Palmanova: Three Sandy Beaches, a Promenade, and the Beginning of Mallorca Tourism
Palmanova is one of Mallorca's oldest holiday resorts and one of the most convenient: sandy beach, shallow water, and everything within walking distance. If you're looking for peace and quiet here, you're in the wrong place. If you want an easy beach day with small children, you're in the right place.
Von Thorsten Kambach3 Min. Lesezeit
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The resort is part of the Calvià municipality and is located around 15 kilometres west of Palma, right next to Magaluf. Palmanova was planned as a holiday resort as early as the 1930s, long before mass tourism arrived. Today it is densely built up, with hotels, apartments and a promenade that blends almost seamlessly into the neighbouring resort.
Palmanova's beaches
- Platja de Palmanova: the main beach in the town centre. Fine sand, a very shallow entry, and crowded in summer.
- Platja de Son Matet: slightly quieter and located to the west. Good for families who don't want to be right in the middle of the hustle and bustle.
- Es Carregador: the smallest of the three, framed by rocks, with clear water for snorkelling at the edges.
All three are lifeguarded and have sun loungers, umbrellas and toilets nearby. What a sun lounger costs during the season is listed in our Towel Index.
Palmanova and Magaluf: where the border runs
Palmanova and Magaluf blend into one another. The eastern part around the main beach is family-friendly; the further you walk towards Magaluf, the more bars there are and the louder the evenings become. If you come with children, stay in the Son Matet and main beach area. By the way, there are strict rules in Calvià regarding alcohol on the street and noise disturbance. Find out more in Fines on Mallorca.
What to do nearby
- Puerto Portals: the marina five minutes to the east, for dining and people-watching. Find out more in Puerto Portals and Portals Vells.
- Santa Ponsa: the next major bay to the west, with golf and a promenade. See Santa Ponsa.
- Palma: by car or bus in around 20 minutes. Ideas for the day: Palma Attractions.
- Water sports: boat tours, jet skis and catamarans depart from all around the bay. Find an overview in Catamaran Mallorca.
Getting there from the airport
By car, it takes around 25 minutes via the Ma-1 motorway. The A11 airport bus operated by Aerotib stops in Palmanova on its way from Portals Nous to Magaluf, Santa Ponsa and Peguera. Other useful information about the airport: Palma Airport.
Who Palmanova is right for
Families with small children who want short distances and sand. Anyone who wants to get by without a car. It is less suitable for couples looking for peace and quiet in the evenings and for groups that need their own pace. For them, a house inland is a better base: to the beach during the day and back to your own pool in the evening.
Accommodation: better to stay slightly away
The resort itself consists mainly of hotels and apartments. You'll find it quieter in the hills behind it or further west. You can find houses in the area under Finca in Western Mallorca and Finca near Palma.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Palmanova located?
In southwestern Mallorca, in the municipality of Calvià, around 15 kilometres west of Palma and right next to Magaluf.
Is Palmanova suitable for children?
Yes. The beaches have shallow entries, are lifeguarded and easy to reach. The area around Son Matet and the main beach is quieter than the transition to Magaluf.
Is Palmanova a party resort?
Palmanova itself is not really one, but Magaluf next door is. The closer you get to Magaluf, the livelier the evenings become.
How do I get to Palmanova from the airport?
By rental car in around 25 minutes, by taxi or by the A11 airport bus.