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Portixol

Portixol, together with Molinar, are trendy suburbs of Palma

Located in
Palma de Mallorca
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Towns & Villages
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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 fishermen’s cottages have become stylish homes worth millions. Along the same promenade, you’ll find modern bars, cafes and restaurants that draw people from all over. Only a couple of kilometres from Palma’s cathedral, Portixol offers a peaceful escape from the city. It’s 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 “up-and-coming” area and is reaping the rewards of its recent revamp, as we see property prices rise and new restaurants creeping in.

Portixol and Molinar don’t have a real town centre, as the main draw is the seafront. Along Carrer Llucmajor, just back from the shore, you’ll find a supermarket, a few shops and some cafés. 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 cafés 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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 isn’t 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 Palma’s 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; Berganti Bikes, Palma on Bike and Nano Bikes are just some of the many places to rent a bike. City bike, mountain bike, single speed – you name it, they’ll have it.

Café 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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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. Prosecco, right on the promenade, provides the perfect pit-stop. 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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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, it’s a relaxed and flexible base. With extra space and the option to cook or dine out, it’s ideal for a comfortable holiday.

Holiday Rentals in Palma de Mallorca

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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 Palma’s 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.

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How to get to Palma de Mallorca

By car

Car hire is still very much a viable option in Mallorca. Portixol and Molinar are just over a five-minute drive from the airport. A word of warning, parking on the seafront can be a bit of a nightmare, especially on Sundays and during peak summertime. Jump in a taxi or take the worry out of getting from the airport by booking a private transfer. 

Public transport

There are direct EMT buses travelling to and from Palma from Portixol and Molinar. 

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See our Getting Here Guide

Location

Map of the surrounding area

News

Events

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  • Illes Balears Classics Sailing Regatta, Palma
  • La Mare de Déu d’Agost Sencelles
  • a photo of a church and winter trees
  • Sailing Week, Puerto Portals
  • Pollença Music Festival 2020