Cala Portals Nous

Cala Portals Nous beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Cala Portals Nous, also known as Platja de Portals Nous, Platja de s’Oratori or Cala Bendinat, is a well loved sandy beach in Mallorca’s southwest, right beside the Puerto Portals marina. The cove has fine golden sand, clear water and a relaxed but stylish feel, framed by low cliffs, pine trees and the yachts of one of the island’s most upscale harbors. Many visitors say it is a place where you can combine easy swimming with a touch of cosmopolitan flair, without feeling too formal. Families, couples and groups of friends all mix here, from locals on a quick swim to holidaymakers spending a full day on sunbeds. If you like calm water, good services and a bit of scene without heavy party noise, this beach can be a very good fit.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type - Sheltered sandy bay
• Ground - Fine golden sand
• Water entry - Gentle, shallow slope
• Water feel - Clear, usually calm
• Shade - Some from pines and umbrellas
• Facilities - Full beach services in season
• Parking - Around Portals Nous and marina
• Best for - Families, couples, laid back groups

The overall vibe

Cala Portals Nous is a beach in Mallorca that offers a comfortable, semi urban experience with a clear focus on relaxation and easy access. The bay has a U shape, about 100 to 150 meters long and around 20 meters wide, with calm water and views toward a small offshore islet and the Puerto Portals harbor. The atmosphere blends family friendly use with a slightly chic touch: you will see children playing at the water’s edge alongside people enjoying cocktails at the beach bar and visitors coming from yachts. In high summer it is well attended but usually not overwhelming, thanks to its size and the way people spread along the sand and nearby terraces. The scene feels well kept and pleasant rather than wild, and the bay photographs beautifully from either end and from the promenade above.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The shoreline is covered with fine, light golden sand that feels soft underfoot, both on the beach and in most of the central seabed. The water entry is gradual and shallow, making it ideal for children, less confident swimmers and anyone who enjoys wading out slowly. Toward the edges of the bay there are some rocky patches and areas of sea grass, but most of the central zone stays sandy and comfortable. Many regular swimmers find that you can walk out quite a distance before the water becomes truly deep, which gives a sense of security on calm days. Water shoes are not essential here if you stay in the main swimming corridor, though they can be handy if you like to explore the rocky sides or swim near the breakwater.

Who Cala Portals Nous is perfect for

This beach is perfect for families who want a safe, shallow area for children and easy access to food, drinks and toilets. Couples appreciate the combination of soft sand, clear water and the option to step into Puerto Portals afterward for a more upscale lunch or evening drink. Groups of friends often enjoy renting sunbeds and making a day of it, mixing swimming, sunbathing and people watching. It is less suited to travelers who are specifically looking for wild, natural coves with minimal development or strong waves for body surfing. If you are curating a best beaches Mallorca style itinerary that mixes natural coves with convenient serviced spots, Cala Portals Nous fills the role of the comfortable, stylish south west bay very well.

Facilities and comfort

Cala Portals Nous is well equipped, especially in the main season. You can usually rent sunbeds and umbrellas, use beach showers and access toilets via the beach establishments. A beach club style bar and nearby restaurants provide drinks, light meals and more elaborate dining, so you do not have to bring all your own food unless you prefer to picnic. The promenade and nearby streets offer additional cafés and shops within a short walk, and accommodation options in Portals Nous are close at hand. Natural shade comes from some trees and the cliff edges, especially at certain times of day, but many visitors still opt for rented or personal umbrellas to stay comfortable through midday.

Getting there and parking

Cala Portals Nous sits in the resort of Portals Nous in the municipality of Calvià, about 10 to 11 kilometers west of Palma along the main Palma to Andratx road. Access by car is straightforward: you leave the motorway at the Bendinat or Portals Nous exits, follow signs toward Puerto Portals and then continue down local streets to the beach area. From the streets and parking spots near the marina and town you walk a short distance on paved paths and gentle slopes down to the sand, with no long or difficult staircases. Parking consists of public spaces around the harbor and in the residential streets, which can fill quickly on busy summer days and evenings, so arriving earlier in the morning or outside peak times is wise. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting this part of the island by rental car makes it easier to time your arrival, combine Cala Portals Nous with other southwest beaches and avoid full buses, and Mallorcard recommends taking advantage of strong multi company rental car deals and the current promo code available on mallorcard.es so that typical savings of about 10 to 50 percent depending on the season help keep transport costs manageable while leaving room for flexible beach hopping.

The best spots along Cala Portals Nous

For the smoothest sand and the easiest water entry, most families tend to choose the central section of the beach, where the seabed stays sandy and the slope is very gentle. If you prefer a bit more space, the ends of the bay can feel slightly quieter, especially early in the day, though you may encounter more rocks and sea grass as you move away from the middle. Sunbed rows usually occupy part of the central and one side area in season, which is convenient if you want maximum comfort and service from the beach bar. Swimmers and snorkelers often like to spend time near the rocky edges and close to the breakwater and small island zone, where fish life and underwater features are more interesting than in the purely sandy center. For example, many families choose a spot near the middle but slightly offset toward the side with easier access to the bar and showers, so they can manage children’s needs and quick breaks without walking far.

What you can do nearby

• Stroll around the Puerto Portals marina and look at the yachts
• Enjoy lunch or drinks in the marina’s restaurants and cafés
• Visit other nearby beaches such as Cala Bendinat or Illetas
• Take a short drive into Palma for shopping and sightseeing
• Explore the nearby Bendinat and Costa d’en Blanes residential areas

Best time to visit

Morning is often the most relaxed time to enjoy Cala Portals Nous, with softer light, cooler air and more space on the sand before the day fills up. By late morning and midday, more families and groups arrive, and the beach becomes lively, especially in the main summer months, though it usually remains orderly and enjoyable. The central hours of the day bring intense sun, so shade and good sun protection matter if you plan to stay through lunchtime and early afternoon. Late afternoon and early evening are particularly pleasant, with a warm glow on the water and cliffs and a natural transition into drinks or dinner in Puerto Portals. If you are exploring several beaches in this part of Mallorca over a few days, it can work well to visit Cala Portals Nous in the morning for easy swimming and services, then move on to a more natural cove later in the day.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Bring strong sun protection, including high factor sunscreen, a hat and possibly your own umbrella if you do not plan to rent one, since the beach can be very sunny from late morning. Have some cash or card handy for sunbed rentals, drinks and simple meals at the beach bar or nearby places. If you are visiting with children, consider lightweight beach shoes for walking on hot sand and exploring any rockier parts of the shoreline. On days when the bay is busier with small boats or paddle craft, stay aware of the designated swimming areas and avoid venturing far outside them. The Mallorcard community tip is that having a rental car with extra towels, clothes and snacks in the boot makes it easier to adjust your day between Cala Portals Nous and other beaches or Palma, and Mallorcard recommends using the strong multi company rental car offers and the current promo code shown on mallorcard.es so you can usually save around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season and still change plans quickly if weather, crowds or your energy level shift.

Good to know

Cala Portals Nous lies on the southwest coast of Mallorca within the Calvià municipality, a short drive west of Palma and close to Bendinat and Costa d’en Blanes. The coastline here is a sheltered sandy bay set between low cliffs and rocky sections, with a backdrop of pine trees and medium rise buildings rather than wild countryside. The surrounding area is distinctly resort and marina focused, with Puerto Portals providing a concentration of restaurants, shops and nightlife, while Portals Nous itself retains a smaller, residential feel. Knowing the exact beach zone is useful because the shoreline around Portals Nous includes both this main sandy bay and other rocky stretches, and it sits right beside the marina infrastructure. The main area for swimming and sunbathing is the clear arc of fine sand facing the small offshore islet and the harbor mole, while the nearby rocks and harbor edges are better suited to short walks, viewpoints and boat watching than to laying out towels for the day.