Palma Nova stands as one of Mallorca’s most beloved coastal destinations, offering three spectacular sandy beaches that cater to every type of beach lover. Located in the municipality of Calvià on the southwest coast, these beaches combine crystal-clear waters, excellent facilities, and family-friendly environments that make them perfect for unforgettable holidays.
Platja Es Carragador – The Family Paradise
Platja Es Carragador serves as the ideal destination for families seeking a safe and comfortable beach experience. This sheltered sandy beach offers calm, shallow waters that provide the perfect environment for children to play and swim safely. The beach’s protected location ensures minimal waves, making it particularly suitable for young families and those who prefer gentler sea conditions.
The beach benefits from excellent accessibility, with well-maintained pedestrian paths and disabled access facilities. Visitors can enjoy the convenience of nearby parking areas, including a main parking zone located just off the motorway opposite the Palmanova health centre. Public transport connections make reaching this beautiful stretch of sand effortless for those without private vehicles.
Lifeguards patrol the beach during peak season, providing additional peace of mind for families. The beach also features essential amenities including public toilets, refreshing showers, and areas designated for beach sports and activities. The surrounding promenade connects Es Carragador to the other beaches in Palma Nova, creating a scenic walking route along the coastline.
Playa de Palmanova – The Central Hub
Playa de Palmanova represents the main beach of this popular resort area, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern conveniences. This expansive sandy beach stretches along the central part of Palma Nova, providing ample space for sunbathing, beach games, and water activities even during the busiest summer months.
The beach boasts fine white sand and clean, transparent waters that have earned it recognition for maintaining high environmental standards. Visitors can take advantage of comprehensive facilities including sun lounger and parasol rentals, modern shower facilities, and public restrooms. The beach’s Blue Flag status reflects its commitment to cleanliness, safety, and environmental protection.
Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for adventure, with various operators offering jet ski rentals, paddleboarding, and other exciting activities. The beach’s central location means restaurants, bars, and shops are within easy walking distance, providing convenient options for refreshments and dining throughout the day.
Platja de Son Maties – The Perfect Balance
Platja de Son Maties offers an exceptional beach experience that perfectly balances tranquility with entertainment options. This sandy beach stretches 400 meters in length with a depth of 60 meters, featuring clean sandy surfaces and fine white sand with excellent services including lifeguards.
The beach’s location between Palmanova and Magaluf provides easy access to both resort areas while maintaining its own distinct character. The sea slopes gently into deeper water, creating safe conditions for children, while the sandy seabed ensures comfortable swimming conditions for all ages.
Son Maties excels in providing comprehensive facilities and entertainment options. The beach features professional lifeguard services during peak periods, clean shower facilities, and accessible toilet amenities. Various watersports are available including stand-up paddling, pedal boats, jet ski hire, banana boat trips, and parasailing.
Getting There and Parking
All three beaches benefit from excellent accessibility and transport connections. Visitors traveling by car will find parking available near each beach, though spaces can become limited during peak summer months. Free parking is available in designated areas, with some streets offering additional parking options within walking distance of the beaches.
Public transport serves the area well, with regular bus services connecting Palma Nova to Palma city center and other popular destinations across Mallorca. The beaches are also easily accessible by taxi, and many hotels in the area provide shuttle services or are within comfortable walking distance.
Dining and Entertainment
The Palma Nova area surrounding these three beaches offers an impressive selection of dining and entertainment options. From traditional Spanish tapas bars to international cuisine, visitors can enjoy everything from casual beachside snacks to elegant evening meals. Many establishments offer outdoor terraces with sea views, creating the perfect atmosphere for watching spectacular Mallorcan sunsets.
Beach bars provide convenient refreshment options directly on the sand, serving cold drinks, ice cream, and light meals throughout the day. The pedestrian promenade connecting all three beaches is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it easy to explore different dining options and pick up beach essentials.
