Your ultimate guide to the beaches in Palma
Stretched out along Palma’s 17 km coastline are some of the island’s finest beaches. The city boasts five beaches in Palma with lifeguards, sunbeds, and parasols during the high season, and a sixth beach nestled in an old fishing spot.
Before plunging into the Mediterranean, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the local conditions. Where are the lifeguards? Are there marked bathing areas? What does the flag say about the current swimming conditions?
- Green: Bathing permitted
- Yellow: Take special care when bathing
- Red: Bathing prohibited
- Orange: Lifeguards are absent
The prestigious Blue Flag is awarded to beaches that meet various standards, including facilities, safety, service, and water quality.
Stay in Palma
Book accommodation in Mallorca and explore the stunning beaches in Palma. Staying in Palma not only gives you access to its beautiful beaches but also immerses you in the rich culture of the old town, with its charming cafes, diverse shopping opportunities and vibrant atmosphere.Â
Explore our complete travel guide to the vibrant city of Palma.
Please take a moment to watch the brief presentation in the video below:
Playa de Palma – the largest of the beaches in Palma
Let’s start with the biggest, longest, and most visited of the beaches in Palma – Playa de Palma. This nearly 5 km stretch ensures there’s always room for another family. The sand here is fine, and the water is usually calm and shallow.
Along this stretch, you’ll also find Can Pastilla and Playa Arenal. Like many of Mallorca’s popular beaches, Playa de Palma offers numerous water activities, including parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, water biking, and various types of surfing. While snorkeling here, you’ll mostly encounter small fish and tanned legs.
Hungry beachgoers will find plenty of options, from beach bars to restaurants, cafes, and small shops located between the hotels. Public toilets and showers are available in several locations.
If you’re not staying in a hotel or holiday apartment in the area and are arriving by car, there are several parking options in the side streets leading down to the beach, although you may need to search a bit during high season. From within Palma, EMT city buses run to the beach. Read more about public transport on Mallorca.
Cala Estancia – the small cozy beach
In a small bay, you’ll find Cala Estancia. With a simple lifeguard tower, a few fine restaurants, and some cyclists in the background, this cozy beach may not attract many bathers, but it’s always worth stopping by the stone pier to reflect by the calm water before continuing towards Palma or Playa de Palma.
Cuidad Jardin – the city garden
Cuidad Jardin, or Garden City, is a 500-meter long beach named after a 1921 hotel. Located approximately 5 km east of Palma Cathedral, it has a local feel. Early in the morning, the area’s pensioners arrive, and later in the day, locals can be seen standing in the water, cooling off after work. This beach offers fine sand, shallow water, and a few simple dining options. There are also toilets and showers near the playground.
More about the top beaches in Palma after the video section
Video (will be updated)
Can Pere Antoni – a true urban beach
Can Pere Antoni is the closest beach to Palma’s old town. With beach bars at either end of its 700 meters and traffic nearby, the beach’s somewhat lower elevation compared to the road helps muffle the sound. Here, the water gets deep quickly, making it a vibrant city beach with volleyball and a lively atmosphere.
Local volunteers and nature associations work hard to keep the beach clean, and Emaya (responsible for water and sewerage) is modernizing the wastewater system to ensure a pleasant swimming experience. Toilets and showers can be found near Portixol harbor, where additional dining options are available along Passeig Portixol.
Cala Mayor – an old favoriteÂ
West of Palma’s center lies Cala Mayor, home to Palacio de Marivent (the Spanish royal family’s summer residence) and the Miro Museum. Over the years, many visitors have taken a dip in the Mediterranean from this beach, which has been enhanced with new sand.
The beach offers toilets and showers, and the surrounding area has small shops, restaurants, and hotels. In high season, the 200-meter beach width might not always be enough, prompting many to explore further down the coast towards Illetas.
Portixol – the old fishing village
Nestled in its bay and spearheaded by the white luxury Hotel Portixol, the old fishing area Portixol has its own small bathing zone (also known as Playa de El Molinar).
The old fishermen’s houses have long been modernized and increased in price, which is understandable given the proximity to the sea. Local restaurants serve fish, tapas, and coffee, adding to the charm.
At the water’s edge, children play, and although there are no lifeguards or flags, the water seems safe if you stay aware of the low rocks and check for red flags on nearby beaches (Can Pere Antoni and Cuidad Jardin). A few showers are available on the promenade, which is also popular with roller skaters and people strolling along the Mediterranean.
Remember to explore our travel guides to Mallorca’s captivating destinations, from the stunning Port de Andratx to the sun-soaked shores of Alcudia. Don’t miss the charming mountain villages of Sóller and Deià , where nature and tradition blend harmoniously.
Join our SoMe
Follow us at Mallorca Visuals for stunning visuals and insights on Mallorca’s beaches. Discover hidden gems, explore picturesque landscapes, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Mallorca. Join us today!
Top picture to the article Top beaches in Palma: Best spots for sun and sea: © Romasph | Dreamstime.com
Mallorca CommunityÂ
Â
