The southwest of the island of Mallorca is home not only to lively resorts but also to diverse landscapes. The region is characterized as much by its mountains as by chic harbors and vibrant nightlife. Those seeking an authentic Mallorcan experience must hike the Serra de Tramuntana and explore harbors, bays, and mountain villages. In addition to the following beachfront tourist towns, Mallorca boasts numerous small villages hidden from the public eye that are worth exploring.
Andratx, with its famous little marina, is surrounded by mountains. Andratx and Puerto d'Andratx are ideal starting points for hiking tours in the Tramuntana Mountains. The nearby beaches are best explored by boat. A visit to one of Europe's largest centers for contemporary art, the Centro Cultural Andratx, is a must for any visit to the Mallorcan town. To follow in the footsteps of the 19th century, a visit to the La Trapa Monastery is recommended.
Camp de Mar
This quiet resort invites you to a relaxing, active holiday. Camp de Mar is home to a variety of first-class hotels on the edge of a bay surrounded by Aleppo pines. From here, you can enjoy trekking, mountain biking, or rental car tours. Golf enthusiasts will also find their money's worth in this small town. The fine, wide sandy beach of Platja de ses Dones is the ideal place to relax.
Magaluf
Magaluf - This former fishing village, which has mutated into a bizarre insane asylum, is considered a hotspot for British vacationers. Cheap, disgusting hotel complexes line the beach. English pubs, fish and chips, billiards, and bingo stands dominate the image of this English colony. The fine sandy beach stretches for 1,600 meters – well, that's too bad for this clientele.
Paguera
Paguera (or Peguera) is one of the top destinations for beach holidays. You'll find three gently sloping, upscale beaches with fine sand and comfortable amenities. Along the beach promenade, there are numerous bars, boutiques, and restaurants for strolling or enjoying a good Spanish wine. Peguera's hilly surroundings are dotted with numerous pine forests, making it ideal for relaxing walks or short hikes. Regular bus connections during the summer months invite you to visit Palma de Mallorca.
Porto Adriano
The bay of Porto Adriano, with its luxury marina, boasts a unique location. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature, inviting you to enjoy the scenery. A trip to the nearby Malgrats Islands is definitely worth it. Thanks to its numerous luxury restaurants, boutiques, and galleries, Puerto Adriano has become a meeting place for the wealthy and high-class prostitutes.
Portals Nous
Portals Nous is located in the Pariatge region, directly on the Mediterranean Sea. This small resort town boasts a marina and a promenade with exquisite shops and restaurants. The Platja de l'Oratori beach is located in a rocky bay, with a platform offering breathtaking views on its rocky peak. A rocky island off the beach provides moderate waves for bathing.
Puerto d'Andratx
Puerto d'Andratx developed from a small fishing village into an upscale resort for high society. The deep bay, framed by mountains, makes Puerto d'Andratx so popular and unique. Since the village itself doesn't have its own beach, the rich and beautiful largely stay among themselves, as beach tourists are absent. However, the town has managed to retain its original charm: especially in the early morning, fishing boats with locals can be seen heading out to sea. In addition to small fish markets, you'll also find upscale boutiques, restaurants, cafés, galleries, jewelers, exclusive delicatessens, and one real estate agency after another.
Santa Ponsa
Santa Ponsa is surrounded by fine sandy bays and bizarre rock formations. German vacationers, in particular, feel at home in the historic bay with its beautiful beach promenade. Santa Ponsa has a marina, a golf resort, shopping malls, and clubs. Visitors can enjoy a fantastic view of the city from the La Cima hill.
Sant Elm
Surrounded by a mountainous landscape lies the small village of Sant Elm with its 180-meter-long sandy beach. In front of it lie the islands of Es Pantaleu and Sa Dragonera. The latter is now a nature reserve, home to lizards, falcons, and Audouin's gulls. The romantic mountain landscape is ideal for hikes, for example, to the former La Trapa monastery or to Cala Embasset.
Another tourist attraction is the unusually shaped island of Sa Dragonera, opposite. It is uninhabited and lies west of Sant Elm. Today, it is home exclusively to animals and plants. It can be reached by boat, and the unique natural environment can only be explored on foot. For conservation reasons, the number of visitors is limited.
Articles about the island of Mallorca:
Palma de Mallorca
The region around the capital, Palma (Google Maps), borders the Migjorn landscape zone to the west. The island's government seat is also its supply center.
The Northwest
The Serra de Tramuntana is well-connected to hiking and cycling trails, making it an ideal destination for independent travelers and nature lovers.
The North
The north forms the transition from the mountains to the "Pla" plain. Although the region is crisscrossed by rivers and waterways, little arable land remains.
The Northeast
The northeastern Llevant is famous for its beaches and coves, some of which are overrun by mass tourism. Examples include Cala Rajada and Cala Millor.
The Southeast
The southeast extends along the coastline and borders Llevant to the northeast and Pla de Mallorca and Palma to the northwest.
The South
The flat interior of the south of Mallorca flows into wide sandy beaches or rises until it abruptly ends at high cliffs.
The center of the island
Pla de Mallorca, the center of Mallorca, is bordered to the northwest by the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and to the east by the Serres de Llevant.