Wandr

Badía de Palma

The waters of the Badía de Palma are surrounded by tourist resorts that have made Mallorca synonymous with cheap and tacky tourism. In the 1960s and 1970s, a building boom transformed miles of pristine shoreline into a stretch of concrete and hotel towers. This uncontrolled development now extends along the coast from S’Arenal in the east to Magaluf in the west, with Palma in the middle. Each resort has developed its own identity, attracting different nationalities, income groups, and age ranges.

West of Palma

The first stop is Cala Major, a sandy stretch flanked by turquoise waters and swanky hotels. While it’s a picturesque spot, the crowds can be overwhelming, especially during peak season. Think sardines in a can, but with more sunscreen.
Next up is Illetes, where the vibe is a bit more upscale. The beaches here are smaller but stunning, with rocky outcrops and clear waters perfect for snorkeling. It’s where you might spot the occasional yacht, making you ponder your life choices and current bank balance.
Further along, Portals Nous combines a marina filled with luxury yachts and high-end shops. If you’ve ever wanted to feel fabulously out of place, this is your spot.
Palma Nova, highly popular with Brits, offers a more family-friendly atmosphere with wide beaches and numerous amenities. However, during summer, it can feel like everyone’s extended family has decided to join you.
Then there’s Magaluf, the undisputed party capital. Famous for its nightlife, Magaluf is where young Brits and Germans come to drink and party as if their lives depend on it. If you’re after a quiet getaway, steer clear.

East of Palma

Ca’n Pastilla is the first major tourist resort on this part of the coast. It offers a more relaxed spot with a beautiful beach and a promenade perfect for evening strolls. It’s close to the airport, so don’t be startled by the occasional low-flying plane—it’s not a UFO, just another load of tourists.
Platja de Palma is next, stretching for miles and offering plenty of space to sunbathe. The beach is superb, but the flat shoreline behind it is lined with an unappealing and endless strip of cheap restaurants, souvenir shops, and numerous loud bars and all-night clubs primarily catering to young German tourists.
Finally, S’Arenal wraps up the eastern tour with its bustling beach and vibrant nightlife. It’s lively and can get quite rowdy, especially with the influx of young revelers looking for a good time. The beach is lovely, but if peace and quiet are on your wish list, you might want to skip this one too.

Badía de Palma

West of Palma

The first stop is Cala Major, a sandy stretch flanked by turquoise waters and swanky hotels. While it’s a picturesque spot, the crowds can be overwhelming, especially during peak season. Think sardines in a can, but with more sunscreen.
Next up is Illetes, where the vibe is a bit more upscale. The beaches here are smaller but stunning, with rocky outcrops and clear waters perfect for snorkeling. It’s where you might spot the occasional yacht, making you ponder your life choices and current bank balance.
Further along, Portals Nous combines a marina filled with luxury yachts and high-end shops. If you’ve ever wanted to feel fabulously out of place, this is your spot.
Palma Nova, highly popular with Brits, offers a more family-friendly atmosphere with wide beaches and numerous amenities. However, during summer, it can feel like everyone’s extended family has decided to join you.
Then there’s Magaluf, the undisputed party capital. Famous for its nightlife, Magaluf is where young Brits and Germans come to drink and party as if their lives depend on it. If you’re after a quiet getaway, steer clear.

East of Palma

Ca’n Pastilla is the first major tourist resort on this part of the coast. It offers a more relaxed spot with a beautiful beach and a promenade perfect for evening strolls. It’s close to the airport, so don’t be startled by the occasional low-flying plane—it’s not a UFO, just another load of tourists.
Platja de Palma is next, stretching for miles and offering plenty of space to sunbathe. The beach is superb, but the flat shoreline behind it is lined with an unappealing and endless strip of cheap restaurants, souvenir shops, and numerous loud bars and all-night clubs primarily catering to young German tourists.
Finally, S’Arenal wraps up the eastern tour with its bustling beach and vibrant nightlife. It’s lively and can get quite rowdy, especially with the influx of young revelers looking for a good time. The beach is lovely, but if peace and quiet are on your wish list, you might want to skip this one too.