El Arenal

Travel Guide

El Arenal which includes street scenes
El Arenal showing a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
El Arenal showing a coastal town and a beach as well as a large group of people
El Arenal which includes a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
El Arenal showing signage

Relax at this lively beach resort, known for its active clubs and bars, which make it a favourite destination among young Europeans.

El Arenal is an idyllic stretch of white sand beach bordering the blue-green waters of the Bay of Palma. Relax in this very enjoyable place to lie in the sun. El Arenal is also known as one of Mallorca’s party capitals and can serve as an ideal base for trips to nearby beaches. 

Stretching 690 feet (210 metres) along the coast, El Arenal’s soft white sands curve gently toward the sea. Try paragliding, Jet Skiing or paddleboating on the open water. You’ll find a number of small beach huts, called balnearios, along the beach where you can relax with a drink.

Be sure to claim a spot on the beach late in the afternoon to watch the sunset. Don’t leave without experiencing the beach’s buzzing nightlife scene. In the past, the beach catered toward young, single German tourists. You’ll find many of the bars and clubs are still geared toward this crowd. Although the beach also attracts families and couples, most visitors come with the goal of partying late into the night.

Check out the town’s pleasant market, which takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday,Friday and Saturday mornings. Chat with the friendly vendors and shop for textiles, footwear and clothing, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Rent a bike or catch the mini-train to visit the nearby beaches of C’an Pastilla and Playa de Palma. These lovely, laid-back beaches offer scenic views and exciting watersports. El Arenal is also an ideal base for visiting the island’s capital, Palma, where you can escape the beach crowds and discover Mallorca’s rich history. 

Take the kids to Aqualand El Arenal, a popular water park. Drive or reach it by shuttle bus from the town.

El Arenal is located along the southern coast of Mallorca, 6 miles (10 kilometres) south of Palma. It’s connected to Palma by public transportation. Find free parking available in the streets just behind the beach.

Hotel Saratoga

Hotel Saratoga

4.5 out of 5
Paseo de Mallorca, 6 Palma de Mallorca Mallorca
The price is RM651 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
RM651
RM726 total
21 Jan - 22 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Palma de Mallorca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Great staff, great location.

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Hotel Saratoga
Iberostar Waves Cristina

Iberostar Waves Cristina

4 out of 5
Calle Bartomeu Xamena, s/n Palma de Mallorca Mallorca
The price is RM380 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
RM380
RM425 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Palma de Mallorca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
Just got back from the most incredible week at Iberostar Waves Cristina and I'm already looking at dates to return! This place exceeded every expectation. Location is unbeatable - literally 2 minutes walk to Playa de Palma beach. We'd have breakfast, grab our towels, and be on the gorgeous sandy ...

Reviewed on 23 Dec 2025

Iberostar Waves Cristina
Grupotel Taurus Park

Grupotel Taurus Park

4 out of 5
Avinguda America, 7 Palma de Mallorca Mallorca
The price is RM462 per night from 14 Feb to 15 Feb
RM462
RM516 total
14 Feb - 15 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Palma de Mallorca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (621 reviews)
Great place to stay, lovely looking hotel and good facilities. Outdoor pool not heated but that didnt stop me from going in!

Reviewed on 27 Nov 2025

Grupotel Taurus Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Fontanellas Playa

Aparthotel Fontanellas Playa

4 out of 5
Calle Caravel la, S/N Palma de Mallorca Mallorca
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Palma de Mallorca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,498 reviews)
good location for going around in town and amenities. The room is clean and the view is amazing right on the beach. The staffs are friendly.

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Aparthotel Fontanellas Playa
Las Palomas Apartments Econotels

Las Palomas Apartments Econotels

2 out of 5
Calle del Duque de Estremera Calvia Mallorca
Stay at this aparthotel in Calvia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Port of Palma de Mallorca and Puerto Portals Marina are ...
7/10 Good! (183 reviews)
Clean room, reception staff nice

Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025

Las Palomas Apartments Econotels
 Apartahotel Fil Suites

Apartahotel Fil Suites

4 out of 5
Carrer de la Ferreria 14 Palma de Mallorca Illes Balears
Stay at this aparthotel in Palma de Mallorca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (483 reviews)
very good, no complaints

Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025

Apartahotel Fil Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do

Reviews of El Arenal

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 29%
4 - Good
13
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 31%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Hire a bike and go into palma as they have a special bike route so very safe and worth the views

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Aimed at German tourists, from food and bars to the sports shown on tv it does issolate tourists from other places.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lots of people, lots of noise and music, better for young people. Good prices in pubs, shops.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

If you want to go for a vacation with your friends (age 17-25), than I would recommend El Arenal and Whala! Beach. But for a familytrip I would advies to go to an other city, where there’s more culture and less drunk people.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Felt it was catered for a much younger crowd and didn’t find any nice restaurants.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

lots of black people walking about trying to sell tatt. there is not much on offer and not many places with good affordable food. very over priced for what we got.

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