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Towns & Villages in Palmanova — 2 of Our Favourites

Discover the top Palmanova towns and villages

Explore some of the beautiful towns and villages in Mallorca.

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

Magaluf, Majorca

1. Magaluf

Location
Magaluf

Magaluf is arguably one of Europe’s most well-known beach resorts. Over the past couple of decades, significant investment and revitalisation efforts have been made to transform its image from a budget-friendly party hotspot to a more upscale and refined destination.

Magaluf is divided from the neighbouring resort of Palma Nova by a headland, although you can easily walk between the two in 10 minutes.

It's not without reason that Magaluf became a holiday resort in the first place. It's blessed with fantastic golden sand beaches and sheltered crystal-clear waters. As the resort has grown, so have the number and quality of the attractions and theme parks in the area, you won't find any better in Mallorca.

Since the 1990s, Magaluf has tried hard to change its image. The worst of the high-rise hotels have been destroyed, a new seafront promenade has been built and the council has introduced activities from guided walks to Tai-Chi on the beach. A five-year regeneration plan was launched in 2015 with Calvia Town Hall, the Palma Nova-Magaluf Hotel Association and Meliá Hotels International pledging to transform the area. Today, Magaluf remains incredibly popular with British package holidaymakers but the last few years have seen the arrival of smarter hotels and a handful of swanky beach clubs popping up in the area, which attract a completely different kind of clientele, many of which arrive on their own private yacht.

Palma Nova, Mallorca

2. Palma Nova

Location
Palmanova

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. Now we see Palma Nova moving towards high-quality tourism, becoming ‘the’ up-and-coming spot on the southwest coast. 

Today, Palma Nova enjoys a prime location on the western side of Palma Bay. It’s 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.