Discover your perfect Mallorca beach resort
At the eastern end of the Serra de Tramuntana, tucked between two hills, lies the ancient rural town of Pollença (also written Pollenca or Pollensa).
Find loads of top tips and local insights in our Mallorca Towns & Villages.
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.
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!
Ciudad Jardin lies to the east of Palma, just along the bay from Portixol and Molinar and close to the airport. It's pretty much at the centre of Palma Bay and, after the transformation of neighbouring areas Portixol and Molinar, it has been heralded as the next 'up and coming' place for the cool and trendy set of Mallorca.
Cala d'Or or ‘Golden Bay’ in English is the name given to a widely popular, family-friendly tourist resort in the east of the island. Its name could be related to the fact that you are guaranteed the greatest number of sunshine hours on this eastern coastline, being furthest away from the disruptive Serra de Tramuntana mountains, and its proximity to some of the island's best beaches.
The good, the bad and the ugly sides of Mallorcas tourist development meet along a 25km stretch of coast. Tacky resorts sit next to exclusive retreats, it seems that everyone wants a slice of Palma Bay. One moment you can be in Portals Nous, with its chic marina crammed with millionaires' yachts, the next in seedy Magaluf, all British pubs and wet T-shirt contests.
Santa Ponsa, also known as Santa Ponça, is a holiday resort situated in a beautiful sheltered cove in the south-west of Mallorca. Despite being a favourite among British visitors for over 40 years, it’s remarkably avoided too many of the high-rise developments seen in some of Mallorca’s neighbouring coastal resorts. Santa Ponsa bay sits against a gorgeous mountain backdrop, dotted with well-designed villas and apartment buildings that blend in nicely with the scenery.
Cala Figuera is a charming fishing village located on the southeast coast of Mallorca, known for its peaceful charm, traditional character, and stunning natural beauty. Unlike many of the island’s more developed resorts, Cala Figuera has managed to preserve its identity as a working port, offering visitors a genuine slice of Mallorcan maritime life. With its whitewashed fishermen’s cottages, narrow winding inlets, and relaxed atmosphere, this is a destination for those seeking tranquillity, scenic walks, and fresh seafood rather than sandy beaches and nightlife.
Port Adriano is a luxury marina perched on the southwestern coastline of Mallorca. Designed by French architect Philippe Starck, it opened in 2012 and currently stands as one of the most modern marinas in the Mediterranean.
A small beach resort in the south west of the island, Peguera – also known as Paguera – sits on the coast near Andratx. It offers idyllic blue flag beaches, along with a good selection of hotels and restaurants catering for a full range of budgets.
Porto Cristo – also known as Portocristo – is a charming fishing village on Mallorca’s east coast, nestled at the end of a long, sheltered bay. With its Blue Flag sandy beach and clear turquoise waters, it has become a relaxed, family-friendly resort that makes the most of its idyllic setting.
A purpose-built holiday resort, Cala Millor is a major family holiday destination on Mallorca’s east coast. Its main attraction is the fine sandy beaches met by turquoise shallow waters, behind which you will find a promenade lined with hotels.
Puerto Portals is widely known as the most glamorous marina on the island. It has become an attractive destination for the rich and famous to moor their yachts and now caters for more than 600 yachts up to 60 metres in length. Unlike many other ports in Mallorca, there is a year-round buzz here. It’s the place to visit for designer shopping, people watching and first-class restaurants and bars.
This fishing village, once the port for Felanitx, was named in honour of Christopher Columbus, who is said - without much evidence - to have been born here. Popular with Mallorcan and Spanish visitors and set inside a deep natural harbour, Portocolom still has the feel of a small fishing port, with boats around the quay and pastel-coloured houses lining the waterfront, each with its own landing-stage.
Colonia de Sant Jordi is a small, vibrant resort town located on the southeastern coast of Mallorca, near the famous Es Trenc beach.
Portals Nous is a small town 10km to the west of Palma. This is the place to stay if you want to spend time at the swanky marina of Puerto Portals.
Cala Ratjada is a resort that sits in the northeastern point of Mallorca. Extending around either side of the Punta de Capdepera peninsula, it boasts a scenic rocky coastline and, being the closest point in Mallorca to Menorca, it is possible to see Ciutadella on a clear day.
Cala Major (also known as Cala Mayor) and its neighbour Sant Agusti are holiday resort towns on the outskirts of Palma.
Sant Elm (also known as San Telmo in Spanish) is a charming coastal village in the far south-west corner of Mallorca. With the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains behind it and the uninhabited island of Sa Dragonera in front, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful spot.