19 kmPortals Vells is located in Cala Portals Vells on Mallorca's southwest coast, a short distance from the larger resort beaches near Magaluf. Here, sandy beach, cliffs and pine forest are close to one another, and the beach is described as partly urbanized: not deserted, but also not a classic seaside promenade with city life right down to the water's edge.
The water is one of the reasons the place stands out. The bay has a sandy bottom with seagrass, and the conditions are described as good for snorkeling and diving. However, easterly and southeasterly winds can change the conditions, so the beach's calm appearance is not a guarantee every day.
Portals Vells is not just one beach. The area includes several small coves and sandy beaches, including Platja del Mago and Platja del Rei. That makes it ideal if you would rather move between small bays than stay in the same place all day.
Nearby is Cova de la Mare de Déu, a former marès sandstone quarry cave. It is a slightly unusual beach detail: stone from here was used for major buildings in Palma, while the cave is still associated with an altar and carved details in the wall. Above the small sports mooring to the north is Torre de Portals Vells, also known as Torre des Moro, as another trace in the coastal landscape.
