When people say that the Bay of Palma is the most touristic spot on the island, it's definitely an understatement! The bay welcomes 8 of the 10 million tourists who travel to Majorca every year.
To the west, you will find recently built and often well-maintained holiday spots, scattered along a rocky coast. Nestled in a cove, the Portals Nous resort consists mainly of private villas and yachts belonging to the jet-set crowd. Its marina is one of the most exclusive of all the Balearic Islands.
Other than Marineland, there isn't much to do in Portals Nous itself. If you are looking for some entertainment, you will need to leave the resort and go to Magaluf, where you will find an amusement park called Kathmandu House. Other possibilities include karting, the aquapark, surfing and body surfing sessions at the Sol Wave House, and let's not forget about the casino and the Portals Nous marineland.
In the region of Palma but in the area going towards the mountains of Soller, the Son Amar puts on a lovely dinner show with equestrianism, magic shows and Spanish ballet.
Marineland and the marina of Portals Nous.
The resort of Pansa Ponsa holds its own Oktoberfest but it is not exactly cheap: a single beer costs £10!
Those who prefer tranquillity and authenticity should avoid the urbanised areas of Palma. Its countryside and villages are worth a visit, along with its mountains in the west and its preserved coves of turquoise waters in the east. Buses run regularly between the coastal resorts and Palma, but the best way to discover the island is by car. On certain nights during peak season it is best to avoid the busy streets of Magaluf, where intoxicated British tourists can sometimes be quite rowdy.
Fish and seafood are extremely popular in the port of Portals Nous. Make sure, then, that you try the catch of the day.
A wide variety of traditional Majorcan crafts. In addition to the famous, world-renowned pearls of Manacor, glass is still manufactured using traditional techniques, as are the ceramics. You can also buy tapestries, leather bags, wrought iron, copper, olive wood items and herbal liqueurs.