Portixol is a sea front suburb of Palma, Mallorca, that used to be a little fishing village, and is now a haven for visitors and locals alike. It may be easy to overlook this coastal town in favour of the city centre of Palma, which is just a five minute taxi ride away, but Portixol has a bit of everything all on it’s own.

You’ll find locally run restaurants, bars, a beach, a little marina and sailing club, the busy promenade that runs along the stretch of coast, and one of the most beautiful hotels, the aptly named Hotel Portixol y Restaurant to stay in.

At just a fifteen minute drive from the airport, and within easy walking distance of Palma if you prefer not to spend on taxis, Portixol is becoming increasingly popular. I’ve spent a good few summer breaks here over the years, most recently just a few weeks ago, and it really is an amazing place.

Things to Do in Portixol, Mallorca

Walk the promenade

Pedestrian only the promenade stretches right along the coastline, past the giant cathedral and right up to Palma. It’s always busy and great for joggers, bike rides, roller blading, and walkers.

Go to the beach

The main beach, Playa de Palma is the big one that forms the coast between Portixol and Palma, and is a very popular one for tourists staying at some of the larger hotel complexes.

Locals are more likely to visit the smaller beach actually in Portixol, which is a more sheltered cove away from the tourists.

Explore Portixol marina

A fishing and boating marina that attracts a lot of locals for sailing lessons, kayaking and other marine adventures, it’s a busy spot with lots of activities you could get up to.

If taking to the waters isn’t your thing, some tapas and sangria at a local restaurant will see you fit right in too.

See the colourful old fisherman’s houses

Off the sea front, the town itself is made up of lots of tiny old fishermen’s houses, each one different from the next and they’re adorable to wander among. It’s a much simpler way of life than the bustle of Palma.

The whole place mixes a more contemporary style, with water front modernised apartments, with it’s history as a fishing village. It’s a fabulous little place that is really worth a visit even if you aren’t staying there.

Walk along to Palma Cathedral

Half way along the promenade you can’t miss the old cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Light. You can go inside, or wander the gardens next to it.

Where to Stay

While many choose to go for the big chain hotels of Mallorca, or a city centre apartment, the Portixol Hotel offers a boutique luxury stay in one of the most beautiful hotels in this thriving little village. It was the first of it’s kind and has everything you could want for a relaxing summer getaway in close proximity to the city itself.

The Portixol Hotel y Restaurant

Minimalistic in style with it’s white washed walls, and bright blue shutters, the hotel has a range of rooms including port view, sea view, external porthouse rooms, suites and an attico penthouse right at the top.

Minimalistic in style with it’s white washed walls, and bright blue shutters, the hotel has a range of rooms including port view, sea view, external porthouse rooms, suites and an attico penthouse right at the top.

Rooms are so lovely, and over the years I’ve enjoyed a lot of really enjoyable stays here. They’re comfortable, quiet, well styled, and come fully stocked with complimentary mini bars, coffee machine, guides to Palma and the local area, as well as the usual robes, slippers, flip flops and a full range of toiletries.

There are so many extra details, from the welcome pack you receive at check in, to the complimentary first drink in the bar, and first choice of table reservations for lunch in the restaurant, they take care of the hotel guests above all else.

The breakfast buffet is huge, and fully continental buffet with everything you could wish for, as well as a cooked menu if you prefer too. Freshly squeezed orange juice each morning while you gaze over the pool and out to see is nothing short of dreamy.

The restaurant itself has indoor and outdoor eating options, and is incredibly popular. The lunches are light and perfect for a break from the mid day heat, and the evening session is really lovely with the pool lit up and the sunset.

More details on the Portixol restaurant can be found in my places to eat in Palma blog post, it definitely made the list.

The pool and sun terrace areas are private to hotel guests, with plenty loungers, spots for shade if you need it, waitress service, and towels provided.

The spa is available daily, which also has a gym and private terrace with sun loungers and outdoor showers for adults only, and the little hotel shop is stocked full of fabulous souvenirs like bags, shoes, jewellery and summer clothes.

The bar area is my favourite part of the hotel, with a stone paved little courtyard filled with comfy seats and little tables, it’s a great spot by the marina to enjoy cocktails and bar nibbles before your evening meal.

Where to eat in Portixol

As well as the Portixol Hotel restaurant, which is also popular for business lunches and local ladies enjoying a bottle of rose, there are so many good quality restaurants in the town itself and along the sea front.

Ola del Mar restaurant for seafood and views, Es Vaixel for Spanish style dining, Club Nautico restaurant in the marina, and many more that you come across as you wander along the promenade. Nearly all are always bustling and filled with people fighting for a good table, so you know the food is going to be good.

Why you should visit Portixol, Mallorca

What I love about Portixol is that you get the best of both worlds, especially if you’re staying in the Portixol Hotel. You have all the comforts of a luxury hotel, with pool, cocktails on tap, and delicious food, with the option to get out amongst the locals for a really authentic experience too.

You get the sea breeze which isn’t always there if you’re staying somewhere in Palma, and the views to match too.

Palma itself is a walk or very short taxi ride away, where the shopping, restaurant and bar scene is overwhelmingly good, as well as the option for day trips to other places on the island, or throwing yourself into the cultural hub of the city itself with its museums, gardens and art galleries.

Have I convinced you to visit yet? For an alternative holiday in Mallorca, Portixol should absolutely be on your radar. Take me back with you..?

Other posts you might like:

The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Palma

Hotel Posada Terra Santa – a stay in the heart of Palma

12 reasons to fall in love with Palma

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