Illetas: small bays, clear water and Palma in ten minutes
Illetas is so close to Palma that some locals go for a swim during their lunch break. The name comes from the small islands off the coast, and they are exactly what makes it so appealing: the water between the rocks and the islets is often so clear that you can see the bottom from the jetty.
Von Thorsten Kambach2 Min. Lesezeit
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Illetas, or Illetes in Mallorcan, belongs to the municipality of Calvià and is located around eight kilometres west of Palma’s centre. The area stretches along the hillside, with hotels, apartments and villas, as well as stairs and paths leading down to the coves.
The coves
- Platja de Illetes: the main beach, narrow, with light sand and views of the islets off the coast. Very busy during the season.
- Cala Comtesa: a little further south towards Bendinat, a small sandy cove with pine trees, popular with locals.
- Rock platforms and jetties: everywhere along the coast, ideal for snorkelling.
Space is limited. Some hotels and beach clubs have their own terraces by the water, where you can rent a sun lounger or have a drink or snack. What a sun lounger costs on Mallorca and how many hours you have to work to pay for it: Towel Index.
Parking and getting there
Parking is the main problem. On-street spaces are taken early in summer, and some beach clubs have their own car parks for guests. Buses run from Palma, which is the more relaxed option for a day at the beach. It is around a 20-minute drive from the airport.
What Illetas does well
Clear water, a short trip to Palma, good food with a sea view. It is more of a place for couples and adults than for families who need plenty of space to dig in the sand. For children, the long sandy beaches in the north or in Palmanova are more practical; see Palmanova.
Nearby
- Puerto Portals: the marina a few minutes further west, more in Puerto Portals and Portals Vells.
- Palma: the old town, cathedral, Mercat de l’Olivar. See Palma Sights.
- Sunset: The west side of the bay has beautiful evenings, with more spots in Sunset in Mallorca.
Accommodation
Around Illetas, most people stay in a hotel. If you prefer your own house with a pool but still want to be close to the city, look at houses in the area around Palma: Finca near Palma and Finca in western Mallorca.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Illetas?
In southwestern Mallorca, in the municipality of Calvià, around eight kilometres west of Palma.
Is it called Illetas or Illetes?
Both are correct. Illetes is the Mallorcan name, while Illetas is the Spanish form.
Is Illetas good for snorkelling?
Yes, the rocks and small islands off the coast make the water very clear.
Can you park in Illetas?
Space is limited. Arrive early in summer or take the bus from Palma.