Will be visiting Mallorca from Barcelona for 3 or 4 nights in July. Two 40- something's with our 22 year old son that is in Spain on a study abroad program for the summer. Would like to find a beach area with plenty of bars, restaurants within walking distance. I am thinking we will rent a car while there to explore but would like to focus on staying in a relatively active area with hopefully nice beaches and view....was looking at Porto soller, but maybe it's too quiet? Any suggestions?

Mallorca in July it will be packed for tourist, mostly from northern Europe. The east coast of the island, with the most beach front, is filled with tightly packed beach front hotels. You might be interested in heading to Cala Ratjada, Cala Millor or Sa Coma and neighboring S'Illot.

port de soller

There are a number of places on the island that will fit your bill, though you do want to avoid Palma Nova and the resorts close to it.

Port de Soller is OK, but it is quieter than most places. Have a look at Puerto Pollenca, Alcudia and Andratx. All good areas with the choice of bars and rsetaurants that you're looking for. We've stayed in most areas of Mallorca over the years but keep returning to Pollenca. It's 5K inland from the sea and its Port namesake, but has a great feel to it, with plenty of eating and drinking available.

We always like sitting in the main square after dinner in the evening with a coffee and Spanish brandy...bliss!

I'll add another vote for Pollenca although I prefer the Port namesake. Usually stay on the pine walk and have a swim every morning before breakfast in the flat sea.