Palma Nova Tourist Information
By Gary Marshall
Palma Nova is a popular package tour destination in the south-west of Mallorca. The resort has three large beaches of golden sand, a variety of bars and restaurants, and some excellent amenities for families. A wide range of water sports can be enjoyed at Palma Nova, including scuba diving, jet skiing, parascending and kite-surfing. Although quieter than neighbouring Magaluf, Palma Nova can still get very busy during the peak season.

The three main beaches in the resort are Son Maties, Playa de Palma Nova and Es Carregador, all of them with a range of facilities including lifeguards (summertime only), first-aid post, sun beds and showers. Next to Son Maties is a headland which separates Palma Nova from Magaluf. The three beaches are backed by a long promenade lined with hotels, fast food outlets, cafes and restaurants. A commercial centre with a supermarket, chemist and various shops is located nearby. To the north of Palma Nova are a couple of secluded coves, including Son Caliu which has fine sand and palm trees. A little further along the coast is Portals Nous, regarded as something of a celebrity resort. Portals Nous boasts a large marina, Puerto Portals, which is home to smart boutique shops and upmarket such as Tristan, which boasts two Michelin stars. Another well-known eatery is Wellies which offers elaborate pub lunches and evening meals.

Palma Nova is very much a family-orientated resort with several attractions geared towards children. Golf Fantasia, set within tropical gardens close to the seafront, is a huge crazy-golf course. It has three colour-coded 18-hole courses with features such as waterfalls, lakes and caves. Golf Fantasia

even has its own '19th hole' where you can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat after your round. This attraction can be popular during the high season so it's advisable to book early.

Just outside the resort at Costa d'en Blanes is Marine Land, renowned for its spectacular dolphin and sea lion displays. During the shows children are often picked from the audience and invited to take part in the displays. Marine Land also has an aquarium, aviary, tropical house and parrot displays. Transabus run a regular bus service from Palma Nova to the park.

Palma Nova does not have a particularly wild nightlife so it is better to head into nearby Magaluf if you want to enjoy a lively night out. There are a few late-night pubs and karaoke bars though, in particular Banana Joe's which often features British DJ's. Along the seafront in Palma Nova there is a variety of cafes and restaurants, including fast-food outlets such as MacDonalds, Spanish tapas bars, and Chinese, Indian and Italian restaurants. There are also typical British bars where you can enjoy a full English breakfast.

Palma Nova is situated 8 miles (14km) west of the island's capital, Palma de Mallorca, and around 13 miles (18km) west of the airport, Son San Joan. There are regular bus services operated by Transabus from Palma Nova to Palma. There are no direct bus services from Palma Nova to the airport, instead you will have to change in Palma de Mallorca.

For more advice and tourist information about Palma Nova please see Palma Nova