Beaches Around Palma de Mallorca

Updated: August 2026

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.

Getting around: most of these beaches are easiest to reach by car. Compare rental prices on DiscoverCars, or see our full car rental guide.

Playa de Palma — Long Sandy Beach

Playa de Palma offers a long stretch of sand running for several kilometers along the coast east of the city — the pick if you want space, water sports, and a lively promenade.

Distance: about 10–15 minutes by car from central Palma
Good for: walking, cycling and water sports along the promenade connecting to Portixol, Molinar and Can Pastilla
Beach clubs: Purobeach Palma and Anima Beach for lunch or sunset drinks — see our full guide to the best beach clubs in Mallorca

Portixol and Molinar — Local Beaches by the Promenade

East of Palma's marina, Portixol and Molinar offer a more local beach atmosphere — smaller than Playa de Palma, popular with residents for the relaxed vibe and excellent seaside restaurants.

Distance: 5–10 minutes by car from central Palma
Vibe: smaller and quieter than Playa de Palma, popular with locals
Good for: a shorter visit combined with a meal by the water

Cala Major — One of the Closest Beaches to Palma

Cala Major is one of the closest beach to central Palma and one of the easiest to reach — good if you're short on time, though its proximity means it gets busy.

Note: Cala Major is the main beach in the area, but you’ll also find several smaller coves nearby. Our top pick is Caló des Macs, a quieter spot just along the coast.

Distance: about 10 minutes by car, or reachable by local bus
Facilities: sunbed rentals, restaurants and beach bars; cafés line the promenade
Good for: a quick beach break combined with lunch, without traveling far

Illetas and Cala Comtesa — Convenient Beaches

Just west of Palma, the Illetas area offers some of the closest and most convenient beaches near the city — easy to combine with a few hours of sightseeing in Palma.

Platja d'Illetes

Facilities: full facilities — sunbed and umbrella rentals, showers, several restaurants nearby
Getting there: about 20 minutes from Palma by local bus, or by car — paid parking nearby, limited in peak season
Good for: going early — it's small and fills up quickly in summer

Cala Comtesa

Access: a short walk from Illetas, via a path from the nearby residential area
Facilities: fewer than Illetas — a small beach bar and limited sunbeds, summer only
Good for: a quieter atmosphere than Illetas