Mallorca's south-west - the sophisticated gem
Mallorca Southwest - the sophisticated gem
The contrasting southwest of Mallorca is directly adjacent to the island capital Palma and is considered a major centre of tourism on the Balearic island and a hotspot for the rich and beautiful. With chic resorts winding around gorgeous bays on the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains and the island capital as a magical centre of attraction, the region west of the Bay of Palma all the way to the small pirate town of Sant Elm is a showpiece.
For decades, tourism has played a role here and you can see that in this region. The infrastructure in the southwest is among the best on the island. Nowhere else is so much German spoken and nowhere else have so many newcomers settled as here. Many of the prospering communities, above all Calvià, are international, with proximity to the airport playing a major role alongside all the amenities.
If you come to Mallorca for a short trip or a beach holiday, the southwest is the destination of your dreams. At beautiful beaches and bays like in Santa Ponca, Andratx and Peguera (Paguera) you will enjoy your holiday in a completely different way. You will appreciate the short distances and what is on offer in the southwest of Mallorca. The beach is pretty much everywhere, there are modern amusement parks and family-friendly activities. Marineland and the Western Water Park, for example, are among the most important amusement parks on the island. The region is also predestined for all kinds of water sports. Diving schools, boat rentals and surfers can be found in large numbers along the coast.
Region with celebrity factor
The southwest of the island stands for luxury and exclusivity like no other region on the island. Many celebrities and wealthy Mallorca fans have found a second home here or come here regularly for their holidays. The sophisticated ports of Andratx and Adriano are showcases for mega yachts and posh boutiques, and Calvià is considered one of the richest communities on the island. Luxury properties with sea views are particularly in demand here. The jet set, but also locals, also love Puerto Portals. The extensive harbour area is a world of its own - almost like a small town where events take place all year round.
And while families or even pensioners appreciate the sunny side in the southwest of the island, party people love Magaluf. The place with the biggest discos and clubs on the island is the centre of lively nightlife in summer. British holidaymakers in particular have been drawn to this destination for years. In addition to the very lively destinations, there are also somewhat quieter places further west. The family-friendly Sant Elm, for example, has a special attraction off its coast: Sa Dragonera or Dragon Island.
Mallorca South West - 4 Highlights
Tip 1: Sa Dragonera
Formerly a hideout for pirates, Dragonera is now a nature reserve of special value. The small island lies only 800 metres from the southwest coast of Mallorca and can only be reached by boat. The island is a popular destination for snorkellers, birdwatchers and hikers, who can walk around the island on quiet paths.
Tip 2: Amusement Parks
Here in the Palma area of southwest Mallorca are two of the best amusement parks on the island. If you're looking for a day of family action, head to Marineland, a large aqua zoo with several attractions and a sea lion and dolphin show. Alternatively, you'll find plenty of waterslides, hot tubs and sunbathing areas at the Western Water Park near Magaluf.
Tip 3: Marinas
If you're a fan of sailing and motor yachts, you'll love the southwest of Mallorca. Nowhere else are there so many luxurious marinas with such an appealing ambience, from small 9-metre boats to large, floating luxury houses for exclusive party nights, you'll find everything anchored here or sailing in and out. The best way to observe the hustle and bustle in the harbours is from one of the adjacent restaurants.
Tip 4: House of Katmandu
In the House of Katmandu in Magaluf, Mallorca is upside down. Those who enter the House of Illusions embark on an imaginative journey with interactive games from the world of Tibetan legends and myths. Katmandu Park is one of the attractions in the southwest of the island. Every year, thousands of visitors come to walk through the upside-down house with its 8 themed areas.
Glamorous harbours and superyachts
Experience the luxurious marinas, beach houses and villas of the rich and beautiful, surrounded by orange and olive groves in Andratx and the associated Port d'Andratx. In Illetes you will find wonderful sandy beaches lined with exclusive beach clubs. In Peguera, also sometimes referred to as "Little Germany", German tourists in particular will find same-language shopping and conversation partners. Bendinat is more inconspicuous in terms of buildings, but is one of the most expensive areas on the island. The town is situated on a slope and therefore offers a breathtaking sea view over the bay of Palma.
Port Adriano and El Toro
A modern marina on the Mediterranean off the southwest coast of Mallorca: magnificent superyachts anchor here. It was designed by the renowned architect Philippe Starck. Here you will not only find exclusive moorings for luxury yachts of all sizes, but also great boutiques, excellent restaurants, cosy cafés and the small sandy beach of El Toro. This little village forms the most south-westerly tip of the Balearic island and is very popular with locals as well as holidaymakers.
Even those who cannot afford a yacht should treat themselves to this splendour and marvel at this exclusive yacht harbour not far from Santa Ponsa. For water sports fans, the harbour offers plenty of leisure activities on the water: jet skiing, diving, kayaking or sailing! Or dare to charter a motorboat and spend a nice day on the sea with friends, family. Port Adriano's calendar of events also has plenty to offer: from spring festivals, vintage car rallies and exhibitions to Christmas markets and photo competitions, the port offers its visitors an unforgettable spectacle at any time of year.
Coast of little bays
Not far from El Toro you will also find a wide range of tourist attractions in Santa Ponsa and Paguera. In between, picturesque little bays and hidden favourite spots. Santa Ponsa or Santa Ponça is popular with many holidaymakers, especially families, for its extensive beach. In this area, (family) holidaymakers will find everything they need: shopping facilities, souvenir shops, restaurants, water sports activities and amusement parks. In addition, there are many luxury properties and first-class golf resorts in and around Santa Ponsa.
The resort of Paguera belongs to the municipality of Calvià. This area, together with Port Andratx and Costa de la Calma, is particularly popular with German holidaymakers. The beaches here also have all the important facilities that make the holidaymaker's heart beat faster. There are many German restaurants and medium-priced shops. If you are willing to leave the beach for a short time, we recommend exploring the wonderful nature in the southwest of Mallorca. You can reach the mountains quickly and easily thanks to the ideal infrastructure.
Mallorca South West - 4 special excursion tips
- 1. Marineland – the perfect family day out. Here, children in particular get their money's worth: exotic sea creatures, large play and swimming areas, an in-house beach and lots of entertainment. The Aqua-Zoo Marineland in Portals Nous is a mixture of water park and animal park with a unique sea lion and dolphin show in Mallorca. There is also the opportunity to swim with the dolphins and gather interesting facts about exotic animals. Adults also get their money's worth here - snack bars and a restaurant with a sea view cater for physical well-being. Sharks, dolphins, parrots, exotic turtles - you should plan a whole day to see everything. A day trip with bus transfer is a good option here.
- 2. Western Water Park – the perfect excursion for hot summer days. A day at the Western Water Park Mallorca in Magaluf offers you and your family an exciting day of slides, fun and games, as well as an unusually dusty theme for a water park. No one is guaranteed to stay dry here! This special water park in the south of Mallorca has something for everyone. The little ones get their money's worth in the Wild West play world with children's slides and lots of adventure, while whirlpools and sunbathing areas await the grown-ups. There are a few highlights to discover here and the theme park promises a splashy change from splashing around in the sea.
- 3. Puig de sa Morisca - Just above Santa Ponsa is this 119m high mountain with a 6km long hiking trail that invites you to discover and marvel. In the 35 ha Parque Arqueológico at Puig de sa Morisca directly above the popular holiday resort, you will encounter historical relics and breathtaking viewpoints. The site provides insights into Mallorcan life from the 6th century BC to the 13th century, when King Jaume I and his troops landed here to put an end to Arab rule. Remains of ancient villages can also be found.
- 4. Sa Dragonera - The small dragon lizard gave its name to the island off the southwest coast. Once occupied by pirates, later chosen by the king as his summer residence, the island is now a nature reserve and a popular destination for holidaymakers interested in natural beauty, bird watching or simply uninhabited islands. The small island can be discovered on a hike along four different paths. An insider tip is the snorkelling area Dragonera. The island can only be reached by boat, preferably from Sant Elm or by excursion boat from Santa Ponsa and Paguera.
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