Sun, Sand, and Secrets: The Must-Visit Beaches of Palma de Mallorca
Discover why Palma de Mallorca beaches are a must-visit for every beach lover. Dive in, and explore our top 7 beaches of Palma de Mallorca for the perfect holiday.
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Palma de Mallorca is one of Spain’s most distinctive and alluring cities. Located on the southwestern coast of Mallorca, the ancient city has an incredible amount to offer visitors; it boasts a hospitable, warm climate, and Palma de Mallorca beaches are regarded as some of the Mediterranean’s very best.
Combine this with Palma’s remarkable historical and architectural value, and it’s not hard to see why the city is so enamoring to those who visit.
Best beaches in Palma de Mallorca
1. Playa de Illetes
Located on Mallorca’s southwestern coast, Playa de Illetes is situated in a tranquil bay, surrounded by rugged rocks and eye-catching shrubbery. With fine, golden sand and stunning turquoise water, this gorgeous beach is fairly well-frequented during peak season and suitable for families, seniors, and solo travelers.
Known for its remarkably clear water and diversity of marine life, Playa de Illetes is a popular snorkeling destination for both locals and visitors from abroad. Combine this with the ample nearby amenities, and I’d argue that Playa de Illetes is hands down one of the best Mallorcan Snorkelling Beaches.
Additional information
- Overall score: 9/10
- Accessibility: 4/5
- Senior-friendly
- Child-friendly
- Lifeguard: No
- Parking: Limited parking available nearby
- Facilities: Sun loungers and umbrellas
- Restaurants: There is a beach restaurant nearby.
- Occupancy: Crowded during peak season.
- Sports: None
📍 See Playa de Illetes on Google Maps
2. Playa del Mago (Nudist Beach)
An inclusive, relaxed beach where body freedom is championed, Playa del Mago, located in the west of Mallorca, is home to pristine, calm waters and an exceptionally laid-back atmosphere.
Playa del Mago is indispensable for bathers who value body freedom and acceptance; it doesn’t hurt that the beach is one of Palma de Mallorca’s best, too. Combine this with Playa del Mago’s outstanding accessibility and beautiful scenery, and it’s no surprise this charming stretch of sand is such a popular destination among nudist bathers.
Additional information
- Overall score: 8/10
- Accessibility: 4.5/5
- Lifeguard: No
- Parking: Ample parking is available near the main Playa del Mago beach.
- Facilities: Sun loungers and parasols are available on the main Playa del Mago beach.
- Restaurants: A beach restaurant is available at the main Playa del Mago beach.
- Occupancy: Usually fairly quiet
- Sports: None
📍 See Playa del Mago on Google Maps
3. Cala Major
Cala Major is the perfect beach for visitors who favor accessibility and convenience, thanks to its close proximity to Palma. Given how close it is to the Mallorcan capital, Cala Major is usually far less busy than you might expect, making it a fantastic place to unwind and go for a swim if you’re staying in or visiting the city.
What’s more, the surrounding area just so happens to be the 11th cheapest place to live in Spain, so if you’re thinking about relocating to Mallorca, then you might want to consider finding a place overlooking Cala Major (I can certainly think of worse places to live!).
Additional information
- Overall score: 8.5/10
- Accessibility: 4.5/5
- Senior-friendly
- Child-friendly
- Lifeguard: Yes, during high season.
- Parking: Ample parking is available nearby.
- Facilities: Sun loungers and parasols are available.
- Restaurants: There is a beach restaurant nearby.
- Occupancy: Somewhat crowded during peak season.
- Sports: Watersports.
📍 See Cala Major on Google Maps
4. Playa Ciudad Jardín
Just a stone’s throw away from Palma city center is Playa Ciudad Jardín, a beautiful, relaxed beach especially well-suited to families and laid-back visitors. Even at the height of summer, Playa Ciudad Jardín is typically fairly quiet, and it’s also a great place for boating and other watersports.
If staying on land is more your thing, then you’ll find that Playa Ciudad Jardín is an idyllic location for a sunset bike ride thanks to the dedicated cycling path following the shoreline.
Additional information
- Overall score: 9/10
- Accessibility: 4.5/5
- Senior-friendly
- Child-friendly
- Lifeguard: Yes, during peak season.
- Parking: Yes, parking is available next to the beach.
- Facilities: Toilets, sun loungers, and parasols are available.
- Restaurants: There is a beach restaurant nearby.
- Occupancy: Generally not crowded, even during peak season.
- Sports: Watersports are available.
📍 See Playa Ciudad Jardín on Google Maps
5. Platja de Can Pere Antoni
Boasting perhaps some of the best views in Mallorca, Platja de Can Pere Antoni is another excellent option for beachgoers looking to relax and unwind more than anything else. The beach is also easily accessed, thanks to its proximity to Palma, making it convenient for visitors traveling via public transport or bicycle.
Despite how close it is to the city of Palma, Platja de Can Pere Antoni tends to be pretty quiet, so if you’re the kind of person who needs plenty of personal space, then it should just about be the perfect beach for you.
Additional information
- Overall score: 8/10
- Accessibility: 4.5/5
- Senior-friendly
- Child-friendly
- Lifeguard: Yes, during high season.
- Parking: Available within 300 meters.
- Facilities: Very minimal
- Restaurants: No
- Occupancy: Usually on the quiet side.
- Sports: Watersports
📍 See on Platja de Can Pere Antoni Google Maps
6. Platja de Can Pastilla
Lying in a sleepy bay just a short distance from the city of Palma, Platja de Can Pastilla is one of the longest beaches in the area, making it an excellent choice for walkers and cyclists keen to explore its gorgeous golden shores.
This is also one of the more accessible beaches in Mallorca, just a short drive from the capital city and the airport. While Platja de Can Pastilla can get fairly busy during the peak season, finding a spot to stretch out on the sand is usually still doable, thanks to the beach’s size.
Additional information
- Overall score: 8.5/10
- Accessibility: 4.5/5
- Senior-friendly
- Child-friendly
- Lifeguard: Yes, during high season.
- Parking: Parking is available on the streets across from the beach.
- Facilities: Showers and toilets, sun loungers and parasols available.
- Restaurants: Restaurants and cafes can be found on the promenade above the beach.
- Occupancy: Crowded during high season.
- Sports: There are plenty of water sports to choose from.
📍 See Platja de Can Pastilla on Google Maps
7. S’Arenal Beach
It’s no secret that Mallorca is a popular destination for nightlife lovers, and if this is you, then you’ll likely find S’Arenal Beach to be just to your taste.
S’Arenal has a lively, energetic atmosphere, and its cool, edgy promenade is home to plenty of cool bars and restaurants for you to choose from. It’s perhaps not the most appropriate choice for families or older visitors, but if you’ve come to Mallorca to have some fun, so to speak, then you’ll find plenty of it at S’Arenal Beach.
Additional information
- Overall score: 8/10
- Accessibility: 4.5/5
- Lifeguard: Yes, during high season.
- Parking: Available on the beach.
- Facilities: Toilets, sun loungers and parasols are all available.
- Restaurants: Restaurants, cafes, and bars can be found on the promenade behind the beach.
- Occupancy: Crowded during high season.
- Sports: Watersports are available.
📍 See S’Arenal Beach on Google Maps
In Conclusion: Palma de Mallorca beaches
Palma de Mallorca is truly home to some of Mallorca’s absolute best beaches. What’s more, they support so much diversity and variety that they have something to offer just about everybody; it’s honestly no surprise that the city is as popular as it is among tourists.
And, thanks to its extensive bike lanes and paths, exploring the city by cycling is natural and easy. The beaches make for the ideal venue for a bike ride at sunset or sunrise, allowing you to create unique memories of your time on the island.
More Beaches to Explore
Hungry for more sun, surf, and sand? Fortunately, there’s no shortage of stunning beaches in Mallorca; on the island, you have over a hundred of the world’s most beautiful, pristine beaches at your doorstep.
If you want to explore East Mallorca’s best beaches, I recommend checking out Cala d’Or or Calo de Marmols. Some of North Mallorca’s best, most memorable beaches include Cala Barques and Sa Calobra. And, finally, some of the area’s best beaches in the South of Mallorca are Cala Pi and S’Amarador.