Palma Nova

The hugely popular resort of Palma Nova and its nearest neighbour Magaluf, are the largest resort developments of the municipal district of Calvia, and is situated on the south west coast of the island, approximately 15km or 10 miles west of Palma.

Once you've arrived in the resort, and settled into your accommodation, making the return trip into Palma for either shopping or sightseeing is fairly easy by public transport. Throughout the day and well into the evening, buses from Palma Nova to Palma run every 35 minutes or so, and at less than £2.50 for the journey do represent excellent value for money.

One word of advice though, these buses can become very crowded, and have in the past been known to attract pickpockets. Also worth considering when a number of people can travel together, is one of the numerous taxis that operate about the resort. Generally, fares are very reasonable, however, experience shows that it is better to agree the fare in advance, especially when going out of the resort, and always try to have the correct money (plus the obligatory tip) ready.

Both Palma Nova and Magaluf have fine sandy beaches with everything on hand to part you from your money. Watersports, glass bottom boat trips, as well as countless shops, bars and restaurants are all located along the wide traffic free promenades.

For those on self catering breaks, you will never be more than a few hundred yards from either a McDonalds, Wimpey, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut etc, and you will never starve as long as you have money in your pocket. If you do ever tire of fast food, and in all fairness to Palma Nova, you'll also find a number of more traditional cafes and restaurants along the seafront.

In comparison between the two, the beach at Palma Nova is also quieter than the one in Magaluf, however this may be simply because there is less hotels here. Although it must be said, that both beaches are usually kept very tidy, which is partly due to the fact that it is illegal to drink alcohol on the beach, or to take glass bottles of any kind on to them.

Palm Nova would in my opinion be more suitable for families with young children as its sister resort a few minutes away is more louder and busier than quieter Palma Nova.