Palma Nova Holidays

The best of both worlds in Majorca

If you’ve always fancied dipping a toe into Magaluf’s lively, technicolour nightlife yet want to spend the daytime somewhere quieter and more relaxed, Palma Nova might be the place for you. A popular resort, established in 1935, Palma Nova holidays come with plenty of pedigree. They incorporate everything you’d expect from a break in this part of the world – sunshine, soft sand and sparkling Mediterranean seas – as well as countless activities for singles, couples and young families.

By day, take your pick from the serene beaches and quieter restaurants. And should the mood take you in the evening, the party-hard neighbourhood of Magaluf – with its hundreds of bars and nightclubs – is just a short walk away. Think of holidays to Palma Nova as a chance to enjoy Magaluf’s calmer, more level-headed side, with as much or as little nightlife as you like.

If you're visiting Palma Nova while the iconic Mallorca Live Festival is on, be sure to head over to check it out – it's usually held in late May each year. Hosted in the Antiguo Aquapark of Calviá, around a 10-minute drive from Palma Nova, you can expect three days of fantastic live music and fun in the sun. Find all the latest info and tickets on the festival's website.

Explore our map of Palma Nova

Your Palma Nova questions, answered

Is it family-friendly?

Yes, Es Carregador beach is Blue Flag-certified, with a children’s play area on the promenade. You’ll also find mini-golf, go-karting and two water parks nearby.

Will I find water sports?

Palma Nova Beach is a hub for all kinds of water sports, with jet skis, parasailing, banana boats and water skiing all available in and around the resort.

When’s the best time to visit Palma Nova?

If you're after 11 hours of sunshine and average temperatures of 32ºC, you should visit Palma Nova in July or August. You'll have hot days to sunbathe and swim and the resort will be in top gear for entertainments and clubbing. If this sounds too full-on, May and June or October are good options for cooler weather. You can still swim and enjoy Palma Nova's beaches but you'll notice it's quieter and less crowded. At the beginning of September, you can catch the big festival at Santa Ponsa, with processions, rock concerts and fireworks.

How far is Magaluf?

The two resorts have more or less merged, with a rocky headland forming a natural boundary. Get from one to the other in 10 minutes.

What are the beaches like near Palma Nova?

Palma Nova itself has three Blue Flag beaches but if you want to change it up a bit you have a huge choice of other beaches nearby. Just past the marina to the north, you'll come across the small rocky bay of Son Caliu where you can swim off a jetty. It's tiny and generally quiet. If you prefer more space you can also go south into Magaluf. The bay is lined with sandy beaches, bars and restaurants. You'll also find the best choice of water sports here, from banana boats to jet skis.

What’s the nightlife like in Palma Nova?

All the nightlife you want is at Palma Nova, from beach bars and cocktails to British sports bars and karaoke. This is a family-friendly resort, with drinks and dancing as well as tribute bands and family shows. You'll also have bars, with a resident DJ or live rock music, where you can stay until the small hours. If you're in Palma Nova for the big club scene, you're only 10 minutes’ drive from Magaluf. You can dance all night to top DJs, and it'll only take you half an hour to walk back in the morning.

Is Palma Nova a good couples holiday?

You'll find Palma Nova a friendly destination for couples of all ages. If you're after long days on the beach and long nights on the dance floor, all this is in Palma Nova. You'll see that the resort is gradually merging into Magaluf so you'll have all the big nightclubs within easy reach. You can also opt for sunset cocktails and fine restaurants if you're feeling more laid-back. In the daytime, you might also want to explore the area by bike, learn to dive or jet ski, go paddleboarding or perhaps attend some couples’ yoga classes.

Is Palma Nova family-friendly?

Yes, definitely. The three town beaches are all Blue Flag-certified, with nice shallow water for kids and lifeguard supervision. Along the promenade that connects the beaches, you'll see children's play areas and parks. You’ll also have a chance to enjoy mini-golf or go-karting. The hotels are geared up for families, so you'll find entertainments and activities for children, such as a pirate adventure show. You can also take them to most bars and pubs, where they might enjoy music and sing-alongs. You'll find several water parks in nearby Magaluf, with slides and rides for all the family.

Do I need a car in Palma Nova?

You won't need a car in Palma Nova as everything is on your doorstep. You can walk to most of the beaches, or catch a local bus around town. Even Magaluf is only half an hour's walk, or you can hire a taxi back from a nightclub when you're worn out with dancing. You can also catch a bus over to Santa Ponsa if you want to visit the jungle park or nature reserve. You have a regular bus service into Palma, which runs every half hour and takes about 40 minutes to reach shops, restaurants and historic monuments.

Best things to do Beaches

Take to the water
Explore the southwest coastline by joining a boat trip from Palma Nova. Glass-bottomed craft are the most fun, and food and drink is usually included.
Hit the park
Katmandu theme park has plenty to keep all ages happy for hours, including a water park, soft-play areas, 4D experiences and a house of magic.
Dance the night away
The resort’s westernmost beach, Son Matias, has plenty of cool new bars and lively dancing spots if you don’t feel like heading into Magaluf proper.