Arenal is the small resort lying at the far east of the Playa de Palma just minutes from Mallorca’s international airport. The 6km beach of golden sand runs all the way from Arenal to C’an Pastilla in the distance. Whereas the main Playa de Palma tourist area tends to cater mainly for the German market S’Arenal attracts more Spanish, Dutch and British visitors.
Some time ago Arenal was very much geared to the British market and this was reflected in the many British run businesses there. However, the resort slowly deteriorated and few major tour operators remained such that it became quite rundown. This has started to change and more British tourists are starting to head there again though not in the same numbers as to nearby C’an Pastilla.
The whole of the seafront between Arenal and Can Pastilla is almost traffic free making it a great place for long walks or bike rides along between the resorts. There is a mini-train on wheels that goes back and to between the resorts along this road on the front as well as the regular bus services to Palma. There are buses from Palma which go through Arenal on their way to Aqualand which is the biggest waterpark on the island with a great selection of slides.
As you enter Arenal you’ll come to the long established Sportsmans bar on the seafront which has Sky TV and does great British food. The Hole in the Wall and Beachcombers are further evidence of British tourism here. The Hotel Lancaster is one of the more popular Arenal hotels.
The resort gives you easy access to the whole Playa de Palma and the beautiful city of Palma de Mallorca. If you’re adventurous enough to rent a car then you can head off to the island’s east coast with its dozens of tiny coves or head to the rugged northwest coast via some beautiful country villages.