The southern part of Mallorca is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. In both the southeast and the southwest there are beautiful beaches and a multitude of attractions waiting for you. Let’s explore them together with this Itinerary Mallorca for the southern coast.
Recommended activities:
1. Highlights and Hidden Gems of Palma de Mallorca Private Tour
2. Kayak Tour to Malgrat’s Islands from Santa Ponsa
3. Private South Mallorca Boat rental from Santa Ponsa
Recommended hotels:
1. Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma Palma
2. Alua Soul Palma Hotel Adults Only Can Pastilla
3. Son Julia Country House & Spa Llucmajor
4. Aparthotel Ona Cala Pi Club Cala Pi
5. The Finca Hotel Rural Es Turo Ses Salines
6. The Stadhotel Santanyi Santanyi
7. Eques Petit Resort Cala d’Or
8. The Kimpton Aysla Mallorca Santa Ponsa
9. The Paguera Treff Boutique Hotel Peguera
Itinerary Mallorca: South East
Palma
Our first stop is Palma, the capital of the island. The center of the city is only 10 km away from the international airport, which is the only airport in Mallorca. You will arrive there in less than 20 minutes.
Just like me you might be arriving for summer holidays and ready to enjoy the beaches, but the center of the city is truly worth visiting, especially the old town.
Explore the Old Town of Palma
To explore Palma’s old town, walking is the ideal method. I don’t think it´s good idea at all to take your car. The streets are very narrow and mainly designated for pedestrians, with no available parking spaces.
The landmark of Palma is La Seu, the Gothic-styled 14th-century Cathedral, one of the tallest in all of Europe. Also known as ‘the Cathedral of Light,’ it features 61 stained glass windows, offering a magnificent spectacle when the rays of the sun filter through them.
In front of La Seu, I encountered an impressive medieval Moorish fortress, the Royal Palace of the Almudaina, which can be visited every day except Mondays (€7 admission fee). It also functions as the official residence of the King of Spain when visiting Palma.
Next, I suggest walking around the walls. If you are interested in museums, do not miss El Baluard. And if you enjoy window shopping, I assure you’ll have a nice time strolling along Jaime III Avenue, which houses fashion shops with international brands.
If you prefer to gain insights into the city with a knowledgeable local guide, I recommend an excellent walking tour. With this tour, you will obtain an overview of Palma and get to know, among others, the Palace of the Almudaina, the historic and luxurious Hamams or Arab Baths, the oldest church in Palma, as well as other hidden gems.
Book a Highlights and Hidden Gems Private Tour of Palma here
Puerto Portals
Puerto Portals is an upscale marina about 10 kms of Palma. Follow the Av. Gabriel de Roca y Ma-1 and you will be there in 20 minutes. It’s considered a shopper’s paradise because of its high-end boutiques. It becomes alive after dark, with numerous bars and clubs offering a vibrant nightlife scene.
Puerto Portals itself does not have a beach but you can still enjoy nearby beaches such as Portal Nous Beach and Palma Nova Beach.
I recommend strolling along the marina promenade and enjoy the view of hundreds of yachts including some of the most luxurious vessels in the world.
Playa de Palma
Playa de Palma is located on the east coast of Palma. It is an immense 2.85 miles (4.6 km) stretch of white sandy area. Since there are few waves, this beach is ideal for families with children.
The beach is fully equipped with all the necessary services, such as umbrellas, showers, and lifeguards. Additionally, there are plenty of bars and restaurants along the promenade.
Where to Stay in Playa de Palma:
Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma is set on the beachfront and located near nightlife. It features 2 restaurants, one on-site bar, a poolside bar, and a swimming pool.
Check the price and book your stay at the Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma here
Aubamar Suites & Spa is a modern hotel. It features a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a bar. Beautiful setting with more than 5000 m2 of gardens
Check the price and book your stay at the Aubamar Suites & Spa here
Can Pastilla
From Playa de Palma to Can Pastilla, there are only 3 kms, which you can reach in 5 minutes by car. Can Pastilla offers a very nice environment and boasts a promenade that stretches over 10 kms. Along the promenade, you will find restaurants, bars, terraces, and shops.
A popular activity, especially if you are spending holidays with kids, is a visit to the Palma Aquarium. I recommend planning three hours for this visit. The highlight of the tour is the Big Blue, which is the deepest shark pool in Europe. Additionally, there is a spacious Mediterranean garden with a cafeteria and adventure playground for the little ones.
Where to Stay in Can Pastilla:
AluaSoul Palma is an adult-only hotel in front of the sea, offering magnificent views of Palma Bay. The hotel features a buffet restaurant, a poolside bar, and a cafe.
Check the price and book your stay at the AluaSoul Palma Hotel here.
Alua Leo features a large pool-side area with sun loungers and a bar, as well as a buffet restaurant serving international and local food. Some rooms offers sea view.
Check the price and book your stay at the Alua Leo Hotel here
El Arenal
From Castilla to El Arenal, it is only a 13-minute drive via the Ma-19 road.
The beach is long, sandy, and safe with shallow waters, making it ideal for families with children. I recommend a visit to Mallorca’s largest water park, Aqualand, which offers more than 20 attractions and fun for everyone.
Once a picturesque fishing village until the 70s, El Arenal has undergone significant transformation due to massive tourism, primarily from Germans. Nowadays, it is a popular destination for school trips for Spanish students.
Llucmajor
Llucmajor is located 30 km from Palma (about 40 minutes via M-19) and if you are arriving from El Arenal, it will only take you 21 minutes via the Ma19 road.
There are nice calas and beaches close to Llucmajor, with the closest beach being only 10 km away by road. However, this small city of about 40,000 people does not solely depend on summer tourism, which makes it very active throughout the seasons.
History lovers will find in the city numerours buildings showing the rich heritage of Llucmajor. Some of them include the town hall, the 18th-century church of San Miguel, the convent of Sant Bonaventure and a monument to the shoemakers at the western gate of the town.
A landmark of the town is its 19th-century Lighthouse which is still in operation. One of the best things to do in Llucmajor is to go up and enjoy a wonderful sunset view.
Where to Stay in Llucmajor:
Son Julia Country House & Spa is set in a 15th century mansion with beautiful gardens, terraces, and an indoor swimming pool. It features 32 big rooms and suites.
Check the price and book your stay at Son Julia Country House & Spa here.
Finca Can Paulino offers studios and apartments in a beautiful country house. It features beautiful gardens, a swimming pool, and provides horse riding lessons and excursions. Check the price and book your stay at Finca Can Paulino here
Cala Pi
This cove is the main attraction closer to Llucmajor. From the center of Llucmajor, you have to take the Ma-6015 road and you will reach there in 25 minutes. If you are going directly from Palma, it will take you about 50 minutes via M-19.
This paradisiacal beach is about 150 meters long and 50 meters wide. The water is intensely turquoise-colored. To go down to the beach, there are a total of 147 steps, so I advise being careful, and I don’t recommend it for people with reduced mobility.
Thanks to the fact that there are few waves, Cala Pi is a very calm cove.
Where to Stay in Cala Pi
Aparthotel Ona Cala Pi Club has 118 fully equipped apartments. It features 2 swimming pools, an outdoor jacuzzi, a children’s playground, a mini club (in summer), a supermarket, a restaurant, and a bar-cafe with a beautiful terrace.
Check the price and book your stay at Aparthotel Ona Cala Pi Club here.
The Apartment Hibiscus is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with pool views. Private parking is available.
Check the price and book your stay at Apartment Hibiscus here
Ses Salines (Las Salinas)
From Llucmajor, you can reach Ses Salines in 27 minutes by car via Ma-19 and Ma-6040.
The salt flats, which give the name to this area, are a paradise for birdwatchers from all over the world due to the different types of birds inhabiting the area. Ses Salines was already highly valued by the Romans in ancient times for the production of salt. Currently, Ses Salines produces 15,000 tons of salt per year.
Recommended Hotel in Ses Salines
The Finca Hotel Rural Es Turo is set in a 200-year-old family house, located on a hill from where you have a view of the countryside and the sea. It’s close to main beaches such as Cala Llombards and Es Trenc.
Check the price and book your stay at the Finca Hotel Rural Es Turo here
Es Trenc
From Ses Salines, you can reach Es Trenc beach in only 12 minutes via the Ma-6101 road.
This beach has been elected as the second most beautiful beach in Spain by the Lonely Planet Guide 2023.
It attracts mostly young people and families, and it is also one of the official nude beaches in Mallorca. However, during the summer season, it can become overcrowded .
Santanyi
Santanyi is a quaint town that still preserves the walls with which it was protected in the past from pirate attacks. In recent times, the beauty and light of the town have attracted artists from all over the globe. I recommend that you visit the several workshops and galleries in town to admire the creativity and talent of local artists.
Where to Stay in Santanyi
The Stadhotel Santanyi is a nice hotel located in the center of the city. The rooms are well-equipped and tastefully decorated. A restaurant provides international dishes.
Check price and book your stay at the Stadhotel Santanyi here
Cala Santanyi
Cala Santanyi, located only 10 km from the town of Santanyi, is a 130-meter-long white sand beach. With calm waters, this Blue Flag beach is one of the best on the island.
The beach is accessible for people in wheelchairs. It has toilet facilities and showers. Umbrellas and sun loungers are available for rent. Visitors can also engage in various sea sports, and there are options to rent canoes and pedal boats.
Cala Llombards
Cala Llombards is only 6 minutes away by car from Santanyi. The view is beautiful, and the waters are turquoise-colored. It is surrounded by a forest, and there are cliffs for those who like to practice cliff jumping, as well as lower cliffs for kids to climb.
The cala is small, not reaching 60 meters in length, and it is ideal for swimming with kids since there are almost no waves.
Cala Figuera
Cala Figuera is only ten minutes away from Santanyi via Ma-6102. Hidden between fig trees and rocks, at the end of the bay, you will find the town with the same name: Cala Figuera. It is a fishing village with a romantic air, given by the setting of the old houses.
Cala d’Or
One village on this Mallorca itinerary that you should not miss is Cala d’Or. It can be reached from Santanyi by car in 25 minutes via Ma-19.
The style of Cala d’Or’s buildings was inspired by Ibiza’s architecture and designed from scratch. Most of the houses are two stories high and have white-painted facades. At the same time, the construction of new hotels followed strict regulations, making it a very orderly and pleasant view.
Cala d’Or has a very beautiful beach of the same name, as well as coves. Together with Cala Gran and Cala Esmeralda Beach, they are very much appreciated, particularly by families with kids.
Cala d’Or has a lot of attractions to offer tourists, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. It is also ideal for bike excursions and every type of water sport.
Where to Stay in Cala d’Or:
Inturotel Cala Esmeralda Beach Hotel & Spa – Adults Only offers a seafront setting with 3 outdoor pools, a spa with an indoor pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a snack bar with beach views. Free public parking nearby and an on-site bicycle garage are available.
Check price and book your stay at the Inturotel Cala Esmeralda Beach Hotel & Spa here
Eques Petit Resort is a 4-minute walk from Cala d’Or Beach. It has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, garden, a shared lounge and restaurant. Highly recommended.
Check the price and book your stay at the Eques Petit Resort here
Itinerary Mallorca: South West
Santa Ponsa
Santa Ponsa is 24.5 km by car from Palma, the capital of Mallorca. You can be there in about half an hour via Ma-1. Its population is almost 12,000 people.
The beach of Santa Ponsa, with 1.3 km, is one of the longest on Mallorca. It’s very suitable for family holidays because of its shallow waters. It’s equipped with all facilities, including wheelchair access.
Several water sports are practiced in Santa Ponsa. Among them, you can try an adventurous kayak tour to a nearby island, which will take a total of four hours.
Rent a kayak tour to Malgrat’s Islands from Santa Ponsa here.
The ultimate way to explore the coast of Santa Ponsa is to experience your own private boat rental. Don’t worry if it’s your first time driving a boat, you don’t need a license.
Book here your Boat Rental in the Coast of Santa Ponsa
Where to Stay in Santa Ponsa
The Kimpton Aysla Mallorca – IHG Hotel is a 5-star resort offering 4 swimming pools, a spa and wellness center, breakfast, and a bar. It provides private parking and free bikes.
Check the price and book your stay at the Kimpton Aysla Mallorca – IHG Hotel here
Fergus Style Cala Blanca Suites is located in a small bay with stunning sea views. It offers an outdoor pool, a restaurant and daily entertainment programs.
Check the price and book your stay at the Fergus Style Cala Blanca Suites here
Peguera
Peguera or Paguera is 15 minutes by car from Santa Ponsa, via Ma-1. It has a population of less than 5000 people and has been traditionally visited by German tourists for decades. The majority of the foreign resident population is German.
There are three beaches in Peguera: Romana, Palmira, and Tora. Tora is ideal for the practice of surfing due to its high waves in winter.
Peguera is just 6 km from Andratx.
Andratx is the starting point for a Mallorca road trip across the Tramuntana mountains.
Where to Stay in Peguera
The Paguera Treff Boutique Hotel is set on the Boulevard of Paguera, in front of the beach. The hotel has a restaurant and serves a buffet breakfast.
Check the price and book your stay at the Paguera Treff Boutique Hotel here
The Valentin Park Club features a swimming pool and a terrace, as well as a sauna and a gym. It also offers professional shows and activities for adults and children.
Check the price and book your stay at the Valentin Park Club here
