9 Best Beaches in Palma de Mallorca

When it comes to Mediterranean getaways, the palma de mallorca beaches are nothing short of spectacular. As the capital city of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Palma offers visitors a perfect blend of urban sophistication and coastal bliss. With crystal-clear turquoise waters, golden sands, and breathtaking landscapes, these beaches have become a magnet for travelers seeking sun-soaked escapes.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to this Spanish paradise, discovering the right beaches can transform your Mallorcan holiday from good to unforgettable. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 9 of the most stunning beaches in and around Palma that deserve a spot on your itinerary. From hidden coves to bustling beach clubs, there’s something for every type of beach lover here.

Let’s dive into these coastal gems and uncover why the best beaches in palma de mallorca should be at the top of your travel bucket list this year!

1. Cala Major: The City Beach Escape

Just a quick 10-minute drive from downtown Palma, Cala Major offers the perfect urban beach experience without straying too far from the city center. This 200-meter stretch of golden sand is nestled between rocky outcrops, creating a sheltered bay that’s ideal for swimming.

What makes Cala Major special is its accessibility combined with surprisingly clear waters. The beach is well-maintained and equipped with all the amenities you’d expect: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and a promenade lined with restaurants and cafes. For art enthusiasts, the Miró Foundation museum sits just above the beach, making for an excellent cultural pitstop after your sunbathing session.

Cala Major tends to get busy during peak season, so I recommend arriving before 11 am to secure your spot. The gentle slope into the water makes it family-friendly, while the beachfront chiringuitos (beach bars) serve up delicious seafood paella and refreshing sangria throughout the day.

2. Illetas: The Upscale Beach Retreat

A favorite among the well-heeled crowd, Illetas (sometimes spelled Illetes) lies about 15 minutes southwest of Palma. This small but perfectly formed beach boasts powdery white sand and impossibly blue waters that could easily be mistaken for the Caribbean.

The beach is divided into several smaller coves, giving it an intimate feel despite its popularity. The crystalline waters are perfect for snorkeling, with plenty of fish to spot around the rocky edges. What truly sets Illetas apart is its upscale atmosphere – expect stylish beach clubs, gourmet restaurants, and a generally more sophisticated vibe than some of the larger beaches.

For the ultimate experience, book a sunbed at one of the beach clubs like Virtual Club or Balneario Illetas, where you can enjoy waiter service directly to your lounger. While it’s a bit pricier than other beaches, the quality of facilities and the stunning setting make it worth every euro.

3. Playa de Palma: The Lively Beach Strip

When it comes to action-packed beaches, nothing beats Playa de Palma. This 4.5-kilometer stretch of golden sand runs from Can Pastilla to Arenal and represents the heartbeat of Mallorca’s beach tourism. If you’re looking for energy, amenities, and activities, this is your spot.

The beach is divided into “balnearios” (numbered beach sections), each with its own character and facilities. The promenade running alongside is filled with restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the day and night. Water sports enthusiasts will be in heaven with options ranging from paddleboarding and jet skiing to parasailing.

What I love about Playa de Palma is its accessibility – the efficient bus service from central Palma makes it easy to reach, and the shallow, clear waters are perfect for families with children. Yes, it gets crowded in summer, but there’s something undeniably fun about the buzzing atmosphere. For a more relaxed experience, head to the Can Pastilla end, which tends to be slightly quieter.

4. Ciutat Jardí: The Local’s Secret

Just east of Palma, Ciutat Jardí offers a more authentic experience away from the major tourist centers. This compact, curved bay with soft sand and calm waters is where many Palma residents head for their beach days, giving you a glimpse into local life.

What makes Ciutat Jardí special is its laid-back charm combined with practical amenities. The shallow waters extend quite far out, making it ideal for families with young children. Palm trees line parts of the beach, providing natural shade – a rare and welcome feature on Mallorcan beaches.

The area has a selection of authentic Spanish restaurants serving fresh seafood at prices more reasonable than in the tourist hotspots. Try Ca’n Pelut for some of the best paella in the area. During weekends, you’ll spot locals enjoying long lunches with friends and family, creating a wonderfully authentic atmosphere that’s increasingly hard to find on the island’s more famous beaches.

5. Portals Nous: The Celebrity Hotspot

Just a short drive west of Palma lies Portals Nous, a small but perfectly formed beach that’s become something of a celebrity magnet in recent years. This golden sandy cove is flanked by luxury yachts and upscale restaurants, giving it an undeniable air of exclusivity.

The beach itself is relatively small at about 250 meters in length, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in style. Crystal-clear waters provide excellent swimming conditions, while the surrounding cliffs offer protection from winds. The beach has excellent facilities including sunbed rental, showers, and lifeguards during the summer season.

What truly distinguishes Portals Nous is its proximity to Puerto Portals marina, one of the most prestigious marinas in the Mediterranean. After your beach time, take a stroll through the marina to admire the impressive yachts and perhaps spot a celebrity or two at the waterfront restaurants and boutiques. For the ultimate luxurious beach day, book a spot at Roxy’s Beach Club and enjoy premium service with spectacular views.

6. Cala Comtesa: The Hidden Gem

If you’re willing to venture slightly off the beaten path, Cala Comtesa (sometimes spelled Comtessa) offers one of the most rewarding beach experiences near Palma. Located in Illetas but requiring a short walk to access, this small rocky cove features crystal-clear turquoise waters and a natural, unspoiled setting that feels miles away from the busier tourist beaches.

What makes this cove special is its intimate size and the dramatic rock formations that surround it. The water here is exceptionally clear and perfect for snorkeling, with plenty of marine life to discover around the rocks. Unlike many of Palma’s beaches, Cala Comtesa retains a natural, undeveloped feel – there are no sunbeds for rent or beach bars, just pure Mediterranean beauty.

Bring your own supplies, including water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the beach itself. The extra effort required to reach it and the lack of amenities mean it stays relatively uncrowded even in peak season. For the best experience, arrive early in the morning when the water is at its calmest and clearest, and you might have this little slice of paradise almost to yourself.

7. Cala Pi: The Scenic Escape

About 40 minutes from Palma but well worth the journey, Cala Pi offers one of the most picturesque beach settings on the island. This narrow, fjord-like inlet cuts dramatically into the coastline, creating a sheltered cove with fine golden sand and incredibly clear waters.

What makes Cala Pi truly special is its dramatic approach – a long staircase descends between pine-covered cliffs, revealing tantalizing glimpses of the turquoise water below. Once you reach the beach, you’ll find yourself in a natural amphitheater of limestone cliffs that provide shade during parts of the day and create a uniquely enclosed beach experience.

The beach remains relatively unspoiled, with just a small beach bar operating during summer months. The enclosed nature of the cove means the waters are usually calm and perfect for swimming. For the best photos, climb partway up the stairs for breathtaking views looking down on the beach – it’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in Mallorca and captures the essence of why the island’s beaches are so renowned.

8. Es Trenc: The Caribbean of Mallorca

While technically a bit farther from Palma (about 45 minutes by car), no list of Mallorca’s best beaches would be complete without mentioning Es Trenc. This 2-kilometer stretch of undeveloped coastline offers powdery white sand and shallow, translucent turquoise waters that have earned it the nickname “the Caribbean of Mallorca.”

What sets Es Trenc apart is its protected status – unlike most of Mallorca’s coastal areas, this beach has been spared from development, preserving its natural beauty. The beach is backed by dunes and wetlands rather than hotels and apartments, creating an unspoiled paradise that’s increasingly rare in the Mediterranean.

Be aware that sections of Es Trenc are popular with nudists, so it’s something to keep in mind if traveling with family. Facilities are limited to a few chiringuitos scattered along its length, so bringing supplies is recommended. The beach can get crowded in high summer, but its sheer size means you can always find a quiet spot if you’re willing to walk a little farther from the main access points.

9. Cala Blava: The Cliff-Side Beauty

Rounding out our list is Cala Blava, a small but stunning beach located about 20 minutes east of Palma. What this beach lacks in size, it more than makes up for with its dramatic setting – nestled at the bottom of impressive cliffs with some of the bluest waters you’ll find on the island.

The beach itself is a mix of sand and small pebbles, but it’s the water quality that’s the real draw here. The depth increases quickly, making it popular with swimmers looking for clean, clear waters away from the crowded tourist beaches. The surrounding cliffs provide excellent jumping spots for the more adventurous visitors.

There are minimal facilities at Cala Blava, adding to its natural charm. During weekdays outside peak season, you might find yourself sharing this little paradise with just a handful of locals. The sunset views from the cliffs above the beach are particularly spectacular, making it worth staying into the early evening if your schedule allows.

Conclusion: Your Palma Beach Adventure Awaits

From urban beaches with full amenities to secluded coves that feel like private paradises, the palma de mallorca beaches offer something for every type of beach lover. While this list highlights nine of the best options, the island’s coastline is dotted with countless other gems waiting to be discovered.

When planning your beach days in Mallorca, consider renting a car for at least part of your stay to access some of the more remote beaches. The flexibility to explore different coastlines will enhance your experience immensely. Also, keep in mind that beaches can get extremely busy during July and August – visiting in the shoulder seasons of May-June or September-October offers the perfect balance of good weather and fewer crowds.

Whether you’re seeking family-friendly shores with shallow waters, glamorous beach clubs with VIP service, or untouched natural beauty, the best beaches in palma de mallorca and its surrounding areas won’t disappoint. Pack your sunscreen, grab your towel, and prepare to experience some of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular coastlines – the beaches of Palma are calling!