Palma Nova
Palma Nova is situated in the southwest of Mallorca, only a short drive of 20 – 25 minutes (26km/16miles) from Palma Airport.
Overview
Palma Nova lies right next to Magaluf and is often overshadowed by its more famous and noisier neighbour. However, it boasts a much larger beach area than Magaluf and offers a slightly more family-friendly atmosphere.
The resort features three large white-sand beaches, along with several smaller rocky coves beyond the small harbour. At the northern end, next to the harbour, is Es Carregador, a quieter spot ideal for those seeking a more relaxed setting. In the centre of the bay is Playa de Palmanova, the largest and most central of the three beaches. To the southwest lies Son Matias, the last beach before reaching Magaluf.
A continuous promenade begins near the harbour and winds its way past each of the beaches, skirting rocky outcrops all the way to the far end of Son Matias. (Around one rocky section, there are steps, but these can be avoided with a short detour along the street.)
There are plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants dotted along the seafront, offering numerous opportunities to pause and enjoy the view. Sunbeds are available for hire, and a range of watersports is on offer, including a SCUBA diving school.
Although a headland separates the promenade from Magaluf, it’s easy to walk between the two resorts. A short detour through the town connects them, as the coastal path does not continue uninterrupted.
Palma Nova is popular with families and younger holidaymakers during the summer months, but in winter it takes on a more relaxed character and attracts middle-aged and older visitors.
Things to do in and around Palma Nova
Golf Fantasia
Golf Fantasia has three mini-golf courses with a tropical theme. The courses are quite easy and hence offer fun for all ages and abilities. They wind their way through tropical plants, waterfalls and caves. There is a kiosk for waiting and Snacks.
Golf Fantasia is easy to access in the north of Palma Nova, just set back a little from the beach.
Craft Market
During the summer season there is a craft market being held daily from 7pm up to around midnight and is found on the Passeig del Mar towards the north of Palma Nova.
Katmandu Park
Katmandu Park is a theme park located between Magaluf and Palma Nova and thus is easy to reach. It’s based around an upside down Tibetan style house and adventure. There are many interactive and instructive fun things to experience and discover so it’s ideal for children.
The park features; games, puzzles, a 4D cinema, a distinct crazy golf experience and much more. Visitors should allow between 4 to 6 hours so as to enjoy all the attractions.
The actual address of the theme park is in Magaluf, Avenida Pedro Vaquer Ramis, 9
Boat Trips
There are various boat trips from Palma Nova and if you can’t find the particular trip here chances are Magaluf, which is just 5 minutes away will offer it.
One popular boat trip from Palma Nova is the Glass bottom boat tour. This heads out from the Son Matias beach jetty. There is sales information for many of the boat trips on offer, displayed on the beachfront advertising placards.
Western Water Park
The Western Water Park is the nearest waterpark located in Magaluf 5- 10 minutes away. Another is Aqualand which is larger but is around 25-30 minutes away in a car journey located the other side of the airport.
The Western Water Park in Magaluf includes a large number of water slides. There are a number of pools and a special section for young children. Along with the water slides and pools there is a spectacular diving show performed by professional divers.
The water park is open every day in the summer and costs around €26 for adults and €18.50 for children. As this is aimed at families, season passes and special family prices can be obtained.
Sol Wave House Hotel
This hotel is in Magaluf and is worth checking out just to see the wave rider machines. There isn’t an entry fee to view and enjoy the bar and pool areas so it’s a welcoming hotel. Also, the restaurant and Bali beds by the pool and spectacular views on the beach front make it appealing.
There are two artificial wave riders; the “Flow Rider double” for beginners and the “Flow Barrel 10” for the more experienced. The machines create a continuous plane of water to surf or body board on. This produces a sheet of water 5cm deep to ride on. The structure is set like a wave with a special soft and elastic exterior so as to be gentle when falling.
Under 18’s will need to be accompanied by an adult and all participants will need to bring ID. Minimum height restrictions are 107cm to Bodyboard and 132cm to Flowboard. Costs for an hour are around €25 for the Flow Rider double and €40 for the Flow Barrel 10.
Karting Magaluf
As the name suggests this racetrack sits next to Magaluf. It is a large Karting track on the south edge of Magaluf just past the Pirates Adventure show.
Due to the various sizes of race karts and varying engine powers this is suitable for all levels and ages, even for three-year-olds. In the summer the circuit is open every day because of the longer hours and tourists and only part-time in the winter. Naturally you can call to book or book online.
Pirates Adventure Dinner Show
The Pirates Adventure is a show is for families and includes dinner. The position of tables set before the stage are ready for dinner then the show. The show has an outstanding reputation for pirate adventure because of the lively music, dancing, acrobatics and comedy.
The Pirates Reloaded show (a different show) is for adults only 18+. Therefore this late night show features scantily clad performers and an adult theme. These later shows are from 10:30pm and only include a drink and snacks.
You can book tickets online or directly at the pirates center. The show is to the south of Magaluf only 500m or so from the beach hence it’s close to Palma Nova.
Places of Interest
Palma City
The beautiful city of Palma de Mallorca is only a short drive away in a taxi or hire car and there are also good bus connections. A visit to this fantastic place is highly recommended – there is plenty of sightseeing, shopping and dining to be done! See here for more information about Palma City.
Caves of Genova
These caves aren’t in Palma Nova but are just a few minutes away in a car journey to Cala Major near Palma city in the Genova urbanization. These caves are the smallest in Mallorca but still worth a visit.
A guide will go together with small groups for an interior tour where visitors will descend 36 meters underground. Separate cave galleries connect with naturally made walkways.
Nearby resorts
There are several popular resorts in the south of the island, which can easily be reached from Palma Nova.
Magaluf is right next to Palma Nova and the two resorts literally blend into each other.
Santa Ponsa, which is slightly quieter and less built-up than Palma Nova, is just over 8 kilometres away and can be reached by car or taxi in around 15 minutes. There is also a good bus connection.
S’Arenal is on the other side of Palma. The 35 kilometre-drive takes around 45 minutes by car or taxi. Similar to Magaluf, S’Arenal is known for its busy nightlife.