Portals Nous early history
Like much of southwestern Mallorca, has roots that stretch back to ancient times, although its early history is less documented than larger towns. Archaeological evidence suggests that the wider region was inhabited during the Talaiotic period (roughly 1300–800 BC), with small communities building stone structures and towers, some of which survive in nearby areas.
During Roman times the coastline around Portal Nous was valued for its strategic location, offering access to the sea for trade and fishing. Traces of Roman agricultural activity, such as terraces and irrigation systems, have been found in the surrounding landscape.
In the Moorish era the area continued to be exploited for farming and fishing. Following the Christian reconquest of Mallorca by King Jaume I in the 13th century, the land was divided among Catalan settlers and nobles, with fishing, farming and minor trade forming the basis of local life.
By the late Middle Ages Portals Nous was still a small, rural settlement, primarily supporting nearby estates and coastal activity.
The modern era and tourism
By the 1950s and 60s the area saw the increase in small hotels, restaurants and marinas, giving the village a more cosmopolitan feel. When the nearby marina was built in the 2000s Portals Nous was really planted on the map as wealthy tourists began building their holiday homes along the coastline.