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.
This is a newly built villa designed in a traditional style with a large outdoor swimming pool and nicely kept gardens.
Historic four-bedroom villa with a unique bedroom set in a turret, private heated pool, and stunning coastline views.
A great family villa set in a quiet location, just a short drive to Puerto Pollensa, Pollensa and Alcudia
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).
Spacious five-bedroom villa with private heated pool, classic Mallorcan features, and a wealth of thoughtful facilities.
The simple yet comfortable property is in a great location just 50 metres from the beach and has sea views from its lovely terrace.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Son Bunyola Hotel offers an intimate stay, providing the perfect base to explore Mallorca’s vineyards, olive groves, and charming countryside.
Elegant charm and splendid rest is what you get in this luxury small hotel, which is essentially one of the great town houses of majestic and historic Sóller – a quaint and ancient town in what is the most significant valley in the centre of the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain on the west coast of Mallorca.
Take a wonderful boat trip and enjoy all the activities of swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding as the sunsets over the beautiful island of Mallorca.
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.
Enjoy a fantastic day at sea and exploring secluded coves and beaches aboard a typical yacht from the Balearic Islands, "El Gordito".
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
La Despensa del Barón, located in the historic centre of Palma de Mallorca, offers a true taste of the island’s gastronomy. Situated within the charming Posada Terra Santa, this Mediterranean restaurant goes beyond simple dining, inviting guests to connect with the local history, traditions, and ingredients sourced just a few kilometres away.
Mar Blau, located within the elegant Valparaiso Palace and Spa Hotel, is a stylish Mediterranean restaurant offering a relaxed yet refined dining experience in the heart of Mallorca. With its striking double-height ceilings and bright, airy interior, the restaurant creates a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for both leisurely lunches and exquisite dinners.
Feliz Restaurant in Palma is the ultimate spot to drink, eat, sleep, and repeat - all in one place. Perfectly located within the Hotel Feliz, this vibrant eatery welcomes both hotel guests and visitors alike for a relaxed yet stylish dining experience. Open daily for lunch and dinner, it’s easy to drop in whenever the mood strikes for a refreshing drink, a leisurely meal, or a special evening out.
Nestled in a historic enclave just a few metres from Palma Cathedral and the sea, DINS Santi Taura is a culinary jewel in Mallorca’s old town. Located in the vibrant Sa Calatrava neighbourhood, where centuries of history meet contemporary life, this Michelin-starred restaurant (holder of two Repsol Suns) offers a unique perspective on Mallorcan gastronomy.
Adrián Quetglas Restaurant in Palma de Mallorca offers a modern, Mediterranean dining experience shaped by the chef’s international journey. Born in Buenos Aires to Majorcan roots, Adrián’s passion for the island and its cuisine began with his first job in Mallorca and was later enriched by a decade of experience in the competitive dining scene of Moscow, as well as time spent in London and Paris.
Located inside the Sant Francesc Hotel, in Palma's old town, this restaurant serves gastronomic Mediterranean cuisine in their chic dining room or lush garden.
Housed in a striking colonial-style building at the edge of Palma’s trendy Santa Catalina district, this is a long-standing local favourite that blends good food, great views and a vibrant social scene. Having made its mark in recent years as one of the more sophisticated venues within the hip city district, its Sky Bar is undoubtedly a great choice in which to start your night. Just a few blocks from the island’s best-known food market, the kitchen makes the most of fresh, seasonal produce, creating a menu of healthy, flavourful dishes served from breakfast through to late dinner.
De Tokio a Lima Bar in Palma offers a relaxed rooftop experience with a focus on exceptional cocktails. Located above the iconic Paseo del Borne, the bar combines city views with a menu of drinks designed to impress. Each cocktail is carefully prepared using quality spirits, fresh ingredients, and inventive combinations that highlight flavour and balance.
Beatnik Bar and Restaurant, located in the heart of Palma at Purohotel, offers a globally inspired dining experience with a playful, adventurous edge. The menu blends bright Mediterranean flavours with exotic spices from Asia and Latin America, creating a fusion that is both fresh and exciting.
This a fun and brash Irish bar located at the eastern end of the Passeig Maritim serving non-stop food from noon to midnight.
All day café and cocktail bar that specialises in gin-based drinks. It’s a smart little place, with lounge-style music playing in the background and seating both inside and out on the pavement. Located just off Palma’s Avinguda Jaume III (near El Corte Inglés), this place is in prime position to stop by, day or night. More than 350 spirits are on offer and can accommodate the most demanding palates with their wide range of cocktails and more.
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.
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. The park around the lake is now a popular weekend and summer spot, with several cafes, a mural donated by Joan Miro and an art gallery in the vaults of the old city walls.
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 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.
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 is a private 9-hole golf course just a few meters from the Rotana Hotel. The course is reserved for hotel and restaurant guests.
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.
This is a private, family-run, members' golf club, set in 156 hectares of beautiful Mediterranean landscape. Recently included in the new Rolex World’s Top 1,000 Golf Courses Guide, Son Gual is also Rafa Nadal’s favourite course on the island. It's a challenging course, even for the most seasoned golfers, making it one of the most talked about courses in Mallorca.
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. 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.
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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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