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El Arenal © vistaspain

Overview
Situated on the east coast of the Bay of Palma, El Arenal (also known as S'Arenal) is a lively and highly developed holiday resort, popular with German travellers (many of whom have stayed) and the 18 to 30 age group, it is an ideal beach resort not only for singles but families too. The long, palm-lined beach is exquisite; perfect for stretching out on a sun-lounger and enjoying the calm waters. A stroll along the El Arenal waterfront promenade at sunset, past various shops, bars and restaurants, offers a great way to unwind, and a walkway links El Arenal to neighbouring C'an Pastilla. El Arenal's social highlight is probably Woody's Bar, but there are a host of lively resort bars and clubs that will keep you dancing until the early hours. Those seeking out a more authentic Spanish holiday experience, beyond the selection of German and British bars, would do well by wandering the back streets away from the strip. Visit the balnearios, 16 small beach huts that run from El Arenal to C'an Pastilla, one of which has been turned into a German-style bar. Hiring a car is an excellent way to explore the rest of the island and take in the sights while on holiday, but many choose simply to enjoy their hotels and the entertainment they provide. El Arenal's neighbouring towns of Calvia, San Telmo and the beautiful port of Pollenca are, however, worth visiting and there are plenty of impressive historical sites to enjoy. A frequent bus service also links El Arenal to the busy capital of Palma de Mallorca. For the more active, hiring a bicycle is a wonderful way to see the sights and there are also some excellent hikes to enjoy. There are plenty of watersports, sailing and diving on offer, as well as a mini-golf course and an enormous waterpark - a perfect day out for the kids!

Activities

Wind and Water Sports in Mallorca
The island of Mallorca is famous for its wind and water sports, with many resorts actually featuring windsurfing and kitesurfing schools, where tourists can learn to master these tricky skills while still enjoying the holiday of a lifetime. There are also ample places to simply rent equipment, for tourists who don't require tutelage. Good beaches in Mallorca for windsurfing and kitesurfing include Cala Millor, Cala d'Or, Can Picafort, Formentor, Magaluf, Palma Nova, Peguera, Platja de Palma, Port d'Alcudia, Port de Pollensa, Port de Soller, Portalss and Santa Ponsa - although the pick of the bunch must be the little-known Son Serra de Marina, located on the northeast coast of Mallorca, about five miles (8km) east of Can Picafort. This unspoilt stretch of sand has favourable conditions all year round, and features a spectacular mountain backdrop as well as a few hip and happening beach bars and restaurants. Pedal boats (pedalos) are also very popular - especially for families with young children - and can be hired at any of the major resorts on the island. Finally, waterskiing is also an option: resorts that offer equipment for hire (sometimes including boats) include Cala Millor, Can Picafort, Formentor, Magaluf, Palma Nova, Peguera, Platja de Palma, Port d'Alcudia and Santa Ponsa.

Snorkelling and Diving in Mallorca
The Mediterranean's calm, clear waters are ideally suited for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts on holiday in Mallorca. The best season for diving in Mallorca is between June and October, when the weather is balmy and visibility can be as much as 130 feet (40m). Although not blessed with spectacular coral reefs, there is much to admire in the depths surrounding Mallorca's coastline. The warm water is home to a huge array of fish and other sea life, including European barracuda, eels, rainbow wrasse, ornate wrasse, goatfish, cardinal fish, damsel fish, octopus, sea slugs, squid, crabs and lobsters - to name but a few of the myriad species that tourists can expect to spot. Many of Mallorca's resorts offer snorkelling and diving equipment for hire, and a few of them have on-site dive schools where tourists can have training and obtain diving licenses. Some of the best resorts for snorkelling and diving in Mallorca include Cala Millor, the isolated beaches of Cala Morlanda and Cala Varques (both brilliant for snorkelling), Puerto Pollensa and Santa Ponsa, which is the best resort for scuba divers in Mallorca, allowing access to many dive sites, including very popular wreck diving opportunities.