Majorca beaches

Although only a fairly small island, Majorca has a 188-mile coastline with numerous beautiful beaches of fine golden sand and secluded rocky bays. Some of Majorca’s beaches occupy wide, sweeping bays that have easy access and a lively, bustling atmosphere, but Majorca also has many hidden gems that can only be accessed on foot or by boat.

The most popular stretches of sand are those at Magaluf and Palma Nova in the south, where there is a great party atmosphere, while Alcudia in the north occupies a huge bay and is more sedate. The fishermen’s calas and picturesque little coves of the east, such as Cala d’Or and Cala Millor, offer sheltered beaches and stunning seascapes.

Services and facilities on the larger, more established Majorca beaches are second to none, with every type of accommodation on offer from room only to self-catering hotels, as well as five star resorts. You will find numerous cafés and restaurants catering mainly for foreign palates and the range of entertainment and nightlife is astounding.

For safety, the major Majorca beaches use a flag system with green flags indicating no danger, yellow flagged beaches denoting unsuitability for toddlers and beaches marked with red flags signifying that swimming is dangerous. Water sports are available at most Majorca beaches and you can also snorkel and take scuba diving lessons.

The following is a list of Majorca’s main beaches:

Southwest beaches
Magaluf: is southwest of Palma and well known for its legendary nightlife and huge range of entertainment options. The beach is a long and wide sweeping bay that boasts comprehensive facilities including every type of water sport.

Palma Nova: is Magaluf’s northerly neighbour with a wide bay and is a little more laid back in atmosphere, yet bustling nonetheless.

Cala Mayor/Major (Palma): is farther north of Palma, with a fairly narrow sandy beach that is easily accessible and boasts a sports area.

Santa Ponca: is west of Magaluf over hilly terrain and winding roads. Santa Ponça is a large resort with plenty of hotels, bars and restaurants and has a fine golden beach. Popular with all ages, Santa Ponça offers all water sports and boat trips.

Southern beaches
Playa de Palma: isn’t far from the capital city of Palma and is a very long surfing beach with great facilities including hotels, restaurants and bars, and horseback riding.

El Arenal: is popular with German tourists and lies midway between Palma and Lucmajor. A residential resort of golden sands featuring Club Nautico, a yacht and sailing club, this is a delightful destination.

Ciudad Jardin: is a long sandy beach with excellent tourist facilities including umbrellas and sun beds, as well as a sports area.

Northern beaches
Alcudia: is renowned as one of the best beaches in Majorca for its fine, white sands; it occupies the bay of the same name and is a popular family resort. Loaded with hotels, restaurants, bars and good facilities with an abundance of water sports on offer, Alcudia beach is fantastic.

Pollenca beaches: encompass the northern Majorcan coastline and consist of fine golden and white sandy bays and secluded rocky coves. Puerto Pollenca itself occupies the bay next to Alcudia Bay and features all services.

C’an Picafort: is located in Alcudia Bay and is another popular German- orientated resort where activities are mostly hotel based.

North-western beaches
Puerto de Sóller: is a medium sized sand and gravel beach. The mainly residential Puerto de Sóller has many hotels, bars and restaurants, as well as some water sports activities on offer.

Puerto de Valldemossa: is a gravel beach in a residential area and is small, yet picturesque, with minimal facilities.

Eastern beaches
Playa de San Lorenzo: is a long, very wide sandy beach that is popular with families and loaded with tourist facilities. There are numerous accommodation options, eateries and bars, as well as sports facilities, including horseback riding.

Porto Cristo: lies south of Cala Millor and occupies a compact and picturesque bay with fine sands and plentiful facilities.

Cala d'Or: is south of Porto Cristo and is situated in a quiet, sheltered bay where the emphasis is on peace and quiet.