Portixol
Portixol, together with Molinar, are trendy suburbs of Palma
The former fishing villages Portixol and Molinar, like many neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Palma, have experienced a bit of a renaissance in recent years. They have transformed from quiet fishing villages into some of the trendiest areas in the south-west of Mallorca. Their main attractions include a long stretch of beach, a beautiful promenade and a boho vibe. That’s before we even get started on the great selection of restaurants, bars and hotels servicing the area!
Portixol
Portixol, just outside Palma, has gone from up-and-coming to genuinely cool. Head to the seafront where old fishermenโs cottages have become stylish homes worth millions. Along the same promenade, youโll find modern bars, cafes and restaurants that draw people from all over. Only a couple of kilometres from Palmaโs cathedral, Portixol offers a peaceful escape from the city. Itโs an easy walk or cycle to the old town along a traffic-free path with stunning sea views.
Molinar
Moving further east toward the airport, Portixol and Molinar meet and there is no sign to say where one ends and the other starts. Molinar has now been flagged as โup-and-comingโ area and is reaping the rewards of its recent revamp, as we see property prices rise and new restaurants creeping in.
Portixol and Molinar donโt have a real town centre, as the main draw is the seafront. Along Carrer Llucmajor, just back from the shore, youโll find a supermarket, a few shops and some cafรฉs. Thanks to the nearby motorway and a local one-way system, traffic is minimal. Most people walk, cycle or skate along the promenade, where plenty of cafรฉs and bars offer a relaxing spot to take in the views.
The area has seen an influx of wealthy expats, especially British, Swedish and German, though many full-time residents remain Mallorcan. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, with traditional buildings lovingly restored. People of all ages enjoy the promenade, whether strolling, sitting in seafront cafes or dining outdoors.
Jump to
- Sights & Attractions in Palma de Mallorca
- Beaches in Palma de Mallorca
- Dining in Palma de Mallorca
- Events in Palma de Mallorca
- Things to do in Palma de Mallorca
- Cycling in Palma de Mallorca
- Hiking in Palma de Mallorca
- Yachts & Sailing in Palma de Mallorca
- Watersports in Palma de Mallorca
- Families in Palma de Mallorca
- Nightlife in Palma de Mallorca
- Villas in Palma de Mallorca
- Holidays Rentals in Palma de Mallorca
- Hotels in Palma de Mallorca
- How to get to Palma de Mallorca
Sights & Attractions in Palma de Mallorca
Sights in Palma de Mallorca
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Rialto Living Art Gallery
Rialto Living is Palma's most famous interior design and concept store. Located right in the heart of the city, it has a small art gallery inside with temporary art exhibitions.
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Fundacio La Caixa
The Gran Hotel was Palma's first luxury hotel when it opened in 1903. Designed by the Catalan architect Lluis Domenech I Montaner, it was the building that began the craze for modernists (art nouveau) architecture in the city.
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Sa Llotja, Palma de Mallorca
With twin turrets and an angel over the door, this 15th-century seafront building looks half-castle, half-church. In fact it is neither.
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Es Baluard Museu
Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art ย was opened in 2004 as a cultural institution for research and dissemination of Balearic & Mediterranean art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
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Palace de l'Almudaina
A royal palace has stood on this site next to Palma's cathedral since the Muslim walis (governors) built their alcazar soon after the Arab conquest.
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Museu Diocesa
This small museum of religious and historical antefacts is based in a wing of the former episcopal palace tucked behind the cathedral.
Beaches in Palma de Mallorca
The beaches in and around Portixol and Molinar have not been massively commercialised to tourists like many others on the south-west coast which means that these neighbourhoods retain much of their traditional charm. On fiestas and bank holidays, you even get to see some pretty special Spanish parties taking place here, where large families and friends gather with their picnics.
Beaches in Mallorca
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Portixol Beach
Portixol is found just to the east of Palma's cathedral and is home to a little bay within which a little sand and shingle beach known as D'es Portitxolet Beach resides. The water is generally calm here due to the sheltered nature of the bay.
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Palma City Beach (Can Pere Antoni)
The closest beach to Palma is at Ca'n Pere Antoni. This stretch of golden sandy beach starts just beyond the cathedral. A promenade and cycle path runs along its length but behind these lies the main road that takes you to Palma airport.
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Ciudad Jardin Beach
The small resort town of Ciudad Jardin lies around five kilometres east of Palma. Its beach, also commonly referred to as โCiutat Jardiโ, lies alongside a quiet promenade lined with palm trees, offering a huge variety of different styled bars and restaurants.
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Cala Major Beach
Cala Major is located within Palma Bay, around four kilometres to the west to the city of Palma.
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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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Playa de Palma Beach
Playa de Palma is a long stretch of beach to the east of Palma de Mallorca and opening onto Palma Bay. It's also one of Mallorca's biggest holiday resorts.
Dining in Palma de Mallorca
Portixol and Molinar both offer a good selection of eateries, with the very best spots taking pride of place on the seafront. An assortment of cuisines is available, from tapas and Spanish seafood to Italian and more modern Asian fusion. Each provides the perfect opportunity to dine in a relaxed setting with terraces overlooking the beach.
Restaurants in Palma de Mallorca
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Cappuccino Cafรฉ Borne
Cappuccino has a number of stylish brasseries in Mallorca, some of which are housed in the most beautiful historic buildings. This branch is located in the centre of Palma and has a large terrace.
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Ca'n Brondo Restaurant and wine bar
This restaurant is within a charming bohemian boutique hotel in the heart of Palma de Mallorca. It has an stylish contemporary interior with plenty of space and light.
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Marc Fosh Restaurant
Fabulous restaurant that offers an elegant yet stripped down version of Marc Fosh's extraordinary Mediterranean Cuisine.
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La Despensa del Baron Restaurant
This restaurant is on the ground floor of a luxury boutique hotel in the historic centre of Palma de Mallorca. It is located within a shady arcade, showcasing the original 15th-century arches of this former stately home, which have been restored in the classic Gothic style.
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Mar Blau Bistro
This charming restaurant has double height ceilings which highlight the bright and airy peaceful atmosphere and a wonderful terrace with spectacular views towards the marina.
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De Tokio a Lima Restaurant
This charming restaurant boasts stunning views from its terrace over the city and is situated within a boutique hotel, Can Alomar.
Events in Palma de Mallorca
The Nit del Foc, celebrated in June, is one of the biggest nights of the year in Portixol and Molinar. The beach is beautifully lit by candles and tea lights, and people bring big picnics to enjoy the midsummer evening.
Events in Palma de Mallorca
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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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Palma de Mallorca Marathon
The Palma de Mallorca Marathon is an officially recognised International long distance event.
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TaPalma Tapas Festival
The tapas phenomenon is now firmly established as part of Palma's culinary scene, so much so that the restaurant owners decided to celebrate 'tapas' with a food fair - TaPalma!
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Mallorca Ladies Golf Open
Want to play golf, soak up the sun, watch exciting matches, and maybe even swing a club yourself. This could be the event for you.ย
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Palma International Boat Show
The boat show is usally held in Palma in the spring, promising and delivering vibrant displays of fancy yachts and all things nautical. Set in Palma's harbour at La Llonja, this spectacular setting in front of the cathedral only adds the the glitz and glamour of this prestigious show.
Things to do in Palma de Mallorca
Whilst there has been an influx of cosmopolitan residents and some new restaurants have opened up, the area isnโt built for tourism like many of the other tourist hot spots on the island. This is part of its charm!
Take a walk or cycle
The main attraction here is the pedestrianised boulevard that stretches from Palmaโs Paseo Maritimo all the way through to the tourist resort of El Arenal, at the other side of the airport. It mounts up to a solid 12km in total, making it a hot spot for cyclists, runners and skaters.
There is a large choice of cycle shops to choose from in and around Portixol and Molinar - city bike, mountain bike, single speed โ you name it, theyโll have it.
Cafรฉ culture is also big on the seafront promenade, although the keen athletes passing by might tempt you to get your active gear on for a run or cycle!
Things To Do in Palma de Mallorca
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Motor boat trip
Enjoy four hours on a private motor boat in Palma Bay, perfect for small groups or those on a budget.
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Luxury Tayarrah Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
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Sunset boat trip
Take a wonderful boat trip and enjoy all the activities of swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding as the sunsets over the beautiful island of Mallorca.
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Southwest Mountains, Villages & Sea Scooter Tour
Picture-perfect views from your vintage scooter
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Private boat trip
Set sail on a private boat trip in Palma Bay, with full-day and half-day options available.
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Luxury A4A Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
Cycling in Palma de Mallorca
Cycling Routes in Mallorca
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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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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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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!
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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!
Hiking in Palma de Mallorca
Walking Routes in Mallorca
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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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Mallorca Hiking Club - The Old Postman's Route
When a post for the Mallorca Hiking Club popped up on Facebook on a miserable February day, it immediately grabbed my attention. My New Year's Resolution to get fit was but a distant memory, and this sounded too good an offer to pass up. I have always fancied mooching around the pretty part of Mallorca that I knew existed, but with a hopeless sense of direction, I was nervous to go off on my own in case I got lost and ended half way up a mountain in the middle of nowhere.
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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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The Archduke's Bridlepath, Valldemossa
Valldemossa is located near the west coast of Mallorca. This walk was mapped out by Archduke Ludwig Salvatr during tours of his estates by mule.
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Hike from Valldemossa to Deia - Route of the Olive Trees
Valldemossa is located towards the west coast of Mallorca. The bus line to Valldemossa, Deia and Llucalcari allows access to some fantastic places of interest, the woods and mountains, and some tranquil coves to swim in.
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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.
Yachts & Sailing in Palma de Mallorca
Watersports in Palma de Mallorca
Watersports in Palma de Mallorca
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Coasteering
An exhilarating rock and water activity suitable for families and adrenaline-junkies, a great way to explore the coastline of Mallorca.
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Canyoning, Mallorca Island
Enjoy an exhilarating day trekking and scrambling through gorges, waterfalls and jumping into giant rock pools.
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Jet Ski Hire & Tours
Whiz around the local coastline with friends and family
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Private Swimming Lessons
Lessons delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
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Flyboard, Cala Nova (Mallorca)
Why not have an adventure and try the new water sport, Flyboard? Located in Port Calanova which has the perfect conditions to try this fun and exciting sport.
Families in Palma de Mallorca
Nightlife in Palma de Mallorca
Portixol and Molinar are sundowner destinations, rather than big nights out. They are the perfect spot to enjoy a cool beer or to share a bottle of wine after a stroll along the promenade. Travelling around the far side of the port, on the way back to Palma, you can enjoy the beach club vibe, but for some late-night partying, hop in a taxi to Palma.
Bars & Clubs in Palma de Mallorca
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Beatnik Bar and Restaurant
The ambience of this restaurant is casual and attracts a cosmopolitan crowd. The bar with its VIP area is the meeting point for travellers and locals who can listen to DJs playing. Small dishes are served in the bar and when the weather permits, food and drinks can be enjoyed on the patio.
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Hostal Cuba Bar and Restaurant
Fittingly housed in a beautiful colonial building in the Santa Catalina district of Palma, this is a cafe, bar and club, open all day, every day.
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Cafe Lisboa Bar
An intimate and cosy bar celebrating international music culture in the heart of Santa Catalinaโs Calle Sant Magi.ย
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La Rosa Vermuterรญa Bar
This tapas bar is located on a side street just off the Plaza Weyler in Palma. Enjoy vermouths and authentic tapas in a retro-style bar.
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Cafe Atlantico Cocktail Bar
Since 1997 Cafe Atlantico has been a cocktail bar but its history stretches back to the 1950's. It's got plenty of characterย
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LAB Cocktail Bar
Located in the Santa Catalina district of Palma, this is a dedicated cocktail bar serving a wide selection of classic cocktails. They also have a small selection of nibbles to accompany the drinks.
Villas in Palma de Mallorca
Villas in Mallorca
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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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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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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
Holidays Rentals in Palma de Mallorca
Staying in short-term rental accommodation gives you the freedom to enjoy the town at your own pace. Whether in the centre or nearer to the outskirts, itโs a relaxed and flexible base. With extra space and the option to cook or dine out, itโs ideal for a comfortable holiday.
Holiday Rentals in Palma de Mallorca
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Palma Suites Residence - Junior Suite Apartment
This fully equipped apartment is ideal for two guests.
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Palma Suites Residence - Standard Suite Apartment
This fully equipped and comfortable apartment is ideal for two guests.
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Palma Suites Residence - Triplex Deluxe Suite Apartment
This fully equipped and spacious apartment is set on three levels, providing an original and fun accommodation for two.
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Palma Suites Residence - Triplex Suite Apartment
This fully equipped and unique apartment is set on three levels, providing a quirky and fun accommodation for two.
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Palma Suites Residence - Penthouse Suite Apartment
This spectacular loft apartment is fully equipped and provides delightful accommodation for two.
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Palma Suites Residence - Penthouse Supreme Suite Apartment
This stunning duplex apartment is fully equipped and provides spacious accommodation for two.
Hotels in Palma de Mallorca
There is a small luxury hotel in Portixol harbour which perfectly combines the old traditional style of the marina with contemporary features and comforts. Its location means it has the best of both worlds, it embraces the relaxed vibe in Portixol but is within easy walking distance of Palmaโs city centre.
One of the latest additions to the hotel portfolio in the area has come from one of the global hotel groups with its Scandi-style with all the luxuries of a large scale hotel including restaurants, a gym, a spa and a rooftop pool with epic views of Palma Bay.
Hotels in Palma de Mallorca
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Santa Clara Urban Spa & Hotel
This charming hotel is located in the historical old town, in the very heart of Palma de Mallorca. It is within easy walking distance of attractions such as the 10th century Arab baths and Palma's breathtaking gothic Cathedral.
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Convent de la Missio Boutique Hotel
Surrounded by little streets and green patios the Convent was in previous times dedicated to the formation of missionaries and is nowadays renovated and transformed into a stylish and sophisticated hotel.
Price: โฌ6,534
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El Jardin del Eden B&B
This 6 bedroom B&B offers distinctive, attractive, spacious & clean rooms. Every room is different & they have tried to give each one their own personal touch. The whole house can be hired privately for your group.
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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
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Posada Terra Santa Boutique Hotel
This luxury boutique hotel is set in the beautiful historic quarter of Palma de Mallorca. Converted from a stately home dating back to 1576, the hotel has a simple medieval faรงade with renaissance elements which serves as a prelude to a well-crafted, charming interior with 21st-century design, comfort and technology.
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Tres Boutique Hotel
Hotel Tres lies at the crossroads of elegance and comfort; effortlessly blending old and new, modern comforts complement the remnants of a 16th century palace. Rustic Mallorcan style and contemporary design combine to form a space built for comfort.
How to get to Palma de Mallorca
By car
Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and Portixol is an 8 minute drive from Palma airport. Or take the worry out of getting from the airport and book a transfer.
Public transport
There isn't a direct bus from the airport.
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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Balearic Airport Transfers
This transfer company offers cheap and reliable Airport Transfers to all destinations in Mallorca with official vehicles and professional drivers.
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Conde Transfers
This taxi & transfer company operates out of Palma, covering the whole of Mallorca Island.
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Easy Majorca Taxi
A group of taxi drivers with many years of experience in the sector of airport transfers in Mallorca. You can book online in advance or call to book last-minute.
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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.