# Palma Nova and Magaluf, Palma de Mallorca > Palma Nova and Magaluf are neighbouring beach resorts in the municipality of Calvià, 15–20 minutes west of Palma. Palma Nova was one of Mallorca's first purpose-built resorts, with sandy coves, calm water and a promenade. Magaluf next door is known for its long beach and nightlife. A little further is the quiet bay of Santa Ponsa. Allow a day by the sea. Web page: https://yesgo.io/spain/palma/palmanova-magaluf - City: [Palma de Mallorca](https://yesgo.io/spain/palma), Spain - YesGo score: 23/100 (Yes, if nearby) - Time on site: 4 h - Opening hours: Beaches always open - With kids: Fine with kids - Entry: Beaches free; sunbeds paid - Getting there: Bus from Palma ≈ 30 minutes - Beaches: Palma Nova, Son Maties, Magaluf - Time needed: A day by the sea - With kids: Palma Nova is calmer - Location: ≈ 15 km west of Palma - Coordinates: 39.52090, 2.53709 - Facts checked: 12.11.2026 ## Key facts - **1st** — of the island's purpose-built resorts (source: English Wikipedia) - **≈ 145 km²** — area of Calvià municipality (source: English Wikipedia) - **18 km** — from Palma to nearby Santa Ponsa (source: English Wikipedia) - **Calvià** — the most visitors in the Balearics (source: English Wikipedia) ## About Palma Nova and Magaluf Both resorts lie in the municipality of **Calvià** in south-west Mallorca, between the Serra de Tramuntana and the Serra de Na Burguesa. Calvià is the Balearics' second most populous area after Palma and the place with the most tourists in the archipelago. **Palma Nova**, New Palma, was one of the island's first resorts built specifically for holidaymakers, with a string of sandy coves, a promenade and many family hotels. Right next door is **Magaluf**, with a long beach, bars and clubs, known across Europe above all for its nightlife. ## Things to see and do - **Palma Nova's beaches** — a string of sandy coves. - **Magaluf beach** — a long strip facing small offshore islets. - **The promenade** — walks between the two resorts. - **Water parks** — several large parks nearby. - **Boat trips** — cruises along the coast. - **Santa Ponsa** — a quiet bay a few kilometres away. ## Palma Nova's beaches **Palma Nova's** beaches are a chain of small coves of fine pale sand separated by rocky headlands. The water is usually calm and shelves gently, with palms, cafés and sunbed hire along the shore. Families stroll the promenade in the morning and evening, while daytime life centres on the water. The most popular are the central beach and nearby Son Maties. From here the promenade leads to Magaluf in about 20–30 minutes on foot. Palma Nova suits those who want a beach holiday close to Palma without the noise of its neighbour. > **Where it's quieter** With children or for some peace, choose Palma Nova or Santa Ponsa, which are calmer, especially in the evening. Magaluf suits those who've come for parties and bars, and in summer it's loud until dawn. Beaches are public and free; you pay only for sunbeds and umbrellas. ## Magaluf and Santa Ponsa **Magaluf** stretches along a long sandy beach facing small islets in the bay. By day people swim and try water sports, and by night the main strip fills with bars and clubs. It's known above all for nightlife and is popular with young people from across Europe. A few kilometres west lies **Santa Ponsa**, a quiet, deep bay with a sandy beach, a marina and pine-covered hills around it. It's a good choice for a calm family holiday, with walking trails to viewpoints above the sea. ## When to go and what to eat The swimming season runs from June to October, warmest in July and August, while spring and autumn are calmer and cheaper. Try Mallorcan dishes such as tumbet, a bake of vegetables and potato, soft sobrassada sausage spread on bread and the spiral ensaïmada pastry. ## How to get there from Palma 1. Bus from Palma, about 30 minutes to Palma Nova. 2. From the airport, direct buses and transfers, ≈ 30–40 minutes. 3. By car, about 20 minutes on the Ma-1. 4. Between Palma Nova and Magaluf, on foot along the promenade. ## Tips for your trip Palma Nova makes a handy base, close to Palma and an easy drive to the Tramuntana and other beaches. Many people stay a week and take day trips around the island. In summer the beaches fill up from midday, so claim your spot in the morning. Bring sunscreen, a hat and water. Beachfront restaurants cost more; side streets have cafés with good-value set menus. Children enjoy the nearby water parks and glass-bottomed boat trips. Palma Nova's gentle shallows suit toddlers. ## Before you go Tick off what's ready — your ticks are saved in this browser. - [ ] Check bus times from Palma - [ ] Pack a swimsuit and sunscreen - [ ] Claim a beach spot in the morning - [ ] Walk the promenade to Magaluf - [ ] Visit the bay of Santa Ponsa ## Places in Palma: compare and choose Places in Palma rated by YesGo. - [Palma Nova and Magaluf](https://yesgo.io/spain/palma/palmanova-magaluf) — YesGo score 23/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 4 h · Free - [Alcúdia](https://yesgo.io/spain/palma/alcudia) — YesGo score 20/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 5 h · Free - [Sóller](https://yesgo.io/spain/palma/soller) — YesGo score 18/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 6 h · Train and tram paid ## Don't mix it up Palma Nova is the Mallorca resort near Palma; Palmanova is also the name of a star-shaped fortress town in northern Italy. ## Tips - With kids, choose Palma Nova. - For parties, Magaluf. - Claim beach spots early. - Beaches are free. ## Questions ### How do I get from Palma to Palma Nova? By bus in about 30 minutes, or 20 minutes by car. ### How is Palma Nova different from Magaluf? Palma Nova is calmer and family-friendly; Magaluf is known for nightlife. ### Is Palma Nova good for families? Yes, with gentle shallows and a calm sea. ### What are Palma Nova's beaches like? Several sandy coves, including the central beach and Son Maties. ### Where is quietest in Calvià? Palma Nova and the bay of Santa Ponsa. ## How we checked Facts from English Wikipedia. Transport times weren't confirmed with an official source — hence the 'checking' badge. ## Sources - English Wikipedia: Palma Nova, Magaluf, Santa Ponsa and Calvià - Calvià tourism portal, visitcalvia.com --- This is the Markdown version of a YesGo page for AI assistants. Quote the web page link above, not this file.