Cala Portals Nous (Playa d’Oratori)

About Cala Portals Nous (Playa d’Oratori)

Between the sophisticated Puerto Portals and the small residential community of Bendinat in the southwest of Mallorca, is the Blue-Flag beach called Playa d’Oratori. Only about a 15-minute drive from Palma, this beach is popular with a younger crowd interested in the nearby nightlife and great food scene in Puerto Portals, as well as families who appreciate all of the nearby amenities.

Here you’ll find many British, Spanish and German visitors, as well as locals. Also, many come onshore for the day from their yacht moored at the marina. The beach has fine white sand, crystal clear blue water, though take note of frequent jellyfish sitings. Onsite facilities including showers and toilets, and a host of water sports including paddle boats and kayaks for hire. You can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas for the day. There are a few beach bars right onsite that are known for good food such as salads, sandwiches, or grilled fish and cocktails. Playa d’Oratori balances an urban feel, with the surrounding apartment buildings, hotels, village of Portals Nous, and marina, with a real beach escape as you gaze out to the sea out along the coast of Mallorca on this large, clean beach.

Access and Safety

Portals Nous beach is easily accessible by car via the main MA-1 highway that runs from Palma to Andratx, taking the exit of Costa d’en Blanes-Portals Nous, and then signs to the village of Portals Nous. Parking is the trickiest part of the visit to this beach, and likely it will require a bit of a walk to reach the beach. Look for parking along the streets, which is free but can be hard to come by particularly in the peak summer months and then follow the signs indicating the beach entrance. Public transport stops in the village of Portals Nous and in Puerto Portals from nearby towns and Palma central. You can anchor your boat here for the day but depending on the conditions it is not always recommended.

Playa de Oratori is wheelchair accessible and offers access for disabled visitors as well.

There is a lifeguard on duty all summer long.

Major Attraction on Cala Portals Nous (Playa d’Oratori)

Just a 5-10 minute drive away is Marineland, a large aquatic park that features popular dolphin and sea lions shows, an aquarium and other water-themed activities.

Things to do on Cala Portals Nous (Playa d’Oratori)

There are a number of water sports and activities along this beach including SUP, paddle boats, kayaks, windsurfing and jet skiing. The water is well marked indicating swim only zones and activity zones. A volleyball court is set up on the beach and often you’ll find some heated tournaments going on. Walk along the beach towards Puerto Portals, where you can wander among the super yachts, browse in the chic shops or inquire about boat charters and excursions for the day.

The village of Portals Nous is easily accessed as well, and likely where your car is parked. There are some great shops to visit here, and make sure to pass-by Kidama Boutique for high-end fashion and resort wear.

Restaurants on Cala Portals Nous (Playa d’Oratori)

There is certainly no shortage of restaurant options while visiting Playa d’Oratori. Between the beach, Portals Nous and Puerto Portals, there are dozens of choices with all range of cuisines and styles just waiting for your visit.

There are a few well-known and well-liked beach bars either perched on the cliffs and along the beach, including the long established Roxy’s, which is right at the water’s edge. Roxy’s is popular with younger crowds as well as families. It has a laid-back vibe with loungers and umbrellas and serves good beach food such as salads, burgers and sandwiches. It is well visited for sundowners and late afternoon cocktails, and there is always chill music playing.

Wander back up into the village of Portals Nous and you won’t be disappointed by the selection. For a small town, there are many high quality restaurants and bars. Sumaq, run by top chef, Irene Gutiérrez, recently opened a space here, and Astir, the restaurant at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Portals Nous offers an international spin on local cuisine. There are several low-key restaurants here as well with sushi, pizza and middle eastern cuisine, as well as a few supermarkets should you want to make your own lunch and eat it right on the beach!

Venture towards Puerto Portals and again, the restaurant choices are numerous. The classic, Flanigans with its large menu of favourite Mallorcan dishes, is visited by the King of Spain on his visits to the island. The brand Cappuccino has a well-placed cafe with a large terrace, and has reinvigorated the classic Wellies restaurant right at the port as well or try Baiben, where chef Fernando Pérez Arellano prepares an international cuisine and a mixologist creates thirst quenching cocktails.

Hotels on Cala Portals Nous (Playa d’Oratori)

Hotel accommodations in this very popular area tend to be more exclusive, with higher end prices, such as the Portals Hills Boutique Hotel and recently renovated Iberostar hotel. The Miami style OD Mallorca hotel right near the marina offers VIP services and a fun atmosphere. For a hotel next to a golf course, the Lindner Golf and Wellness Resort offers enticing treatments and feels miles away from crowds and city-life. There are many self-catering vacation rentals to be found in the surrounding apartment buildings, many of which are by-owner, but those too, because of this desired location can be pricier.

Nearby Cala Portals Nous (Playa d’Oratori)

There is much to visit nearby Playa d’Oratori. Palma is only a 15-minute drive away for a day shopping and sightseeing, and the chic, Port d’Andratx about 25 minutes in the opposite direction, where you can soak up the luxurious atmosphere and enjoy all the shops and restaurants it offers. Wanting to explore more beaches along the coast?  There are dozens of  popular beach resorts in-between these two towns, including Illetas, Palmanova, and Santa Ponsa, and of course the sleek super yacht marina, Port Adriano, designed by Philippe Starck and known for its good nightlife.

Golfing is a favourite sport around here, including the Golf Real de Bendinat, and for a day away from the beach, the Tramuntana mountains are a short 15-20 minute drive away where you can visit charming mountain villages and go for a hike.

More Places in Mallorca