The Bay of Palma in Mallorca is one of the most gorgeous in the world. It is a big crescent of sandy beaches, coves and inlets spreading out east and west from Palma city and is dotted with dozens of lovely places to visit for days out or to stay.
Written by Joan Scales
Bay of Palma – Places to Stay
Considering the recent hike in hotel prices in Palma, the city of Mallorca, you can stay outside the city for a lot less. You can give the big hotel prices in Palma City a miss and stay in one of these lovely seaside villages just a short cycle or walk away.
One of the huge changes in Mallorca over recent years has been the addition of cycle tracks everywhere. Cycling is big here and well catered for, there are dedicated cycle tracks all over the island. There are many cycle hire places and most hotel also rent bikes, usually around €8 per day. There is a cycle track all along the Bay of Palma and here are a few of my favourite towns to stay in near the city.
Ca’n Pastilla
Ca’n Pastilla is a classic holiday town, there is long sandy beach, lots of loungers and the water is shallow and safe. This small town has a great variety of hotels and places to stay from boutique hotels to traditional seaside ones. Marcelo’s Restaurant serving the freshest fish was excellent and very reasonable.
Amic Hotels have a number or properties in Ca’n Pastilla, see here. I recently stayed in the Miraflores Hotel, for €60 per night. The A2 bus will drop you here from the airport in ten minutes for €6. Being close to Palma Airport means there is some aircraft noise, but you get used to it.
El Molinar
This is a long street of a town facing the beach. It is ideal for those that like to be active on holidays with lots of outdoor gym equipment and a lovely playground. There is a find path along the coast to Palma. The beach is lovely too. There are not so many hotels here but there are holiday homes to rent. Some are traditional houses that has been carefully renovated. First line to the beach is always the most expensive rental, see Airbnb.
Portixol
This tiny fishing village is only minutes from the city, yet feels miles away, You can walk to Palma city from here easily. It is home to a fishing port, a yacht club and the most stylish hotel, the Portixol. This is definitely a Lotto winner’s hotel, achingly Scandinavian in style. It is worth a visit, even if it is €12 for a gin and tonic. There are a few very nice restaurants here, specialising in fish, of course. Other accommodation in Portixol is private rentals from Airbnb and similar sites.
Ses Illetes
The beach at this little town is gorgeous and well worth getting there early in the day to bag a spot. The accommodation is a mix of old style and modern hotels, villas and apartment blocks. It is the perfect place to combine a sea and city break, with the great nightlife in Palma only minutes away. It’s a great spot to park yourself with sundowners at that time of the day when the sun goes down over the Bay.
Port Andriano
South west of Palma city is this quieter place and it is less crowded than other beaches. The Pure Salt Port Andriano Hotel is a gorgeous property on the clifftop with great views across the Bay of Palma and the exclusive marina. Designed by Philippe Starck it is an adults-only resort with huge rooms and balconies. There is a cove below the hotel for sun bathing and swimming.
While away your time checking out the luxury superyachts in the marina, also designed by Starck. There is also a good selection of golf courses in this area too. See hotel site here.
