Portixol: Palma de Mallorca’s Chic Seaside Escape

Sunday, February 16th, 2025

If you are thinking about visiting Palma de Mallorca but are not keen on staying right in the city centre, the neighbourhood of Portixol could be just right for you. Central Palma can become quite crowded at any time of the year, and especially during peak tourist season. Portixol, while popular, tends to feel less touristy and retains a more authentic Mallorcan charm. This makes it a great choice if you prefer a quieter retreat after a day of sightseeing. It offers high-quality accommodation, excellent dining, a relaxed atmosphere, as well as easy access to the beach.

About Portixol

Portixol, formerly a quaint fishing village, has evolved into one of Palma de Mallorca’s sought-after and fashionable neighbourhoods. The area, which seamlessly blends its maritime heritage with modern developments, is characterised by its vibrant seafront promenade. Here, you will find upscale seafood restaurants, contemporary tapas bars, and chic cafés, many offering picturesque sea views. Portixol is a compact suburb, making it easy to explore on foot.

History

For much of its past, Portixol was home to fishermen and their families, who lived in the quaint, low-rise houses that still characterise parts of the area today. The small harbour provided a base for local fishing boats, supplying fresh seafood to Palma and the surrounding communities.

During the late 20th century, as Palma expanded and tourism flourished, Portixol saw a decline in its fishing industry. However, instead of becoming neglected, it began to attract artists, bohemians, and locals looking for a quieter lifestyle by the sea. Gradually, the area underwent a transformation, with many of the old fishermen’s houses being restored and modernised, while still retaining their original charm.

Proximity to Palma city centre

Portixol is located approximately 2.5 kilometres east of Palma’s city centre, translating to a pleasant 30-40 minute walk along the seafront. There are a number of bike hire places around and dedicated bike lanes make for a swift 15-minute ride into the city. Public buses also service the route, and the bus journey from Portixol to Palma Cathedral takes about 20 minutes.

What to do in Portixol

If you fancy a leisurely day and need a break from sightseeing in Palma, Portixol itself has a few things to offer.

Portixol Beach: The beach in Portixol is modest in size but well maintained. It features clean sands and clear, shallow waters, making it suitable for families and casual swimmers. Amenities such as sunbeds and parasols are available for rent. The beach is popular among both locals and tourists, especially during the summer months.

Portixol Harbour: The harbour, or “Club Nàutic de Portixol,” offers mooring spaces for a variety of vessels, from small fishing boats to leisure yachts. While it retains its roots in the fishing industry, the harbour has adapted to accommodate recreational boating, reflecting the area’s evolution.

Dining out: A plethora of dining options are available, from seafood restaurants to modern cafés, many situated along the promenade with sea views.

Outdoor activities: The extensive promenade is ideal for jogging, cycling, rollerblading, or leisurely walks, with dedicated paths and scenic vistas.

Where to stay in Portixol

While the area offers several guesthouses and tourist apartments, it maintains an exclusive ambience, avoiding the overcrowding seen in more commercialised destinations. Notably, the Swedish-owned Hotel Portixol stands out, offering guests premium seaside accommodations.

Access from Palma Airport

The suburb is about 8 kilometres from Palma de Mallorca Airport. A taxi journey typically takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic. If you are happy to use public transport and don’t mind a little walk, you can catch the A1 airport bus and get off at the Conference Centre (Palau de Congressos). From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to Portixol Harbour.