Illetas
Illetes is a residential holiday resort very close to Palma. It has an exclusive first-class hotel infrastructure and for that reason, the hotels in Illetes are the favourite destination for many companies when it comes to business and rewards trips.
Furthermore, over the years, the hotels in Illetes have become the refuge of many well-known figures every time they visit Mallorca: Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power, Rita Hayworth, Johnny Hallyday, Silvie Vartan, Richard Nixon, King Saud of Saudi Arabia and the Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie (these two used to stay at the old Hotel de Mar). In fact, close to Hotel Albatros there is a plaque in honour of Errol Flynn.
Beautiful coves cover the coast of Illetes, which has three islets: Sa Torre, S’Estenedor (or des Pas) and Sa Caleta. These three islets give name to Illetes (literally “small islands”).
The tower of Illetes was built between 1577 and 1597. It is a circular watchtower which later had a covering added in order to increase the surface of the upper terrace, so that more artillery could be housed.
It is important to highlight a military fort from the late 19th century, located on the bay. This fort is a clear example of the military architecture in Mallorca, just like the Tower of Illetes, which in the past was a signal tower integrated within the watch system that extended along the coast of Calvià.
Until the end of the 20th century, a part of the coast of Illetes remained closed to the public, since it belonged to the Army. However, it was given back to the old owners and today is open to all visitors.
The beaches in Illetes include all services and one of the best infrastructures in Mallorca.