Illetas
Beach resort on the outskirts of Palma, in the south-west of Mallorca
Illetas (also known as Ses Illetes) is a small upmarket resort on the southwestern coastline of Mallorca. Just a few kilometres west of Palma, many flock to the area in the peak summertime thanks to its soft sandy beaches and crystalline turquoise waters.
This genteel purpose-built resort dates back to the mid 20th century. For many people, Illetas is the most attractive resort in the Bay of Palma, featuring whitewashed villas, apartment blocks and an assortment of old-fashioned and modern hotels that dominate its coastline. It just has everything: an idyllic setting with three fabulous beaches in the vicinity and easy access to the shops, restaurants and nightlife in Palma’s city centre. So, if you want a base near the capital combining a city break with a beach holiday, this could be just the place.
The winters are quiet here but, from Easter through to October, the resort really comes to life. Many British, German and Swedish families have holiday homes in Illetas. The Anchorage, a pretty holiday village found on the far west side of Illetas, is the most sought-after development here.
Beaches in Illetes
The area of Illetes boasts three sheltered sandy beaches. The main one is Playa de Illetes (Illetas Beach) which features high-end restaurants and a beach club, the perfect choice for a luxury beach experience. The other two beaches are set within smaller coves further west of the resort. Cala Comtessa has a small beach bar set overlooking the beach and even further west is Cala Xinxell which has particularly shallow waters perfect for the children. All beaches have sun loungers available to rent in the summer season. There is also the option to hire paddle boards, pedaloes and kayaks.
Beaches in Mallorca
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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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Portals Nous (Oratori) Beach
Playa Oratori is the popular local beach for Portals Nous and Puerto Portals.
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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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Palma Nova Beach
Attracting thousands of tourists annually and especially popular with Brits and package holiday makers, Palmanova is a purpose built resort next to Magaluf in south west Majorca. Palma Nova actually hosts three separate ‘Blue Flag’ beach areas, Playa de Palmanova, Playa Son Matias and Playa Es Carregador.
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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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Cala Falco Beach
Cala Falco is a very pretty and small beach, surrounded by rocky outlets and pine. It is most famous for the trendy beach bar and restaurant that sits in the middle, attracting some of Mallorca's most affluent clientele. situated in the south west of Mallorca. The sea is clear and shallow, and the beach is narrow but deep,
Dining in Illetes
The restaurants lining the beach are a popular choice for lunch and dinner thanks to their extensive menus, from traditional Spanish paella and local fish to meat dishes, pasta and more.
The beach club offers dishes from around the world; expect anything that is in food fashion including burgers and tacos. Otherwise, many of the hotels in the area feature their own restaurant. For a fine dining experience, we would highly recommend the local five-star restaurants in the area where the chefs' focus on avant-garde cuisine using only the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
Restaurants in Illetes
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Arrels by Marga Coll
Chef Marga Coll offers her own vision of traditional Mallorcan cuisine at this restaurant located inside the Gran Meliá de Mar Hotel
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A Popa Sea Club
Located inside the Nixe Palace Hotel, on the beach of Cala Major, this restaurant serves creative fresh-produce cuisine, specialising in fish and seafood.
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Collins Restaurant
This is an exclusive fine dining experience within the Luxury Portals Hills Boutique Hotel.
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Maricel Restaurant
Appearing as if it arose from amid the waves, this matchless location of the historical Hospes Maricel, where the Senzone Restaurant is located.
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Purobeach Illetas Beach Club
This cosmopolitan beach club is located in a beautiful spot in Illetas. Their large terrace overlooking the sea features comfortable sun loungers and day beds.
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Chameli's Restaurant
Modern restaurant with a varied menu serving fresh, tasty and traditional Italian food and Mediterranean specialities including local favourites like paella, wood-fired pizza and traditionally grilled meats.
Things to do in Illetes
Illetas is very much a beach resort, so there’s a slow-paced holiday way of life here. Things to do tend to revolve around the beach and watersports but the hustle and bustle of Palma and Puerto Portals are very much within reach.
Shopping
There are some boutique shops to be found on Playa de Illetas selling fashionable beachwear, kaftans and all things summery. Note these are only open in the summer months from Easter through to October. There’s also a convenience store on the road above this beach. For a bigger supermarket, you will need to venture either towards Bendinat or Cala Nova, each a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride away.
Beach clubs
If you want to indulge in a spot of beachside luxury, then we would highly recommend spending the day at the luxury beach club located next to Playa de Illetas. Here you can rent sun loungers for the day and enjoy a waiter serving you top-notch cocktails and international cuisine from your sunbed. Alternatively, you could just book a table for lunch or dinner here and enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Palma.
Watersports
Non-intrusive water sport services are available in Illetas. Think things like pedaloes, kayaks and paddle boards. For thrill seekers, head down the road to either Puerto Portals or Cala Nova for jet skiing, fly-boarding, water skiing and more.
Things To Do in Illetes
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Real Bendinat Golf Course, Bendinat
The Bendinat Royal Golf Course is magnificently situated 7 kilometres west of Palma, in an extensive wooded valley and in the heart of the Bendinat Housing Estate.
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Jet Ski Hire & Tours
Whiz around the local coastline with friends and family
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Jungle Parc Junior, Bendinat
An area designed and intended for young adventurers. Sport, fun and adventure, it has 50 platforms and games divided into 6 circuits of different levels and heights.
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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.
Nightlife in Illetes
Illetas is more of a sundowner destination rather than a spot for a big night out. The beach bars, restaurants and beach clubs are the perfect places to enjoy a cocktail, a cool beer or to share a bottle of wine after lounging around on the beach. For some late-night partying, hop in a taxi to Palma or Puerto Portals, each a 10 minute ride away.
Bars & Clubs in Illetes
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La Cabana Poolbar & Lounge
This stylish modern poolside bar is situated within the Portals Hills Boutique Hotel.
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Purobeach Illetas Beach Club
This cosmopolitan beach club is located in a beautiful spot in Illetas. Their large terrace overlooking the sea features comfortable sun loungers and day beds.
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Balneario Illetas restaurant and beach club
This beach club in Illetes (a 10 minute car ride from Palma) is one of the best on the island with its restaurant and terraces overlooking a small sandy beach and a rocky cove.
Hotels in Illetes
Being a purpose built holiday destination, there’s a good choice of hotels in Illetas. Whether you are seeking budget-friendly, high-end luxury, child-friendly, adults only, spa facilities or something else, you will be sure to find something to suit your needs here.
Luxury hotels
Luxury five-star hotels are within easy reach of the beach, in stunning locations overlooking the water right on the edge of Illetas and feature picturesque swimming pools, spas and fine dining restaurant facilities. From historic colonial buildings through to state-of-the art adults-only luxury hotels there is something to suit everybody's individual desires.
Budget-friendly hotels
There are also more affordable modern hotels, complete with contemporary minimalist bedrooms, but have all the mods and cons one could want for. From majestic swimming pools, spas and restaurant terraces overlooking the water serving good quality international cuisine!
Hotels in Illetes
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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.
Price: €2,180
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Feliz Boutique Hotel
Find peace and tranquillity in this chic, modern hotel just off the harbour promenade, with a bustling nightlife. With a friendly atmosphere that invites you to be happy.
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Sheraton Arabella Golf Hotel, Son Vida
This hotel is specialised in golf, and they also have a spa. Sand-hued walls, terracotta coloured roofs, wood beam ceilings, and intimate lighting will greet you there.
Price: €2,593
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Calatrava Boutique Hotel
This beautiful hotel building is part of the marine façade of La Calatrava, in the city centre and close to the Cathedral.
Price: €4,420
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Portals Hills Boutique Hotel
This is a luxury boutique hotel promises personalised services that will exceed your wildest expectations.
Price: €6,029
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Cort Hotel
Located in Palma's privileged old town centre, the Plaza de Cort, this hotel has 14 suites and 2 double rooms.
How to get to Illetes
By car
Car hire is a good option in Mallorca. It only takes around 15 to 20 minutes to get to Illetas from the airport and just 10 minutes to get into the centre of Palma (traffic dependent). It is also well connected to the rest of the island thanks to the Ma-1 and Ma-20 roads being close by. You can also take the hassle out of driving yourself by booking a private transfer.
Public transport
Public buses are frequently travelling through to Illetas (or the roundabout just above the port). The EMT bus line 3 travelling to and from Palma ends in Illetas (through the neighbouring resort of Cala Major). To get to either Palma or Portals, taxis are pretty low cost.
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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Shuttle Spain Transfers
With offices in Alcudia and the airport, Majorca Airport Transfers has a large fleet of taxis, minibuses and coaches to suit all group sizes.
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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.
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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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Majorca Taxis Company Transfers
Multilingual company offering transfers from the airport to your destination.