Mallorca

Holidays by Destination Europe Spain Mallorca Resorts etc 

Pirates mean that few old towns are on the coast of Mallorca, Palma itself being the exception and even that cut off from the water by a dual carriageway along its waterfront. Though there is an occasional exception, the choice is therefore almost entirely between modern accommodation near the sea (where the beaches are increasingly well supplied with facilities), or smaller scale, traditional options inland.

Southern Resorts

The major area of development is around 30km long, on the Bay of Palma. The better resorts are to the west where broken up by rocky cliffs and small coves (the first resorts to be built on the island). Names include the likes of Magaluf although even this looks considerably better than its reputation. Others range upwards in standard, including for example Punta Portals the place for very large yachts, considered similar to Marbella, visited by the Spanish royal family in summer.

Palma itself would be a good option for an off season short break, with an attractive old town, in the process of restoration, and including a surprising density of designer outlets. There is also good transport to the rest of the island.

Resorts to the east are more British but both physically and atmospherically flatter.

West Coast

Largely rocky, offering striking scenery and attractive small centres, but limited access to the sea on beaches which are either lacking sand and/or unsuitable for children, particularly in rough weather. Apart from the coast itself the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range is the most striking feature. Soller is an old valley merchant town, and the resort of Port de Soller, is peaceful on a deep bay. attractive. Deia is an old mountain village perched over the sea, in an area popular with celebrities.

The North

The most popular area with British families with a pine-covered shore line (somewhat damaged by last year's big storm) and long, sandy beaches. Port de Pollenca is a mid-size resort with buggies everywhere, still attractive and offering safe swimming, and the added attraction of a handful of properties which give straight out on to the beach. Port d'Alcudia is slightly more high rise and offers another marina. The beaches in the area remain shallow for some distance, making it good for children. The beach then extends eastwards to resorts like Ca'n Picafort. Though the resort itself dates back to the less impressive efforts of the ‘60s, regulations prevent newer building in between rising higher than four stories - generally no higher than the trees. Accommodation here is largely four and five-star, particularly for example along Platja de Muro, and the beach is good and long, though the area lacks much of a focus.

Beyond Pollenca is Formentor and a spectacular view from the rocks over the sea. Further along the peninsula are boat trips and one of the island's best hotels.

Worth bearing in mind is that the north side of the island catches the wind - Tramontane/Mistral - from the north. This is ideal in the height of summer but means that it is less attractive in other seasons when rough seasons make the beach potentially dangerous for children.

The East Coast

Has largish resorts based around beaches in coves. Some of these golden sand inlets are really lovely, but they can get terribly crowded in season so are not ideal for children who want to spend time on the beach. Elsewhere there is some major development without any easy access to the sea.

Cala Figuera is a fishing area, around an attractive, steep cove, with the fishing catch arriving at Santayi, the fishing port, at 5pm, sometimes fun to watch.

Porto Colon, round a large inlet with narrow opening to the sea is a great natural harbour and a traditional fishing village. Lacking big beaches the area around has been built up with elegant villas making it potentially one of the better options.

The southeast is relatively flat and in terms of landscape uninteresting so is much less developed, but there is also the attraction of less developed beaches such as that at Es Trenc. Here there is a beach restaurant and lots of white sand, plus the attraction for some children of WWII pillboxes. However, it is at least in parts a nudist beach.