Puerto Portals and Portals Vells: Marina and wild bays in the southwest
Portals means gates or passages in Mallorcan. There are two places on the island with this name, no more than twenty minutes apart, and they could not be more different.
Von Thorsten Kambach3 Min. Lesezeit
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Puerto Portals: the marina for sightseeing
Puerto Portals is located in Portals Nous, around ten kilometres west of Palma. The marina was built in the 1980s and remains one of the most elegant on the island: large yachts, boutiques, restaurants and bars right on the quay. You don't necessarily come here to shop, but to watch the boats over a coffee. It gets livelier in the evening, and the prices reflect this. Tip: it is quieter at lunchtime, and the menus are cheaper than in the evening.
Right next to the marina is the small beach of Portals Nous, with light sand and views of the small island off the coast. It is crowded in summer, but pleasant in the morning.
Portals Vells: pine trees, coves, a cave
Portals Vells is located at the southern end of the peninsula behind Magaluf and is the opposite of the marina: hardly any buildings, pine forest right down to the water, and three small coves. The best-known is Cala de Portals Vells, with light sand and turquoise water. Next to it is Platja des Mago, a small cove that was long known as a nudist beach.
At the edge of the main cove you will find the Cova de la Mare de Déu, a chapel carved into the rock. According to legend, it was built by sailors as thanks for their rescue. The surrounding cliffs are partly old quarries from which sandstone was extracted for Palma's buildings.
Parking and best time to visit
Parking is limited in Portals Vells, and in July and August it is full from late morning. Come before ten or after five. In Puerto Portals, there is a car park at the marina. May, June and September are ideal for both places. If you are looking for nudist beaches, you can find an overview in Nudist beaches on Mallorca.
A day in the southwest
In the morning, head to Portals Vells for swimming and snorkelling, then to the Puerto Portals marina for lunch, and continue in the afternoon to Illetas or Palma. Related articles: Illetas, Palmanova, Santa Ponsa and Snorkelling on Mallorca. If you want to get out on the water yourself, you can find boats with a skipper in Rent a yacht on Mallorca.
Accommodation nearby
The southwest is densely built up; large fincas with land are more likely to be found further inland towards Calvià, Galilea or Andratx. Houses there: Finca in western Mallorca and Finca near Palma.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Puerto Portals and Portals Vells?
Puerto Portals is a marina in Portals Nous near Palma. Portals Vells is a natural cove at the southern end of the peninsula behind Magaluf.
Can you swim in Portals Vells?
Yes, the main cove has sand and clear, mostly calm water. It is popular in summer.
Where can you park in Puerto Portals?
In the car park at the marina. There are only a few parking spaces in Portals Vells, so it is worth arriving early.
What is the cave chapel in Portals Vells?
The Cova de la Mare de Déu is a chapel carved into the rock at the edge of the cove, which according to legend was built by rescued sailors.