The Best Beaches & Coves Of
Mallorca
Mallorca has in the region of 74 official beaches, of which just under half have been awarded the European Blue Flag for being safe, clean and well kept. The cales (coves) tend to have invitingly clear water and are less crowded than the platjes (beaches) and ideal for snorkelling. In the height of summer, it is nearly impossible to find a beach for yourself. In this article, discover more about the outstanding beaches and coves that make Mallorca the perfect holiday destination.
Beaches On The West Coast Of Mallorca
Sa Calobra
The reward for challenging the 14 km drive down to Sa Calobra, is the pretty shingle beach located at the mouth of the dried up riverbed of the Torrent de Pareis. To reach the beach you walk through a gorge cut through the mountainside. It can get very busy here due to a lot of day-trippers and coach tours. Bars and restaurants are available, as well as a couple of shops, however, the quality of the food is not reflected in the extravagant prices they charge!
Cala Tuent
A well-kept secret off the winding road down to Sa Calobra (off the Fornalutx-Pollença road). There is breathtaking scenery on the way to the beach that is a mixture of sand and shingle, with clear waters good for snorkelling. Parking available.
Port de Sóller
The nearest beach to Fornalutx, about 10 minutes’ drive, with fine sand stretching for 720 metres, offering a wide range of facilities from sunbeds to windsurfing, plus bars and restaurants. The Platja d’en Repic is the best end of the beach and can be reached by taking the signposted left turn over the tramlines before entering the port itself. This is also the turning point to reach the spectacular views from the lighthouse.
Cala Deià
Approximately 10 minutes’ drive from Deià, Cala Deià is a shingle cove good for swimming, although the small beach is known to be lined with seaweed from time to time.
Beaches On The North Coast Of Mallorca
Port de Pollença
A long beach stretching all the way round the Bay of Pollença to Alcúdia. In Port de Pollença the beach is white sand, while around the bay there is more shingle and sand. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are very popular in the bay nearer to Alcúdia. The beach is perfect for families looking for a touristy trip out with a great range of activities like fishing and watersports, as well as many beach bars serving snacks and beverages throughout the day. Surrounded by mountains and hills, the landscape views here are breathtaking, adding a natural quality to the destination you won’t want to miss.
Formentor
A beautiful beach with golden sand and lovely views – however, it becomes very busy during the height of the summer. (Parking is available at a charge.) Alternatively, there is a regular ferry boat from Port de Pollença to Formentor. Stretching at over 1000 metres long and 12 metres wide, this stunning beach is perfect for those wanting to experience a luxury beach trip with crystal clear waters and a variety of beach facilities like showers, sunbeds and parasols.
Cala Sant Vicenç
Cala Sant Vicenç has two bays – Cala Carbó and Cala Molins – with beautiful clear blue waters, ideal for snorkelling when the sea is calm. Due to the undercurrents in this area it is advisable to take notice of the flag warnings. Filled with beach bars, parking, cafés, restaurants and some facilities available for the disabled.
Alcúdia, Platjes de Muro and Ca’n Picafort
Although this is a very long, fine sand beach, it is usually very crowded due to the large hotels lining the beach of the Bay of Alcúdia. It is suitable for small children due to the shallowness.
Cala Mesquida
Situated in the north east near to Artà, Cala Mesquida has beautiful clear blue water and a sandy beach. However, in some places the water becomes deep quite quickly and could be unsuitable for very young children.
Beaches On The East Coast Of Mallorca
Canyamel
Fine sand beach in a tourist resort. Sunbeds, bar, restaurant, boat tours, pedal boats and showers available.
Cala Moreia (S’Illot)
Fine sand beach with a large wide stretch between the shore and the esplanade. The beach’s very slight slope makes it ideal for children.
Cala Millor
From Cala Bona to Cala Millor, the beach stretches in one unbroken sweep of clean, dune-backed sands and wonderfully clear blue water for almost 2 km.
Portocristo
A fine beach and a large marina, but if you travel around the coast you will come to New Portocristo. Here the cala has a fine sandy beach and is good for swimming.
Cala Anguila
This is more a sheltered cove than a beach, with a long spit of fine sand, crystalline waters, and protection from the wind. Access is along a single track from the Cala Anguila-Cala Mendia residential estate.
S’Estany d’en Mas
This is an attractive small beach with white, fine sand and crystalline waters. It is an enclave between large rocks, close to the residential estate, and is surrounded by fields and thickets.
Cales de Mallorca
Based around four small cales (coves), Cala S’Antena, Cala Sa Romeguera, Cala Domingos Gran and Cala Domingos Petit, and the coast between them. Each of the little bays that make up Cales de Mallorca has its own sandy beach. Es Domingos Gran and Petit are both suitable for underwater fishing and snorkelling.
Cala Murada
This small cove has preserved the environment of the Mediterranean woodland area that surrounds it, and the beach has fine sand, plenty of parking, a restaurant and toilets.
Cala Sa Nau
Fine sand beach in a small cove with a beach bar. Sunshades, sunbeds and changing rooms are available. Surrounded by a picturesque view of ochre cliffs and pine trees, this beach offers views like no other. The beach itself often remains a quiet and relaxing place for tourists to enjoy with calm and clear waters, while it is also a child-friendly destination thanks to the shallow waters and close proximity.
Cala d’Or
Based round a multitude of narrow bays called cales, there are several to choose from but they get crowded in the main months.
Cala Mondragó
A beautiful little cove on the south east coast. The beach is situated within a national park and has picnic areas and a children’s adventure playground. It has crystalline clear water and a sandy beach with facilities. While the destination remains isolated, this doesn’t stop the crowds of visitors during the summer months with activities like pedal boats, cave swimming, snorkelling and multiple beach restaurants nearby to enjoy.
S’Amarador
A sandy cove, just a short walk round the headland from Cala Mondragó.
Cala Llombards
Fine sand beach in a sheltered cove with plenty of parking and a beach bar.
Beaches On The South Coast Of Mallorca
Es Trenc and Sa Ràpita
Es Trenc (a naturists’ beach) is reputedly the best beach on the island and worth a visit to the south east coast for the day. Here, 4 kilometres of beach are backed by sand-dunes and natural bushland with hardly a hotel complex in sight. Like all beaches on the island, it becomes busy in the height of summer. Parking available at a charge. The Ses Covetes and Sa Ràpita are a continuation of the Es Trenc beach for those looking to fulfil their trip!
Cala Llamp
Located on the outskirts of Port d’Andratx is a rocky ledge from which you can swim off into a beautiful bay with clear waters surrounded by rocky cliffs.
Sant Elm
Situated on the south west coast, here there are two lovely, sandy beaches with views to the Island of Dragonera. The beaches are ideal for children as they shelve gently and the waters are usually fairly calm.