El Arenal: The Vibrant Village of Mallorca

The birth of El Arenal traces back to the late 19th century when sandstone workers migrated from the inland city of Llucmajor. The first seed of hospitality was sown in 1914 with the establishment of the 'Hotel Terminus', and a small fishing dock served the town. The 1950s saw the area flourish, merging seamlessly with neighboring coastal villages. The rapid growth led to continuous development plans by the Mallorcan authorities for Arenal. Today, Arenal is a hotspot for tourists seeking a beach-centric, bar-hopping, and clubbing holiday, particularly attracting young German international visitors aged 18-30. While not as infamous as Magaluf, Arenal is known for its lively and boisterous atmosphere. It's the go-to place if you're after a buzzing environment with endless activities day and night. However, those seeking tranquility might want to look elsewhere.

Arenal offers a plethora of shopping options for vacationers along its promenade, boasting souvenir shops, mini-marts, and clothing stores. But if you're after a shopping spree, a quick taxi ride will take you to Palma, a shopper's haven. The renowned FAN Shopping Centre is also nearby, featuring a variety of high-street stores, a cinema, and a large Carrefour hypermarket. Every Thursday, a local open-air market sets up shop, offering a diverse range of products from bags and clothes to flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

Arenal seamlessly connects to neighboring areas via a long, continuous beach-front promenade, a favorite spot for dog-walkers, bikers, skateboarders, rollerbladers, and more. It's an ideal path to explore the coastline or engage in some people-watching. Arenal's beach is a picturesque stretch of white sand dotted with palm trees. It's safe for swimming, though families with young children might find it crowded during peak season. The promenade of El Arenal is a hub for all kinds of beach activities and sports. Nightlife and beach sports are the main attractions, but there's more to explore. A series of 15 open-air huts, known as 'Balnearios', serve drinks and snacks and are often used as landmarks, with number 6 being a crowd favorite. Nearby attractions include Aqualand, the largest water park, and the famous Palma Aquarium, home to Europe's deepest shark tank and a host of activities to keep everyone entertained. https://palmaaquarium.com/

With a short 10-15 minute transfer from the airport, you'll find a 24/7 hub of activities during peak season. If you've had your fill of bars, nightclubs, and water sports, there are plenty of day-trip options to other parts of Mallorca. A quick trip to Palma city offers a wealth of sights and experiences. For a change of scenery, day-trips to the serene, untouched beaches of southeast Mallorca offer a different island experience. If you're into walking or cycling, the upscale town of Portixolis within easy reach, though it's also bustling during the summer months.

If your holiday plan is to kick back and sample the myriad of cafes and restaurants, Arenal won't disappoint – grabbing a bite here is a breeze! For the food connoisseurs seeking a more refined gastronomic experience, a short cab ride will lead you to a plethora of superb restaurants within a 10-kilometer radius, both in rural and urban Mallorca. Notably, the uber-chic beach club of Puro Beach at Cala Estancia is worth a visit. The 5-star Iberostar Playa de Palma houses the trendy Marea restaurant, offering a delectable à la carte menu and a choice of two tasting menus. Marea is also known for serving what's been dubbed as 'the world's best meats'.

Arenal businesses host a variety of fun events for visitors during the summer months. The main fiestas take place in July, celebrated over a week with a Correfoc to kick off the festivities, an amusement park, and a firework display to conclude the celebrations. A photography contest and a range of indoor and outdoor activities for kids and adults are also part of the fun. Major events in nearby Palma are easily accessible.

Arenal is home to an international community of residents who live there year-round, drawn by its convenient location. Its proximity to Palma and the airport, coupled with relatively affordable property prices, makes it a popular choice for frequent travelers. The area is well-equipped with local facilities and amenities. However, the popularity of the area can be a downside during the bustling summer months, and winters are usually very quiet.

The quieter coastal towns of Can Pastilla, Sometimes, and Puigderros are within easy reach. A bit further away, you'll find the popular southeast Mallorcan villages of Cala Pi and Sa Ràpita. For a more authentic rural Mallorcan experience, head to the sizable town of Llucmajor or explore the stunning countryside around Mallorca’s second wine region based around Felanitx. A trip to the city of Palma is worthwhile, and you can stroll along the promenade as far as the upscale fishing area of Portixol to the west.