Unearthing the Tranquility of Portals Vells: Mallorca’s Hidden Treasure

5 min readJun 18, 2023

The Allure of Portals Vells Beach

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Mallorca, Portals Vells is a tranquil, sandy cove that has earned its place among the island’s top 20 beaches. Despite its proximity to the bustling party hub of Magaluf, Portals Vells is a world apart, offering a serene and peaceful ambiance that is a world away from the party scene.

This haven of tranquility is a magnet for both locals and tourists. Its compact size ensures it never gets too crowded, making it a favorite among German and British visitors, as well as families. The beach, nestled on the outskirts of the expansive bay of Palma, is a cozy 30 meters long and 20 meters wide. This limited expanse deters large crowds, but an early arrival is recommended during the summer peak.

The beach offers a limited supply of umbrellas and lounge chairs for rent, but most visitors prefer to lay their towels on the sand or nearby rocks. The beach is bordered by a lush pine forest and small hills, with minimal development in sight. While there are no water sports facilities for rent, the beach does offer toilets and a large restaurant that serves delicious beach food, Mallorcan specialties, and tapas.

Crafting Your Dream Beach Vacation

Imagine waking up in a luxurious beachfront hotel in Mallorca, stepping out onto your balcony to breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. That dream can become a reality with the right planning and the perfect seafront accommodation on this beautiful Balearic island.

Navigating Portals Vells

Reaching Portals Vells beach is a breeze. Just follow the main road and the signs pointing towards the beach. Ample free parking is available right at the entrance. The absence of tourist buses or public transport helps maintain the beach’s peaceful atmosphere. The quaint village of Portals Vells is the closest settlement, with several resort towns just a 10–15 minute drive away.

Boat access is also possible, with the deep waters and sandy base providing an ideal spot to anchor for the day.

The beach is not particularly wheelchair-friendly due to a 200-meter sandy, unpaved walk from the parking area. There are no boardwalks or benches, but the surrounding pine trees offer plenty of shade. While there is no lifeguard on duty, emergency numbers are clearly displayed.

Must-Visit Attractions Near Portals Vells

The Western Waterpark in Magaluf is a thrilling destination with water slides and activities, including a special “Kids Paradise” section for the little ones.

Port Adriano, a marina designed by Philippe Starck and home to some impressive superyachts, is just a 15–20 minute drive away. Similarly, Puerto Portals, another stunning port and recreational area, is perfect for a day of shopping, dining, and exploration.

Activities to Enjoy at Portals Vells

While there are no water sports facilities for rent, the clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Boats frequently sail in and out of the cove, but there are no boat trips or sailing classes available.

Two other beaches, El Mago and Playa del Rei, are within easy walking distance. El Mago is a smaller, popular nudist beach, while Playa del Rei is slightly larger, boasting white sand and a beach bar that serves snacks and drinks.

A relatively easy hike from Portals Vells beach along the cliffs leads to Cova de la mare de deu, a stunning rock chapel built by local fishermen as a token of gratitude for their safe return.

Dining Options at Portals Vells

Portals Vells beach boasts alarge restaurant that serves delicious beach food, local Mallorcan dishes, and tapas. At Playa del Rei, you’ll find a beach bar offering sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and ice cream. For a wider variety of cuisines and price ranges, the nearby resort towns of Palma Nova and Santa Ponsa are excellent choices.

Accommodation Near Portals Vells

While there are no hotels directly on Portals Vells beach or in its small village, a quick 10–15 minute drive will take you to the bustling resort towns of Palmanova, Magaluf, and Santa Ponsa. Here, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hotels and self-catering vacation rentals to all-inclusive packages and top-tier Mallorca hotels.

Exploring the Vicinity of Portals Vells

For a change of pace, consider a day trip to the peaceful Port d’Andratx or the upscale Puerto Portals, both perfect for designer shopping and dining. Palma Nova and Magaluf offer more resort-style options, catering to younger crowds seeking nightlife and families interested in non-beach activities like mini-golf and water parks.

Santa Ponsa is another great option, boasting a long, beautiful beach with a plethora of water sports and amenities for a fun-filled beach day. In Nova Santa Ponsa, golf enthusiasts will find three top-tier golf resorts featuring purpose-built golf villas with stunning views of the green and surrounding mountains.

Discovering Mallorca’s Best Beaches

We hope this guide to Portals Vells has been helpful and inspires many memorable visits to Mallorca. We always love to hear from our readers, so feel free to share your experiences. Enjoy your time in Mallorca!