Not too far from my last post on Ibiza, and staying with the Balearic Islands – let´s relax for a while on the magnificent Island of Mallorca.
Nothing makes a person yearn for some Spanish sunshine than a glance at a shot of clear warm blue water and soft white sand on a stunning beach…so why not head for the best and spend some time getting to know the playas of Mallorca.
Mallorcan coastline
You say tomato
What do you say? Majorca? Mallorca? Either way, it´s the same meaning – the larger Island as opposed to Menorca – the smaller sister. You may already have booked a week or two here in Mallorca for your Summer break – lucky you – and are already looking forward to some serious sunbathing.
What do you look for in a beach? Water sports? Big waves? Safe shallow waters? Soft sand?
Let´s browse the sands of this Island and see what it has to offer the discerning beach lizard!
Could this be easier?! Mallorca has some of the absolutely best beaches around – the only hard thing is deciding where to pitch your parasol! Okay, bucket and spade ready….
R-e-l-a-x-i-n-g in Mallorca
The centre – Palma
Let´s start in Palma – straight off the plane find your holiday rental accommodation in Palma and then it´s straight to the beach to start your holiday in style!
Playa de Palma – East of Palma, over 4.5 kms long – and always busy. Lots of beach life, great for kids with it´s fine grain sand and shallow water easing down with a safe and gentle slope. This crowd pleaser of a beach means that it also has a guaranteed good amount of restaurants, café´s and ice cream huts, toilets, lifeguards and all that you would expect.
Cala Mayor to the West of Palma is just 200 m long, and has recently been given a facelift with a now dredging of fine sand. This beach tends to be more local, although can also get busy in the high season. You might find yourself rubbing bikini straps with some Royal ones too – just behind the beach is the official Summer residence of the Spanish Royal Family - Palacio Marivent. You never know… look out for the suncream with the little crown! No, not really!
A royal residence! The Palace in Mallorca
West
To the West of Palma, you´ll find Magaluf. This is the young, vibrant and noisy capital for clubbing, nightlife and crowds of 18 – 30ish revellers. So the beach is probably quiet during the day with everyone sleeping off the night before! If you´re young, free and single then this is your destination. More fine sand and clear waters, but this time populated with Water skis, Jet skis and inflatable Banana boats with screeches included.
If something more sedate is what you have in mind, then stroll over to Palma Nova beach, 600 metres long with fine white sand and clear clean waters – perfect for children and families. There are actually three beaches here in Palma Nova, all connected by a wide, smart promenade on which to paseo in the early evening before a delicious fish dinner..
No crowds in April! Mallorca beach
North
North to Alcudia, the best known and most popular destination in Mallorca, where for years families have been coming here for the safe and friendly beaches, white sand and shallow warm waters. There´s a large playground at one end of the beach, and reasonable restaurants to take the whole family for lunch just behind. Easy to see why this beach is one of the most popular…
Take that recommendation and choose from one of these Alcudia holiday homes to rent and enjoy your Mallorcan family holiday.
Puerto Pollensa is an alternative to Alcudia, with similar sands and waters but a little quieter and more couples than families. A lovely pine clad resort with cooling evening walks, and a superb beach. Here´s an apartment close to the water´s edge….or choose from lots more Puerto Pollensa properties by clicking here.
Step into the warm waters of Mallorca
East
Five beautiful coves make up Golden Cove Cala D´or. Small sandy beaches, more azure clear and warm water…I´m relaxed just telling you about it! Discover all five yourself…
Stunning coves of Mallorca
South
Lastly, certainly not least let´s head down South and meet the beach that has been referred to as the best beach in Europe. Quite a claim, and well deserved…the south of the Island is home to the famous Es Trenc. You might be forgiven for thinking you have arrived in the Caribbean – but of course without the long haul flight…crystal clear waters, shallow and gently sloping, 2 kms of brilliantly white fine sand, and still unspoilt and undeveloped. Even better, you can travel light, as es Trenc is also one of Mallorca´s Official Nudist Beaches. No unsightly strap marks then!
Cala Pi is another stunning Southerly beach.
Note: there is rather a steep staircase leading down to the beach, but there is also free parking right to this point.
Only 45 metres long but quite wide, it´s a popular spot for couples and those seeking a quieter beach to lounge on. Surrounded by the pine trees that it is named for, there are parasols and sunbeds for hire. There are no water sports here either, adding to the tranquil atmosphere, but the snorkeling is especially good…it´s a peaceful and a rather romantic destination.
As the sun sets on your Mallorcan holiday, you´ll surely be contemplating a return visit to this idyllic Isle…
Sunset
Is that it? Unbelievably not – there are lots more beaches to discover on Mallorca, long sandy stretches, tiny private coves, rocky inlets – whatever type of beachcomber you happen to be – Mallorca is where you can be king of your own sandcastle!
Flickr credits for the photographs to LKEM/Dirk Hartung/Pim van de Heuvel/Boris van Hoytema
