Palma Bay
From Playa de Palma to Magaluf and the capital city of Palma de Majorca
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.
Stretching from the quiet little coves of Cala Blava at its eastern tip, Palma Bay is a sweeping arc of coastline filled with variety. The bustling resorts of s'Arenal and Can Pastilla mark the start of Playa de Palma, one of the island's longest beaches. Lined with hotels, bars and clubs, it's a lively place with soft golden sand and a broad promenade perfect for a stroll. Just inland from Can Pastilla, you'll find Palma's airport, making this area particularly convenient for holidaymakers.
Closer to the city, suburbs like Ciutat Jardi and Portixol offer a more laid-back, local feel with their own cafés and seaside dining. Palma itself takes over much of the bay's middle stretch, with beaches on one side and marinas and ferry terminals on the other. To the west, the suburb of Cala Major has a more urban feel but still boasts a charming beach and several well-regarded hotels. From here, the resorts begin to feel more upmarket, with Illetes, Bendinat and Portal Nous offering smaller beaches and an air of exclusivity, particularly around the smart marina at Puerto Portals.
The tone shifts again as you reach Palmanova and Magaluf, two of the island’s best-known British resorts. Both feature long sandy beaches, calm turquoise seas and lively promenades lined with places to eat and drink. Palmanova is considered the more family-friendly option, while Magaluf is still known for its nightlife, though recent changes aim to give it a more refined edge.
Continuing westwards, the coast quietens down again. Cala Vinyes and Portals Vells are smaller, less developed resorts with pretty, cove-like beaches and a more peaceful atmosphere. These beaches face east, offering lovely morning light and a good chance of finding a quiet spot, even during peak season.
Despite the development that now lines much of Palma Bay, there are still glimpses of its wilder past. Head beyond Magaluf into the pine forests and you'll come across secluded coves and dramatic cliffs, untouched by hotels. From the headland at Cap de Cala Figuera, you can enjoy sweeping views across the whole bay, best experienced at night when the lights twinkle below and the faint sound of nightlife drifts up from afar. Whether you’re drawn to the buzz or seeking solitude, Palma Bay offers a little of everything – and deserves a visit, if only to see the contrast between its many faces.
