Portals Vells Beach Mallorca
A hidden gem on Mallorca's southwest coast, Portals Vells enchants with turquoise waters, golden coves, and a historic stone portal.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Portals Vells Beach Mallorca
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem on Mallorca's southwest coast, Portals Vells enchants with turquoise waters, golden coves, and a historic stone portal.
"One of the most beautiful beaches and waters I’ve ever seen!"
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Don't worry about parking; there's a pretty large parking lot nearby.
🤿 Snorkeling Paradise
The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, with rich marine life to discover.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal-Clear Turquoise Waters
Main beach and coves
Dive into incredibly clear, shallow waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The vibrant blue hues are mesmerizing.
The Historic Stone Portal
Near the main beach
Explore the ancient portal carved into the rock, a fascinating historical site and a unique photo opportunity.
Secluded Coves and Beaches
Multiple small bays
Discover several small, sandy coves like Cala del Rei and Platja del Mago, offering peaceful escapes and stunning natural beauty.
Pine Forest and Cliff Scenery
Surrounding the beaches
Enjoy the picturesque setting of pine forests and rugged cliffs framing the golden sandy beaches and azure sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Discover the Historic Portal
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Don't worry about parking; there's a pretty large parking lot nearby.
🤿 Snorkeling Paradise
The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, with rich marine life to discover.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You can hike around to different coves, so comfortable footwear is a good idea.
☀️ Arrive Early for Space
It's a small beach that gets packed quickly, so aim to arrive early.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Don't worry about parking; there's a pretty large parking lot nearby.
🤿 Snorkeling Paradise
The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, with rich marine life to discover.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You can hike around to different coves, so comfortable footwear is a good idea.
☀️ Arrive Early for Space
It's a small beach that gets packed quickly, so aim to arrive early.
📍 Find it with a Drone
If you have one, a drone can help you spot the beach and its exact location, especially at sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Portals Vells Beach is lauded for its stunningly clear turquoise waters and picturesque coves, offering a serene escape. While some find it less clean and with limited sand space compared to other beaches, its natural beauty and historical significance, including an ancient portal, are undeniable draws. Visitors recommend arriving early to enjoy its charm before it gets crowded.
"We found the beach dirtier than the beaches surrounding. There is limited beach / sand space and more place on rock to sit. There is ample parking but not much amenities (shower or lifeguard etc.). I don’t think worth visiting again given the extra travel time and given cleanliness of the beach."
Marcio Lopes
"Seriously this is one of the most beautiful beaches! We saw it on social media and it took us a bit of a while to find it, but after we flew our drone during sunset in the area we were able to see exacrly where the beach was. It was empty! There is a pretty large parking lot. Have fun."
Elisheva B.A.
"You can park in the small city, next to the stairs, then walk to these beaches"
Name Surname
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Portals Vells Beach is located about 22 km from Palma. You can drive and utilize the ample parking available nearby. Taxis are also an option, with services like 'taxi Portals Vells' readily accessible. Some visitors suggest parking in the small town next to the stairs and walking to the beaches.
Yes, Portals Vells is conveniently located about 6 kilometers from the lively town of Magaluf, offering a stark contrast in atmosphere. +1
Driving is a popular option due to available parking. Taxis are also a convenient choice for reaching Portals Vells.
While not explicitly detailed in the provided content, public transport options might exist. It's advisable to check local bus routes from Palma or nearby towns for the most up-to-date information.
Some visitors mention it can take a bit of a while to find, but the effort is rewarded. Using a drone can help pinpoint its location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of an entrance fee for Portals Vells Beach itself. Access to the beach and its coves is generally free.
As a natural beach, Portals Vells does not have set opening or closing hours. It is accessible at all times, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
No advance booking is required for Portals Vells Beach. It's a public beach, and visitors can arrive at their leisure, though arriving early is advised due to its popularity.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but as with any natural area, visitors are encouraged to respect the environment and leave no trace.
Yes, the shallow, crystal-clear waters make it ideal for families and swimmers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, exploring the different coves, snorkeling in the clear waters, and hiking around the area.
+1 Boat and yacht exploration is also possible.
Reviews suggest there are limited amenities, such as no showers or lifeguards.
Portals Vells features golden sandy beaches, though some reviews mention limited sand space with more rocky areas for sitting.
It can get packed quickly, especially as it's a small beach. Arriving early is recommended to secure a good spot.
Portals Vells was once a medieval quarry, with stone extracted from here used to build Palma Cathedral. The area features a historic portal carved into the rock.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on the beach. While the food is described as very nice, it can be highly priced, and the staff might be perceived as a bit short.
The cafe offers food, though specific types are not detailed. It's noted as being 'very nice' but 'highly priced'.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permissible for beach visits, offering a more budget-friendly option. No specific restrictions are mentioned.
While there's a cafe directly on the beach, more extensive dining options would likely be found in nearby towns like Magaluf or Palma.
The cafe at Portals Vells is noted as being 'highly priced'.
📸 📸 Photography
The crystal-clear turquoise waters, the historic stone portal, the surrounding pine forests and cliffs, and the secluded coves all offer stunning photographic opportunities. +1
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for photos.
One user mentioned using a drone to find the beach, suggesting it might be permitted, but it's always best to check local regulations before flying.
You can capture serene beach scenes, underwater shots while snorkeling, dramatic cliff views, and unique perspectives of the historic portal. +1
The natural beauty of Portals Vells, with its clear waters and scenic surroundings, is photogenic year-round, though spring and autumn offer pleasant light and fewer crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing beach toys and snorkeling gear to keep the kids entertained. The opportunity to explore the different coves can also be an adventure for younger explorers. Arriving early is key to securing a good spot on the sand and avoiding the midday crowds, ensuring a more peaceful experience for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're looking for a stunning natural setting without the expense of paid attractions, Portals Vells is ideal. The opportunity for free activities like swimming and snorkeling
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
The area is perfect for nature lovers who appreciate picturesque coastlines and the tranquility of less developed natural spaces. The historical aspect, with the ancient quarry remnants, also adds an interesting layer for those who enjoy combining nature with a touch of history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Coves of Portals Vells
+2 The ability to explore these distinct areas adds significant value to a visit, allowing for a personalized beach experience.These coves are often framed by pine forests and rugged cliffs, creating a picturesque backdrop. The contrast between the golden sand, the vibrant turquoise water, and the green of the surrounding vegetation is a photographer's dream.
While the main beach has some amenities, the smaller coves tend to be more natural and less developed, offering a true escape. Remember to wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore multiple coves, as the terrain can be uneven.
The Historical Significance: A Quarry for Palma Cathedral
+1 This connection to such a significant landmark adds a unique historical dimension to the beach experience. Visitors can still see remnants of this past, including the historic portal carved into the rock, which gives the area its name and whispers tales of centuries gone by. The large cave with three entrances, resembling portals, is a direct testament to its quarrying past.
This historical aspect makes Portals Vells more than just a beautiful beach; it's a site where natural beauty meets tangible history. It's a place to not only relax but also to connect with Mallorca's rich heritage. When visiting, take a moment to appreciate the scale of the operation that once took place here and imagine the massive stones being transported to build one of the island's most famous structures. It's a unique opportunity to stand on ground that literally helped build history.
Snorkeling and Marine Life
Divers and snorkelers can expect to see a variety of fish and other underwater creatures in their natural habitat. The clear water enhances the experience, making it feel like swimming in an aquarium.
For the best snorkeling experience, consider visiting during calmer weather conditions. While there's a cafe on the beach, bringing your own snorkeling gear is recommended to maximize your time exploring the underwater world.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit