Palma Nova
Holiday beach resort in the south-west of Mallorca
There are still people who can remember when Palma Nova was just a village. Then, along came the tourist boom and the 'new Palma' was established as one of the first purpose-built tourist destinations on the island.
Today, Palma Nova enjoys a prime location on the western side of Palma Bay. Itโs often seen as a more laid-back alternative to its lively neighbour Magaluf, and a more accessible option than the upscale Portals Nous. British holidaymakers have long favoured Palma Nova for its wide sandy beaches, family-friendly attractions, and value-for-money accommodation. The short 10-minute walk over the headland to Magaluf means you can enjoy the buzz of its nightlife while retreating to quieter surroundings.
In recent years, Palma Nova has undergone a noticeable transformation. Significant investment in its hotels and restaurant scene has elevated its appeal, attracting a broader and more refined clientele. With a steady year-round buzz, thanks in part to its resident expat community, Palma Nova is reclaiming its charm while stepping confidently into a new era.
Jump to
- History & Culture in Palmanova
- Beaches in Palmanova
- Dining in Palmanova
- Events in Palmanova
- Things to do in Palmanova
- Cycling in Palmanova
- Hiking in Palmanova
- Yachts & Sailing in Palmanova
- Watersports in Palmanova
- Families in Palmanova
- Nightlife in Palmanova
- Villas in Palmanova
- Hotels in Palmanova
- How to get to Palmanova
History & Culture in Palmanova
Palma Nova was one of the first tourist resorts to be built in Mallorca. Dating back to 1935, officials decided to transform the fishing village into a purpose-built resort to attract visitors. However, the Spanish Civil War put this on hold until the country returned to normality in the 1950s, when building resumed.
Beaches in Palmanova
Palma Nova is home to three beautiful stretches of beach, all connected by a lively promenade that runs the length of the resort.
Right at the heart of Palma Nova lies Palma Nova Beach, a spacious 1km long blue flag beach with a depth of around 60m. This central beach is perfect for water sports enthusiasts looking to dive into activities like jet skiing, paddleboarding, and more.
At the eastern end of the resort, youโll find Es Carregador, another blue flag beach known for its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters. Adjacent to a small harbour, this beach is particularly popular with families thanks to its childrenโs play area located on the promenade just behind the sand, making it a safe and fun spot for kids.
On the western side, the largest of the three is Son Maties (Matias), also proudly flying the blue flag. This stretch boasts a vibrant and upmarket atmosphere with a great selection of cool bars and restaurants, offering a perfect spot to relax with a drink and soak up the atmosphere.
Beaches in Mallorca
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Palma Nova Beach
Attracting thousands of tourists annually and especially popular with Brits and package holiday makers, Palmanova is a purpose built resort next to Magaluf in south west Majorca. Palma Nova actually hosts three separate โBlue Flagโ beach areas, Playa de Palmanova, Playa Son Matias and Playa Es Carregador.
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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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Cala Falco Beach
Cala Falco is a very pretty and small beach, surrounded by rocky outlets and pine. It is most famous for the trendy beach bar and restaurant that sits in the middle, attracting some of Mallorca's most affluent clientele. situated in the south west of Mallorca. The sea is clear and shallow, and the beach is narrow but deep,
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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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Santa Ponsa Beach, South-West Mallorca
The beach at Santa Ponsa is a lovely golden sandy beach in the heart of the resort, backed by shady pine trees for when you need some respite from the heat.
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Cala Portals Vells Beach, South-West Mallorca
Follow a rugged track through pine wood forest to find this beautiful cove on the western tip of Palma Bay. No public transport will bring you here, so youโll need to taxi through Calviaโs residential streets, or drive from Magaluf or Palma Nova before walking the last stretch to the bay. Ultimately, the best way to arrive here is on the water by boat, with a decent depth and sandy seabed both perfect for anchoring.
Dining in Palmanova
Palma Novaโs dining scene offers a diverse mix of options, ranging from casual pizza and pasta joints to charming seafood chiringuito-style eateries and more refined dining experiences. Whether youโre craving simple, familiar flavours or looking to indulge in fresh Mediterranean seafood and stylish international cuisine, thereโs something here to satisfy every appetite.
Restaurants in Palmanova
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Mar Sea Club
Mar Sea Club coexists in perfect harmony with the surroundings and the aesthetics of the five star resort.
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Es Fum Restaurant
This restaurant is situated within the St Regis Mardavall Mallorca resort and is run by Michelin starred chef Miguel Navarro.
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The Olive Tree Restaurant, Palma Nova
With a large wooden terrace surrounding a 350 year old olive tree just 20 minutes from Palma, this waterfront haven offers a wide variety of locally sourced produce, including organic homegrown fruit and vegetables.ย
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Il Chiringo Beach Bar and Restaurant
This popular little beach bar and restaurant serves snacks and drinks all day in the resort of Palma Nova.ย
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Siso Beach Mallorca Restaurant
An avant-garde space on Son Matias beach in Palma Nova where the sea, the sun, and gastronomy come together to offer you a unique experience for your senses.
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Calvia Beach House Restaurant
โSavour by the seaโ whilst overlooking the idyllic golden sand and turquoise waters of SonMatias Beach in Palma Nova.
Events in Palmanova
Events in Mallorca
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Deia International Music Festival
In 1978, a group of professional and amateur musicians came together under the name โParamusical Workshop' and began performing concerts in Llucalcari and the Deiร church. This marked the humble beginnings of what is today known as the Deiร International Music Festival. The quality and quantity of the guest artists have been growing steadily ever since.
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Doggie Race at Port Adriano, El Toro
Port Adriano opens its doors to the Doggie Race a unique and family event where everybody will enjoy and where the pets will be the real protagonists.
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Festa des Vermar (Wine Fair), Binissalem
La Festa des Vermar is the annual grape harvest festival that includes parades, celebrations, grape-crushing competitions and a wine tasting contest. Don't miss the grape battle!
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Nit de l'Art
Palma hosts its Nit de l'Art every year in the middle of September. The museums and galleries of Palma open their doors to visitors for free during this evening.
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Open-Air Cinema Nights
This summer, immerse yourself in the magic of cinema beneath the stars at one of Mallorcaโs most exclusive locations, the terrace of the Castillo Hotel Son Vida.
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Multihull Cup Regatta, El Toro
Held over a long weekend in Port Adriano, the Multihull Cup is comprised of three races: two approximately 30Nm on Friday, with a longer โrecord runโ race on Saturday.
Things to do in Palmanova
Many activities in Palma Nova are centred around the beach, watersports and boat trips. However, there are plenty of other activities to keep the whole family entertained in and around the area such as golf, theme parks, waterparks and more.
Shopping
There are plenty of stores found within the resort alongside the typical holiday souvenir shops, beach shops selling inflatables, towels and sun cream, newsagents and more. There are also a couple of large supermarkets in Son Caliu - just short a short taxi-ride away and well worth it for self-catered holiday makers. Being a short distance from Palma, itโs easy to grab a bus or taxi into the city to indulge in some high street or designer shopping.
Things To Do in Palmanova
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Katmandu Park
In the heart of Magaluf, you'll find the House of Katmandu, an interactive theme park like no other. Inside, you'll find games, illusions, robotics, a laser shooting game, two mini golf courses and a 4D cinema ride.
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PETER Diving School
Keen on the idea of diving, but not so keen on wearing an air tank on your back? Well, maybe it's time to have a chat with PETER?
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Fantasia Golf, Palma Nova
Located just behind the beach in the heart of Palma Nova this is the perfect activity for families, groups and friends. Choose from 3 different tropical courses or play all 54 holes and enjoy a refreshment or range of snacks from the bar.
Cycling in Palmanova
Cycling Routes in Mallorca
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Palmanova to Santa Ponsa Cycling Route
A nice quiet route, if you stay away from the main roads and enjoy these resorts in a more laid back fashion.
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Santa Ponsa to Peguera Cycling Route
A fairly easy cycle with a few hills to get the lungs and heart going - be careful of the midday sun!
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Palma to S'Arenal Cycling Route
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.
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Seeing Palma by bicycle
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.ย
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Cycling from Palma to Playa de Palma
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 SโArenal in the south.
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S' Arenal to Capocorb Cycling Route
A flat road cycle but at a distance of 60km this could be a long ride for a beginner so be prepared!
Hiking in Palmanova
Walking Routes in Mallorca
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Short hike from Portals Vells to Cala Figuera lighthouse
Once again, using my trusted hiking book โMallorca, the finest coastal and Mountain walksโ 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.
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Beautiful Hike from Capdella to Puigpunyent
Puigpunyent is located on the south-west of the island. This walk provides some magnificient scenery without having to leave the road, which goes from Capdellร to Puigpunyent. The route takes in a series of ascents and descents, and cuts across woods and fields, with different views at each curve of the road.
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Camp de Mar to Sa Mola
Camp de Mar is a purpose built beach resort with a really lovely beach, located on the south-west coast of Mallorca. This walk takes you along the coast and then over to Port Andratx, with an optional continuation to Sa Mola on the peninsula.
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Galatzo- Mallorca's Matterhorn, Puigpunyent
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.
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Hike from Andratx to Castle of Sant Elm
Andratx is located in the south-west of Mallorca. From Andratx, the walk begins in the direction of S'Arracรณ, three kilometres away. A short rest in this delightful village gives you enough time for a visit to the parish church, where there is a statue of the Virgin "Our Lady of la Trapa".
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Ruta de Pedra en Sec GR221 โ Dry Stone Route
This famous walk runs from Port d'Andratx, in the south-west of Mallorca, all the way to Port de Pollenรงa, in the north-west, following ancient cobbled paths through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
Yachts & Sailing in Palmanova
Watersports in Palmanova
Watersports in Palmanova
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PETER Diving School
Keen on the idea of diving, but not so keen on wearing an air tank on your back? Well, maybe it's time to have a chat with PETER?
Families in Palmanova
Nightlife in Palmanova
The nightlife vibe in Palma Nova is more late-night bars than clubbing, and those looking for more can venture over the headland to Magaluf to shake their moves in one of the many nightclubs along the strip.
Bars & Clubs in Palmanova
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BCM Planet Dance Nightclub
One of the biggest names in Mallorca's club scene, this nightclub in Magaluf hosts some of the best-known names in the dance music world.ย
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Tito's Nightclub
Titos Calvia Beach was born in 2021 is already playing host to some of the biggest parties on the island.ย
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Il Chiringo Beach Bar and Restaurant
This popular little beach bar and restaurant serves snacks and drinks all day in the resort of Palma Nova.ย
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Boomerang Nightclub
Another of the clubs belonging to the Magaluf Club Pass, this place has plenty of celebrity nights and guest DJs.
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Key West Beach Bar Calvia, Palma Nova
Enjoy regular live music from well-known DJs on the island with stunning views over Palma Nova Bay.
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Barbuda Beach Bar & Grill, Palma Nova
Overlooking the beautiful beach of Palmanova, Barbuda Beach Bar & Grill offers fresh Mediterranean food cooked on their open BBQ and the finest cocktails created by experienced mixologists.
Villas in Palmanova
Villas in Mallorca
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Sa Punta de S'Aguila Villa
Spacious five-bedroom villa with private heated pool, classic Mallorcan features, and a wealth of thoughtful facilities.
Price: โฌ56,000
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Sa Terra Rotja Villa
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.
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Son Balagueret Villa
Historic four-bedroom villa with a unique bedroom set in a turret, private heated pool, and stunning coastline views.
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Paradise Villa
Cosy family house of 270 mยฒ 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.ย
Price: โฌ1,666
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Can Sort Villa
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.ย
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Sa Rota Villa
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.
Price: โฌ1,162
Hotels in Palmanova
Palma Nova is smartening up and there is a now a good choice of refurbished hotels to choose from. Some are upmarket and adult-only whilst others welcome families with kidsโ clubs, paddling pools and entertainment for children.
Hotels in Palmanova
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ME Hotel, Calvia Beach Resort
Formerly the Beach House Hotel, and located on the beach front near Magaluf, this hotel is packed full of funky modern furniture with bold and bright styling throughout.
Price: โฌ1,672
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Maricel Hotel, Cas Catala
Hospes Maricel is a stately home constructed of the finest natural materials located on the coast not far from Palma de Mallorca.ย The hotel boasts some of the best sea views to be had in Mallorca,ย complimented by its stunning tiered terrace complete with infinity pool.
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Son Boronat Hotel
An idyllic and peaceful hotel, where you can enjoy a gastronomic experience in the beautiful patio surrounded by the more than 200 years old walls of the rural finca.
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Son Malero Finca Hotel
Located just one kilometre from the historical village of Calviร , in the valley formed by the mountain range of Tramuntana and Na Burguesa, this hotel is situated in a magnificent rural surrounding.
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St Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort Hotel
Set against the stunning Tramuntana mountains and the dazzling Mediterranean Sea, this elegant resort is an exquisite piรจce de rรฉsistance embracing luxurious resort living and their signature butler service.
Price: โฌ6,970
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Portals Hills Boutique Hotel
This is a luxury boutique hotel promises personalised services that will exceed your wildest expectations.
Price: โฌ4,376
How to get to Palmanova
By car
By car, it takes around 30 minutes to get to Palma Nova from the airport and just 10 to 15 minutes to get into the centre of Palma (traffic dependent). Or take the worry out of getting from the airport and book a transfer.
It is well connected to the rest of the island thanks to the Ma-1 being close by.
Public transport
Public buses are frequently driving through Palma Nova (or the roundabout just above the port). For a quicker journey, taxi ranks can be found in Palma Nova.
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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Majorca Taxis Company Transfers
Multilingual company offering transfers from the airport to your destination.
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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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MajorCabDriver Taxis
The only British taxi driver in Mallorca, offering airport transfers to destinations throughout the island.
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Conde Transfers
This taxi & transfer company operates out of Palma, covering the whole of Mallorca Island.