Island life
Portitxol and Es Molinar
Absolutely! It’s the locals' favorite spot for a walk, skate, or bike ride by the sea. Reviews rave about its coastal village feel despite being right next to Palma. It’s the perfect place for paella or a coffee overlooking the "llaguts" (traditional boats). It gets packed on weekends. Check the app for the free parking lot near the Palacio de Congresos to start your stroll stress-free from there.
The walk is flat and hugs the sea: from the Cathedral you follow the cycle and footpath east, pass Portitxol with its boats and reach es Molinar, with its low fishermen's houses, and you can carry on to Ciutat Jardí. It's the route locals use for running, skating or cycling first thing or at sunset, when the light falls across the bay and the Cathedral.
For lunch, Es Vaixell does rice dishes and fish overlooking the boats, and Xorri more modern cooking: both fill up at weekends, so book. If you don't want a car, EMT bus 35 stops at es Portitxol and es Molinar on its way to the Aquarium. Bring your swimwear: there are small sandy and rocky coves where residents swim, though don't expect a postcard beach.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to es Molinar from Palma centre?
On foot or by bike along the seafront promenade, following the coast east from the Cathedral, a flat route by the sea. By bus, EMT line 35 stops at es Portitxol and es Molinar.
Can you swim at Portitxol in Palma?
Yes. Portitxol and es Molinar have small sandy and rocky coves where residents swim, usually in calm water. They're not big beaches and have few facilities; for something larger, carry on to Ciutat Jardí.
Updated in October 2026
