Best beaches in Palma

Palma is the perfect combination of city life and beach vacation, and the sea here is bordered by ancient streets. The best beaches in Palma and the surrounding area are not only clean but also beautiful.

General information about beach vacation in Palma

Palma is located on the bay in the western part of the island of Mallorca, and due to its geographical location, the beaches of Palma are well protected from the waves. Winds in the summer months are few, and the sea is more often calm or with light ripples. The coast is predominantly sandy - from almost white to golden sand, sometimes with a light admixture of pebbles. The water is surprisingly clear and turquoise.

The beach season lasts from late April through October, when the water warms from +16 degrees in April to +27 degrees in August. Below is a table by month:

Technically smoking is not allowed on the beaches in Palma, as well as in other public areas. This is not always enforced, but we recommend following the rules.

The most popular beaches within Palma

Where to swim in Palma within the city itself is an asterisked task. But there are a few options. Let's find out more about them!

Playa de Can Pere Antoni

Palma's main and most accessible city beach. It starts almost immediately behind the famous cathedral La Seu - you can get there on foot in 10-15 minutes from the historic center. It is a sandy beach about 750 meters long, overlooking the bay and yachts. The width is about 15-30 meters, the entrance to the water is gentle, but in some places the bottom is stony - it is better to take beach slippers. There are no strong waves here, but sometimes there may be wind.

Infrastructure is minimal - there are showers, toilets, garbage cans, sometimes mobile kiosks with drinks, but cafes are better to look for nearby in the city. It's a good option for a bit of sunbathing or swimming within walking distance or for morning jogs along the beach.

Playa Ciudad Jardín

Deservedly one of Palma's top beaches because it is adored for its atmosphere, easy access to the water and promenade with cafes and restaurants. It is located a little further east of the center and will be wider and quieter than Playa de Can Pere Antoni.

Here is clean fine sand, and the bottom - shallow, which is perfect for swimming with children. The infrastructure is good: there are sun beds, umbrellas, SUP-board rental, showers, toilets, cafes right on the beach. From the center you can get by bus or rent a bicycle.

The best beaches in the neighborhood of Palma

How to determine which is the best and which is the cleanest beach in the neighborhood? The cleanest and nicest beaches are marked with the Blue Flag, so you can safely focus on that. However, there are other beautiful places as well.

Playa de Illetes

One of the chicest beaches in the Bay of Palma about 15 minutes from the center. You can get there not only by bus or cab, but also by pleasure boats. Playa de Illetes is long, with a wide shoreline and a soft sandy slope. It's flanked by picturesque cliffs for atmosphere and amazing photos.

At the same time there is excellent infrastructure - there are sun beds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, beach bar, Wi-Fi, catamaran and scooter rentals. You can go SUP, snorkeling or kayaking. There are spa areas in nearby hotels.

Cala Major

Located very close to the city, but gives the feeling of a vacation far beyond its borders. Part of the atmosphere is created by the residence of the Spanish royal family, which is located nearby. The beach is located about 7 km west of the center of Palma, and you can get there in about 15 minutes by car or by bus number 3.

The beach is about 50 meters wide and covered with golden sand. The bottom is flat, with a smooth descent, so it is suitable for families with children. The infrastructure is well developed. There are sun beds and umbrellas for rent, showers, toilets, a bar-restaurant right on the shore, lockers, lifeguards and free Wi-Fi in the area of the beach cafe.

Activities available include kayaks, catamarans, snorkeling and diving trips. The bar sometimes hosts cocktail parties in the evenings. Within walking distance are the Hotel Nixe, the Es Baluard art gallery and the scenic coastal promenade. The beach is free, but you have to pay for sunbeds and umbrellas.

Platja de Palma

A beach that has become a legend of Spanish fun - a long strip of sand with colorful Balneario clubs and beach life. It combines tons of activities, especially for those who want to party as well as sunbathe. It is located east of old Palma, along the MA-19 highway, about 5-6 km from the center. You can get there by bus or cab. The width of the coastline is 30-40 meters. It is covered with fine golden sand. The descent into the water is smooth and even.

Here is a great infrastructure for fun. There are deck chairs, umbrellas, showers and toilets, cafes and bars right on the sand, a stage for parties, security, lockers and water transport rentals. From entertainment - diving, sailing, fishing catamarans, various water sports, and most importantly - the best night parties and discos in the neighborhood. The beach is open 24 hours a day, but the parties start around 15:00 and last until midnight.

Cala Estancia

Quiet and cozy bay near the city - a salvation for those who want to relax in silence and privacy. It is just 3 km from the station and the center of Palma, east of Can Pere Antoni. Bus #15 takes you to the vacation area itself.

All the traditional advantages of Palma's beaches are available: soft and clean sand, smooth entry into the water, clear water. There are sun beds, umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, lockers, toilets and cafes. It is a wonderful choice for family vacations and for elderly tourists who do not want to go far from the city.

Best secluded beaches in Palma

If you want to relax away from the hustle and bustle while enjoying nature, this is the place to go. These beaches are not as comfortable and equipped, but will definitely become an unforgettable memory.

Cala Vella

A secluded bay with soft sand and turquoise water, like from the picture, but almost without infrastructure - a real oasis of peace and quiet for lovers of natural beauty. You will have to go by car, about 15 km from Palma. But those who get there, fall in love forever. A godsend for romantics, singles and those who are tired of people!

There is no infrastructure - only secluded corners of nature and a small snack bar along the road. The shore is small, covered with a mixture of sand and small pebbles, but the bottom is soft and the approach is comfortable. Access to the beach is free, and there are no sunbeds offered here, so take a towel or a mat. Be aware that the area is gated.

Portals Vells

This cozy cove in the tiny neighborhood of Portals Nous looks like it stepped off a postcard. It's a longer drive from Palma, about 20km away. It is a small beach with a narrow shore up to 20 meters wide, but at the same time it is another world! Very picturesque and in its own way charming place when you want romance and privacy.

Infrastructure is modest - there are very few sun beds and umbrellas, because the beach itself is small. But there are showers, toilets and trash cans, cafes nearby. And the main thing - literally nearby are reefs for diving and snorkeling. You can get there by car, there is a small free parking lot, but with buses is difficult. Within walking distance are the coast of Portals Nous, yacht marina and pier, park areas under pine trees.

Travel tips

To fully enjoy the peace and quiet on the best beaches of Palma, you should go there early - from 08:00 to 10:00. At this time it is fresh enough, the sun is not so aggressive and there are fewer people. The peak of solar activity - from 12:00 to 14:00, and the most tourists on the beaches from 11:00 to 16:00.

Be sure to bring beach shoes, a hat, sunglasses and a towel. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen even in May. Cash doesn't hurt. While most services can be paid for with a card, renting sun beds or buying drinks in some places requires cash.

Jellyfish are not a frequent visitor to Palma's waters, but you may see warnings about them in late summer. Private use of drones requires special permits, and they are not welcome on municipal beaches. Trade on the coast is strictly organized - it is only licensed vendors.