Active Pursuits in Palma de Majorca
There is a beach near the Palma cathedral, but beaches outside the city center are more appealing. Besides hotel private beaches, the closest public beach to downtown is Palmanova, a 35-minute bus ride west. If you head east, you reach the excellent beaches of Ca’n Pastilla. The golden-sand beaches at El Arenal are well equipped with tourist facilities. Going to the southwest, you find good but often crowded beaches at Cala Mayor and Sant Agustí.
Take note: You can swim from late June to October; don't believe the promoters who try to sell you on mild Majorcan winters in January and February -- it can get downright cold. Spring and fall can be heaven sent, and in summer the coastal areas are pleasantly cooled by sea breezes.
Golf near Palma de Mallorca
Mallorca is a golfer’s dream. One of the best destinations is Arabella Golf Mallorca, Urbanización Son Vida, about 13km (8 miles) east of Palma along the Andrade Highway (tel. 97-178-30-00). It offers four golf courses, including a 3-par pitch-and-putt for beginners (18€–28€). Greens fees are 83€‒95€ for 9 holes, 128€‒203€ for 18 holes. For more on Mallorca golf, contact Federación Balear de Golf (tel. 97-172-27-53)
Hiking in Mallorca
Because of the hilly terrain in Majorca, this sport is better pursued here than on Ibiza or Minorca. The mountains of the northwest, the Serra de Tramuntana, are best for exploring. For hiking information, contact Grup Excursionista de Mallorca, the Majorcan Hiking Association, at Carrer Andreu Feliu 20 in Palma (tel. 87-194-79-00).
Watersports in Mallorca
Most beaches have outfitters who will rent you Windsurfers and dinghies. The best outfitter is Escola d'Esports Nàutics, Paseo Playa d'en Repic, at Port de Sóller (tel. 60-935-41-32).
