Coll d’en Rabassa – Palma’s Seaside Neighbourhood Next to the Airport
Snapshot: What Coll d’en Rabassa is like
A lived-in coastal barrio on Palma’s east side, Coll d’en Rabassa sits between Portixol/Molinar and Can Pastilla, minutes from the airport. Expect an easygoing promenade, local cafés, quick access to Cala Gamba, and the island’s biggest retail complex (FAN Mallorca) just inland. It’s practical, walkable, and great for everyday seaside life.
Landing late? Sleep close and move tomorrow: Hotels near Palma Airport (PMI).
🏖️ Coast & Promenade
- Flat, stroller-friendly path linking toward Portixol/Molinar and Ciudad Jardín.
- Rocky platforms and small entries for swims; sandy beaches sit next door in Ciudad Jardín and Can Pastilla.
- Cala Gamba (micro cove & marina) is a short hop for morning dips and boat watching.
🎯 Things to Do
Morning dip & coffee
Start with a quick swim along the rocky entries, then stroll to Cala Gamba for a marina-side coffee. It’s calm, local, and perfect before the promenade gets busy.
Coast bike ride
Follow the seafront toward Portixol/Molinar for Palma’s classic sea-view cycle. It’s flat, photogenic, and great for an easy out-and-back at sunrise or sunset.
FAN Mallorca stop
When the wind picks up, head a few minutes inland to FAN Mallorca for fashion, a quick bite, or a film. Handy parking and kid-friendly options make it a reliable plan B.
Sunset paseo & gelato
Wrap the day with a slow evening paseo along the waterfront. The bay often glows pink—ideal for photos and a last gelato before dinner.
See the bay from the water at golden hour: Sunset Catamaran from Palma.
🍽️ Where to Eat & Drink
- Seafront cafés/bars along the promenade — relaxed lunches and sundowners.
- Local tapas and menu del día spots a few streets back from the water.
- Quick-casual and family options at FAN Mallorca (useful on windy days).
🏨 Where to Stay (nearby)
| Hotels (nearby) | Rentals | Luxury (short drive) |
| Boutique & mid-range in Portixol/Molinar and Ciudad Jardín | Beach-adjacent apartments along the promenade | High-end stays in Portixol, Palma Old Town, or Can Pastilla sea-view suites |
Book your stay near the promenade with Hotels in Portixol–Ciudad Jardín–Can Pastilla.
🗺️ Map
🧭 Getting There & Parking
| From Palma | Drive time | Simple route | Parking | Good to know |
| Cathedral/Born | ~10–15 min | Ma-19 east → signed city exits for Coll d’en Rabassa | Street parking along inland streets; seafront spots fill on weekends | Very quick taxi/ride-hail zone; airport 5–8 min away |
(Public transport runs along the seafront corridor; frequencies vary by season. For exact lines/times, check locally.)
👨👩👧 For Families
Coll d’en Rabassa is effortless with kids: the seafront is flat and stroller-friendly, and you’ll find small playground pockets just off the promenade. For sand and gentle entry, Ciudad Jardín is the nearest family beach—five minutes and you’re building castles.
Swap windy afternoons for a guaranteed win: Palma Aquarium Tickets.
Meal times are simple, too: supermarkets, bakeries, and casual cafés are close, so you can pivot between picnic lunches and easy sit-downs without leaving the neighborhood vibe.
🚲 Walks, Runs & Rides
| Route | Why / Notes |
| Portixol–Molinar loop | Iconic sunrise/sunset stretch; flat, scenic, café stops en route. |
| East to Can Pastilla | Longer, uninterrupted path for runners/cyclists; easy to tailor distance. |
| Wind note | On breezy days sea spray is common—pack a light layer. |
🛍️ Shopping & Essentials
For one-stop convenience, FAN Mallorca covers fashion, groceries, and cinema with straightforward parking and plenty of dining choices. Day-to-day needs are met by local bakeries, pharmacies, and small supermarkets sprinkled through the grid. For broader inspiration (and gift hunting), see our Shopping Guide to Palma.
🌬️ Seasonal Notes
- Summer: early mornings are magic; weekends get busier along the front.
- Autumn–spring: expect breezier days; great light and emptier paths.
- Wind/swells: swimming is better next door at sandy beaches if seas kick up.
🏝️ Nearby Beaches (our guides)
- Cala Gamba Beach Guide – tiny local swim & marina vibe.
- Ciudad Jardín Beach Guide – wide sandy family beach.
- Can Pastilla Beach Guide – long, shallow waters & watersports.
- Cala Estancia Beach Guide – sheltered bay, easy entry.
- Beaches in and around Palma – compare options across the bay.
❓ FAQ
Is Coll d’en Rabassa good for swimming?
Yes for rocky-entry dips (especially near Cala Gamba) on calm days. For easy sandy entry and lifeguards, head to Ciudad Jardín or Can Pastilla.
How far is it from the airport and Palma centre?
Roughly 5–8 minutes to the airport by car/taxi and 10–15 minutes to central Palma (traffic permitting).
Is it a good base without a car?
Yes. You can walk/cycle the whole seafront corridor, grab cafés and supermarkets locally, and reach sandy beaches next door.
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