Cala Major / Illetes
Traditional beach resort just to the west of Palma
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.
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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.
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.
Beaches in Mallorca
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Cala Major Beach
Cala Major is located within Palma Bay, around four kilometres to the west to the city of Palma.
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Illetas Beach
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.
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Portals Nous (Oratori) Beach
Playa Oratori is the popular local beach for Portals Nous and Puerto Portals.
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Palma City Beach (Can Pere Antoni)
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.
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Portixol Beach
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.
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Ciudad Jardin Beach
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.
Restaurants in Illetes
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Maricel Restaurant
Appearing as if it arose from amid the waves, this matchless location of the historical Hospes Maricel, where the Senzone Restaurant is located.
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Arrels by Marga Coll
Chef Marga Coll offers her own vision of traditional Mallorcan cuisine at this restaurant located inside the Gran Meliá de Mar Hotel
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Collins Restaurant
This is an exclusive fine dining experience within the Luxury Portals Hills Boutique Hotel.
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A Popa Sea Club
Located inside the Nixe Palace Hotel, on the beach of Cala Major, this restaurant serves creative fresh-produce cuisine, specialising in fish and seafood.
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Purobeach Illetas Beach Club
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.
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Il Paradiso Restaurant
Housed in a fine mansion, Il Paradiso is an upmarket Italian and Mediterranean restaurant offering fine food in luxurious surroundings. It's situated on the outskirts of Palma de Mallorca in Cala Major, and looks out on to the Bay of Palma.
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.
Things To Do in Illetes
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Jungle Parc Junior, Bendinat
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.
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Real Bendinat Golf Course, Bendinat
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.
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Flyboard, Cala Nova (Mallorca)
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.
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Jet Ski Hire & Tours
Whiz around the local coastline with friends and family
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.
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.
Hotels in Illetes
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Santa Clara Urban Spa & Hotel
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.
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OD Port Portals Hotel
20 September 20257 NightsMoorish casbah luxury meets contemporary sleekness with unrivaled sea views of Spain's Balearic coast.
Price: €1,497
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Maricel Hotel, Cas Catala
20 September 20257 NightsHospes Maricel is a stately home constructed of the finest natural materials located on the coast not far from Palma de Mallorca. The hotel boasts some of the best sea views to be had in Mallorca, complimented by its stunning tiered terrace complete with infinity pool.
Price: €8,602
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Palacio Ca Sa Galesa Hotel
Wander into Palma’s gothic quarter and stumble across this 16th-century palace with original stained glass, chandeliers and tapestries which perfectly combines Mallorcan architecture with French, Italian and English styles. The hotel’s excellent location offer guests some stunning views of Palma’s bay and Cathedral.
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Castillo Son Vida Hotel
20 September 20257 NightsHigh above Palma de Mallorca, in the noble estate of Son Vida. This is an unparalleled hotel in the island: an elegant castle nestled in a subtropical park.
Price: €3,277
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Cort Hotel
Located in Palma's privileged old town centre, the Plaza de Cort, this hotel has 14 suites and 2 double rooms.
How to get to Illetes
By car
Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and Cala Major is a 15 minute drive from Palma airport. Or take the worry out of getting from the airport and book a transfer.
Public transport
There are no direct buses to and from the airport.
Transfers for Mallorca
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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.
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Janer Bus Airport Transfers
The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
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MajorCabDriver Taxis
The only British taxi driver in Mallorca, offering airport transfers to destinations throughout the island.
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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.
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Conde Transfers
This taxi & transfer company operates out of Palma, covering the whole of Mallorca Island.
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Mallorca Taxi Car
This taxi company offers 24-hour service from the airport to your accommodation all around Mallorca.
