Platja de Palma (S'Arenal)

Platja de Palma, centred on S'Arenal in the municipality of Llucmajor on Mallorca in Spain's Balearic Islands, is the main resort beach of the Bay of Palma, about 12 to 14 km east of the Cathedral. It is roughly 4.5 km of wide, fine, pale sand running from Can Pastilla to S'Arenal, with the water shallow and gently shelving, and the sea is generally calm because the bay shelters it from most swell. In summer the water is usually clear and warm, and it is at its warmest in August and September. The beach is long, open and straight rather than a cove, and its defining feature is the series of numbered beach-bar stops known as balnearios, which act as landmarks and meeting points along the sand. The atmosphere varies by stretch. Toward Can Pastilla the mood is more family-oriented and relaxed, while the area around Balneario 6 to 10 is the busiest in summer, with the largest crowds, the liveliest bars and the most hotels behind it. Visitors from Germany, the UK and elsewhere make up much of the summer crowd, and the sand can be packed in July and August. Facilities are the most complete in the Palma area: lifeguards are on duty in season, showers and toilets are provided, sunbeds and parasols are available to hire, water sports equipment can be rented, and beach bars and restaurants are found at regular intervals. Adapted access points exist at some stops. A promenade runs behind the beach for walking and cycling. Access is by EMT line 25 from Plaça de la Reina, which stops along the beach at the numbered balnearios, and by EMT line A2 from the airport. TIB line A51 also links the airport with S'Arenal in about 6 minutes. The EMT single fare is about €2 (about $2.30) in cash or about €1.20 (about $1.38) by contactless bank card, tapping on only. Parking is available but fills in peak season. The beach suits families, groups, water sports enthusiasts and anyone who wants full facilities and an active holiday scene, while visitors seeking quiet generally walk farther toward the Can Pastilla end or choose other beaches.