The Best Beaches in Mallorca

With almost as many bays and calas (coves) as days in the year, Mallorca is, for many, all about the coastline and its glorious sandy beaches and rocky coves. There’s something for all tastes, from the wild sands of Es Trenc on the southern tip of the island to the white sands and windsurfing of Pollença and Alcúdia in the north. The west coast boasts rocky calas and clear waters, while the east is home to sandy harbor towns and the party beaches of Badia de Palma. Here is a guide to Mallorca’s best beaches by region.

North Coast

1. Platja de Formentor

You’ll find some untrampled joy on the north coast, where beaches are rare, like Platja de Formentor, a narrow strip of golden sand backed by pine forests in a secluded bay. The shallow water makes this a great spot for families, and paddleboards and kayaks can be hired to explore the rocky coastline. This is the site of Hotel Formentor (reopening in August 2024), a grand hotel that originally opened in 1929 and has played host to figures such as Charlie Chaplin and Elizabeth Taylor.

Tip: Arrive by boat from Port de Pollença or by car via Cap de Formentor and its many viewpoints, like the Mirador del Mas Pas. Bring your camera for magical photo opportunities.

2. Playa del Alcúdia

Playa de Alcúdia is Mallorca’s longest beach, so it never feels crowded, even on busy days. It’s well-developed with resorts, water sports, and amenities including a playground for children. The gentle waters are a draw for kayakers and families with young children.

Tip: Alcúdia is a laid-back resort with an excellent selection of restaurants and attractions to explore when the tide comes in. Visit the Old Town and enjoy a walk along the ancient city walls.

Northeast Coast

3. Cala Mitjana, Cala Torta, Cala Estreta and Cala Matzoc

In the Llevant Peninsula Natural Park, these beaches are close enough to visit in one day. From Artà, a 10km drive through mountainous woodland leads to the wide, sandy beach of Cala Torta with its turquoise waters, followed by a short walk to Cala Mitjana. With icing-sugar white sand and liquid jade waters, this beach—often quiet even in peak season—is dazzlingly beautiful. Further north is Cala Matzoc, a sandy beach reminiscent of the Spanish Mediterranean coastline from a century ago.

Tip: Bring your own supplies as you won’t find many amenities in this tranquil area.

4. Cala Bota, Cala Virgili, Cala Pilota and Cala Magraner

Located just north of busy Cales de Mallorca, a walking trail leads through woodland to a series of four pristine coves. The first and easiest to reach is Cala Bota, while a 30-minute walk north will take you to Cala Virgili, then Cala Pilota, which are small rocky coves frequented by a few yachts. Finally, Cala Magraner boasts a finger of transparent water meeting its sandy cove.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll need to walk to reach these hidden gems.

East Coast

5. Cala Varques

Secluded and tranquil, Cala Varques is located in the Cales Verges de Manacor nature reserve and is accessible only by a 15-minute walk through a pine forest. Known for its clear waters and naturist-friendly vibe, what it lacks in facilities it makes up for in tranquility.

Tip: This beach isn’t easy to find. It’s accessible via a dirt path from the main road and then a short walk through the forest. Bring your own supplies.

Southeast Coast

6. Caló des Moro

Probably the most Instagrammed of all Mallorca’s beaches, Caló des Moro features a slim strip of soft white sand nestled between tree-lined promontories. It gets crowded in summer, so visiting early or late in the day is advisable. The clear and calm shallow waters make it great for snorkeling.

Tip: The beach is reached via a narrow and steep flight of stairs. Pack your own picnic as there are no restaurants here.

7. Cala Santanyí

Around 10km from the popular market town of Santanyí lies Cala Santanyí, a stunning white-sand cove. It’s ideal before peak tourist season and the crystalline waters are perfect for snorkeling. Amenities include hotels, restaurants, showers, toilets, and options for water sports.

Tip: Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular activities, and dive trips are also available.

8. Cala Mondragó

Located in Mondrago Natural Park, Cala Mondragó is a protected blue-flag beach with fine white sand and turquoise water. It’s an excellent choice for families, boasting a beach bar and adjacent parking. Limited rentals for sun loungers and parasols are available, while basic toilet facilities are onsite.

Tip: For a quieter experience, head to the less-frequented Cala S’Amarador.

South Coast

9. Cala Llamp

Near the upscale resort of Port d’Andratx, where locals swim and snorkel in sparkling, bottle-green water, Cala Llamp features no sand but rocky shelves that make for good sunbathing. The rugged cliffs and villas create a picturesque backdrop.

Tip: For even more tranquility, Cala Blanca is slightly further south and currently remains undeveloped.

10. Platja des Trenc

Start your day early and head to the pristine Platja des Trenc—so picturesque that it has served as a stand-in for the Caribbean in films. Backed by sand dunes and located within a natural park, this wild white-sand beach with turquoise waters stretches over 10km, inviting morning swims and evening sunsets.

Tip: After your beach visit, consider lunch in Colònia de Sant Jordi for local culinary delights.

11. Cala Pi

This picturesque cove, Cala Pi, is sheltered by natural cliffs and is approximately 50m wide. While it’s low-key, its small size can lead to overcrowding during peak times. The calm waters are ideal for snorkeling, but remember to bring provisions as there are no facilities at beach level.

Tip: Take a detour to the nearby market town of Campos for local markets every Tuesday and Saturday.

Southwest Coast

12. Playa de Camp de Mar

Set in the luxurious Camp de Mar resort, this beach offers fine sand, clear waters, and excellent facilities, including a small playground and pedal boats for hire. A wooden footbridge connects to La Illeta, a tiny islet with food and drink options.

Tip: Consider a boat trip to Sa Dragonera Natural Park for wildlife spotting.

13. Portixol

This is one of the best urban beaches in Mallorca. Portixol, once a fishing village and now a suburb of Palma, has a boutique ambiance with stylish residences and trendy seafront restaurants. The sandy beach is approximately 100m long and is popular among locals, especially during evening hours.

Tip: The beach is surrounded by excellent dining options, ensuring you’re never far from a good meal.

West Coast

14. Cala de Deià

Cala de Deià, below the charming village of Deià, is reachable via a short, steep 2.5 km walk from the village. This rocky cove is favored by an international crowd, and rustic beach eateries serve simple meals. Parking can be challenging during high season, so consider hiking or taking a bus from Deià if you’re visiting in the summer.

Tip: Enjoy lunch at Ca’s Patró March, a highly recommended spot overlooking the sea.

15. Cala Banyalbufar

Cala Banyalbufar is a rugged cove scattered with pebbles and seaweed, ideal for swimming or sipping a drink at the beach shack on the rocks while gazing out over the dark turquoise waters. It is also excellent for snorkeling.

Tip: Unless you arrive early, consider parking in the village of Banyalbufar and walking down to the beach.

Northwest Coast

16. Sa Calobra

This tiny white-pebble beach, washed by emerald-green waters, is picture-perfect but challenging to access. The road winds down from the mountains with hairpin turns that may test those with a fear of heights. Nevertheless, Sa Calobra is popular, drawing crowds to its small cluster of restaurants by late morning.

Tip: If driving isn’t your preference, consider taking a ferry from Port de Sóller. The trip takes approximately 1 hour.