PALMA NOVA
Area: Majorca
Country: Spain


Location:
In the SW of the island on the W side of the Bay of Palma. 9 miles SW of Palma, 15 miles from the airport.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Website:
http://www.balearics.com

Position:
On the Costa de Calvia, facing E across the bay. It forms part of the largest tourist nucleus in Majorca when taken together with Magalluf and Torrenova. The three comprise a solid chunk of seaside development, and have been arbitrarily separated here for convenience only. Palma Nova lies on mainly flat land, with low promontories separating the beaches. The quiet suburb of Son Caliu adjoins, immediately to the E. Inland are flat fields with olive groves and orchards, rising shortly to a range of pine-forested hills.

Description:
Still with its fishing harbour (now largely given over to the nautical club and marina), the town was created to serve the needs of tourism. It was one of the earliest examples of a purpose-built resort on the island, dating from 1934. It still has something of the character of an older, traditional seaside resort, especially in the port area, but it is also influenced by its boisterous neighbours. It is more restrained than Magalluf, though not by much and the fun seeker will have no more difficulty finding a holiday niche here than the young family or older couple. Investment by the local authority of Calvia has improved the seafront area in recent years by paving and the planting of trees.

Suitability:
Young singles are well catered for, especially in the summer season though they will find that nearby Magalluf is noisier and more lively. In the mid and low seasons, the resort is ideal for families, and for older visitors.

Accommodation:
70-plus tourist apartments and hotels, the majority in the middle range, but with a couple of good 4-star choices in secluded positions at Son Caliu and Punta Negra.

Shopping:
Supermarkets and various stores meet all general needs. Souvenir shops are distributed throughout. A greater choice is available within walking distance at Magalluf. Monday market at Calvi.

Beach:
A small cove at Son Caliu and three separate beaches in Palma Nova itself. The first, near the port, is a thin ribbon of sand served by several water sports clubs. The second and largest has terrace bars with good sea views. Son Matias is the third sandy beach.

Entertainments:
Daytime: water sports. Nightlife: casino/restaurant in Magalluf. Almost all of the hotels have some form of organised entertainment programme, from bopping to bingo. Also numerous music bars and several discos.

Eating:
A big choice, with many snack and burger bars. Restaurants serving local and foreign cuisine.

Public-transport:
Several bus lines either pass through on the Palma to Andraitx route, or originate here. The coastal route is well served at approximately 15 minute intervals.

Local-excursions:
Old town of Calvia; Magalluf for Casino, Aquacity or nightlife; Marineland (2 miles.); Soller; Palma. This is also a good base for excursions to the more distant attractions of the N and E.