Paguera, also commonly referred to as Peguera, has quickly become a hotspot for holidaymakers across the UK and Europe. What was once a quiet seaside town has now completely transformed into a strong base for exploring the best of Southwest Mallorca.
With blue flag beaches, an impressive range of high-end hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and great transportation links, Paguera is the ideal spot for both slow travel and activity-oriented getaways. If you’re planning to visit soon, our guide covers everything you need to know, with inspiration for how you should spend your time and your hard-earned money.
When to Visit Paguera
Paguera comes alive from May to September. Temperatures often exceed 25°C, the skies are clear, and the breeze is calm. However, the hottest and sunniest days occur from June to August. This is best for swimming and snorkelling in the sea, and temperatures peak between 28°C and 34°C.
If you want to avoid peak times when the crowds are larger, early April and late Autumn are ideal. Paguera is still relatively warm, but cool enough for activities such as cycling the Collado de Sa Gramola loop or hiking the CR1 Peguera-Cap Andritxol Trail. It’s worth noting that fewer shops and restaurants will be open, though.
- Best for sunshine: June-August – Hottest months where temperatures are above 30°C.
- Best for activities: April-May & October – Mild weather when temperatures are lower through the day.
- Best for avoiding crowds: April & October – The town is cooler but quieter, with more options to explore.
Where to Stay in Paguera
When it comes to choosing a base for your stay, you should focus on the areas around Paguera’s three beaches: Playa Palmira, Playa Tora, and Playa Romana. All are accessible via the promenade. The top areas to stay include Playa Palmira, Cala Fornells, and Playa Romana & Playa de Torà. Choose based on whether you want a lively or secluded getaway, and whether you’re bringing the family.
Playa Palmira
As the largest and most central beach, it’s ideal if you want to be near the Bulevar de Peguera. This main shopping street features bars, boutique jewelry shops, and popular restaurants like Mio Bar, Nirador, and La Campa.
The beach is fully equipped with shower facilities and sun loungers that you can rent, and the waters are shallow and calm. The promenade is completely pedestrianised and connects to nearby beaches like Playa de Torà and Playa de la Romana. You’ll also find getting around a breeze, too. The TIB bus 102 stops offer easy access to the centre of Palma and the airport.
Top Choices for Accommodation in Playa Palmira:
- Secrets Mallorca Villamil Resort & Spa – A 5-star hotel with a spa, two pools, a tennis court, and six restaurants. This includes Olio and Barefoot Grill. The adults-only hotel is the epitome of Mallorcan sophistication. Opt for their Ultimate-Luxury ® experience for service like no other.
- Paguera Treff Boutique Hotel – A relaxed, 4-star hotel with sea rooms and a terrace restaurant. They offer physiotherapy and massages, and have a bike station to store equipment. Opt for a superior double room for additional space and comfort.
- Diamante Peguera Boutique Hotel – A chic, 4-star hotel close to the beach with personalised services. They are family-friendly with a range of facilities, including a gym, sauna and spa, and terrace area.
Cala Fornells
This is the most exclusive part of the area, situated near the western cliffs and recognisable by its Mediterranean architecture, inspired by Pedro Otzoup. It’s more peaceful compared to other areas, home to picturesque bay views and deep turquoise waters to spot local species of fish. You’ll also have access to popular trails such as the Caló d’en Monjo and The Watchtower.
Top Choices for Accommodation in Cala Fornells:
- Hotel Cala Fornells – A family-run hotel since 1947, it offers a more personal and vintage luxury experience than other chains and resorts nearby. You’ve also got direct beach access as soon as you exit the front door.
- Hotel Gran Fornells Thalasso & Spa – A 5-star luxury hotel close to the beach, with two restaurants and both indoor and outdoor pools, including a saltwater pool. Relax on a Balinese bed in the solarium next to the Sky pool before dining at the Veranda 1963 Restaurant.
- Hotel Petit Cala Fornells – A 5-star hotel with 24 luxury suites, all with sea views guaranteed. You can choose between four pools, relax on more than 20 tiled terraces, and dine at one of their four restaurants, including Na Sardana and La Bodeguilla.
Playa Romana & Playa de Torà
The eastern end of Paguera is the perfect spot for families and couples who want to escape the hustle and bustle of places like Palmira but still expect excellent facilities and access to the town. The beaches offer shade during those intense summer days, and you can partake in activities such as paddle boarding.
Top Choices for Accommodation in Playa Romana & Playa de Torà:
- Aethos Mallorca – A newer hotel in the area, boasting a 5-star rating, it sits on a cliff along Palmira Beach in the southwest. You can expect modern rooms, poolside service, and their very own Aethos Yacht for private excursions.
- Hilton Mallorca Galatzo – Part of the Hilton franchise, you can expect top-notch service and some of the best panoramic views in Mallorca. You’re also a short distance away from Paguera’s beaches and Andratx marina.
- Universal Hotel Lido Park – Nestled between the Torà and Romana beaches, the 4-star hotel offers sea-view dining and spa facilities, along with direct beach access. There’s also the Es Mercat buffet restaurant and La Terraza bar on-site.
Where to Eat in Paguera
Paguera is an excellent place to sample delicious Mallorcan cuisine and other tourist favourites. Due to its popularity from other European countries, you’ll find influences from both Italian and German dishes, too. The majority of the best-rated establishments can be found along the main boulevard, Carrer de Malgrats, and the three beach fronts.
Restaurante Chicos del Mar
Chicos del Mar is one of the top spots to sample Mallorcan cuisine on the island, with influences from Peruvian dishes thanks to the creator’s origins. The wine list is carefully curated, including brands from the Iberian Peninsula. Dishes that stand out are the spicy mussels with roasted corn, shrimp with pineapple salsa, mixed paella, and gazpacho.
The menu is made up of seasonal and locally sourced products, and they are highly accommodating to both vegan and gluten-free diets, with a focus on the flexitarian lifestyle.
Nirador
A cosy and quirky restaurant that can be easy to miss on the main boulevard, Nirador offers creative Mediterranean cuisine inspired by chef Niki. The menu is updated daily with specials, but you can usually expect to see plates like braised beef cheeks, stuffed sobrasada, Viennese veal cutlet, salmon steak, and beef fillet.
There are also lots of tasty vegan and vegetarian options like tofu satay, Asian wok vegetables, and pasta with walnut pesto. It is a popular place among tourists, so booking is highly recommended during your stay.
Contro Corrente Beach Club
For beautiful Neapolitan food with a view of the beachfront promenade of Playa Palmira, head to Contro Corrente. The restaurant boasts an incredibly relaxed setting, where an open-air wooden deck terrace and twinkling fairy lights create the perfect backdrop for chilled afternoon drinks or a romantic evening meal. The venue also features fire pits to keep you warm during those chilly evenings outside of the summer months.
The menu specialises in a range of Italian classics, such as Spaghetti Carbonara, Lasagna al Forno, and the Capricciosa Pizza, as well as our favourites, the Spaghetti Al Ragu and the Dama Bianca Pizza (which is topped with Fior di Latte, Salami, ‘Nduja, Black Olive Pate, and Basil). After your meal, sit back and relax with a glass of wine as you watch the world go by.
MAR Y MAR
You can’t beat eating by the sea. MAR Y MAR has arguably the best beachfront location, meaning you can tuck into fresh seafood along with the lapping of the calm waters nearby. Expect fresh oysters and tuna sashimi, along with international food like poke bowls and truffle tagliatelle. Honourable mentions also include the salmon burger and fish tapas etagere.
They also have an extensive cocktail menu to pair with your food. This includes classics like the mojito and caipirinha, and signatures like the white peach fizz and frozen Japanese sleeper. Pop in during your first day to reserve a table outside, so you can so you can catch the sunset while you eat.
Restaurante La Campana
A traditional, family-run restaurant specialising in authentic Spanish and Italian cuisine, Restaurante La Campana receives rave reviews from visitors. The cosy and romantic venue offers the perfect backdrop to enjoy homemade pasta and steak, with generous portions. Signature dishes also include oven-roasted pig’s trotters and grilled monkfish.
It’s one of those places that is located away from tourist spots, so it can be easy to miss. Make sure to book well in advance, especially on weekends, otherwise you may be unable to find a table.
Bar La Ruta
With good-sized portions and tasty tapas dishes, Bar La Ruta is one of Paguera’s most popular eateries. The family-run establishment has a luxurious interior with cosy seating arrangements, and the service is top-quality.
The kitchen is usually open late, serving a variety of Spanish staples like albondigas (meatballs), ham croquettes, Manchego cheese, calamari, and patatas bravas. The prices are also reasonable, which is why you may struggle to find a table during peak seasons.
El Fogon7
El Fogon7 is among Paguera’s top steakhouses, known for its rustic feel and quality T-bone and fillet steaks. They also serve a variety of international and local cuisine, including pastas, paella, and grilled fish.
You’ll find the premises just off the main Paguera strip. It’s slightly quieter than the beachfront, and it’s considered excellent value for money. We strongly suggest making a reservation.
What to Do in Paguera
Paguera offers the best of both worlds when it comes to holidays abroad. While you can simply lie basking in the sun all day and head out for dinner in the evening, you can also spend your time exploring the area or partaking in some adventure activities.
Relax on the beach
Mallorca in itself has more than 200 amazing beaches along its coastline, and Paguera is home to a few of the best. There are three main beaches that are worth your time, all connected by the promenade.
Palmira Beach is the largest of the three. It features white sand with plenty of sunbeds and safety boxes to store your belongings. While you’re unable to consume alcohol on the beach, there are plenty of bars and restaurants directly behind if you fancy a spot of lunch. The shallow waters are ideal for young children and those who aren’t confident swimmers, and there’s also disabled access.
If you’re seeking somewhere a little less crowded to read your brand-new novel, La Romana Beach is renowned for its calm atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll find pine trees and a quaint stony cove, along with boats dropping anchor due to lower winds. It’s also for this reason that it’s a popular spot for paddle boarding.
The third beach, and a mix between the former two, Tora beach, still provides a relaxing environment but with top-quality amenities, despite only being 250 metres long. Stroll past the promenade’s many cafes, rent a pedal boat for the day, and swim safely under the watch of on-duty lifeguards.
Head off on a hike
Mallorca’s limestone peaks and coastal paths are ideal for hiking. Visit during early spring or late autumn for milder weather. In Paguera, you’ll find routes of varying difficulty, suitable for both novices and experts.
Es Galatzó is a 14-million square meter heritage park in Calvià open to the public. It’s well known among hikers for its challenging ascent to the Puig de Galatzó. This is 1,008 metres tall and one of Mallorca’s highest peaks. The Es Capdellà – Finca Galatzó Loop is considered more moderate. The route takes around 1.5-2 hours as you pass through wooded areas and open fields. For something a little easier, you may consider the Ancient Olive Trees path.
Another famous route that runs through the Sierra de Tramuntana is the GR-221. You’ll be faced with historical remains and cliffs, but it requires some experience due to its length. The route will take you around 6-8 hours in total.
If you do intend to take these routes during the hot and humid summers, it’s advised that you bring plenty of water and protection from the sun and always listen to warnings issued by the Aemet.
Partake in water activities
As is often the case with beach resorts, Paguera has lots of opportunities to get involved in water sports. Popular activities include kayaking and paddleboarding, and you can rent the equipment from operators like Stand Up Paddle Paguera on Palmira Beach for around €15–€20 per hour.
Tora Beach is where you’ll find most of the larger boat excursions, which are operated by Cormoran Cruises and jet off from the pier by Bar Tora. The top trips include dolphin watching via glass-bottom boat tours, day trips to Dragonera Island, where you can explore the nature reserve and go for a quick swim, and a paradise cruise around Port d’Andratx.
For snorkeling, the quiet Caló d’en Monjo cove between Cala Fornells and Paguera offers the most fish species. Alternatively, take an organised tour to the Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve, where guides show you the best spots. If you want to try scuba diving, head further out to Santa Ponsa for excellent beginner trial dives.
For thrill seekers, Mallorca On Jetski offer safaris to Dragonera Island. Or, you can race with your friends on the circuit between Paguera and Santa Ponsa. You may also choose to sign up for adventure tours that combine sea caving with swimming and cliff diving.
Visit the weekly market
Paguera’s weekly market runs every morning from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. along Avinguda de Peguera. It’s perfect for buying traditional Mallorcan gifts like pottery, shoes, jewelry, and summer clothing.
You’ll also find a range of local cheeses, sobrasada, fresh vegetables, honey, and olives to enjoy during the remainder of your trip. If you’re unable to make it to the market during your stay, there is the Calvià Village Market on a Monday, Andratx Market on a Wednesday, and Son Ferrer Market on a Friday.
Enjoy a cycling trip
Southwest Mallorca is a premier location for cyclists due to its direct access to the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Here you’ll find challenging MTB routes and coastal paths toward Palma. Should you not wish to take your own trusty steed, hotels like Huerzeler at Hotel Universal Lido Park and Rad International offer rental gear and equipment.
Popular cycling routes in Paguera and nearby areas include:
- Passeig de Calvià– A moderate route of around 38-55 km. It features a wide cycle path that runs adjacent to the coast. The route is suitable for all skill levels.
- Paguera to Sant Elm & Port Andratx – A relatively difficult route for more experienced riders. It takes you up steep climbs like the Collado de Sa Gramola. The 52 km circular route includes views of Dragonera Island.
- Challenge Peguera Mallorca Bike Route – A challenging 43 km ride that demands years of experience and training. It’s part of the Challenge Peguera-Mallorca triathlon and features demanding climbs and hilly segments, as well as winding paths through the Serra de Tramuntana.
Go to Palma for the day
Many people who visit Mallorca only see a glimpse of Palma as they head to and from the airport. However, the capital has so much to offer visitors, especially during those days when the beach isn’t an option.
To get there, you need to hop on the 102 intercity bus service. This is the direct route to Estació Intermodal in the middle of Palma. The buses generally run every 30 minutes, depending on the day, and cost around €4–€6 per person. Just make sure to tap your card or phone as you enter and leave the bus. Or you can ask the driver for a ticket.
Once you reach Palma, start by visiting the Cathedral and exploring the Casco Antiguo. Afterward, stroll through the Parc de ses Estacions or head to the Baluard Museum of Modern Art. If you fancy picking up some luxury goods, the Passeig del Born is best for high-end shopping and beautiful architecture. Top off your trip with a self-guided tapas tour in La Lonja or Santa Catalina before heading back.
Most shops close during major holidays like Balearic Islands Day or Good Friday. Be sure to time your trip accordingly.