Where We Eat in Palmanova & Magaluf
Sea-view dinners, beach lunches and the bars that keep the night going.
Palmanova, Mallorca: The Calm Beach Town Next to Magaluf
The quieter side of Calvià: three beaches, slow mornings and Magaluf only minutes away.
Updated: November 2026
Palmanova (also written Palma Nova) is Magaluf's next-door neighbour, but the two couldn't be more different. Magaluf is the party town; Palmanova is where couples, families and anyone after an easy beach day end up.
We live a few minutes away, and this is where we go when we want sun and sea without the noise.
Quick Look: The Beaches
| Beach | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Es Carregador | ~600 m | quiet mornings, clear water |
| Platja de Palmanova | ~1 km | families: playgrounds, shade, grass |
| Son Maties | ~1.2 km | beachfront restaurants, sunset drinks |
All three have lifeguards, sunbeds and showers.
Es Carregador
The eastern end of the bay and the calmest of the three. Arrive before 10am and you'll have space to yourself, even in July.
Platja de Palmanova
The middle beach and the easiest with kids. Small playgrounds and shaded grass sit right behind the sand.
Son Maties
The biggest beach, with the best restaurants right on the sand. Come for a long lunch or sunset drinks.
On the Water
You don’t need a skipper to explore the bay. Rent a licence-free boat from the marina and spend a few hours hopping between coves at your own pace.
Prefer to stay closer to the sand? Right on the beach you can rent paddleboards, kayaks and pedal boats, which are perfect for a calm morning when the water is flat.
Things to Do Nearby
Palmanova is made for slow days, but there's plenty close by when you want a bit more action.
Water sports in Magaluf: on Magaluf beach you can try parasailing, gliding high above the bay with the whole coastline below you. For a faster ride, jump on a banana boat or a crazy UFO and let the boat pull you across the waves. Jet skis are there too.
Katmandu Park (Magaluf): an upside-down house you can actually walk through, two mini golf courses, a 4D cinema and dark rides. Easy to spend half a day there, open March to November.
Western Water Park (Magaluf): slides and lazy rivers for a full day out with kids.
Pirates Adventure (Magaluf): dinner show with acrobats flying over the audience, one of the most popular nights out on the island.
Quad tours: head off-road to hidden coves and viewpoints along the coast.
Tickets for the water park, the pirate show and quad tours are all in one place: See activities in Magaluf.
Nightlife in Palmanova
Palmanova nights are easy-going: cocktail bars and restaurants along the promenade, especially near Son Maties.
If you’re after one bar with an amazing atmosphere, it’s Iroko. After 11pm a DJ and a live singer often take over, depending on the night’s programme. Bambu restaurant, run by the same owners, now follows a similar late-night concept, so it’s a good second stop.
For a drink with a view, head to Origin at Son Maties. It’s on the first floor, so you look out over the beach from just above it. Not a rooftop, but close enough for sunset.
Hungry first? See where we eat in Palmanova & Magaluf Restaurants.
Getting There
From the airport: the A11 express bus runs from Palma airport to Palmanova and Magaluf. Check the TIB timetable, it runs on a seasonal schedule.
From Palma: line 104 (Magaluf–Palma) stops at Playa de Palmanova. Since February 2026, line 105 no longer stops at the beach.
By car: park for free on the street wherever you see white lines. Blue lines are paid. Compare car hire here.
Palmanova vs Magaluf: Which One Is Right for You?
| Palmanova | Magaluf | |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | relaxed, slower pace | loud, party-focused |
| Best for | couples, families | groups, nightlife |
| Beaches | three smaller, calmer beaches | one long beach, the nicer sand and sea |
| Nightlife | bars and restaurants on the promenade | clubs, beach parties |
FAQ
Is Palmanova a party town?
No. Palmanova is relaxed and suits couples and families. For a great night out in Palmanova, head to Iroko: a DJ and live singer after 11pm, but nothing like Magaluf. The crowd is mostly 30+. For clubs and big parties, Magaluf is right next door.
Is Palma Nova nicer than Magaluf?
As a town, yes. Palmanova is bigger, prettier and has more stylish, classy restaurants. The beach is a different story: the sand and sea in Magaluf are hard to beat.
Are there shops in Palmanova?
Plenty. Palmanova is bigger than Magaluf, so you'll find far more shops and a better selection.
Can you walk from Palmanova to Magaluf?
Yes, the two towns practically meet. From Son Maties beach it's about 7 minutes on foot. From Es Carregador, at the other end of the bay, it's a walk of nearly an hour.
How far is Palmanova from Palma Old Town?
About 15 km, roughly 20 minutes by car. By bus (line 104 from Playa de Palmanova), plan for about twice as long, around 40 minutes.
Can you get to Palmanova from the airport by bus?
Yes, the A11 express bus runs from Palma airport to Palmanova and Magaluf on a seasonal schedule.