© seemallorca.com
© seemallorca.com
© seemallorca.com
Friendly and charming resort in the Bay of Palma
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.
Its lovely golden sandy beach boasts shallow waters and a promenade that takes you either back to Palma or east to Playa de Palma (S’Arenal), as well as glorious south-westerly views of the Bay and Palma. The village was built in the late 19th century as a luxury resort close to Palma, the highlight of which was the modernist neo-Moorish Ciutat Jardí Hotel. In more recent years, a number of smart restaurants and cafes have opened up along the seafront. Although some of the buildings are still a little bit shabby, there is a definite Miami-South Beach feel to the place. Its proximity to the airport could be viewed as a plus or a negative depending on how noise sensitive you are.
Ciudad Jardin is a good place to stay for those who want a beach holiday but want to be within easy reach of the shopping, sights and attractions in Palma and the facilities in the resort Playa de Palma. Although a few expats have managed to penetrate the area, most of the residents are still very much Spanish which adds to the friendly nature of this small resort.
Jazz Voyeur Festival, established as the point of reference for high-quality jazz music in the Balearic Islands thanks to its remarkable track record, presents an artistic line-up that once again manages to bring great national and international artists to Mallorca.
Want to play golf, soak up the sun, watch exciting matches, and maybe even swing a club yourself. This could be the event for you.
Get into the festive spirit at Palma's annual Christmas Fair.
Head to Palma's city centre for the switching on of the Christmas Lights. Live music and more will liven up the streets of the vibrant city.
The charming Pueblo Español, a reconstructed Spanish village near the centre of Palma, turns into an outdoor market at the beginning of December.
The boat show is usally held in Palma in the spring, promising and delivering vibrant displays of fancy yachts and all things nautical. Set in Palma's harbour at La Llonja, this spectacular setting in front of the cathedral only adds the the glitz and glamour of this prestigious show.
Rialto Living is Palma's most famous interior design and concept store. Located right in the heart of the city, it has a small art gallery inside with temporary art exhibitions.
A wonderful 18th-century Baroque building with feature courtyard and decorative touches, Casal Solleric is now home to temporary exhibitions specialising in contemporary art and photography.
A royal palace has stood on this site next to Palma's cathedral since the Muslim walis (governors) built their alcazar soon after the Arab conquest.
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.
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.
Just next to the cathedral is the impressive Palau March (Bartolome March Foundation) with a great collection of 20th century sculpture.
Ciudad Jardin Beach comprises of 450m by 35m of lovely golden sand and tends to be less busy than the neighbouring ones in Palma and Playa de Palma. It’s a pretty sheltered blue flag beach, so the water here is appealing for families with young children. There is parking, sun loungers and parasols for hire, public toilets and showers on the beach and plenty of cafes, restaurants and ice cream parlours to enjoy along the beachfront.
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.
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.
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.
Playa de Palma is a long stretch of beach to the east of Palma de Mallorca and opening onto Palma Bay. It's also one of Mallorca's biggest holiday resorts.
Cala Major is located within Palma Bay, around four kilometres to the west to the city of Palma.
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.
There is a good selection of restaurants and cafes just behind Cala Jardin Beach. Some are smart and contemporary, others more laid back and beachy.
Seafood lovers are well catered for in Cala Millor, with inviting spots right by the water where you can enjoy fresh fish, paella and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. These places are popular, so it's a good idea to book ahead if you want to secure a table. Away from the seafront you will also find welcoming restaurants where tapas and freshly prepared seafood dishes remain favourites with locals all year round.
For something a little more modern, there are stylish venues along the promenade offering contemporary fusion cuisine in chic surroundings. Whether dining inside or out on a terrace with sea views, you can expect a memorable meal. Families are also well looked after, with pizzerias serving excellent pizza and pasta, some even offering takeaway so you can enjoy your meal outdoors overlooking the sea
This restaurant is ideally located in Plaça de Cort in the city's old town. Enjoy a delicious meal and watch the world go by as you dine al fresco.
This restaurant is within a charming bohemian boutique hotel in the heart of Palma de Mallorca. It has an stylish contemporary interior with plenty of space and light.
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.
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.
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.
Located inside the Nixe Palace Hotel, on the beach of Cala Major, this restaurant serves creative fresh-produce cuisine, specialising in fish and seafood.
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.
This cocktail bar is located in one of the most central areas in Palma, Passeig de Mallorca. Enjoy both classic and original cocktails in a 1950s themed bar.
In the trendy district of Santa Catalina in Palma de Mallorca, experienced mixologists Albert Macià and Damián Gil have created a cosy and unique cocktail bar.
Underground, international, house & techno from midnight until dawn. This is hands down the main attraction for electronic music lovers in Palma.
It’s all about the beach in Ciudad Jardin. However, the promenade that travels along the coastline between Palma and Playa de Palma provides plenty of entertainment for those keen to get active in the area. Rollerblades and segways are available to rent just down the road in Palma while you can also find bikes for hire.
There are a couple of supermarkets and convenience stores in the area, but the best shopping on the island is on your doorstep in Palma. Just hop in a taxi and you will find designer shops, high street shops, markets and more.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
Choose Perfection for a full-day or half-day trip around the Balearic Islands in style.
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".
Picture-perfect views from your vintage scooter
On Saturday we hired bikes and set off on a hot afternoon to explore the beaches of Palma Bay. A shoreline cycle path runs from the northern end of Palma docks all the way to the resort S’Arenal in the south.
Enjoy a flat route by the sea that is completely on purpose made cycle paths so that it is safe for all the family to cycle. It takes you from the capital city of Palma to the beach resort area of Playa de Palma.
Palma is a really bike friendly city. The giveaway is the prominent red cycle route running all along the Paseo Maritimo and through the city centre. The weather is perfect for it too. Despite the obvious benefits of urban exploration on two wheels, Palma on Bike was my first experience of cycling in the capital.
A flat road cycle but at a distance of 60km this could be a long ride for a beginner so be prepared!
A nice quiet route, if you stay away from the main roads and enjoy these resorts in a more laid back fashion.
A fairly easy cycle with a few hills to get the lungs and heart going - be careful of the midday sun!
From a distance this mountain looks like an impossible challenge, but the route is well graded with a handful of paths leading to its summit.
When a post for the Mallorca Hiking Club popped up on Facebook on a miserable February day, it immediately grabbed my attention. My New Year's Resolution to get fit was but a distant memory, and this sounded too good an offer to pass up. I have always fancied mooching around the pretty part of Mallorca that I knew existed, but with a hopeless sense of direction, I was nervous to go off on my own in case I got lost and ended half way up a mountain in the middle of nowhere.
Once again, using my trusted hiking book ‘Mallorca, the finest coastal and Mountain walks’ by Rolf Goetz, I found a wonderful coastal hike from Portals Vells to Cala Figuera Lighthouse. A lovely, short and relatively easy hike makes it a contender for the best year-round walk in Mallorca.
Algaida is located towards the middle of the island, about 15 km east of Palma. This hike can start from the town of Algaida, walking towards Castellitx, where there is a beautiful hermitage, the "Ermita de la Pau" that is well worth visiting, and then on to Aubella, where the climb to Cura starts.
Valldemossa is located near the west coast of Mallorca. This walk was mapped out by Archduke Ludwig Salvatr during tours of his estates by mule.
Valldemossa is located towards the west coast of Mallorca. The bus line to Valldemossa, Deia and Llucalcari allows access to some fantastic places of interest, the woods and mountains, and some tranquil coves to swim in.
Enjoy an exhilarating day trekking and scrambling through gorges, waterfalls and jumping into giant rock pools.
An exhilarating rock and water activity suitable for families and adrenaline-junkies, a great way to explore the coastline of Mallorca.
Whiz around the local coastline with friends and family
Lessons delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
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.
Cosy family house of 270 m² in the centre of Valldemossa. High quality finishings and modern equipment, swimming pool (5 x 5 m) and large terrace. An ideal accommodation for a perfect holiday in the Serra de Tramuntana.
Spacious five-bedroom villa with private heated pool, classic Mallorcan features, and a wealth of thoughtful facilities.
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.
Historic four-bedroom villa with a unique bedroom set in a turret, private heated pool, and stunning coastline views.
Beautifully located amongst pine and wild olive trees on the edge of the pretty rural town of Lloret lies Sa Rota de Ca'n Blanc, a charming and comfortable country hideaway from which to experience and explore the rural heartland of Mallorca.
Villa Can Sort is located in a picturesque setting surrounded by the Serra de Tramuntana, for a relaxing holiday. It is a short drive from the old town of Soller, as well as the beach and restaurants of Puerto de Soller.
This fully equipped and comfortable apartment is ideal for two guests.
This stunning duplex apartment is fully equipped and provides spacious accommodation for two.
This spectacular loft apartment is fully equipped and provides delightful accommodation for two.
This fully equipped apartment is ideal for two guests.
This fully equipped and unique apartment is set on three levels, providing a quirky and fun accommodation for two.
This fully equipped and spacious apartment is set on three levels, providing an original and fun accommodation for two.
Accommodation here ranges from small boutique hotels with peaceful gardens, shady terraces and pools where you can unwind, to more contemporary places with rooftop bars and sea views that bring a livelier atmosphere. Families and groups often choose private villas, many with pools or terraces overlooking the water, offering both privacy and comfort.
Whether you are looking for somewhere elegant and tranquil, a stylish base with a social buzz or a spacious villa for a longer stay, Ciudad Jardín gives you a choice of stays with the beach on your doorstep and the city just around the corner..
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 hotel is located along the Paseo Marítimo seafront promenade and with views of Palma Bay, opposite the marina.
Find peace and tranquillity in this chic, modern hotel just off the harbour promenade, with a bustling nightlife. With a friendly atmosphere that invites you to be happy.
Located front row from the beach and very close to the heart of Palma, in this hotel guests can enjoy can enjoy the cultural, commercial, sporting and maritime atmosphere of the city.
Situated within a 20 minute walk to the town centre of Marratxi, it features an outdoor pool and a tour desk, as well as spa facilities.
Situated on the magnificent Sant Francesc Square, the property has 42 rooms and suites, many with wood-beamed ceilings and covered verandas, as well as others that feature original frescos and mouldings.
Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and it only takes around 5 to 10 minutes to get to Ciudad Jardin from the airport. Alternatively book a private transfer to take the hassle out of the drive.
There are no direct buses from Palma airport to Ciudad Jardin.
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.
The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
Multilingual company offering transfers from the airport to your destination.
This taxi company offers 24-hour service from the airport to your accommodation all around Mallorca.
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.
This transfer company offers cheap and reliable Airport Transfers to all destinations in Mallorca with official vehicles and professional drivers.
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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