Beach Resorts in Mallorca

Ses Covetes is on the south east coast of Mallorca, and is a purpose built little resort with just a couple of cafes and some holiday accommodation.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On the north coast of Mallorca lies the Bay of Alcudia, a gorgeous coastline comprising of turquoise shallow waters and long, soft golden sandy beaches. It is therefore not much of a surprise to find Majorca's biggest beach resort here. From Port d'Alcudia, in the west, to Can Picafort 10km down the coast, you will find a strip of apartment blocks and resort style hotels that offer everything from budget self-catering to luxurious five-star accommodation.

On the southwestern tip of Mallorca is where you will find Port d'Andratx, a picturesque fishing village as well as one of Mallorca's classiest holiday destinations. Popular with the yachting fraternity and film stars whose Italian-style villas can be seen climbing up the hillsides, it also has a working fishing industry that supplies many of the port's restaurants.

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.

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.

Port de Sóller is a picturesque little village situated in a large horseshoe bay on the west coast of Mallorca. The seaside retreat was, until recently, one of the island's best-kept secrets. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and overlooking the sea, it is one of the few places on the island where you get both stunning scenery and breathtaking views. Being on the west coast, it's also one of the best spots to catch a beautiful Mallorcan sunset.

Colonia de Sant Jordi is a small, vibrant resort town located on the southeastern coast of Mallorca, near the famous Es Trenc beach.

Cala Major (also known as Cala Mayor) and its neighbour Sant Agusti are holiday resort towns on the outskirts of Palma.

Illetas (also known as Ses Illetes) is a small, stylish resort tucked into the southwest coast of Mallorca just a few kilometres from Palma. In summer, it draws in visitors with its soft sandy beaches, calm turquoise waters, and laid-back upscale vibe. It’s one of the most attractive spots along the Bay of Palma, known for its whitewashed villas, leafy streets, and a mix of classic and modern hotels that blend into the hillside. The views are stunning, the atmosphere relaxed, and everything feels just a little more refined than your average beach resort.

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.

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.