Cala Major / Illetes

Traditional beach resort just to the west of Palma

featured in Towns & Villages Updated 22 July 2025

Cala Major (also known as Cala Mayor) and its neighbour Sant Agusti are holiday resort towns on the outskirts of Palma.

Back in its heyday, Cala Major was one of the first holiday resorts in Mallorca, these days it is mostly a residential suburb of Palma. But if you want to holiday here there is a sheltered sandy beach, which has blue flag status, and idyllic turquoise shallow waters. The Spanish royal family choose to spend their summers here at ‘Marivent Palace’ their summer residence, where guests have included the UK's King Charles.

The area has a couple of nice hotels, and has undergone some revamp in recent years. The 80's style apartments might not be appealing from the outside but they are being renovated to first class standards and offer impeccable sea views, which means the area is becoming quite a hot spot for property buyers on the island.

Cala Nova marina is the neighbourhood's port which has also received a bit of a facelift. It may be smaller than many of the other ports on the western coastline but appeals to its patrons for its charming fishing port vibe, range of watersports and sailing activities.

From Cala Major, it’s a 10-minute taxi ride into the centre of Palma. The area is also well connected by buses which is a bonus for those keen to sample the city and all it has to offer. Its close proximity to the city means it has become a popular dwelling for international residents, which has led to some good international schools appearing here.

Sights & Attractions in Illetes

Museums and art galleries

One of Mallorca's most important art collections is based in Cala Major. Joan Miro used to reside here and his old house and studio, Fundacio Pilar i Joan Miro, is open to the public, displaying a large exhibition of his work.

History and architecture

Bellver Castle, a Gothic-style castle built in the 14th century for King Jaume III is also nearby. It’s famous for being one of the few circular castles in Europe. It once served as a residence for the Kings of Mallorca, then it was used as a military prison, before its current role as a museum of the city.

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Beaches in Illetes

There is a lovely beach and some great beach bars which, in the summer months, drum up a good atmosphere in the early afternoon and into the evenings. Sun loungers and parasols are available to hire. Be sure to arrive early in the peak summer time, because the only downside to this beach is that it’s the best beach close to Palma, so it receives a lot of visitors in the summer.

Cala Major Beach

Located <1 km away

Cala Major is located within Palma Bay, around four kilometres to the west to the city of Palma.
Illetas Beach

Located 2.5 km away

Only 9km from the capital of Palma, Illetas is a holiday resort claiming three picture-perfect beaches. Illetas beach is the main beach, and is more sheltered than the huge stretch of sand that makes up the beach in front of Palma's cathedral, making this one of the nicest beaches in the Bay of Palma.
Portals Nous (Oratori) Beach

Located 4.0 km away

Playa Oratori is the popular local beach for Portals Nous and Puerto Portals.
Palma City Beach (Can Pere Antoni)

Located 4.4 km away

The closest beach to Palma is at Ca'n Pere Antoni. This stretch of golden sandy beach starts just beyond the cathedral. A promenade and cycle path runs along its length but behind these lies the main road that takes you to Palma airport.
Portixol Beach

Located 5.4 km away

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.
Ciudad Jardin Beach

Located 6.8 km away

The small resort town of Ciudad Jardin lies around five kilometres east of Palma. Its beach, also commonly referred to as ‘Ciutat Jardi’, lies alongside a quiet promenade lined with palm trees, offering a huge variety of different styled bars and restaurants.

Dining in Illetes

There are still some traditional Spanish cafes in the area serving local fair and the ever popular 'Menu del día' at inexpensive prices, but more and more contemporary cafes and restaurants are popping up and adding a different dimension to this area.

There are traditional long-standing restaurants in the area that are no-frills kind of places, with fantastic food all the same. For more of a five-star dining experience you should head to nearby Palma.

Maricel Restaurant

Located in Illetes

Appearing as if it arose from amid the waves, this matchless location of the historical Hospes Maricel, where the Senzone Restaurant is located.
A Popa Sea Club

Located in Illetes

Located inside the Nixe Palace Hotel, on the beach of Cala Major, this restaurant serves creative fresh-produce cuisine, specialising in fish and seafood.
Arrels by Marga Coll

Located in Illetes

Chef Marga Coll offers her own vision of traditional Mallorcan cuisine at this restaurant located inside the Gran Meliá de Mar Hotel
Collins Restaurant

Located in Puerto Portals

This is an exclusive fine dining experience within the Luxury Portals Hills Boutique Hotel.
Purobeach Illetas Beach Club

Located in Illetes

This cosmopolitan beach club is located in a beautiful spot in Illetas. Their large terrace overlooking the sea features comfortable sun loungers and day beds.
Merchants Portals

Located in Puerto Portals

Welcome to Merchants Portals, where you can enjoy a culinary experience with stunning sea views. Enjoy the flavours of fresh seafood and premium meat options. Each dish is served with elegance and charm.

Things to do in Illetes

There is a relaxed ambience to this area. If you find yourself needing to do something other than lounging around on the beach or by the swimming pool, then there are a few things you can do.

Shopping

The main street in Cala Major has a real mish-mash of shops, from touristy places selling the usual inflatables, souvenirs and beach accessories to tasteful interior design and décor stores. For everyday essentials, there are a couple of supermarkets. High street brands can be found in Porto Pi Shopping Centre, which is within walking distance and is also connected by different bus lines.

When we think of things to do, we think of activities which mostly take place in Cala Nova port. There are boat trips, yacht chargers and scuba diving activities plus stand up paddle and the like.

Real Bendinat Golf Course, Bendinat

Located in Illetes

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.
Flyboard, Cala Nova (Mallorca)

Located in Illetes

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.
Jet Ski Hire & Tours

Located in Illetes

Whiz around the local coastline with friends and family
Jungle Parc Junior, Bendinat

Located in Illetes

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.

Holidays Rentals in Illetes

Staying in short-term accommodation here gives you the freedom to enjoy the area at your own pace, stay in and cook or eat out, plus the extra space allows you to relax and be flexible.

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Hotels in Illetes

The big five-star luxury hotels can be found dotted along the coastline in Cala Major. At the other end of the spectrum, there are quite a few budget-friendly hotels available, still very much in existence from the area's prime time in the 1980s and 1990s.

At the five-star end of the price range you will find up-to-date rooms, swimming pool, spas, fantastic restaurants and live music. Plus don't forget the spectacular sea views at sunset.

At the slightly more modest price, you'll find modern, budget-friendly, beachfront hotels which features sleek, minimalist rooms with all the amenities one might want from a holiday seaside retreat. Plus al fresco fine dining restaurants, sundecks with poolside bars, and a day spa should you want one.

Santa Clara Urban Spa & Hotel

Located in Palma de Mallorca

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.

9 August 20257 Nights
Price: €2,752
Zhero Boutique Hotel

Located in Illetes

Enjoy the chilled out yet sophisticated atmosphere at Hotel Zhero, just 10 minutes drive from Palma and less than 1 km from a choice of 2 sandy beaches. Chic and contemporary without costing a fortune, Hotel Zhero offers everything you could want for a relaxing holiday.

9 August 20257 Nights
Price: €1,576
Palau Sa Font Boutique Hotel

Located in Palma de Mallorca

At the Hotel Palau Sa Font vibrant colours, modern artwork and designer furniture welcome guests to a hotel with charm and personality that offers a warm and familiar kind of service. The hotel has a real connection with its local neighbourhood from the local shop to the farmer supplying the organic olive oil.
El Llorenc Parc de Mar Hotel

Located in Palma de Mallorca

At El Llorenç you will experience the finest Mallorca has to offer. Let yourself be transported back in time and explore the streets of the historical district La Calatrava. Located near the seafront and next to the Palma Cathedral you’ll discover the original roots of the island.
Cort Hotel

Located in Palma de Mallorca

Located in Palma's privileged old town centre, the Plaza de Cort, this hotel has 14 suites and 2 double rooms.
Hostal Cuba Hotel

Located in Palma de Mallorca

This hotel has a multicultural atmosphere that reflects the hip scene of Santa Catalina. With only 10 rooms, as well as a gourmet restaurant and a roof top bar with views over Palma, this is a great choice for a buzzing city break.

9 August 20257 Nights
Price: €2,038

How to get to Illetes

By car

Car hire is still a viable option in Mallorca, and it takes only around 20 minutes to get to Cala Major from Palma airport and just 10 to 15 minutes to get into the centre of Palma (traffic dependent). It's well connected to the rest of the island thanks to the Ma-1 and M-20 being close by. Alternatively you can book a private transfer to take the stress out of driving yourself.

Public transport

Public buses are frequently travelling through Cala Major that head onto top tourist spots on the southwestern coastline, including neighbouring Illetas, Bendinat, Portals Nous and Puerto Portals.

For a quicker journey, taxi ranks can be found in Cala Major and aren't too pricey to get into Palma or the neighbouring Portals area.

Luxury Chauffeur Services & Airport Transfers

Experience luxury and convenience with this company. Arrive at your yacht charter, sunset tour or boat trip in unparalleled style in a Rolls Royce Ghost.
Janer Bus Airport Transfers

The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
Taxi PMI

Taxi PMI is the Association of Taxi Drivers of Palma de Mallorca, who provide visitors with an efficient and reliable airport transfer service, whilst also eliminating the need to stand in a queue and wait for the next available taxi.
Easy Majorca Taxi

A group of taxi drivers with many years of experience in the sector of airport transfers in Mallorca. You can book online in advance or call to book last-minute.
MajorCabDriver Taxis

The only British taxi driver in Mallorca, offering airport transfers to destinations throughout the island.
Majorca Taxis Company Transfers

Multilingual company offering transfers from the airport to your destination.