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Playa de Palma

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Just 4 km from the centre of Palma de Majorca and 2 km from Son Sant Joan airport, lies one of the best beaches in Majorca and in the whole Balearic Islands - Playa de Palma. Beside its numerous services and facilities, its proximity to the island's capital makes it a perfect place to explore the countless architectural and artistic treasures in and around Palma de Majorca - one of the most important cities in Spain and any of Iberostar’s Playa de Palma hotels can provide you with luxury accommodation in this area. Our chain’s policy is quality in everything, which is why staying with us means staying at the best hotels in Majorca or elsewhere.

At 4 km in length and 50 m wide Playa de Palma with its warm, crystal-clear waters and a pleasant Mediterranean climate is an optimal destination to enjoy time with your better half or spend the best family holidays in Majorca. So, are you planning a romantic getaway with your partner? Looking for a child-friendly place or simply want several days to relax and can’t decide where to stay? Choose among Iberostar’s Playa de Palma hotels and all your needs will be satisfied.

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Booking until 04/15/25 - Stay to 04/30/25

What to see in Playa de Palma and near

If you are staying in Playa de Palma and making a list of places to visit in Majorca, we advise you to concentrate your attention on Palma de Majorca and its endless historical and cultural attractions.

Probably the number one place of interest in this vibrant city is The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, or simply Palma Cathedral built in 1630, more commonly referred to as La Seu. Its facade exhibits one of the largest rose windows ever built in Levantine Gothic style that gave the cathedral its popular name – the Gothic eye. In addition, this is the only Gothic cathedral built by the sea. Inside, as part of the decoration, there is a mural by Miquel Barceló and the famous avant-garde architect Antoni Gaudí was involved in its reconstruction, although he left the project after an argument with the contractor in 1914.

Just in front of the Cathedral stands palace of the Almudaina - an official building, constructed on the site of an arabesque fortress, which the Royal Family use as an official residence for ceremonies and State receptions.

Another remarkable item among local religious buildings is the Lluc monastery, an obligatory pilgrimage site for those wanted to worship the Virgin of Lluc – the patron saint of Majorca.

Bellver Castle dating back to 14th-century is also well worth a visit. It is one of only three European castles with a circular layout, offering an exceptional view over the Bay of Palma. Today the caves in the forest surrounding the castle are open for visitors once more. Another similar attraction is the Bendinat castle, built in the 19th century by the 3rd marquis of la Romana.

As for museums, it is highly recommended to visit the Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation, the Joan March Foundation and the Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum, which compete with the Palma Aquarium for tourists’ attention. Opened in 2007, it is the largest aquarium in Europe and a place where you can observe aquatic fauna from around the world.

Finally, it is worth having a closer look at the Porto Pí lighthouse - the third oldest lighthouse in the world still in operation, located in the bay at the end of the promenade in Palma known as the Paseo Marítimo.

So, as you see, your Majorca holidays can be very intense in a cultural sense should you decide to stay in Playa de Palma.

Things to do in Playa de Palma

Playa de Palma is one of the most visited beaches in Majorca. With fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters, it is more than 4.5 km long and 30 m wide. Lying next to the Paseo Marítimo promenade, the beach is easily accessible with highly developed infrastructure and is very well equipped. This means Playa de Palma beach has surveillance and service accessibility, facilities for people with functional diversity (in the spa area 15), showers, public restrooms, kiosks and sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, etc. Hence, this is an ideal place to enjoy the sun and warm temperatures of Majorca together with the whole family.

In addition, Playa de Palma is an excellent destination for water sports fans. In fact, this beach allows you to practice surfing, paddle surfing or kayaking. It is even possible to rent some pedal boats for a fun ride. What is more we must point out that at one end of the beach there is the Marina which houses the S'Arenal de Llucmajor Sailing Club - an ideal place to navigate the coast of Majorca.

In Palma de Majorca, there is no better way to leave your worries behind than walking along the Calvià promenade which is considered the lungs of the island’s capital.

And for those planning to get married in Majorca it is useful to know, that the Palma Aquarium offers the chance to celebrate a wedding in a very original way - under the sea!

Moreover, in Palma de Majorca there are a great number of restaurants, where it is hard to resist the flavours of the authentic Majorcan cuisine. In addition, of course, the city has a lot to offer in terms of nightlife - numerous pubs, clubs, discos and terraces with nice views, where you can have a drink, dance, socialize and have fun are at your disposal.

The best hotels in Playa de Palma

In order to comfortably enjoy all the attractions of Playa de Palma, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts invites you to spend an unforgettable holiday in Majorca at any of the three Iberostar hotels in Playa de Palma.

If you are looking for an exceptionally comfortable seafront hotel, we encourage you to choose the Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma – 5-star hotel in Majorca, with its spa, luxury rooms and a gourmet restaurant where one can try the best Majorcan dishes.

Moreover, we also have two 4-star hotels in Playa de Palma: the Iberostar Waves Cristina and the Iberostar Waves Bahía de Palma. These outstanding hotels offering a spa and sea views, provide you with all the necessary services and facilities to make your stay unforgettable. For all this and more Iberostar Waves Bahía de Palma adults only hotel guarantees you total peace and quiet and the best couples-holidays.

On the other hand, Iberostar Waves Cristina is one of the best family hotels in Majorca. This hotel is an ideal place for holidaying with children, as it offers an indoor heated pool as well as a pool for children, where the little ones will have a great time while staying completely safe. Plus, if you are spending your holiday in Majorca, then cycling is a great way to enjoy the island and our staff at Iberostar Waves Cristina will gladly arrange this activity for you.

Check out our Majorca holiday deals and book a room at one of Iberostar’s hotels in Playa de Palma - the best resorts in Majorca. We guarantee you a perfect holiday!

Infinity pool overlooking the beach of Palma.

All the beaches of Playa de Palma

Playa de Palma’s beaches stretch over most of the Palma bay, offering visitors a thousand and one ways of enjoying the sun, the sea – and their holidays. Extensive sands a pebble’s throw from the city, cosy coves set in stunning natural areas, family beaches, secluded corners for romantic couples, rocks, salt and a good slice of the Mediterranean Sea!

Main beaches in Playa de Palma:

  • Palma beach: Palma is the main beach on the bay and among the best in terms of facilities, services and entertainment for families, groups of youngsters and couples. A huge, 4km-long, 50m-wide sand, it is peppered with umbrellas and divided into various resorts, with small beach bars lining the sea promenade where beachgoers can have a drink or a snack as they stare at the sea.
  • S’Arenal beach: This bright and spacious beach features brown sand and calm shallow waters, which makes it ideal for kids. It is part of the same beach as Palma, but it belongs to a different district: Llucmajor. They are separated by a sort of bridge known as Torrent dels Jueus, and they are different in ambiance, since this beach tends to attract locals.
  • Cala Estancia beach: Adjoining Palma beach towards the centre of town there is this lovely sandy beach, with crystal-clear water and a family atmosphere. Providing a wide array of services, it is safe for kids or for a romantic time. It is surrounded by traditional restaurants where to taste creamy rice or paella.
  • Es Carnatge beaches: This bunch of rocky coves along the coastline is one of the best-preserved natural areas in Playa de Palma: Es Carnatge wetlands. Adjoining the sea promenade, the wetlands are easily reached from Cala Estancia, in the direction of the town centre. The beaches are pet-friendly and welcome cyclists, as there is a nice bike lane.
  • Cala Blava beach: One of the favourite areas with locals, Cala Blava and the little coves around it are the result of sea inlets. Some of them are sandy, ideal for families with kids – like Cala Blava itself. Others just feature rocks plunging into the sea. The water is impossibly clean. Although pretty secluded, they are clearly signposted.
a building next to the ocean

Activities in Playa de Palma

If you want to know what to see and what to do in Playa de Palma, check out the many activities available in this area of the Palma bay: Europe’s largest aquarium, contemporary art exhibitions, a castle affording breathtaking views of the bay… Being so close to the town centre, Playa de Palma is one of the liveliest beach destinations in Majorca.

What to do and what to see in Playa de Palma:

  • Palma Aquarium: Considered to be the largest aquarium in Europe, Palma Aquarium houses hundreds of unique species, hailing from all the seas and oceans in the world. It makes an ideal sight for the little ones, or for visitors wanting to spend a day far from the madding crowd, enjoying the curiosities of nature. The aquarium is also a venue for special events, including a wedding party or two under the sea!
  • Majorca Cathedral: Known as ‘La Seu’ among locals, the cathedral is the main religious building on the island – and one of its icons around the world. In fact, it is the only gothic cathedral standing by the sea. Surrounded by walls, the Majorca cathedral sits right at the starting point of the old Jewish quarter. Its most remarkable features include the huge rose window on the main façade and a mural by Miquel Barceló.
  • La Almudaina Palace: Opposite the Cathedral’s main entrance and overlooking the sea, La Almudaina is one of the official residences of the Spanish royal family, who come here in the summer. Built on foundations of an old Arab fortress following the lines of the palace in Perpignan, it was renovated in the fourteenth century.
  • Es Baluard Museum of Contemporary Art: This avant-garde museum stands along the only stretch of city walls that has come down to us in Palma, in the direction of the Bellver castle. In the heart of the Old Town, its modern building rises in sharp contrast to the surrounding constructions in Palma, with a surprising effect on visitors. In addition to its permanent collection of modern and contemporary art, the museum sets up interesting temporary exhibitions.
  • Portopí Lighthouse: The third oldest lighthouse in operation in the world, Portopí marks the terminus of the Palma bay and its sea promenade. With a range of 22nmi, the lighthouse has an adjoining building displaying a collection of tools to send maritime signs in the Balearic Islands throughout the centuries.
  • Bellver Castle: This castle sitting on a hill affords breathtaking views of the Palma bay and Sierra Tramuntana. Hence the name: ‘Bellver’ being ‘nice vista’ in the Majorcan language. Built in the Gothic style in the fourteenth century, it is one of a few castles with a circular floor plan in Europe. Today, the castle houses the Palma History Museum.

Experiences in Playa de Palma

Playa de Palma is a holiday destination delivering a thousand and one experiences of different kinds, filling visitors with unique personal moments and transforming places into the settings of unforgettable memories. Long days on the beach, endless laughter at the water park, a day out at sea, brushed by the breeze on the Palma bay, a cycle tour to the town centre, a stroll down cosy alleyways, shopping, sipping a cocktail by the sea… Playa de Palma is a place you should experience by yourself.

Experiences in Playa de Palma: What to do

  • Cycle tours along the coast: A long bike line runs along the coastline of Palma bay from S’Arenal to Can Barbará, inviting visitors to explore the area on two wheels. It is a simple, flat course, about 15km long, perfect for relaxing rides as you take in the amazing views, stop for a snack or even get off your bike for a shopping spree.
  • Tapas in Molinar: This old fishing village is not one of the most exclusive districts in Majorca. Low houses in the Mediterranean style overlooking the sea flank the sea promenade, where restaurants serve delicious traditional tapas with views of the sun going down Sierra de Tramuntana – one of the most charming sunsets in Palma.
  • Nightlife in Playa de Palma: Dining by the sea, sipping a cocktail or two, joining in the lively atmosphere, enjoying yourself until dawn… An evening out in Playa de Palma is a must for holidaymakers coming to Majorca. The beach is lined with bars and nightclubs, chill-out lounges and alluring DJ sessions.
  • Courtyard tour in Palma: Hidden in the beating heart of town, the courtyards are the heart and soul of the palaces and mansions in the Old Town of Palma. There are several guided tours to see those still existing and well-preserved. Or you can explore them on your own, on foot or sitting in a horse-drawn carriage.
  • Catamaran rides across the bay: Boats and small cruise ships depart from the Palma marina every day on two- or three-hour tours across the bay, reaching secluded coves and offering a barbecue or paella on board.
  • Boutiques and shops in Palma: You cannot leave Playa de Palma without going shopping at least once. Although there are many shops in the beach area, brand boutiques are to be found in the centre of town and in shopping centres. Sant Miquel, Jaime II and Jaime III are the most popular streets with shoppers. You can find arts and crafts shops here too

Events in Playa de Palma

Popular events and festivals in Playa de Palma are the best complement to a leisure or business trip to Palma de Mallorca. Throughout the year, they fill up a calendar with colours and traditions, opening a window to the customs and the character of the Majorcan capital. Saint John’s Eve, with bonfires all along the beach in Playa de Palma, and the Feast of El Carmen are among the most striking.

Major events in Playa de Palma

  • 19-20 January – Feast of Saint Sebastian: Palma has its most important celebrations in January, with a full programme of activities, traditions and entertainment. Celebrations reach their peak on 19 and 20 January. On the evening of the 19th, there are concerts on almost every beach and BBQ cookouts, with people sharing dinner on the street. On the 20th, the striking correfoc de dimonis (life-run with demons) and fireworks in front of the Cathedral.
  • February – Carnival in Palma: In Palma, there is carnival for children (Sa Rueta) and carnival for adults (Sa Rua). Both fill the downtown streets with colour, rhythm and laughter. Carnival is also a time of culinary traditions, an ideal time to savour the most genuine Majorcan flavours.
  • 1 March – Day of the Balearic Islands: The greatest regional fiesta gains strength in the capital city: folk music shows, party, arts and crafts fair, local sports, children’s games, and a medieval market opening the door to old Majorca.
  • April – Angel Sunday: The Bellver Castle is the setting of Pancaritat, a popular festival held after Easter. It includes a traditional uphill procession to the castle and a big picnic with family activities up there.
  • 10 June – Corpus Christi: In this traditional religious feast, natural flower carpets cover the streets to welcome folk bands. Activities include a classical music festival.
  • 23 June – Saint John’s Eve: This is one of the most popular festivals in Playa de Palma. On the evening of 23 June, the beaches are invaded by locals who burn bonfires in circles to scare off evil spirits. At midnight, many of the merrymakers take a swim in the warm water, while others throw a candle to the sea and make a wish. At some points there is music until dawn.
  • July – Mallorca Pop: This open-air festival gathers Spanish and international pop artists and bands for one of the largest concerts held in Playa de Palma. Hundreds of people of all ages get together on the beach to see their favourite artists in a lively family atmosphere.
  • July/August – Palma Flamenco Festival: Concerts, exhibitions and courses conducted by some of the leading flamenco artists are all part of this festival held in Palma in the second half of July or the first half of August. Some of the artists who have performed in Palma at the Flamenco Festival are Tomatito, Remedios Amaya and Diego Carrasco.

Sports holidays for all the family in Playa de Palma

Playa de Palma is a place to enjoy sports with your family or friends: hiking, cycle touring, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, diving, running… Modern facilities and a location close to Sierra de Tramuntana and amazing natural areas like those in Migjorn invite visitors to engage in all manners of outdoor activities, from riding a horse to playing golf.

Sports in Playa de Palma

  • Golf in Playa de Palma: The city is surrounded by some of the best golf courses in Majorca, delighting elegant golfers with magnificent landscapes: Maioris/Llucmajor cliffs, Son Vida hills… 18-hole courses for players of all levels.
  • Sailing in S’Arenal: On S’Arenal beach, in the south of Playa de Palma, there is the S’Arenal Royal Yacht Club, a renowned sailing school and a meeting point for sea-loving locals in the Palma bay. The club organises intensive courses for visitors and regattas all year round.
  • Paddle tennis in Playa de Palma: Paddle tennis is an incredibly popular sport in Playa de Palma. There are many top-rate courts to play across the city, close to the beach, and local tournaments unfolding all the time.
  • Cycle touring in Llucmajor: Cycling is one of the most popular sports in Playa de Palma. The area attracts many professional cycling teams, coming for their pre-season training sessions. To the south, in Llucmajor, there are several safe signposted trails for cycle tourers.
  • Running along the sea promenade: Running is a very simple sport. Perhaps this is why its fans are counted by the thousands. In Playa de Palma, they get up early in the morning to feel the sea breeze in their faces. Most of them choose the sea promenade connecting Playa de Palma with Palma for their morning or sunset runs, covering many kilometres by the Mediterranean Sea.
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