Majorca – A Guide To The Top Tourist Resorts

• By: Editor
• On: 22/Apr/2009
• In: Spain Travel Tips

Magaluf This resort is the original tourist resort on the Island – it was the real deal back in the 1950’s in promoting the Island to the world as a tourist resort for budget package holidays. It remains today as one of Spain’s top mass tourism resorts. The pubs and clubs of Magaluf are well known by partygoers and ravers worldwide, and some of the best DJs in Europe perform at clubs here during the summer season. But the resort is not just for the serious clubber – Magaluf is still extremely popular with families and retired couples.

The resort runs from the east where Palma Nova finishes at the Torrenova Headland. It is a typical holiday resort, with bars, restaurants, cafes and tourist shops.  The beach is Magaluf is terrific with golden sand, and warm waters. There is plenty to do around the beach area of the resort, but if you avail of a car rental you will be even more rewarded.

There are some more wonderful beaches to the west of the resort such as Portals Vells. The beachside area of Sant Elm which has a scenic view overlooking the island of Dragonera is also well worth exploring. If you take a driving tour up to Soller on the south west coast you will discover the intrinsic beauty of the island.

Palma Nova Similar to Magaluf, Palma Nova was one of the original mass tourism destinations on the island. It has rebranded itself in recent years in offering more upmarket packages, but there is still value for all the family. Located 15km to the west of Palma, it has three fabulous beaches with white sands and clear warm water. One such beach is Platha de Carregador, which has a charming marina. Take a stroll down the pedestrianised walkway of Passeig Maritim, which overlooks the sea and travels the whole length of the resorts beaches.

Golfing is popular in this resort, if you are a fan check out the Golf Fantasia mini golf park which is nestled in tropical gardens. Its fair to say that Palma Nova has a more relaxed than Magaluf, but many regard the two resorts as one due to their close proximity. There are plenty of theme parks in the resort to cater for families.

Santa Ponsa This is the third resort in terms of popularity on the south west coast of the Island. The pretty beach of Platja de Santa Ponsa is housed in an attractive bay in the middle of the resort and is easily reached by foot. There is plenty to do in terms of nightlife along Ramon de Montcada and the area around Avinguda Rei Jaume.

If you head to the area along Via De la Creu you will get a marvellous view of the whole bay, and a short while away is the intimate and secluded beach at Caló d'en Pellicer. Magaluf is only a short 4km away, so if you want some serious clubbing, or wish to head to one of the many theme parks, you are in close proximity. For the golfer, the magnificent Santa Ponsa Golf Course in the suburbs of the resort is one of the best in Spain, and the course has in the past played host to the Mallorca Open.

Callo Millor This is the largest and most popular resort on the east coast of the Island. Major developments have not been overseen on a grand scale compared to the rest of the Island. Callo Millor has a great reputation as being a family oriented resort, and it has a 1km long beach. The main promenade along the beachfront is a great spot for a stroll, and bicycle rental is a popular business in this resort. You will see plenty of young and old cyclists in the area.

You can book from the local tourist office boat trips south of Callo Millor that stop off at some stunning sea coves. Locally you can enjoy the Zoo Safari which is on the road to Porto Cristo near Sa Coma. There are three fine golf courses nearby Canvamel, Pula and So Servera.

If you avail of a car rental you can get the added value of excursions from the area - you can travel inland for just 4km to the stunning village of Son Servera. South of Calla Millor itself are the popular beaches of Sa Coma and S’Illot. If you travel south you will come to Porto Cristo which is a charming town and home to the Caves of Drach, one of the most popular attractions in the islands.  Further driving to the south will see you enchanted by the coves and the stunning scenery. Stop off at Cala D’Or and you are at the gateway to Mondrago National Park, and the artist villages of Cala Figuera and Cala Santanyo.

Alcudia This resort is located in the north of Mallorca and is 54km from Palma. The resort is well known as a family friendly resort with stunning beaches and fabulous accommodation. The resort is principally divided into three parts: Alcudia Port (Port d'Alcudia), Alcudia Beach (Platja d'Alcudia), and the historically walled town of Alcudia. The port and beach areas are adjacent to each other, and the historical part of the city is 2km away from these areas.
 
The Alcudia Beach area runs all the way from Can Picafort to Alcudia Port. Alcudia Port is the best area for nightlife. The busiest area is the part around Passeig Maritim. The Alcudia Marina has some beautiful boats and is a great place to browse around.

For ways to keep the little ones entertained, there is the Waterpark at Alcudia and the Go Karting area. Tuesdays and Sundays see the local markets in Alcudia Town taking place, and is a great place for the family. Alcudia is a popular destination for birdwatches, as many rare species are to be found in the resort. Bicycle rental is very popular. Golf lovers can enjoy a round at the Alcanada Club to the west of Alcudia.

Find out more about Majorca Tourism and Holidays in Majorca.

So there you have it – a guide to the Top Tourist Resorts of Majorca. The region is best explored by hiring a car, so check out our Car Hire Majorca page.

Have you been to Majorca and holidayed at the top tourist resorts? What did you think of them? If you have any travel advice as to what to see and do in the resort areas please let us know – we appreciate your comments!