Portals Nous: The Hidden Gem of Mallorca

5 min readJun 10, 2023

Welcome to the serene town of Portals Nous, a coastal haven tucked away on the western side of Palma. Its strategic location, a mere 12km from the capital and a brisk walk from the ritzy marina of Puerto Portals, makes it a hot spot for both vacationers and locals. The town holds a special charm for British second homeowners, maintaining a sense of community that endures even through the quieter winter months.

The town’s lifeline, Carretera d’Andratx, is a bustling hub. Here, you’ll discover a variety of shops ranging from chic fashion boutiques and newsagents to handy hardware stores and a well-stocked supermarket. There’s also an independent bookshop and a variety of restaurants that cater to every taste.

Portals Nous offers access to two beaches: the intimate bay known as Cala Portals Nous or Cala Bendinat, and the larger, more frequented Platja de S’Oratori, also referred to as Cala Portals Nous. This expansive beach is connected to the port, where you’ll find a marina brimming with stunning yachts and a selection of fine dining options.

A Walk Through Portals Nous’ History

Portals Nous has roots dating back to the 1930s, but signs of its early beginnings are scarce due to the significant investment and development over the years.

The area has seen an influx of affluent second homeowners and permanent residents who have either renovated traditional Mallorcan villas or built luxury apartments in the surrounding areas. The neighbourhood of Costa d’en Blanes, perched on the hills overlooking the town, is home to some of the most exclusive properties and offers stunning views of the southwest coast.

Retail Therapy in Portals Nous

Portals Nous is equipped with all the essential shops for your daily needs, along with a few delightful independent boutiques. The Universal Bookshop, managed by Kay Halley, offers a vast range of international books, knitting and sewing accessories, and a wonderful community feel. Adjacent to it, you’ll find a charming gift shop called eStudio 3 and a few small fashion boutiques. If you’re in the mood for luxury designer labels, then Puerto Portals is just a short distance away.

Portals Nous’ Main Attractions

While Portals Nous may lack museums and historic buildings, it more than makes up for it with its residential charm and beachside focus. Nearby attractions include the Real Golf de Bendinat and Lindner Golf & Wellness Resort for golf enthusiasts, and Marineland, a popular family destination.

Activities in Portals Nous

Holidaymakers visiting during the warmer months often spend their time at the 100m long sandy Platja de S’Oratori beach, where you can hire kayaks, jet skis and peddle boats, and then unwind with cocktails at Roxy Beach bar. The main high street is also home to a number of bars and international restaurants open for lunch and dinner.

For a feel-good factor away from the beach, Valentina at Portals de Yoga runs a range of restorative and energising yoga sessions throughout the week.

Dining in Portals Nous

Despite its small size, Portals Nous offers a global culinary experience, including Indian and Japanese cuisine. For high-quality Peruvian gastronomy, Sumaq has won high praise. For refined Mediterranean dishes, spacious Casa Paco offers a very reasonable three-course lunch menu in a relaxed atmosphere. Chameli’s Bar and Restaurant is another popular choice for lunch or supper, and specialises in Italian food and stone-baked pizzas.

Accommodation near Portals Nous

As a popular tourist destination, there’s plenty of hotels within and surrounding the town. The 5-star Iberostar Grand Hotel Portals Nous has undergone a luxurious makeover, while Portals Hills Boutique Hotel remains a glamorous hideaway on a hill overlooking the bay. Check out our guide for more options.

Holiday Villa Rentals near Portals Nous

If you prefer the privacy of a luxury holiday villa close to the village of Portals Nous and Puerto Portals, there is an excellent selection of upmarket properties available to choose from here.

Events in Portals Nous

Portals Nous, Puerto Portals and Bendinat join forces for their programme of August festivities. The event involves a mix of activities from sports competitions and craft workshops to picnics and open-air concerts. Another popular annual event is the Sunset Market, which is held during the summer evenings along the promenade at the port.

Related: Free activities in Palma

Living in Portals Nous

Portals Nous is a desirable place to live given its closeness to Palma, position beside the seaside and proximity to the beautiful Southwest coast. It has access to great amenities and is home to Agora Portals International School, the largest international private school on Mallorca.

Prices of properties naturally vary; the higher you climb the Costa d’en Blanes hill, the higher the price of the property. There are a number of estate agents in this area.

Related: Living in Palma

Surrounding Areas

Puerto Portals is a five-minute drive away, or twenty-minute walk, from Portals Nous and with its yacht-filled marina, swanky bars and designer boutiques will satisfy anyone craving an injection of glamour. Bendinat is also very close with a beautiful golf resort of Bendinat and sea front restaurants. Port Adriano, another luxury port, is just 12km further west, and hosts a number of different events during the year.

The beach resort of Illetes is also close. Finally, Palma de Mallorca is only 10 minutes by car.