Palma de Mallorca, the captivating capital of the Balearic Islands, offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and coastal charm. Within a 15km radius of the city centre, a string of urban beaches provides the perfect complement to Palma’s rich cultural tapestry. These easily accessible shorelines boast fine, golden sand and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, catering to both locals and tourists alike.
For city break travellers and cruise ship passengers visiting the Port of Palma, the selection of urban beaches near Palma de Mallorca present an unparalleled opportunity to balance city exploration with coastal relaxation. Whether you’re planning a quick dip between sightseeing or a full day of sun and sea, these diverse beaches accommodate all preferences. From lively, amenity-rich stretches to more secluded coves, each beach near Palma de Mallorca has its own distinct character.
Beaches to the South-East of Palma de Mallorca
Platja de Can Pere Antoni
Platja de Can Pere Antoni stands out as Palma’s quintessential city beach. Located just steps from the city centre, this 750-metre stretch of golden sand offers stunning views of the Palma Cathedral. The beach buzzes with activity as locals gather for sunbathing, volleyball and various sports. With its proximity to the city promenade, Can Pere Antoni is easily accessible by foot or bicycle. Beach clubs like Anima Beach Club and Assaona Gastrobeach flank the beach, providing cocktails and gourmet cuisine to enhance the Mediterranean ambiance.
Platja del Portitxolet
As you move southeast from Can Pere Antoni, you’ll encounter the trendy Portixol area whose harbour is home to the historic Portixol Hotel. Once a humble fishermen’s neighbourhood, Portixol has transformed into one of Palma’s most fashionable districts. The small sandy bay of Ses Palmeres, nestled in Portixol, is surrounded by charming low-rise homes and lively cafés. While the water may not be as crystalline as in more distant coves, it offers a refreshing swim with the convenience of proximity to the city. The widened seaside promenade through Portixol and Molinar is ideal for a leisurely cycle or stroll, with plenty of bars and restaurants offering outdoor seating and beautiful sea views.
Playa Ciudad Jardín
A little further along the coast lies Playa Ciudad Jardín, a favourite among Palma’s families and surf enthusiasts. This expansive sandy beach offers basic amenities such as showers and lifeguards. On windy days, a section of the beach becomes a hotspot for surfers. The area maintains a relaxed vibe near the city with affordable cafes, beachfront restaurants and a pine-shaded children’s play area alongside the coastal cycle path.
Cala Estancia
About 11km from central Palma, Cala Estancia offers a tranquil beach experience. This sheltered cove boasts calm, clear waters and fine white sand, making it suitable for year-round visits. The beach is lined with restaurants, bars and cafes, creating a pleasant atmosphere for beachgoers. A curved boardwalk protects the beach and provides excellent views of sailing boats, windsurfers and paddleboarders. Cala Estancia’s protected location makes it an ideal spot for snorkelling. Though a little further from the city centre, it is still easily accessible by bike or public transport.
Platja de Can Pastilla
Just a few steps from Cala Estancia is Platja de Can Pastilla, a long-established holiday resort close to Palma’s airport. This large sandy beach is a hub for water sports enthusiasts, particularly kite surfers and paddleboarders. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, restaurants and bars, making it a lively destination for visitors. With stunning views of the city of Palma de Mallorca and the nearby mountains, Can Pastilla is an ideal spot for those wanting both activity and relaxation.
Playa de Palma
Playa de Palma is an impressive 6km stretch of golden sand extending from Can Pastilla to Arenal. This vast beach offers a wide array of amenities and activities, including numerous beach clubs, water sports facilities and a promenade lined with cafes and restaurants. The almost traffic-free road along the beachfront is popular among cyclists, making Playa de Palma a hub for cyclotourism. Despite its commercial development, the beach maintains its allure with ample space for sunbathing and swimming.
Playa S’Arenal
Playa S’Arenal marks the far eastern end of the Playa de Palma stretch, near the Arenal resort. This 4-kilometre-long beach offers all the amenities one could want for a day at the seaside, from sunbeds to water sports rentals. Its lively, holiday atmosphere is complemented by numerous beach bars and cafés along the promenade. A popular mini-train runs along the coast between Arenal and Can Pastilla, providing a fun and convenient way to explore the area. Arenal’s connection to public transport also makes it a convenient stop for those visiting Palma de Mallorca or the nearby Aqualand waterpark.
Beaches to the South-West of Palma de Mallorca
Cala Mayor
To the southwest of Palma, Cala Mayor presents a charming urban beach experience. This 200-metre long beach features white sand and rocky areas on both sides, offering easy access for all age groups. While it retains a city beach atmosphere, Cala Mayor exudes a unique charm with its clean, calm waters. The beach is conveniently located near the Marivent Palace and the 5-star Nixe Palace Hotel, adding a touch of prestige to the area. Although it lacks a seaside walk, the stunning sea views more than compensate for this.
Platja d’Illetes
Further along the coast, Illetas offers a more exclusive beach experience, set in a picturesque cove surrounded by trees and beachfront apartments. Situated just 3km beyond Cala Mayor, Illetas is easily accessible by bus, yet maintains a more secluded and upmarket feel compared to other urban beaches. It is home to a mix of small hotels and cosy beach bars overlooking the sea which help make Illetas one of the most attractive beaches on this stretch of the coast.
These urban beaches near Palma de Mallorca provide a diverse range of options, from lively hubs like Can Pere Antoni and Playa de Palma to tranquil coves such as Portitxolet and Illetas. Easily accessible and rich in services, these beaches are perfect for both active days by the sea and quiet escapes from the city’s bustle. Whether you’re seeking sunbathing, water sports, or a leisurely seaside walk, Palma’s urban beaches offer everything needed for an enjoyable day on the Mediterranean coast.
