El Toro
A residential neighbourhood above a south-western bay, beside Port Adriano, the marina redesigned by Philippe Starck. A small sandy beach sits between the homes and the yachts.
El Toro
El Toro in 30 seconds
The essentials at a glance
- Worth visiting for
- A short visit
- Best for
- A local beach day in the south-west
- Best months
- April–June, September–October
- Time to allow
- Two to three hours
- With children
- Good in calm conditions
- Without a car
- Hire car recommended
- Parking
- Marina parking and signed spaces in the residential streets
- Getting into the water
- Gently shelving, with some shelter in the bay
- Keep in mind
- A traditional historic village centre
- Access
- Pushchairs: Straightforward around the marina and main beach approach · Wheelchairs: The marina waterfront is accessible; residential streets climb uphill
Get a feel for Mallorca. Find your kind of place.
Getting to know El Toro
Does El Toro suit your plans?
What to expect and what to know before you visit.
Who it suits
- A local beach day in the south-west
- Looking around a large modern marina
- Comparing accommodation options near the south-western resorts
- Families looking for a small sandy beach in suitable conditions
Things to bear in mind
- A traditional historic village centre
- A large beach
- A remote setting away from development
- Extensive nightlife
Drive from the airport
30 minutes
30 km
Bus connections
Check current bus connections with Palma and nearby resorts
Region
Serra de Tramuntana
Nearest beach
Santa Ponça
3 km
Elevation
20 m
above sea level
Season guide for El Toro
November Worth considering
Very quiet Some places closed
Worth visiting in April, May, June, September and October.
Location
Location of El Toro
- Region
- Serra de Tramuntana
- Municipality
- Calvià
- Population
- 3,000
- Elevation
- 20 m above sea level
- Airport
- 30 km , around 30 minutes
- Hire car
- recommended
- Worth visiting for
- a brief stop
- Coordinates
- 39.4891,2.4809
Homes and yachts side by side
El Toro is a residential neighbourhood in the municipality of Calvià, with around three thousand residents. Houses and apartment buildings climb above the bay.
Beside it lies Port Adriano, the marina redesigned by Philippe Starck, with large yachts, shops and restaurants. Walking between the neighbourhood and waterfront shows two different sides of modern south-west Mallorca.
The beach
A small sandy beach lies beside the marina. It has a gently shelving entry into the water and seasonal facilities such as sunbeds, refreshments and lifeguards.
Space is limited, especially in July and August, so arrive early if you want more choice of where to sit.

The marina
Port Adriano’s public waterfront is open to visitors, whether or not they have a boat. Walk past the shops and restaurants and look across the berths, respecting any restricted pontoons.
On a rainy day, the indoor restaurants and shops provide some options, although Palma has a much wider choice.
Who it suits
El Toro can work as a base for Palma and the south-western coast. Choose it for that location and the marina rather than expecting an old village centre, a large market or extensive nightlife.
It is a developed residential setting, so check the immediate surroundings when choosing accommodation if quiet is important to you.
When to visit
May and October are pleasant months for a visit. In September, the sea retains more of its summer warmth. Between November and March, the holiday trade is quieter while the marina continues operating.
Photographs
El Toro in Mallorca
How much time do you have?
Things to do in El Toro
Three hours
Spend the morning on the beach, then walk around the public waterfront at Port Adriano.
Half a day
Continue to Santa Ponça or another nearby coastal resort.
A full day
Make El Toro a stop during a wider trip towards Andratx or Sant Elm rather than expecting a full day's sightseeing here.
On a rainy day
Port Adriano has shops and restaurants indoors; Palma offers more options around half an hour away by car.
The beach at a glance
- Underfoot
- Fine pale sand
- Getting into the water
- Gently shelving, with some shelter in the bay
- Length
- A small sandy beach beside the marina
- Shade
- Little natural shade
- Wind
- Some shelter, but check the day's sea conditions
- With children
- Good in calm conditions
- Facilities
- Seasonal sunbeds and parasols · Beach refreshments · Lifeguards in the main season · Restaurants and shops around the marina
Practical details
- Parking
- Marina parking and signed spaces in the residential streets
- Public transport
- Check current connections with Palma and neighbouring resorts
- Time to allow
- Two to three hours
- Good to know
- You do not need a boat to visit Port Adriano's public waterfront, shops and restaurants. Respect any restricted pontoons or berthing areas.
- Bus
- Check current bus connections with Palma and nearby resorts
- Shops and services
- Supermarkets: Local shops in the neighbourhood and marina area · Pharmacy: In the neighbourhood · Medical care: Further medical services in Santa Ponça · Cash machines: Around the marina area · Fuel: On the surrounding main roads
- Access
- Tarmac streets, with slopes in the residential area; level marina waterfront · Pushchairs: Straightforward around the marina and main beach approach · Wheelchairs: The marina waterfront is accessible; residential streets climb uphill · Dogs: Check current beach restrictions
- What you will not find
- A traditional old centre · A large sandy beach · A secluded rural setting · Extensive nightlife
- Coordinates
- 39.4891,2.4809 Google Maps Apple Maps
Within reach
Places to visit
Nearby
The south-west's marina, with 670 berths, rows of white boats and a white tower by the quay. You come here to look …
A striking circular Gothic castle, built above Palma between 1300 and 1311. Inside is a two-storey round …
The Balearics' largest harbour sits in the city, in front of the old town. Cargo quays, cruise terminals, marinas …
An 11th-century brick chamber in an old-town garden, with twelve columns, horseshoe arches and a dome pierced by …
Sant Pere bastion, built in the late 16th century on the western edge of Palma’s old town, became home to a …
Palma’s cathedral was begun in 1230 and built over several centuries. Its Gothic buttresses rise above the water …
The royal palace beside Palma cathedral began as a Moorish alcázar, later converted into a residence for …
The March family's city palace between the cathedral and the Almudaina: a terrace filled with 20th-century …
Distances without a driving time are measured in a straight line. The road journey can be much longer; known driving times are shown alongside.
Other beaches to consider
Beaches and swimming nearby
A large resort in the south-west with a broad sandy beach, marina and offshore islands. Jaume I landed here in …
Around two kilometres from Paguera, Cala Fornells feels quite different. Rocky shores and small patches of coarse …
Three sandy bays in a row, separated by pine-covered rocky headlands, with a plane-tree-lined boulevard behind …
Broad sandy bays with pale, shallow water, right beside Magaluf but with a different feel. The quieter neighbour …
Explore from here
Your questions answered
Your questions about El Toro
What is Port Adriano?
A marina beside El Toro, redesigned by Philippe Starck and equipped for large yachts. Its public waterfront, shops and restaurants are open to visitors without boats; private berthing areas may be restricted.
Does El Toro have a beach?
Yes, a small sandy beach beside the marina, with a gently shelving entrance into the water. Seasonal facilities include sunbeds, refreshments and lifeguards. Space is limited in July and August.
Is El Toro a good holiday base?
It can suit a stay near Palma and the south-western coast, particularly if you like marinas. It is a residential neighbourhood rather than a historic town with a large sightseeing or nightlife scene.
How do I get to El Toro?
Follow the south-western roads from Palma and signs for El Toro or Port Adriano. The airport is roughly thirty minutes away by car in good traffic. Check current bus connections if travelling without a car.
Practical questions
When is the best time to visit El Toro?
Recommended months: April, May, June, September, October.
Is El Toro worth visiting in July and August?
July: worth considering with some reservations. Usually busy. The beach is small and fills early in the day. August: worth considering with some reservations. Usually busy.
How far is El Toro from Palma airport?
About 30 km from Palma airport. Allow roughly 30 minutes by car. Approach via the south-western road network from the Ma-1, following signs for El Toro and Port Adriano. There is marina parking and signed street parking in the residential area.
Do I need a hire car for El Toro?
A car is useful Check current bus connections with Palma and nearby resorts
Where can I park in El Toro?
Marina parking and signed spaces in the residential streets
Can you swim at El Toro?
Yes. Fine pale sand Gently shelving, with some shelter in the bay A small sandy beach beside the marina Little natural shade Good in calm conditions
Can I visit El Toro with a pushchair or wheelchair?
Tarmac streets, with slopes in the residential area; level marina waterfront Pushchairs: Straightforward around the marina and main beach approach Wheelchairs: The marina waterfront is accessible; residential streets climb uphill
Are dogs allowed at El Toro?
Check current beach restrictions
Words and photographs: Friedhelm Fischer. Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.