
© [J.Rains]
© [J.Rains]
© [J.Rains]
© [J.Rains]
© [J.Rains]
Charming shingle and sand beach on the outskirts of Palma
Portixol is found just to the east of Palma's cathedral and is home to a little bay within which a little sand and shingle beach known as D'es Portitxolet Beach resides. The water is generally calm here due to the sheltered nature of the bay.
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.
A former fishing village and one of several suburbs of Palma that have been rejuvenated in recent years, Portixol has undergone a transformation from old, sleepy fishing village to vibrant Palma suburb, whilst maintaining its traditional charm. The old ex-fisherman's cottages that line the coast, have been updated with a modern flair, giving a pleasant backdrop to the beach along with the buzzing restaurants, bars and cafes that line the seafront. Portixol has moved from "up-and-coming" to cool in it's own right and the sea front properties, are now highly sought after.
The water is clean and clear, and being relatively sheltered it's calm for swimming. Upon entry into the water, it is relatively shallow but does drop in depth once a few metres in. This doesn't deter families with young children but it is something to be aware of.
The sandy beach here is relatively small, just 100m long and 20 metres deep and comprises of sand and shingle.
Portixol beach offers no water sport activities, but the sea is calm enough in the bay to go for a little paddle board if you bring your own.
From Palma city centre, Portixol Beach can be reached by foot within 30 minutes from the cathedral, a 20 minute bus ride from Palma's main bus station or a 5 minute taxi ride.
With every attention to the utmost details, the property has a beautiful harmony of Mallorcan architecture and Dutch interior designed with exquisite taste, this stylish and modern villa in Moscari exudes class and good taste.
Casa Coll stands proudly in the historical center of Pollensa, offering a wide array of shops restaurants, bars just a few steps away.
This stylish villa is quite rustic in appearance and is set in lovely gardens with its own fenced pool.
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).
This wonderful stone built villa is located just outside the much loved and historic old town of Pollensa, a place full of art galleries, first class restaurants, many tapas bars and typical cafes. With 2 bedrooms, a large pool and stunning views, Serelleta can sleep up to 4 people.
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 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.
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.
The Gran Hotel Soller is located in one of the most characteristic buildings of Sóller, a depiction of the architecture of the town in the 19th century.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
Set sail on a private boat trip in Palma Bay, with full-day and half-day options available.
Enjoy a fantastic day at sea and exploring secluded coves and beaches aboard a typical yacht from the Balearic Islands, "El Gordito".
Picture-perfect views from your vintage scooter
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
Enjoy four hours on a private motor boat in Palma Bay, perfect for small groups or those on a budget.
Chef Adrián Quetglas and his team create menus based on natural products, traditional recipes and avant-garde techniques of different but complementary cultures, always from the point of view of an author.
Cappuccino has a number of stylish brasseries in Mallorca, some of which are housed in the most beautiful historic buildings. This branch has a beautiful patio with a terrace.
Situated in a historical area, a few metres from the cathedral of Palma de Mallorca and close to the sea, you will find Dins Santi Taura.
This charming restaurant boasts stunning views from its terrace over the city and is situated within a boutique hotel, Can Alomar.
This restaurant is on the ground floor of a luxury boutique hotel in the historic centre of Palma de Mallorca. It is located within a shady arcade, showcasing the original 15th-century arches of this former stately home, which have been restored in the classic Gothic style.
Fittingly housed in a beautiful colonial building in the Santa Catalina district of Palma, this is a cafe, bar and club, open all day, every day.
Fittingly housed in a beautiful colonial building in the Santa Catalina district of Palma, this is a cafe, bar and club, open all day, every day.
The ambience of this restaurant is casual and attracts a cosmopolitan crowd. The bar with its VIP area is the meeting point for travellers and locals who can listen to DJs playing. Small dishes are served in the bar and when the weather permits, food and drinks can be enjoyed on the patio.
One of the busiest and the most famous gay bars in Palma de Mallorca.
Local bar in the centre of Palma specialising in craft beers from around the world. Tapas snacks are also served. It's open from Monday to Saturday 6.00pm to 1.00am.
Bar La Sang is the first bar in Mallorca to offer to exclusively offer an extensive natural wine list.
A quirky and intimate techno club in the heart of Santa Catalina.
The facade of this 13th-century church in Palma (remodelled after it was struck by lightning in the 17th century) is typically Mallorcan - a massive, forbidding sandstone wall with a delicately carved postal and a rose window at the centre.
These 10th-century baths are virtually all that remain of the Arab city of Medina Mayurqa (now known as Palma).
Based on the collection of Antoni Roig Clar, this museum showcases over 3,000 toys from all around the world and from different eraas.
Billed as Mallorca's most important museum, this undoubtedly contains some fascinating exhibitsbut beware that it is difficult to get excited about bits of stone in glass cases if you do not understand the captions. The museum has recently been refurbished, so we are hoping it is now more tourist-friendly.
This small museum of religious and historical antefacts is based in a wing of the former episcopal palace tucked behind the cathedral.
Until the 1960s the sea reached up to the city walls, providing the perfect reflection for the cathedral. When the building of a new road changed all that, an artificial lake was constructed to reproduce the effect.
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.
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.
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 is a private 9-hole golf course just a few meters from the Rotana Hotel. The course is reserved for hotel and restaurant guests.
Maioris Golf Club is located 15 minutes west of Palma de Mallorca on the south coast of Mallorca. The course was created in 2006 by Dieter Cabus and is of a championship standard.
This golf course, situated in Canyamel in the nort-east of Mallorca, is renowned for being one of the most beautiful on the island.
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!
Ciudad Jardin lies to the east of Palma, just along the bay from Portixol and Molinar and close to the airport. It's pretty much at the centre of Palma Bay and, after the transformation of neighbouring areas Portixol and Molinar, it has been heralded as the next 'up and coming' place for the cool and trendy set of Mallorca.
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.
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.
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.
Find out all about what is happening in Mallorca and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see, and experience on the island.
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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