The best beaches of Mallorca

A swim just a stone's throw from the charming port of Sóller is a great way to stay in touch with the local seaside atmosphere. Particularly pleasant in the early morning sun or at sunset, this sandy and rocky beach is an ideal place to walk with your feet in the water before sitting down at one of the small restaurants along the way. 

What for? Best for swimming, walking, taking a boat trip

Where? In the west of the island, between Sóller and the Port of Sóller in the Serra de Tramuntana

About forty kilometres north of Sóller are these tiny beaches, barely a thirty-metre opening to the sea for the first and a hundred metres for the second, which can be reached on foot after passing through a tunnel. But be warned: the site of Sa Calobra only displays its charms to the most motivated visitors who are willing to face a maze of winding roads to reach this jewel classified as a natural monument by the Balearic government unless you prefer to approach by boat from the port of Sóller: by far the most comfortable option.

What for? Best for swimming, cliff diving, snorkelling

Where? On the west side of the island, north of Sóller in the Serra Tramuntana

On the northern tip of the island, near the port of Pollença, lies one of Mallorca's most spectacular beaches. Bordered by a forest of oaks and pines that provide welcome shade on the hottest summer days, this kilometre-long white sand beach is a natural postcard setting. From the beach, you will want to contemplate the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range while swimming in the deep blue waters unique to Mallorca. 

What for? Best to swim, pedal boat, canoe or snorkel

Where? In the north-west of the island, about 15 km from the Port of Pollença

With its 7 km of golden sand, Alcudia beach is the largest beach on the island. Families will find it the perfect place for a fun and safe swim as it has been awarded the Blue Flag. There are many water sports activities and restaurants, and deckchairs for hire. A natural urban beach also awaits you with a car park at the entrance making it easy to access, especially with young children.   

What for? Best for swimming, water activities (pedal boats, jet skis, diving, windsurfing...)

Where? In the north of the island, in the bay of Alcudia, next to the port

Cala Mesquida is a little jewel between dunes and pine forests, classified as a nature reserve since 1991. A paradise for snorkelling due to its rich underwater fauna, it is also windy enough to attract surfers. All appreciate its wild character and its magnificent stretch of white sand. It is also home to the largest colony of seagulls and cormorants in the Balearic Islands. 

What for? Best for swimming, snorkelling, surfing

Where? In the north-east of the island, in the municipality of Capdepera, a few kilometres from Arta

Cala Agulla has been declared a Natural Area of Special Interest, which means that no construction can be allowed to alter the landscape. Considered one of the most spectacular beaches on the island, it is also naturally one of the busiest in the seaside resort of Cala Ratjada. Fortunately, the numerous dunes that make up the bay allow everyone to find a little spot to lay their towel and enjoy this idyllic setting. 

What for? Best for swimming and water sports (kayaking, paddling, etc.)

Where? In the north-east of the island and north of Cala Ratjada

If you meet someone who has visited Mallorca, Cala Figuera is bound to ring a bell, but it's not sure that you're talking about the same place because, surprisingly, there are three Cala Figuera's in Mallorca! The Platja de Cala Figuera near the lighthouse of the same name, in the Bay of Palma in the island's southwest, is not the most spectacular of the three.

However, the fishing village of Cala Figuera in the southeast, near Santanyi, and the wild cove in the north of the island, near Cape Formentor, are well worth a visit.

The former will give you access to the gentle Mallorcan way of life, while the latter will plunge you into a wilderness topped by cliffs. You'll need good shoes to tackle the pebble beach and the path that leads you there, but what a landscape you'll see on arrival! You will be rewarded for your efforts very quickly.

What for? Best for swimming, snorkelling

Where? In the north of Mallorca, near the Cap de Formentor

• Cala Deia to admire the special light that Prince Charles enjoyed so much when he visited the island

• Cala en Gossalba for a swim in one of the island's wildest spots

• Cala Sant Vicent to discover a beach that has inspired many painters

• Playa de Muro for its heavenly turquoise water

• Playa San Joan and Sant Pere for their location near the port of Alcudia and their view of Formentor and Pollença

• Coll Baix for a well-deserved swim after a superb hike

• Cala Na Clara to discover this little corner of paradise long known only to the inhabitants of the region

A wild cove sheltered from view, Cala Pi beach has its roots in the mouth of a stream. Surrounded by pine trees, to which it owes its name, it attracts photographers who seek to capture the incredible colour of the sea from above. A true haven of peace, Cala Pi remains a cove protected from the onslaught of tourists because it is far from the hotel complexes. Accessing it via a staircase requires a little effort, but what a reward on arrival!

What for? Best for swimming, snorkelling

Where? East of Palma, 30 minutes by car

Often compared to a Caribbean beach for the incredible colour of its water and its golden sand, Es Trenc extends for more than 3 km within the protected area of Salobar de Campos. Salt marshes and a dune area adjoining the beach help maintain a rich and varied ecosystem, and the lucky ones can even see flamingos.

In Es Trenc, jet-skiing or having lunch in a straw hut is out of the question, nature is king and we respect it even in the way we enjoy the beach.

What for? Best to swim

Where? In Campos, 35 minutes by car, east of Palma

One of the island's wildest areas, the Mondragò coastal nature park and its beach of the same name offer a unique spectacle of pine forests, dunes and gorges. The two coves of Mondragò, Cala S'Amardor and Font d'en Alis, are linked by a path along the rocky wall. Families and diving enthusiasts will be delighted by the clear, shallow waters and impressive rock formations.

What for? Best for swimming, snorkelling

Where? In the Mondragò Natural Park, located in the municipality of Santanyí, 60 km east of Palma

Just 5 km from the charming village of Santanyi is the beach of the same name and the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing swim while taking advantage of the services usually offered on large urban beaches. This charming and relatively narrow beach is lined with small hotels, holiday flats, bars and restaurants, popular with holidaymakers who want to enjoy a drink and some tapas after their day on the beach. 

What for? Best to swim and learn to dive

Where?In the municipality of Santanyí, about 60 km east of Palma

If there's one beach that can rival Cala Pi on Instagram, it's this one. The appearance of this small, wild cove is truly enchanting. The view on the cliffs allows you to see all the nooks and crannies of this little paradise without any construction. Scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts can explore the nearby Cala s'Almunia, a beautiful cove.

What for? Best for swimming, snorkelling, diving

Where? In the east of the island, 65 km from Palma, near Santanyí

• Playa de Muro for its turquoise water paradise

• Cala Mitjana for its wild aspect

• Cala d'Or for safe swimming with children

• Cala Ferrera for its beach services

• Calò de sa Barca Trencada for its intimacy

• Cala Llombards for diving

• Ca'n Pere Antoni for its proximity to Palma

• Platja de Palmanova for its festive side

• Cala del Mago and its coves for naturism

• Platja de Sant Elm for its view of the mountains and the island of Sa Dragonera