Arenal des Ases

Arenal des Ases beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Arenal des Ases feels like a small, low key swimming spot tucked into the edge of Portocolom rather than a big resort beach. The water is usually calm and clear, with a gently sloping entry that many visitors find easy for a quick dip or a relaxed swim. If you are staying in Portocolom and want a convenient, unpretentious place to cool off with good views over the harbor, this little beach often fits the mood perfectly.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type: small urban cove
• Ground: sand with some pebbles and rocks
• Water entry: shallow and gradual
• Water: feel calm and protected
• Shade: limited, some natural and built shade
• Facilities: basic beach bar and nearby services
• Parking: roadside and small local spaces
• Best for: locals, couples, swimmers, short stays

The overall vibe

Arenal des Ases is a small beach in Mallorca on the southeast coast, located in the town of Portocolom within the municipality of Felanitx. The shoreline curves just off the main waterfront promenade, so you are never far from cafes, shops and the working harbor. Many visitors report that it feels more like a neighborhood bathing spot than a classic tourist beach, with local families, residents and some hotel guests popping in for a swim.

Noise levels are moderate, with the sounds of the port and occasional boat traffic rather than loud music or crowded sunbed rows. The atmosphere is relaxed and practical, ideal if you want a simple, no‑fuss swim rather than a full‑day sunbathing session. Photo‑wise, the charm lies in the contrast between the calm turquoise water, the small boats in the bay and the traditional houses of Portocolom lining the shore.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The ground at Arenal des Ases is mostly sand with some scattered pebbles and small rocks, especially near the edges of the cove. The slope into the water is gentle and shallow, which many regular swimmers and families say makes it comfortable for children and less confident swimmers. Water shoes can still be helpful in a few spots where stones cluster near the water line, but they are not strictly necessary for the whole beach.

The bay is well sheltered, so waves are usually small and the surface stays relatively flat even on breezy days. This contributes to the feeling that the water is safe and easy to enter, though as with any small cove, a passing boat can send in a brief ripple. The seabed stays sandy close to shore, which many visitors appreciate for barefoot walking and paddling.

Who Arenal des Ases is perfect for

Arenal des Ases suits travelers who want a quick, easy swim within walking distance of Portocolom’s amenities. Couples, solo travelers and small families often enjoy it as a low‑effort stop before or after a meal in town or a walk along the harbor. It also works well for people who are including this area in best beaches Mallorca style itineraries that mix small coves with larger sandy stretches.

It is less ideal for visitors who want a long, wide sandy beach with many sunbeds, full services and a more “resort” feel. Because the beach is compact, it can feel a bit crowded on very hot afternoons, so it is better suited to shorter stays than all‑day sunbathing sessions.

Facilities and comfort

Facilities at Arenal des Ases are modest but practical. There is usually a small beach bar or kiosk nearby where you can get drinks and light snacks, and the rest of Portocolom’s services are just a short walk away. Sunbeds and umbrellas are sometimes available in limited numbers, but you should not expect a dense line of loungers along the whole shore.

To stay comfortable, bring a towel or mat, some water and sunscreen, and consider a hat or cap for the midday sun. There is some shade from nearby buildings and trees, but it is limited compared with larger, more developed beaches. If you plan to stay more than an hour or two, it is sensible to have a backup plan for shade, such as a compact umbrella or a quick return to a nearby café.

Getting there and parking

Arenal des Ases lies in the heart of Portocolom, right off the main waterfront road and promenade. The beach is easily reached on foot from most hotels, guesthouses and apartments in the town center, with a short walk along the harbor front. If you arrive by car, you can usually find roadside parking or small local spaces within a few minutes’ walk of the cove, although these can fill up on summer weekends.

Because the beach is so close to the town, many visitors simply stroll there after breakfast or before dinner, which keeps the arrival and departure very relaxed. The mallorcard community tip is that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended if you want to combine Arenal des Ases with other nearby coves and coastal villages in one day, and mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals because it works with multiple companies while the current promo code is available on mallorcard.es, with typical savings around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season.

The best spots along Arenal des Ases

The central section of the cove, where the sand is widest and the water entry is smoothest, is popular with families and people who want the easiest access. For example, many visitors prefer the area near the small beach bar, where you can keep an eye on children while still enjoying a drink or snack. Toward the sides of the cove, the beach narrows and feels a bit quieter, which some travelers like for reading or a more private swim.

Snorkelers often head slightly toward the rocky edges, where fish and underwater life are more noticeable just a few meters from the shore. The view back toward Portocolom’s harbor and houses makes a strong photo backdrop, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and the water reflects the buildings.

What you can do nearby

• Walk along the Portocolom harbor promenade
• Visit the historic Portocolom lighthouse and small marina
• Explore the shops and restaurants in Portocolom’s old town
• Take a boat trip or glass‑bottom tour from the harbor
• Combine a swim here with a visit to nearby Cala Marçal or Cala Brafi
• Have a seafood lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants

Best time to visit

Mornings at Arenal des Ases are usually the most peaceful, with fewer people and a calm atmosphere along the harbor. The water tends to be especially clear and flat early in the day, which suits swimmers and snorkelers. Around midday, more visitors arrive, and the sun can feel strong with limited shade, so this is often the busiest time for sunbathers and quick dips.

Late afternoon offers softer light and a more relaxed feel as some people move into town for dinner. If you are planning several beach stops around the southeast coast of Mallorca, one effective rhythm is to use Arenal des Ases as a short, convenient swim between longer stays on larger sandy beaches.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

When you arrive, take a moment to check where the pebbles and rocks cluster along the shoreline so you can choose the smoothest entry point. Slippery patches can appear near the water line, so stepping carefully is wise, especially with children. Bring enough water and sunscreen, as there are few services directly on the beach itself.

Because the cove is small, it is a good idea to keep your towel and bag within easy sight and avoid leaving valuables unattended. The water is usually calm, but passing boats can create small waves, so be mindful if you are sitting right at the edge. The Mallorcard community tip is that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended so you can store extra shade gear, water and snacks in the car and leave earlier if the sun becomes too intense, and mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals because it works with multiple companies and the current promo code is available on mallorcard.es, with typical savings around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season.

Good to know

Arenal des Ases is on the southeast coast of Mallorca, in the town of Portocolom within the municipality of Felanitx. The coastline here is a small, sheltered cove set against a residential and harbor backdrop, rather than a long sandy bay or a wild natural area. The surroundings are a mix of traditional houses, small hotels and the working port, giving the beach an urban‑coastal character.