If you’re eyeing things to do in Palma Nova, think three Blue Flag beaches, a palm-lined promenade and easygoing spots for a cold drink by the sea. Days flow with swims, paddleboards and a round of mini-golf in the shade, while evenings lean towards sunset strolls, casual tapas and a bit of live music.
Palma Nova beaches and promenade
The resort orbits three sandy bays. Facilities are solid along the whole curve and you'll find soft sand, shallow entry, seasonal lifeguards, showers and toilets, plus sunbed and parasol hire. Access is easy with ramps and boardwalks for prams and wheelchairs, and there are playgrounds dotted near the seafront. Early mornings are glassy and quiet, afternoons bring a sea breeze, and sunset paints the bay nicely without the midday glare.
Palmanova
Cafés and chiringuitos sit practically on the sand, the promenade is lively, and the water is shallow and clear. You’ve also got shops and ATMs a short stroll away. It’s the best spot for people‑watching and grabbing a table between swims without straying far from your towel.
Son Maties
The broadest sweep of sand with room to spread out, so it suits groups and anyone who likes proper personal space. Morning waters are usually smooth for SUP or kayaking, with watersports outfitters set along the back of the beach. It gets a gentle afternoon breeze and lovely golden light later on.
Es Carregador
Quieter and more sheltered, with a few trees behind the beach offering pockets of shade and a slower rhythm. The shallows near the breakwaters tend to stay calm, and the rocky edges by the headland are decent for snorkelling. Great family-friendly beach to head to with a book in hand.
Passeig Marítim
The seafront thread is a flat, step‑free promenade linking all three beaches. It’s lined with palms, benches and low‑key cafés and chiringuitos, so you can drift between swims, coffee breaks and photo stops.
Watersports and outdoor activities in Palma Nova
The bay is gentle and well set up for easy-on, easy-off fun. You’ll find rental kiosks dotted along the coast, with calm mornings that suit paddling and slightly breezier afternoons for a livelier swim. These are great things to do in Palma Nova with kids.
Paddleboarding, kayaking and pedalos
Pedalos with slides are popular for families, while SUPs and kayaks let you nose along the headlands without straying far. Best launch points are the central stretch of Palmanova and the wide arc of Son Maties. Keep an eye on swim‑zone buoys and give bathers a wide berth.
Jet skis and small‑boat hire
You can book guided jet ski runs or short coastal hops by small boat from operators near Magaluf and the Palmanova front. It’s a good way to reach quieter coves for a swim, then be back in time for lunch.
Snorkelling and swim spots
Visibility is often clear, with fish flitting around the rocky edges near the headlands and breakwaters. Best patches include the ends of Es Carregador and the rocks by Son Maties. Read the flags (green/amber/red) and shuffle carefully over any rocky entry points.
Beach sports and outdoor fitness
Casual volleyball and kickabouts pop up on the wider sands of Son Maties, while the promenade doubles as a flat running track. You’ll also spot outdoor gym stations and plenty of benches for stretch breaks.
Golf Fantasia mini‑golf
Three leafy courses weave around waterfalls and ponds just back from the beach, and it’s shaded enough for a mid‑afternoon round. It works for kids, groups and low‑key date nights.
Katmandu Park and Western Water Park
Next‑door Magaluf packs two big hitters for active days, with Katmandu Park mixing indoor and outdoor attractions and Western Water Park serving slides and lazy rivers. They’re easy half‑day options if the beach flags go red or you fancy variety.
Free things to do in Palma Nova
There’s plenty you can enjoy without spending a cent if you lean into the bay, the promenade and a bit of playful exploring.
- Sunrise photo loop from Es Carregador to Son Maties: soft pink light, empty sands and easy vantage points from the piers and benches for cracking shots of the curve of the bay.
- Geocaching on the promenade: turn the coastal walk into a treasure hunt between the three beaches; it keeps things fun, and you’ll notice little details you’d usually miss.
- DIY snorkel micro‑safari: hug the rocky edges by the Es Carregador headland and the ends of Son Maties for clear shallows and small shoals of fish within the swim buoys.
- Sunset beach yoga or stretch session: when the heat drops, find a quiet patch of sand for a slow flow or a guided stretch with the sound of the waves as your soundtrack.
For couples: romantic things to do in Palma Nova
The mood here leans mellow and unhurried, perfect for small, well‑chosen moments rather than big productions.
- Twilight round at Golf Fantasia: gardens glow under the lights, waterfalls murmur away, and the air cools down nicely.
- Sunset pier picnic on Palmanova beach: pick up pa amb oli and a sweet treat, then sit on the breakwater as the bay turns gold and the promenade lights flicker on.
- Hotel spa hour with a day pass: slip into heated pools and steam rooms for a quiet reset, then wander out to a low‑lit bar for a glass of wine by the water.
Staying longer in Palmanova: rentals, rooms, property and business
If you’re bedding in for a season in Palmanova, expect classic island seasonality. There's plenty of stock in spring and autumn, tighter (and pricier) options between June and September, and a sleepy but good‑value winter.
Living in Mallorca permanently is a tempting prospect, but it's good to be aware of the reality. Year‑round leases exist but are limited, so many long‑stayers look at nearby Son Caliu or Santa Ponsa for more local services. Moving to Palma is another option if you crave the city buzz.
On contracts, you’ll often see contratos de temporada (3–6 months) for winter stays and furnished flats aimed at workers in summer. Short‑term tourist lets are tightly regulated in the municipality, so factor that in if you’re thinking of buying to rent.
Stay inspired for your travels in Spain—get our weekly newsletter for the latest travel guides, cultural news, and lifestyle tips.
For a taste of the high life, sign up for the monthly luxury market round-up.