Beaches Around Palma de Mallorca
Find soft sands, peaceful coves & the best beaches near Palma de Mallorca!
While Palma de Mallorca is best known for its historic architecture, lively marina, and vibrant dining scene, the city is also surrounded by several beautiful beaches. Within a short drive from the center, visitors can find everything from long sandy beaches with full facilities to small turquoise coves tucked between rocky cliffs.
Many of the beaches near Palma are easily accessible by car, taxi, or even public transport, making them perfect for a quick escape from the city. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed swim, a beach club atmosphere, or a quiet cove for snorkeling, the coastline around Palma offers a variety of options.
Below are some of the best beaches to visit within a short distance of the city.
Playa de Palma — Long Sandy Beach
Playa de Palma offers a long stretch of sand that runs for several kilometers along the coast east of the city. Thanks to its size and convenient location, it is one of the most popular beaches near Palma.
The beach features a wide seaside promenade lined with restaurants, cafés, and beach bars. It is particularly popular for walking, cycling, and water sports, as the promenade connects Palma with nearby coastal neighborhoods such as Portixol, Molinar, and Can Pastilla.
Along this stretch of coastline you’ll also find several well-known beach clubs where visitors can combine a beach day with lunch or sunset drinks. Spots such as Purobeach Palma and Anima Beach offer stylish seaside terraces and relaxed lounge atmospheres. If you’re looking for more recommendations, you can find a full overview in our guide to the best beach clubs in Mallorca.
Distance from Palma center: about 10–15 minutes by car.
Portixol and Molinar — Local Beaches by the Promenade
East of Palma’s marina, the coastal neighborhoods of Portixol and Molinar offer a more local beach atmosphere. While the beaches here are smaller than Playa de Palma, they are popular with residents thanks to their relaxed vibe and excellent seaside restaurants.
Distance from Palma center: 5–10 minutes by car.
Cala Major — The Closest Beach to Palma
Located just west of Palma, Cala Major is the closest beach to the city center and one of the easiest to reach. The beach is only about 10 minutes by car from Palma and can also be accessed by local bus.
Despite its proximity to the city, Cala Major offers clear turquoise water and soft golden sand. The beach is relatively small but well-equipped, with sunbed rentals, restaurants, and beach bars nearby. Several cafés and restaurants line the promenade, making it easy to combine a beach visit with lunch overlooking the sea.
Because of its convenient location, Cala Major is particularly popular among visitors staying in Palma who want a quick beach break without traveling far.
Illetas and Cala Comtesa — Convenient Beaches
Close to Palma Located just west of Palma, the Illetas area offers some of the closest and most convenient beaches near the city. The beaches here are easy to reach and well suited for visitors who want to combine sightseeing in Palma with a few hours by the sea.
The main beach, Platja d’Illetes, is a small sandy beach with full facilities, including sunbed and umbrella rentals, showers, and several restaurants nearby. Because of its size, the beach can fill up quickly during summer, so arriving in the morning is usually the best option.
Paid parking is available near the beach, although spaces are limited during peak season. Illetas can also be reached from Palma by local bus in about 20 minutes, making it accessible even without a car.
Just a few minutes’ walk away is Cala Comtesa, a smaller cove often preferred by visitors looking for a quieter atmosphere. Access to the beach is via a short path from the nearby residential area. There are fewer facilities than at Illetas, but a small beach bar and limited sunbeds are available during the summer months.
