MALLORCA GUIDES

SOUTHWEST MALLORCA

Island Guides Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca,  Andratx,  Bendinat, Ca's Català, Cala Mayor/San Agustin, Calvià, Costa d'en Blanes, Palmanova, Portals Nous, Port d'Andratx, Portitxol,

Puerto Portals, Sant Elm

Work in progress - if you have any destination reports you would like included, or would like to share any information or photos other visitors may find of interest, please email us.

On an island whose name was synonymous with mass tourism, Palma surprises by its cultural richness. After conquering the Island in 1229 Jaime I wrote “It seemed to me....the most beautiful city we had ever seen”.

Gothic but modern, traditional, but affluent and chic, Palma, the capital of the Balearic islands since 1983, is now considered by many as one of Spain's most vibrant and appealing cities. The setting alone is striking, gently curving around a broad sheltered bay, 20 km wide and 25 km long. But when viewed for the first time from the sea or the water's edge at sunset, the sheer beauty of the cathedral, “La Seu”, with it's graceful forefront fountain, and royal palace, is breathtaking, the sandstone facade seeming to rise out of the historic old city walls, shimmering like gold, it's magnificence reflected by the artificial lake below.

Half of Mallorca's some 400,000 population live here, and to many lslanders it is known simply as “Ciutat”, the City. Some of the best restaurants and shops are to be found here, together with an array of historic sights. 
An ambitious city, it has shed its dusty provincialism of yesteryear, developing much of its dilapidated old suburban buildings into a wonderful ensemble of lively shopping areas with a maze of pedestrianised lanes and lovely refurbished old buildings, all enclosed by what remains of the old city walls and its replacement boulevards. Palma is easily reached by bus or car from anywhere in Mallorca.

Orientation
Palma's most interesting places worthy of a visit are located in the city centre, with the Via Cintura ring road encircling it's northern perimeter, and the Paseo Maritimo running along the centre's southern limits across the harbour frontage.
The city centre itself is crossed by four interconnecting avenues: Passeo de Borne /Passeig d'es Born (where the main shops start from, taking you into the pedestrianised back streets of the old town), Avenida Jaime III/Avinguda Jaume III (the smaller El Corte Inglés), c/ Unió and La Rambla/Passeig de la Rambla. Use these four roads to guide yourself around the centre since the jigsaw of side-streets and squares can be fairly confusing. Central Palma is about 2 km in diameter, roughly 30 minutes walk from one side to the other.

The Municipality
Due to the huge demographic growth of Palma in the wake of the island's phenomenal tourist boom, Palma's official municipal boundaries stretch over 440 m² of land.  It does not spread out in a normal fashion, but encircles the city limits as well as spreading along the coastal and major transportation routes.  The official areas within the suburbs of Palma are:

I          City center
II         Gènova & San Agustin
III        Sa Vileta & Cabrera
IV         Establiments, Son Sardina, Es Secar de La Real, Sa Indioteria
V          Green belt
VI         Es Coll d ’en Rabassa
VII        Ca’n Pastilla, Es Pil·larí, Platja de Palma
VIII       Sa Creu Vermella, Son Sant Joan, Sa Casa Blanca, Sant Jordi, S'Aranjassa

Parking
Parking in the centre of Palma can be a nightmare for the unfamiliar, so we highly recommend you park on the outskirts or in the free parking areas you will find in the centre of the Paseo Maritimo, after Cappuccinos going west. However, if you know Palma there is a good car park in front of the Cathedral alongside the Paseo Maritimo in the Parc de la Mar. Otherwise you may be lucky along the waterfront or along the smaller side roads. Metered parking commences 9AM-2PM and 5PM-8PM, and on Saturdays 9AM-1.30PM, although there can be slight variations between zones. The longest you are able to park for is 2 hours, excluding lunch times. The police are pretty hot on parking fines, but if you return within 1 hour of the termination of your ticket you can feed a smaller fine into the machine using your expired ticket, approximately 5.00 euro. Otherwise you stand to pay as much as 90.00 euros (if paid within 10 days there is a 10% discount.  Look on the back of the parking fine for the banks you can pay them at. Please note - certain banks may only allow you to pay bills or fines between 8.30-10.30AM!).

Siteseeing
We do not presume to be a tourist "guidebook", but have compiled the following overview in order to give you a flavour of the area.

1. La Seu/The Cathedral
Mon-Fri 10AM-5.30PM, Sat 10AM-1.30PM
According to Legend, when a fierce gale threatened to sink the invading fleet of Jaume I of Aragon and Catalunya in 1229, the desperate King promised to build a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary if the expedition against the Moors was successful. It was, and Jaume fulfilled his promise, starting construction work the following year. Wishing also to make a political statement he proceeded to build it right on top of the Great Mosque, inside the Almundaina, the old Moorish citadel.
La Seu in fact, was 500 years in the making! Although there are architectural discrepancies, the church remains essentially Gothic. The massive exterior buttresses form its most distinctive feature, taking the weight of the pillars within. Its structure is most impressive viewed from the waterfront esplanade, particularly at night, lit up against the City's twilight backdrop, and starlit sky.
Well worth a visit, particularly for those interested in the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s work, who was responsible for renovation work between 1904 and 1915.

2. Palau de l’Almudaina
c/ Palau Reial
Mon-Fri 10AM-6.30PM (closed 2-4PM October-March) Saturday and holidays 10AM-2PM
This striking building originated as a Roman settlement. It was then made into an Arab fortress and finally converted into a royal palace. Islamic and Gothic architecture have been harmoniously combined into what is now an official royal residence for the King and Queen of Spain in which to entertain special visitors. The building also contains a museum and is the military headquarters for the Balearic Islands.

3. The Banys Arabs (Arab Baths)
c/ Can Serra, 7
Daily: April-Nov 9.30AM-8PM; Dec-March 9.30AM-7PM
This 10th century hammam (bath house) is one of few remaining relics from the Moorish past. The arches of the domed chamber rest on stone pillars, probably looted from the remains of a Roman building at that time. There is a nice garden outside with picnic tables which provide a welcome rest for weary legs.

4. The Old Town
The maze of Moorish Medina-like streets behind the cathedral mark the heart of the Old Town, extending from Plaça Cort (where you will find the Ajuntament or Town Hall, an impressive Renaissance style building) east to Avinguda Gabriel Alomar i Villalonga. Run down and neglected until recently, substantial investment is being put into the area, with renovation and restoration projects restoring the old Renaissance buildings and Gothic and Baroque churches to their former glory. Some stunning apartments and the occasional house left unconverted can be found in this area.

5. Harbourfront
The Harbour is what really enhances Palma's beauty, the most attractive area at the eastern end (beside the Palau de l’Almudaina, where the far end of the Passeig de Born and the Passeig de Sagrera meet (this area is quite often mistaken for the Passeig Maritim/Paseo Marítimo which doesn't actually start until further up the road westwards). The cycling/roller blading and walking paths skirt the seashore, with boats to one side, and restaurants, bars, and the old stone-faced Renaissance buildings of La Lonja/Sa Llotja on the other. These paths in fact start in the Portixol area, alongside the Parc de la Mar, carrying on for 5 km towards the ferry terminal and Porto Pi, well worth dusting off those running shoes or skates on a beautiful sunny day. A number of what were old chirringuitos line the waterside (old fisherman's bar), now very modern bars providing a nice stop-off point for a coffee, refreshment or bite to eat.

6. Castell de Bellver
Parc Bellver, El Terreno
Mon-Sun, 10AM - 7PM
Translated literally the name means “lovely view” in Catalan and it's easy to understand why when you reach the top of this circular fortress; the city and the Bay of Palma spread out before you with a clarity and beauty that can take your breath away on a bright sunny day.
Built over 700 years ago during the reign of Jaume II, it became a military prison in 1717, with the treasury minister Gaspar Melchor imprisoned here during the reign of Carlos IV, and later French officers and soldiers who had been defeated in the Battle of Bailen. The castle was used as a mint in 1821 before being given to the City of Palma by the Balearic Government in 1931 to be turned into a public park and museum.

Other:

The Museu de Mallorca - c/ de La Portella, 5. Tues-Sat 10AM-2PM, 4-7PM, Sun 10A-2PM.

Basilica of Sant Francesc - Plaça de Sant Francesc, 9.30-12.30AM, 3.30-6PM, Sunday and holidays 9.30-12.30AM. Built on the site of an old Moorish soap factory, this Gothic church is well worth a visit, particularly for the beautiful 14th century cloister and the tomb of Ramon Llull (the 13th century scholar, scientist and missionary). 

Main shopping areas:
Passeig d’es Borne/Paseo de Borne - At the heart of the city amongst some of Palma's most fashionable bars, restaurants and shops. Wander through the East side behind the Borne to find the smaller maze of streets with some of Palma's finest boutiques, leading up to the main pedestrianised shopping streets of the City. On the Western side, amongst the warren of tiny streets nearly every cuisine you can imagine can be found amongst it's many restaurants, with equally as many interesting bars to suit most tastes. A number of Boutique hotels have recently opened their doors in this area adding a certain chic flavour to the area.

Avinguda Jaume III/Avenida Jaime III - at the northern end of the Passeig d'es Borne. Here you will find a wide array of boutique shops and the smaller El Corte Inglés.

Plaça Major - The site of an important fish and vegetable market until 1951, now a pedestrianised plaza with numerous shops, restaurants and bars where musicians entertain and artisans sell their crafts. Also the site of a Christmas market. Underneath there is a car park and a small indoor shopping center.

La Rambla (Via Roma) - A nice place for a stroll at the foot of steps leading to the Plaça Major, and a good spot to buy flowers, particularly on a Sunday morning.

Porto Pi - One of the few, and definitely the largest, shopping centre on the Island, close to the Ferry Terminal at the west end of the Paseo Maritimo.

El Corte Inglés - the main Spanish department store, can be found on c/ Jaime III and the larger of the two on the Avenidas to the East of the cathedral.

General
Population:	Approx. 350.000
Town Hall:	Plaça de Cort, 1 - 07001 Palma, Tel. 971 225 900, Web: www.a-palma.es
Post Office:	c/ Constitució, 5 (Mon-Fri, 8.30AM - 8.30PM, Sat 9.30-2PM)
Market Day:	Flea Market - Saturday, Avda. Gabriel Alomar i Villalonga. Fresh fruit & vegetable. Plaça Navegació, west of Avda. Argentina (Mon-Sat, 7AM-2PM). Flowers - Passeig de la Rambla Bus:  Details of all major bus services can be obtained from all the city's tourist offices. Details of all EMT buses can be found at the kiosk on Plaça Espanya, or Tel. 971 176 970 (Spanish or Catalan)
Train:	Alaró is on the main Palma-Inca line
Best Hotel:	See Hotel Guide
Palma:	10 minutes away
Airport:	approx. 25 minutes away
Beaches:	The closest beach is the narrow srip next to the autopista just beyond Avda. Gabriel Alomar i Villalonga, however for swimming we recommend Platja de Palma just east of the City.
Golf:	Son Vida.
Schools:	Click here for Useful Information/Schools

The small and unassuming town of Andratx can be found slightly inland to the Port, surrounded by almond groves and orange trees at the foothills of the Tramuntana Range. In Roman times it was known as Andrachium, and King Jaume I made his home here when he conquered Mallorca in the 13th century.

The municipality extends over 82.55 Km², distributed around 5 town centres: Andratx, Port d’Andratx, S’Arracó, Sant Elm and Camp de Mar. Facing Sant Elm there are two islands: “es Pantaleu”, a little island; and “sa Dragonera”, which is much bigger.

Wednesday morning is market day in Andratx, the streets fill with stalls selling local produce such as fresh local cheeses, fish, vegetables and crafts. It is also the site of the annual "Fira Agricola y Ramadera" or Agricultural and Animal Fair, which takes place on the first Sunday of May each year.
The upper part of town consists of old houses along narrow cobbled streets. At the top of the town, and offering panoramic views of the coast, the 13th century church of Santa Maria was built fortress-like and strong to deter marauding pirates.

One of Europe's biggest private buildings for contemporary art is the newly built Centro Cultural at Andratx. The Centre includes a 1,500 m² exhibition hall which holds 3 major exhibitions per year of both established and emerging young artists in contemporary art, as well as a large gallery, restaurant, bookshop and a number of artists' studios. For the future it has been planned that additional facilities will be added, such as a ceramics and lithographic workshop. Contact details are: Centro Cultural Andratx, Tel. +34 971 137 770, www.ccandratx.com

General
Population:	7.000
Town Hall:	Ctra. Estellencs, 1 – 07150, Tel. 971 628000, Email: general@andratx.net
Post Office:	Av. Joan Carles I, 20. Tel. 971 235344
Market Day:	Wednesday - P. De Son Mas (fruits, vegetables, souvenirs, clothes, etc. Except bank holidays.) Fairs- the first Sunday of May the "FIRA AGRÍCOLA I RAMADERA" (farming and agriculture fair) takes place.
Best Hotel:	Villa Italia 5* Puerto Andratx, Tel: 971 674 011
Palma:	25 minutes away
Airport:	Approximately 37 minutes away
Beaches:	Sant Elm - 10 minutes away
Golf:	Camp de Mar
Schools	Palma

Fiestas

29 June: Sant Pere (Andratx)
16 July: Verge Del Carme (Port d'Andratx)
August: Festa De Moros I Cristians (Sant Elm)
28 August: Sant Agustí (S'Arracó)
8 September: Verge De La Trapa (S'Arracó)

Old Bendinat - This very desirable residential area is only 6 minutes or so from Palma city, very close to Portals Nous Village and the marina of Puerto Portals.  Much of the sea frontage is taken up by exclusive villas and apartments, but most has been developed very tastefully affording a nice village feel to the area, with houses and apartments stretching down the hill to the small beach of Old Bendinat below. There's a pretty coastal walk from this beach, up over the headland and across to the beach of Portals Nous, taking you as far as Puerto Portals. 

New Bendinat - Very much a new build development of high quality houses and apartment complexes, rising up and around the Real Golf de Bendinat Golf Course. Rather a blot on the landscape is the local school, rather reminiscent of a city hospital, sitting as a big white block on the side of the road!  One saving grace is that it offers an indoor municipal swimming pool around the back of the building.

Shops and Services
Portals Nous Village is a 3 minute drive with all essential services, facilities and amenities to include doctor, dentist, chemist, hairdressers, beautician, Cidon supermarket which stocks most international products you could want for, video/dvd rental, telephone shop, car rental, travel agent, vet and numerous restaurants, bars and much more.  You will also find an English bookshop tucked away towards the end of the village near the Ferreteria.

General
Town Hall:	See Calvià
Post Office:	The nearest is Palma Nova
Bus:	C719
Best Hotel:	Hotel Bendinat, Andrés Ferret Sobral 1   Tel. 971 675 725 Lindner Golf & Wellness Resort             Tel. 971 707 777,  www.lindnerhotels.com
Palma:	10 minutes away
Airport:	15- 20 minutes away
Beaches:	Portals Nous, Old Bendinat and Illetas are only 5 minutes away
Golf:	Real Golf de Bendinat.
Schools:	There are some very good Spanish schools in this area to include: King Richard College in Portals Nous and Queens College - for contact information see Useful Information/Schools

The residential area of Ca's Catalá borders that of San Agustìn and it's only 2/3 minutes drive from Palma city, with several international schools close-by. The main road is lined with a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs, some good, many indifferent (see Restaurant Guide ). The quality of property and living improves substantially the further you are away from the main road, with the views higher up quite stunning. There are 2 large Eroski Syp supermarkets (one tucked up behind the big Calvia number "1" close to Illetes) and one further towards San Agustìn. Numerous other shops and services are available to include veterinary, hairdressing (Avant Garde Hair and Beauty are highly recommended- Tel: 971 404 310), florists, an electronics show room and more. There are of course numerous shops selling the normal tourist paraphernalia which are worth avoiding unless you are looking for souvenirs.

If you are interested in sailing the national sailing school of Spain is in Cala Nova (right on the sea front below the car park) in San Agustín.
The luxurious Hotel Marivent is situated towards the Illetes end of the road, highly recommended for a visit or dinner.
There are a few smaller beaches along this stretch of the coast, however the larger beaches of Illetes are only 3 minutes away by car.

General
Town Hall:     See Calvià
Post Office:   The nearest is Palma Nova
Best Hotel:     Hotel Marivent/See Hotel Guide

The area of Cala Major snakes along a hilly stretch of coastline a kilometre or two just west of the Porto Pi shopping area and Palma's ferry port. From the Palma end it starts at Marivent with the King of Spain's palace - the Palacio de Marivent , and passes by the luxury, sea front Nixe Palace Hotel (which doesn't look very impressive from the street, but is quite lovely from the sea shore) and then leads into the busier areas of San Agustìn and Ca's Catala where you will find a greater variety of shops and services (see Ca's Catala).

Worth a visit is the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró , (opposite the Palacio de Marivent, take the Gènova turning, approx 500m up the hill), where the painter Joan Miró lived and worked for much of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Involved with the Surrealists in Paris in 1920, he was described as "the most surrealist of us all" with his wild squiggles and supercharged colours, by André Breton, a leading theorist of the movement. He moved to Barcelona in 1940, but with his avowed opposition to Franco his situation proved difficult, prompting his move to Mallorca , his parent's homeland, in 1957. The Fundació holds over six thousand works, including 130 paintings, 300 engravings and 105 drawings, as well as gouaches and preliminary works. The works on display vary on a monthly basis.

Some 6 km north of Palma Nova, tucked away in the hills behind the coast, lies the charming little village of Calvià . This highly sought after area is the region's administrative center, with the rather lavish town hall standing prominently above you on your right as you enter the town (from Palma/Portals Nous). The parish church of Sant Joan Baptista , dating back from 1245, dominates the town (open daily from 10.00-13.00), looking down over the pleasant views of the surrounding countryside. Numerous restaurants, shops and services are to be found in the town.

The municipality of Calvià is one of the biggest and wealthiest in Spain , and the pioneer of Balearic tourism, with the largest number of hotel beds on the Island . Other villages within it's remit are Capdellà, Magaluf, Palmanova, Peguera, Bendinat, Illetes, Cas Català, Santa Ponça and Son Ferrer.

General
Town Hall:	Can Vich - 07184 a 971 139 100. Email: calvia@calvia.com
Post Office:	Serral, 1
Market Day:	Monday
Bus:	20
Best Hotel:	Hotel Bendinat, Andrés Ferret Sobral 1      Tel: 971 675 725 Lindner Golf & Wellness Resort                Tel: 971 707 777,  www.lindnerhotels.com
Palma:	10 minutes away
Airport:	15- 20 minutes away
Beaches:	Portals Nous, Old Bendinat and Illetas are only 5 minutes away
Golf:	Real Golf de Bendinat.
Schools	There are some very good Spanish schools in this area to include: King Richard College in Portals Nous and Queens College in Bonanova- for contact information see Useful Information/Schools

Fiestas
July 17-25 - San Jaime

The upmarket residential area of Costa d'en Blanes is situated in the SW, on the hill-side looking down towards the coastline of Puerto Portals. Approximately 6 minutes drive from the Porto Pi end of Palma , and only a few minutes from several international schools. The beaches of Illetes, Portals Nous and Palma Nova are within close proximity. The shopping facilities of Portals Nous and Puerto Portals are nearby.

The deluxe hotel, the Mardavall Hotel and Spa is just down the road, towards Palma Nova offering a wonderful Spa and restaurant.

General
Town Hall:    Calvià
Post Office:   The nearest is Palma Nova
Best Hotel:    Mardavall Hotel & Spa/ Hotel Guide

Magaluf is part of the municipal district of Calvià, and is situated on the islands south west coast of Palma Bay. It has been a popular resort for over 40 years, and is now the islands number one resort for young people.

The beach in Magaluf is one of the best on the island, in fact there are 24 beaches along this stretch of coastline, complete with all the usual watersports - swimming, snorkelling, scuba-diving and glass bottom boat trips, as well as countless shops, bars and restaurants that are all located along the wide traffic free promenades and a number of more traditional cafes and restaurants along the seafront.

During the summer, Magaluf is more suited for those looking for an active, action packed holiday, and are certainly not suitable for long lazy days on the beach, but if it is tranquility that you are looking for, you can still find this at Cabo de Cala Figuera, with it's quiet beaches and great views, you'll soon forget you are in a popular tourist resort.
The nearest weekly market to the town is held in nearby Andratx every Wednesday morning. Special market buses are available throughout the day. Buses from Magaluf to Palma run throughout the day as well and every half hour in the evening and are very reasonable.
Nightlife here is described in many brochures as being "lively" or "extrovert", and in recognition of the huge numbers of British tourist that come to Magaluf every year, a large number of English style pubs have now opened to target this market, along with clubs and discos, which in the summer rarely close before dawn.
October to Easter Magaluf goes through a personality change. As the families, and the 18 - 30's begin to leave the island, the resort is marketed strongly towards middle-aged couples and others who are able to take advantage of long winter breaks in the Mallorcan sunshine. Although many of the cafes and restaurants do remain open, the more lively music bars and nightclubs close during the week and only open again at weekends.
Magaluf is without doubt everything you associate with Mallorca. You will either have the holiday of your life or a holiday from hell, all depending on your outlook on life.

General
Town Hall:	Can Vich - 07184 Calvià, 971 139 100. Email: calvia@calvia.com
Post Office:	Avda. S'Olivera, s/n
Market Day:	Andratx every Wednesday where you can buy fruits, vegetables, souvenirs, clothes, etc. Except bank holidays
Bus:	Buses from Magaluf to Palma run throughout the day and well into the evening every 35 minutes or so.
Palma:	15 minutes away
Airport:	20 minutes away
Beaches:	Magaluf, Palma Nova, Cabo de Cala Figuera
Golf:	Real Golf de Bendinat, Santa Ponsa, Golf de Poniente Magaluf
Leisure:	There’s lots going on in Magaluf including karting, water parks, Pirates Adventure Show and much more

Fiestas
(see Calvià)

The resort of Paguera is part of the Municipality of Calvia on the south west coast of Mallorca.

Sprawling Paguera was originally a tiny fishing village before the growth of the tourist industry on the island during the 1960's, however, the last 40 years has seen it develop and grow, into a popular modern tourist resort with plenty of restaurants and facilities.

This beach resort was the first in Mallorca to have its own artificial beach, created from imported sand. Just outside Peguera the road climbs up to Cala Fornells, a chic resort of terracotta houses pueblo style, set around a pretty wooden cove. There is a splendid promenade, which runs past the big hotels and along three broad sandy beaches. You can also take a stroll out into the surrounding woods along a track, which runs up behind the hotels cutting across the pine scented hills towards the stony cove beach of Calo d’es Monjo
The resort offers visitors a choice of 3 beaches, called "Playa Palmira", "Playa Tora" and "Playa La Romana", which are all joined by a fairly new pedestrian promenade. During the summer months all 3 beaches can become very busy. Behind the promenade there's a long shopping street running the length of the resort known locally as “El Bulevar”, where most of the restaurants and bars seem to be. Despite the majority of visitors to Paguera being German, there are also a small number of British owned bars and restaurants along this street. Paguera has an excellent selection of souvenir shops and Spar type supermarkets, which are supported with others selling local arts and crafts and famous designer label clothes
A number of boat trips operate out of Paguera, including one that runs over to Dragonera Island, named because of it’s likeness to a dragon’s back rising out of the water. In 1987 this area of the island was designated a natural conservation area, and has since been protected from commercial development. Visitors can visit the small museum and see the remains of a Roman settlement at the Cova de sa Font. Dragonera Island is 700 meters from the mainland, separated by the ‘Es Freu' channel. Private visits to the island are only allowed with an official permit available from the local council offices.
If you enjoy walking it’s possible to walk from Paguera into the nearby resort of Camp de Mar. From there you can then continue over the mountains to the exclusive resort of Port d’Andratx and its glamorous marina.
All things considered, Paguera gives the impression as being a busy, lively resort that always has something going on.

General
Town Hall:	Can Vich - 07184 Calvià, 971 139 100. Email: calvia@calvia.com
Post Office:	c/ Los pinos, 5
Market Day:	Andratx every Wednesday where you can buy fruits, vegetables, souvenirs, clothes, etc. Except bank holidays
Population:	aprox. 3.728
Best Hotels:	Villamil Hesperia, Hotel Cala Fornells
Palma:	25 minutes away
Airport:	30 minutes away
Beaches:	there are three beaches: Playa Palmira, Playa Tora and Playa La Romana
Golf:	Camp de Mar 5 minutes Bendinat 10 minutes

Fiestas
1-3 September

The popular resort of Palma Nova and its nearest neighbour Magaluf, are part of the municipal district of Calvia, which is situated approximately 15km west of Palma on the islands south west coast. Just a 20 minute drive from the airport, Palma Nova is easy to find, well signposted off the Palma to Andratx Road (take the PM19 motorway from the airport towards Palma, then take the Via Cintura west, direction Andratx and along the PM1 until the Palma Nova junction).

Palma Nova was actually one of the earliest purpose built holiday resorts on the island, popular in the 60’s mass tourism days. Now completely transformed, it promotes itself to a slightly more mature clientele and the quieter family oriented holidaymaker (in complete contrast with it’s neighbour Magaluf).

From the end of October to around Easter time, Palma Nova is a quieter resort, with middle aged couples taking advantage of long winter breaks in the Mallorcan sunshine. Most of the shops, restaurants and coffee shops remain open, but operate at a much more leisurely and relaxed pace. The pace picks up substantially when the summer season kicks in, with younger, more family oriented holidaymakers.

Quite a large, outspread resort, Palma Nova starts from Son Caliu and spreads all the way over to Magaluf. With far fewer hotels than Magaluf, it naturally makes for a quieter holiday than its neighbour, offering a large, clean white sandy beach, numerous restaurants and bars along the promenade, and a small play park at one end, making it perfect for all ages. The original fishing harbour still remains, but fishing boats are now in the minority when compared to the large expensive yachts moored in the nautical club and marina.

On the activity front there are lots of things available to do here if you combine what both Magaluf and Palma Nova have to offer, from glass bottom boats, catamaran trips, water sports galore, diving, and more – See things to do. (Please note, it is illegal to drink alcohol on the beach, or to take glass bottles of any kind on to them.)

Shops and Services
Every restaurant you can imagine is available here from fast food McDonald’s, Chinese, and Mexican through to traditional Spanish tapas – you’ll be spoilt for choice. You will also find every service you need here, with smaller supermarkets spotted throughout the area. You will find Mercadona, a larger supermarket in the neighbouring village of Son Caliu.  There is even an English book shop in the shopping area opposite McDonalds.

Majorca Tourist Information Service- Oficines d'Informacio Turistica de Mallorca, C/ Passeig de la Mar nº 13, Palma Nova, Telephone: +34 971 682 365, Email: omtpalmanova@calvia.com

There is also a British Doctors Surgery in Magaluf, Cami Sa Porrassa, No. 3, Magaluf.
Telephone: +34 971 132 828, www.thebritishsurgery.com
  

General
Town Hall:	Can Vich - 07184 Calvià, 971 139 100. Email: calvia@calvia.com
Post Office:	Avda. S'Olivera, s/n
Best Hotel:	Son Caliu, Tel: 971 682 200.
Palma:	15 minutes away
Airport:	20 minutes away
Beaches:	Portals Nous, Magaluf
Golf:	Real Golf de Bendinat, Poniente Magaluf.
Leisure:	Golf Fantasia -c/ Tenis 3, Palma Nova. Set amid waterfalls, caves and tropical gardens, it is one of the best mini golf courses in Mallorca. They are open every day throughout the year from 10am to 2am the following morning.   Telephone: +34 971 682 349   Web site: www.golf-fantasia.com Marineland - Costa d'en Blanes, Ctra. Palma-Andratx km 10 . Here you will find performing dolphins, sealions, and parrot shows throughout the day. April to September: from 9am to 7pm, October to March: from 10am to 6pm, Closed for holidays from 19th of December till 1st of February. Telephone: +34 971 675 125      Web site: www.marineland.es Aqualand - Carretera Cala Figuera, Magaluf. May to October from 10am in the morning to 6pm in the evening.  Telephone: +34 971 131 371    Web site: www.aqualand.es/magaluf/mallorca Western Park - Carretera Cala Figuera Sa Porrasa 12-22, Magaluf. A combination of both a water park and a wild west theme park.  Telephone: +34 971 131 203, Web site: www.westernpark.com Karting Magaluf - Camí de Sa Porrassa, Magaluf. Open every day from 10am to midnight in high summer, and for the rest of the year it's 10am to sunset. Telephone: +34 971 131 734 Web site: www.kartingmagaluf.com Nemo Submarine - C/ Galeón 2, at the corner of Pedro Vaquer Ramis. A 45 minute underwater excursion in a genuine submarine is the highlight of the two hour trip. They run trips daily from March to October, starting at 9am each morning to 8pm in the evening, Telephone: +34 971 130 24,       Web site: www.nemosub.com Magaluf Bungee Rocket -c/Punta Balena in Magaluf. Human catapult only open during the summer months . Telephone either 696 271 938 or 670 290 784 for more information and bookings. Pirates Adventure (Els Pirates), Carretera la Porrassa, Magaluf (on the outskirts of Magaluf). A Dinner andShow with a pirate theme, in English. Oopen 8pm to midnight from April through to October, every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Sunday is reserved for an adults only show!  Well worth the visit, the acrobatics are fabulous! Telephone: +34 971 130 411   Web site: www.piratesadventure.com
Schools:	There are some very good Spanish schools in this area to include: King Richard College in Portals Nous and Queens College - for contact information see Useful Information/schools

Fiestas
July 17-25 - San Jaime (Calvia)

Portals Nous
Bordering the older upmarket district of Old Bendinat, Portals Nous is a popular village situated just 10 minutes away from Palma and approximately 15 minutes from Son Sant Joan International Airport.

Portals Nous is a mixture of exclusive mansions, upmarket apartments (with fewer not quite so upmarket) and green and hilly terrain bordering the coastline. In contrast, the main village street is not quite so upmarket and looks quite drab, but on closer inspection offers all the shops and services you could possibly need (as well as an English bookshop) and a few nice coffee shops and boutiques. The International school of King Richard III can be found down c/Oratorio, 4, and if you continue further down the road to the end, the view from the Church of Nostra Senyora de Portals is quite breathtaking, across the small beach of Portals Nous, around the bay and over to the chic Marina of Puerto Portals.

Puerto Portals
The summer capital of Mallorca’s jet-set, the exclusive Port of Puerto Portals is said to be one of the most chic Marinas in Spain. International celebrities, fashion icons, multi-millionaires and members of the Spanish Royal family moor their yachts here, and can often be seen wining and dining in one of the many restaurants, bars or cafes.

There is always something to entertain, whether it be one of the many international sailing events, the latest motor cruiser, or the continuous fashion procession of the “wealthy and the beautiful” sporting the latest designer outfits. If you feel the urge to join in you could always visit one of the many high class and high price boutiques close-by.

The entire marina is lined with nearly every cuisine you could imagine, ranging from one of the most exclusive and most expensive Tristan, one of the Spanish Royal family’s favourite spots offering Mediterranean cuisine, Wellies, mid priced offering a mixture of English and international snacks (and one of the best vantage points for people watching!), through to Diablitos, a normal priced pizza chain restaurant. (For more information on Restaurants available please click here).

If you feel the need to relax you can always continue beyond the shipyard at the eastern end of the restaurants and you will find a small beach, frequented mostly by residents and yacht crews.

It loses the numbers over the Winter months, but there is always life in this small Marina, making it worth a visit all year round.

Shops and Services
Portals Nous Village has all essential services, facilities and amenities to include doctor, dentist, chemist, hairdressers, beautician, Cidon supermarket which stocks most international products you could want for, video/dvd rental, telephone shop, car rental, travel agent, vet and numerous restaurants, bars and much more.  You will also find an English bookshop tucked away towards the end of the village near the Ferreteria.

Town Hall:	Can Vich - 07184 Calvià, Tel. 971 139 100, Email: calvia@calvia.com
Post Office:	Na Boira, 1 (Palmanova)
Best Hotel:	Marina Portals 4* Crta. de Andratx, s/n Km 10, www.hotel-marina-portals.com
Palma:	10 minutes away
Airport:	15- 20 minutes away
Beaches:	Portals Nous, Old Bendinat and Illetas are only 5 minutes away
Golf:	Real Golf de Bendinat.
Schools:	There are some very good Spanish schools in this area to include: King Richard College in Portals Nous and Queens College in Bonanova - for contact information see Useful Information/Schools

You would not think that Mallorca would be the first place to see fine examples of classic British sports cars. However, from time to time during the summer, The Classic Car Club of Puerto d'Andratx meet and show off their proud possessions to the crowds of admiring onlookers. For further information on the dates of forthcoming events please contact: The Classic Car Club of Port d'Andratx, C/ Almirante Riera, 2, Puerto d'Andratx
Telephone: +34 971 671 198

General

See Andratx

Just on the outskirts of Palma’s old town, the area of Portixol has recently undergone a major transformation. Gone are the ramshackle old buildings and gypsy shacks, replaced by upmarket apartment blocks, a fashionable hotel, trendy restaurants and stylish bars. Old fisherman’s houses have been nicely renovated, allowing the area to maintain a certain old charm and personality.

Coming from Palma old town along the Paseo, you’ll pass the little old fashioned harbourside bar, referred to as a “chiringuito” by the locals. A great place to take time out, relax and watch the waterside traffic passing by, enjoying a light snack and a beer. If not here, try Club Nautico at the start of Portixol, they have a lovely terrace, with nice views of the old fishing boats and the marina.

A walk around the harbour will lead you to the main area of Portixol with its new, wider paseo along the sea front. You’ll see cyclists, joggers, roller bladers and walkers making use of this new frontage, and there are numerous wooden benches dotted alongside to rest should you feel the need. Personally I’d prefer a visit to one of the many great new bars and restaurants which have recently moved in – helping to create a trendy, laid back feel to the place. This charming traditional little Mallorcan port is definitely up, with much more to come!

Shops and Services
With it’s proximity to Palma, only a 10 minute walk from the Avenidas, there are plenty of shops and services to provide you with what you need, in addition numerous little shops and services in the back streets of this fishing village.

General
Town Hall:	See Palma
Post Office:	Palma
Best Hotel:	Portitxol Hotel- Tel: 971 271 800
Palma:	2 minutes away
Airport:	7 minutes away
Beaches:	Portitxol Beach
Golf:	Son Vida-10 minutes, Son Maritim-15 minutes
Schools:	Academy, Marratxi, Queens College – see Services, Useful Information/Schools

It is in fact little more than one road draped along the seashore, with a sandy beach at one end and a harbour at the other. And there are a surprising array of cafes and restaurants to choose from for a snack or leisurely meal. A boat runs daily between Puerto Andratx and Sant Elm between March and October, and buses run a regular service from Peguera and Andratx all year. A quiet, very Spanish resort which we hope won't alter much with the increased accessibility!

Illa Dragonera

You can reach the small island of Dragonera by passenger ferry from Sant Elm in only a few minutes. Enjoy a little piece of scenic solitude, or watch out for an array of interesting birdlife: ospreys, shags, gulls, and other seabirds can be seen. A time table can be seen in St. Elm harbour, or call 971 470 449 for further information. A 2 hour cruise allowing half an hour on Dragonara can also be taken, the rest of the time spent meandering along the local coastline, call 971 757 065 for a time table.

General

See Andratx

The very popular holiday resort of Santa Ponsa, is part of the municipal district of Calvia on the south west coast of Majorca approximately 20km, or 12 miles west of the capital Palma.

A tall white cross marks the spot on the Santa Ponsa beach, where Juame I landed and conquered Mallorca in 1229. Once a year one of the biggest fiestas, the Fiesta of Rei en Juame, is held here to commemorate this and has now grown into a two week celebration that starts around 1st September and ends with a grand procession and fireworks display. After conquering Mallorca, the island became part of the Kingdom of Aragon until later becoming part of the Kingdom of Spain.

Another landmark, little known to many people, is a small church on the main road to Palma known as the Chapel of Sa Pedra Sagrada (Sacred Stone). According to legend it is founded on the site where the Christians celebrated their first mass on the island following the conquest.
Over the years the main beach has been extended with imported sand to accommodate the increase in visitors to the resort. Even so, in high season it can still become very crowded due to its popularity with both tourists and locals. If your looking to escape the crowds, there is a smaller sheltered cove beach 15 minutes away, which can be reached from the Avinguda Rei Jaume I.
Regular boat trips along the south west coast operate from both the main beach and marina at Santa Ponsa. The boats are all quite modern, with both bar and toilet facilities onboard. On most trips the captain will usually stop for about 30 minutes giving you the chance to dive or jump off the back of the boat and cool off in the sea. There are also underwater window boats you can take to Malgrat Island (El Malgrat), while another boat sails regularly to Sa Dragonera, Sant Elm and Port d’ Andratx.
Every Wednesday morning there is a market in nearby Andratx. Special market buses are always laid on from Santa Ponsa throughout the day and there are busses every 35 minutes to the capital, Palma.

In the early evening the resort really come alive, you will quickly realise that Santa Ponsa has an abundance of bars, restaurants, and live music venues, catering for families with children. The town is cheerful, easy going and is essentially a family resort.

General
Town Hall:	Can Vich - 07184 Calvià, Tel. 971 139 100, Email: calvia@calvia.com
Post Office:	c/ Rius Sil, 27
Market Day:	Andratx every Wednesday where you can buy fruits, vegetables, souvenirs, clothes, etc. Except bank holidays
Population:	approx. 9.527
Best Hotels:	Acorn Pionero, Hesperia, Club Santa Ponsa
Bus:	Buses from Santa Ponsa to Palma run throughout the day and well into the evening every 35 minutes or so
Palma:	15 minutes away
Airport:	20 minutes away
Beaches:	Santa Ponsa, there are two beaches
Golf:	Santa Ponsa I, II and III Andratx 15 minutes Bendinat 10 minutes

Fiestas
6 to 12 September - commemoration of the disembarkment of king Jaume I