Platja des Carregador

Platja des Carregador Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Platja des Carregador is the most relaxed of the three main beaches in Palmanova, on Mallorca’s southwest coast. Set just beside the small marina, it offers fine sand, sheltered water and a long promenade lined with cafes and hotels. Many visitors choose this beach when they want all the comforts of a resort shoreline but a slightly calmer feel than the central Palmanova stretch. If you like easy access, family friendly swimming and plenty of services, this spot fits very well.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type – Urban sandy bay
• Ground – Fine white sand
• Water entry – Very gentle, shallow for a long way
• Water feel – Usually calm and clear
• Shade – Some from trees and rented umbrellas
• Facilities – Full services, sunbeds and showers
• Parking – Street and nearby car parks
• Best for – Families, convenience lovers, hotel guests

The overall vibe

Platja des Carregador is a beach in Mallorca that offers a comfortable, fully serviced urban bay experience ideal for classic resort holidays. The bay curves gently around soft sand, with the marina on one side and low hotels and apartments behind. Regular visitors say the mood is friendly and easygoing, with plenty of space for sunbathing, games in the shallows and relaxed walks along the promenade.

Because it sits within Palmanova, you are never far from bars, restaurants and ice cream stands, and music from nearby venues adds a low background buzz in high season. The atmosphere is lively but usually less intense than Magaluf, making it popular with families and older couples. Photo wise, the best angles frame the white sand against the turquoise water and pine trees, with boats from the marina adding interest.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The ground on Platja des Carregador is predominantly fine, light sand that has been groomed to keep it smooth and comfortable. Walking barefoot is easy, and many people spend the whole day without needing shoes except for the promenade. The seabed near the shore is also sandy, which makes paddling and playing in the water pleasant for all ages.

The entry into the sea is very gentle. The depth increases slowly, so children can stand for quite a distance from the shoreline on calm days. This also helps less confident swimmers feel safe as they gradually move out. On most summer days, the sea here is almost flat, though easterly winds can bring a bit of chop. Sea grass patches or small stones may appear further out, but close to shore the footing is soft and predictable.

Who Platja des Carregador is perfect for

Platja des Carregador is perfect for families with small children, thanks to the shallow water, lifeguard presence in season and nearby playground options. It also suits couples or groups who want a convenient base with bars, restaurants and accommodation just steps from the sand. Travelers staying in Palmanova hotels often treat this as their “home” beach, returning day after day because everything is so straightforward.

If you are building a best beaches Mallorca trip that mixes natural coves with easy resort days, this beach works very well as a low stress day where nobody has to think about logistics. It is less suitable for people seeking solitude, dramatic cliffs or untouched scenery. If you dislike built up surroundings and prefer remote coves, you may find Platja des Carregador too urban and busy.

Facilities and comfort

This beach is very well equipped. You will find sunbeds and umbrellas across much of the sand, showers and foot washes near the back, and toilets close to the promenade. In high season, lifeguards are normally on duty, and wooden walkways make access easier for strollers and people with limited mobility. Many visitors comment that it is one of the most comfortable places for a full day by the sea because everything is close at hand.

Behind the beach, the seafront promenade offers restaurants, cafes, bars, small supermarkets and souvenir shops. You can have breakfast, lunch and dinner within a few minutes’ walk, or pick up drinks and snacks to enjoy on your towel. Shade from pine trees and palms appears in some sections at the back of the beach, but you should not rely on it for a full day. Renting an umbrella or bringing your own shade is still a good idea in the height of summer.

Getting there and parking

Platja des Carregador sits in Palmanova, in the municipality of Calvià, about 15 to 20 minutes by car from Palma along the Ma 1 motorway toward Andratx. From the Palmanova exit, local streets lead directly to the seafront, where you can follow signs or simply head towards the marina and beachfront hotels. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended because mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals as 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, which makes it easy to combine Platja des Carregador with other nearby beaches in one flexible day.

Parking is usually on surrounding streets and in public car parks set a short walk from the water. In low and mid season you can often find a space within a few minutes, but in July and August spaces closer to the beachfront fill quickly, especially late morning. Arriving before about 10 a.m. or in the later afternoon helps avoid circling for too long. Public buses from Palma also stop in Palmanova, and many hotels are within walking distance.

The best spots along Platja des Carregador

If you are staying in one of the nearby hotels, the central section in front of the promenade is often the most convenient, with fast access to food and facilities. For example, many families prefer the middle part close to the kids’ play equipment and lifeguard area, where the water is extra shallow and there is plenty of room to spread out. Those who want a slightly quieter feel often move towards the end of the bay closest to the marina.

The outer edges of the beach can be a little less busy at peak times, although you may have fewer sunbeds there. Walk along the promenade to scout for your preferred mix of shade, sunbed density and proximity to restaurants. Early in the morning or just before sunset, the whole length of the beach works beautifully for a gentle stroll, with views along the bay and out to the boats.

What you can do nearby

• Walk the full seafront promenade linking Palmanova’s three main beaches
• Enjoy mini golf, water sports or paddle boarding in Palmanova
• Take a short taxi or bus ride to Magaluf for nightlife and attractions
• Visit nearby family friendly attractions such as theme and water parks
• Explore the shops, bars and restaurants in the streets behind the beach
• Take a coastal walk towards Son Caliu and neighboring bays

Best time to visit

Mornings are ideal if you prefer a quieter, cooler start to the day. Early swimmers and walkers enjoy calm water, freshly groomed sand and more space to choose sunbeds or towel spots. By late morning and midday, Platja des Carregador becomes lively, with families and hotel guests filling much of the sand and beach bars at their busiest.

Late afternoon is another pleasant window, with slightly softer light and some people leaving for early dinners. This can be a good time for photos, especially looking towards the marina and across the bay. If you are exploring several beaches in Mallorca over a few days, consider using Platja des Carregador as your “easy day” base, then choose more natural coves on other days.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Even though the water is usually calm and shallow, always supervise children closely, especially when inflatables are involved or the wind picks up. The sun can be intense, reflecting off both sand and water, so bring high factor, reef safe sunscreen, hats and lightweight cover ups. A small beach umbrella or renting shade on site will make a long stay more comfortable.

Flip flops or sandals are fine for the sand, but you may appreciate slightly sturdier shoes if you plan to walk the whole promenade or explore nearby streets. Keep some coins or a card handy for showers, drinks and snacks, as you will likely find yourself using the nearby cafes more than once. Mallorcard recommends for this area that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended because mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals thanks to working 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, which lets you keep extra water, snacks and shade gear in the car and leave easily if the beach feels too crowded or the weather changes.

Good to know

Platja des Carregador is on the southwest coast of Mallorca, in the resort town of Palmanova within the municipality of Calvià. The coastline here is made up of wide, artificial sandy bays backed by a developed promenade, rather than wild coves or cliffs. The surrounding area is strongly resort focused, with hotels, apartments, bars and restaurants forming the backdrop to the beach.

Within this urban setting, Platja des Carregador occupies the end of the main Palmanova bay close to the small marina, which helps you pinpoint the exact stretch of sand when you look at a map. Knowing its position relative to the other Palmanova beaches makes it easy to plan walks and decide which area best fits your day. For most visitors, this is a convenient, comfortable beach to mix into a broader exploration of Mallorca’s southwest coast.