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Beaches in Illetes — 2 of Our Favourites

Discover your perfect Illetes beach

There are more than 200 beaches around Mallorca’s beautiful coastline.

Find loads of top tips and local insights in our Mallorca Beach Guide.

Illetas Beach, Palma de Mallorca

1. Illetas Beach

Location
Illetes

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.

The resort of Illetas claims Illetas Beach (Playa de Illetes) and the smaller coves of Cala Oli and Cala Comtessa. The main beach of Illetas is Illetas Beach, it is surrounded by leafy picturesque trees and urban buildings, built in a semi circle around the cove. The beach has been very well looked after, buildings were built on the rocks to ensure plenty room for sunbathing. Sun beds and parasols are available to hire, and there are toilets, ramps for the disabled and lifeguards on duty. In the summer, the turquoise waters here are filled with yachts, bringing an upmarket feel to the place.

Restaurants
There are a few restaurants along the beach, including elegant terraces that offer mediterranean seafood. For a more casual vibe, there are snack restaurants and ice cream bars available. A few restaurants can be found within Illetas, serving traditional Mediterranean fair, and head to the 5-star hotels for fine dining options. Down the road in Cas Catala and Cala Major you will find further options available, from international restaurants, pizzeria's, Thai cuisine and much more. Cala Nova Port is also within easy walking distance and provides a wonderful setting for some food and cocktails.

Nightlife
Nightlife here tends to be sophisticated and mostly based in the surrounding hotels and beach clubs. However, the late-night bars, parties and restaurants in Palma and Puerto Portals are only a short taxi ride away. In the peak of summer Cala Nova Port also provides some live entertainment and exceptional parties on the weekends.

Hotels
There's a range of hotels nearby Illetas beach, boutique, 5-star and resort options to cater for different types of holidaymakers from family-friendly to adult-only options. Puerto Portals, Portals Nous and Bendinat are also very close by and also offer some great hotel choices. Or if you are looking for a bit more buzz, there's also some wonderful hotels within the city of Palma.

photo looking down on beach with trees

2. Cala Major Beach

Location
Illetes

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

At the edge of Palma, Cala Major beach is a soft sandy beach boasting brilliant blue turquoise waters within the resort area of Cala Major/San Augustin. It's location and beauty make this a popular beach in the summer months.

Sun loungers and thatch-roofed parasols are available to hire at an affordable rate, but in the summer you’ll need to be early as they sell out quickly. You have the added luxury of nearby public showers and toilets in situ during the summer months. Ramps facilitate access and lifeguards are on duty.

The beach’s regular crowd welcomes a wide demographic and variety of visitors. Expect anyone and everyone to be on this beach, including noisy children’s birthday parties; reggaeton-blasting teens; city dwellers on their lunch break; mahogany-Mallorquins and of course tourists.

Given its proximity to the city and its modest size, it gets incredibly busy during the summer months, and even more so at the weekends when the locals hit the shores. In the winter you can still enjoy the sunshine with a fraction of the summer crowd. Note dogs are also allowed on the sandy shores in the off season.