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Playa de Palma is the long stretch of sand running from Can Pastilla to s'Arenal, east of the Mallorcan capital. It’s more than four kilometres of beach, with the numbered former balnearios as landmarks, a continuous seafront promenade and Son Sant Joan Airport just minutes away. Its reputation is still tied to the beer halls of s'Arenal, but according to the local hotel federation, almost 80% of its hotels are now four-star superior or five-star.
In this guide, we’ll tell you which stretch to choose and show you the places to stay that we hand-pick one by one; you’ll find the full list on our page of hotels in Playa de Palma.
How to choose an area
The sand is the same from one end to the other, but the atmosphere changes considerably depending on which balneario is in front of you:
- Can Pastilla: the western end, closest to the airport and central Palma, with a small marina and a more residential feel. See more options among hotels in Can Pastilla.
- Ses Meravelles and the central stretch: this is where the large hotels with pools and spas are concentrated, just steps from the promenade.
- S'Arenal: the eastern end, shared between Palma and Llucmajor. The beer halls and nightclubs are around Balneario 6; if you’re looking for a party, this is the place. More places to stay among hotels in El Arenal.
For a couple’s or family trip, aim for the central stretch or Can Pastilla; if you’re a light sleeper, don’t stay near the streets with the beer halls.
Places to stay we recommend in Playa de Palma
These are six very different hotels: two five-star properties, one family-friendly option, one for cyclists, an affordable adults-only hotel and a rural estate.
Hipotels Playa de Palma Palace&Spa
A five-star hotel for unwinding, with a heated pool, hammam, sauna and gym, and the sand about 300 metres away. Rooms have balconies, with garden, pool or sea views to choose from; junior suites are around 42 m². The garage is paid and must be reserved, while beauty treatments cost extra.
Aubamar Palma Resort
The five-star hotel best suited to families, with family rooms, a kids’ club and an indoor play area, and the beach about 400 metres away. Adults can enjoy a spa with a sauna, steam room and hot tub. Its drawback is that it doesn’t offer an internet connection, and parking is paid and must be booked in advance.
HSM Golden Playa
Right on the seafront, with the promenade in front and rooms with balconies, many overlooking the sea. It’s our pick for cyclists: the hotel stores bikes and can advise you on routes, and there are pools, a sauna and a hammam to enjoy when you get back. Rooms accommodate a maximum of two people, there’s no parking, and from 2027 it will be adults-only.
Grupotel Playa de Palma Suites & Spa
Only suites and junior suites, some with a kitchen, microwave and fridge: ideal for longer stays. It has a spa, gym and two outdoor pools, and many rooms have balconies overlooking the pool. The beach is about 500 metres away, the garage is paid, and under-16s can only use the spa in the morning and with an adult.
Copaiba by Honne Hotels - Adults Only
A three-star hotel for guests aged 16 and over, perfect for couples and groups of friends who want to be about 350 metres from the beach without paying for a five-star stay. It has an outdoor pool, gym and rooms with balconies. There’s no parking and breakfast costs extra, so it’s a better fit if you arrive by bus or taxi.
Hotel Son Molí Country House
A different kind of stay: an estate with agricultural buildings dating from 1897, renovated in 2025 and surrounded by gardens. There’s an outdoor pool, tennis court and suites with terraces and sitting areas for those who prefer a country setting to the bustle of the promenade. Parking is free, and one dog per room weighing up to 25 kg is allowed, for an extra charge and stays of at least three nights.
Things to do in Playa de Palma
Start with the beach: fine sand, shallow water and a beach bar at every balneario. The seafront promenade’s cycle lane follows the bay all the way to the cathedral. Right by the beach is Palma Aquarium, while s'Arenal is home to the Aqualand water park—two sure-fire hits with children.
The area is undergoing a major renovation. Palma City Council has rebuilt the stormwater collector and the lighting along the seafront, and in 2026 work began on repositioning the promenade’s stone wall, some 1650 metres of it. The action plan presented in 2026 adds green corridors, such as the already completed Camí de les Meravelles, and the restoration of es Carnatge, the coastal natural area next to Can Pastilla.
When to go
Playa de Palma is no longer a summer-only destination: according to hoteliers, up to 90% of establishments are open between April and October, and around two-thirds remain open in February, March and November. May, June and September are the best-balanced months.
Bear in mind that since 2025 Palma has enforced stricter civic rules, penalising drinking alcohol in the street and walking around in swimwear or shirtless away from the sand.
Getting there and getting around
From the airport, EMT’s A2 bus goes directly to Playa de Palma, and the taxi ride is short. To get to the centre, take the L25 (Arenal–Cathedral), the L23 (Arenal–Plaça d'Espanya) or the L35 (Aquàrium–Cathedral), which EMT runs more frequently every summer: in 2026, the L25 ran as often as every six minutes at midday.
If you’re still deciding, see our guides to where to stay in Mallorca and where to stay in the Balearic Islands; for the city, where to stay in Palma de Mallorca, and for another beach west of Palma, where to stay in Paguera.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often from people planning a stay in Playa de Palma.
What’s the best area to stay in Playa de Palma?
It depends on your trip. Can Pastilla, at the western end, is the quietest and closest to the airport and central Palma. The central stretch towards Ses Meravelles has the hotels with spas and works well for couples and families. S'Arenal, at the eastern end, is where the beer halls and nightlife cluster around Balneario 6: ideal if you’re coming to party, but not a great choice if you’re after peace and quiet.
How do you get from the airport to Playa de Palma?
Son Sant Joan Airport is just a few kilometres away. EMT’s A2 bus connects the airport with Playa de Palma, and since 2025 its stop at the terminal has been next to the A1 stop, for buses to central Palma. A taxi is the quickest option if you’re arriving with a lot of luggage or at night.
Can you get to central Palma without a car?
Yes, and it’s the most practical option. The L25 connects Arenal with the cathedral, running along the whole beach; the L23 goes as far as Plaça d'Espanya, and the L35 runs from the Aquàrium to the cathedral. In summer, EMT runs these services more frequently and extends night-time service. Another option is the seafront promenade’s cycle lane, which follows the bay to the historic centre. Parking in the centre is difficult.
Is Playa de Palma a good place to visit with children?
Yes, especially the central stretch and Can Pastilla. The beach has fine sand and shallow water, and Palma Aquarium and the Aqualand water park in s'Arenal are very close by. Look for hotels with family rooms and a kids’ club, such as Aubamar Palma Resort, and avoid the adults-only properties, which are plentiful here.
When is the best time to visit Playa de Palma?
The season is long: almost all hotels are open between April and October, and much of the accommodation remains open in February, March and November. May, June and September bring mild sea temperatures, long days and fewer crowds than July and August. In the height of summer, it’s worth booking ahead, especially if you want a seafront location or a room with sea views.
