Strike a balance
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a surfer dude but aren’t ready to brave the wave, you should try paddleboarding. Majorca Stand-Up will get you set up with a board and the know-how, then it’s all down to you to stay upright!
Get a hole in one
The Golf Fantasia complex is a great pick for family holidays in Palma Nova. There are three separate 18-hole mini golf courses to choose from, with holes to challenge everyone from little ones to seasoned pros, plus cocktails, which are sure to improve your aim!
Drink up, me hearties!
The Pirates Adventure Show, Majorca’s most famous dinner spectacle, is a high-energy experience full of swashbuckling acrobatics and stunts that all the family will love. They also run an adults-only night where the comedy is kicked up a notch and a DJ plays the night out.
Walk it off
Taking advantage of the local hiking trails is a popular activity on cheap holidays to Palma Nova. Paths for all skill levels criss-cross the mountains that frame the resort, many of them accessible from the centre, such as Mirador s'Hostalet de Palmanova. The views from the top are amazing, with the sea on one side and the rolling countryside on the other, though you may get photobombed by a goat!
What events can I go to in Palma Nova?
Majorcans take any excuse to celebrate in style, so you’ll be able to join the local fun even on last-minute holidays to Palma Nova. While the town itself is quiet, the capital Palma and these fab events are within easy reach:
Festes de Sant Sebastia (January) - Two weeks of colourful parties honouring Palma’s patron saint, with highlights including fire running and a dragon parade.
Carnival (February) - Palma hosts the island’s biggest events in the lead up to Lent, with all the amazing costumes and street parties you’d want from a carnival.
Fira del Fang Pottery Fair (March) - Marratxi hosts a weeklong fair showcasing the best local pottery, with workshops and live music.
Palma International Boat Show (April) - The place to go if you’ve been considering the sea-faring lifestyle, with boats of all shapes and sizes on show.
Nit de Foc (June) - One of the island’s most iconic events on the eve of St. Joan Fiesta, with street parties, pop concerts, and people dressed as devils and demons doing fire runs!
Bellver Castle Music Festival (July/August) - Your chance to see affordable classical concerts in a stunning castle setting.
Nit de l’Art (September) - All the galleries and museums open their doors for a free night of classical and contemporary art that spills onto the streets with performances.
Copa del Rey Sailing Regatta (October) - Talented yachtsmen take to the shores in this prestigious race that often attracts royal spectators.
TaPalma Festival (November) - A foodie celebration of all things tapas across the capital, where restaurants and bars offer their most creative recipes at good prices.
Song of the Sibyl (December) - The only place in the world to see this Christmas Eve event, which sees a young woman carrying a sword through the church while performing Gregorian chants.
Where’s the best nightlife in Palma Nova?
Compared to the non-stop partying in neighbouring Magaluf, the town’s nightlife is a lot more chilled out. If toasting margaritas and cold beers while a live band plays is more your style, you’ll be very happy here. These are our favourite spots:
Bar Papis Live Music & Cocktails - What it says on the tin! Hosting some of the best local bands in a cracking atmosphere.
Reflex Bar - A hit with families and the late-night crowd alike, offering all kinds of entertainment throughout the day.
Origin Palmanova Roof Terrace - A chilled-out bar with incredible views to enjoy with your sunset cocktails.
The Prince William - If you prefer to make your own soundtrack, head to this pub’s buzzing karaoke nights.
What's the food like in Palma Nova?
Majorcan cuisine is all about showcasing the island’s bountiful harvests, so expect colourful veg dishes plus plenty of almonds and olives. Pork is often on the menu too, while you’ll find seafood along the coast. Look out for these local delicacies:
Majorcan frito - Lean pork fried up with potatoes and veg, flavoured with fennel.
Tumbet - A clay pot full of seasonal aubergine and potatoes cooked in a tomato sauce.
Majorcan escargot - A seaside favourite of snails in a herby broth, served with potatoes.
Ensaimada - A spiral-shaped pastry that’s unique to the island, perfect with coffee.
Carquinyols - Crunchy biscuits available in every bakery, packed with local almonds.
On beach holidays in Palma Nova, you don’t have to stray from the sand to try the local cuisine, there are loads of great seaside eateries like these:
Barbuda Beach Bar & Grill - Go straight from sunbathing to feasting at this popular restaurant that offers tasty fresh seafood.
Il Chiringo - A laid-back café serving refreshing lunch options on its wide terrace.
My Tapas - This friendly bar is our favourite place to end the day with authentic home-cooked tapas.
AntiuXixona - Beat the heat with the delicious ice creams and desserts on offer here, including some vegan options.
The gorgeous beaches at Palma Nova are perfect for families and younger children as they are very well kept and are very safe. There are plenty of things to do on the beaches, like watersports or glass bottom boats. You can even take in the glorious scenery by pulling up a chair and having a quiet drink, watching the day go by. The beaches sweep their way around the bay and gently slope into the aquamarine Mediterranean. There's a reason why this part of Spain is so popular!
