Summer, sun, beach, and sea. Four magical words that make anyone dream. Some picture themselves sunbathing while napping on an inflatable mattress, others surfing the waves, and some enjoying a romantic picnic in a secluded cove. In Mallorca, all of these dreams can come true.
There is a perfect beach for every type of person: white sandy beaches, secluded coves, caves, and rocky landscapes where you can observe tropical fish while snorkeling. No, we’re not talking about the Caribbean, we’re describing Mallorca.
The island of Mallorca offers a fascinating world of beaches and water. For sun lovers, there are classic beaches with lounge chairs and umbrellas. There are more secluded stretches for nature lovers, and shallow coves for families with children.
And for those seeking sports or adventure, Mallorca’s beaches offer everything a sports enthusiast could wish for: stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, surfing, wakeboarding, and much more. We’ll tell you which beach offers which activities.
Beaches in Mallorca
The coastline of the largest island in the Balearics measures around 550 kilometers. Along it, there are 179 beaches and coves. In total, Mallorca offers nearly 50 kilometers of beach.
Many of Mallorca’s beaches have been awarded the “Blue Flag” by the European Environment Commission for their quality.
The longest sandy beaches are found in the southwest and south (for a Caribbean-like atmosphere, the natural beach of Es Trenc near Colònia de Sant Jordi is well known). The fjord-like coves are mostly on the east coast (for example, Cala d’Or).
Unique natural paradises include Cala Mondragó in the southeast near Santanyí and Cala Mesquida in the northeast near Cala Ratjada. With its wild and romantic rocky formations, the rugged coast of Tramuntana in the west attracts visitors. The best-known beaches in the north are the bays of Pollenca and Alcúdia.
East Coast
North coast
South coast
West coast
Beaches in Municipalities
Each beach in Mallorca is managed by a municipality, and each beach has its own characteristics. There are pebble beaches, sandy beaches, and beaches made up entirely of bizarre rock formations.
- Alcudia
- Andratx
- Artà
- Banyalbufar
- Calvià
- Campos
- Capdepera
- Deià
- Estellencs
- Felanitx
- Llucmajor
- Manacor
- Muro
- Palma
- Pollenca
- Sant Llorenç
- Santa Margalida
- Santanyí
- Ses Salines
- Sóller
- Son Servera
- Valldemossa
Nudist beaches in Mallorca
In Mallorca, there are also beaches where nudism is common. What is prohibited on the main beaches can be enjoyed without restrictions in certain small, romantic coves. Pure nature.
Are you a fan of full-body tanning? Nudism is possible at the following beaches: Playa El Mago (Portals Vells near Magaluf), Es Trenc (nudist area approximately in the center), Playa Sa Canova (to the right of Son Serra de Marina, between Artà and Cala Rajada), and at numerous small and less frequented beaches.
From Beach Party to Beach Picnic
In Mallorca, there are many beaches suitable for families, with shallow entries into the sea (important for young children) and good infrastructure. Dangerous currents are rare. Perfect spots for a romantic beach picnic are mainly found on the west coast.
Water sports such as diving, snorkeling, water skiing, parasailing, or jet skiing can be enjoyed on numerous beaches (see individual descriptions in our guide). The best areas for sailing and surfing are the bays of Pollenca and Alcúdia.
The most famous party beach remains Playa de Palma, and Cala Agulla in Cala Ratjada is also lively. In Mallorca’s luxurious beach clubs, you can experience a more exclusive atmosphere.
The trendiest spot right on the beach is the exclusive lounge club Purobeach in Cala Estancia (Playa de Palma, Airport exit) – with Café del Mar vibes on its elegant pool terrace from 11 AM until 2 AM.
In addition to relaxing beats, bistro-style cuisine, and refreshing drinks, there’s also yoga and wellness treatments. Very centrally located in the port of Palma is the glass panoramic bar Varadero.
For many years, it has been a popular spot among locals and international visitors.Tanto el mar como el casco antiguo con su grandiosa catedral se pueden ver perfectamente desde aquí. Desde las nueve de la mañana hasta las tres de la madrugada, un público moderno se reúne aquí para disfrutar de aperitivos y bebidas – en verano al aire libre en la gran terraza. Por la noche, el barman mezcla cócteles originales en todos los colores del arco iris para el público bailarín (Muelle Viejo/ Moll Vell s/n).
Beaches in All Directions
The longest sandy beaches are found in the southwest and the south (for a Caribbean-like atmosphere, the natural beach of Es Trenc near Colònia de Sant Jordi is well known). Fjord-like coves are mainly on the east coast (for example, Cala d’Or).
Unique natural paradises include Cala Mondragó in the southeast near Santanyí and Cala Mesquida in the northeast near Cala Ratjada. With its wild and romantic rocky formations, the rugged Tramuntana coastline in the west attracts visitors. The most well-known beaches in the north are the bays of Pollenca and Alcúdia.
Everyone’s Dream Beach
Mallorca offers almost 50 kilometers of beach. Around 200 beaches and coves are scattered across the island. The best part: in the fall, almost all of the beaches are secret spots! Particularly beautiful for long walks: the natural beaches Es Trenc and Cala Mondragó. By the way, horse riders in Mallorca look forward to the off-season, as from October to April, horseback riding along the coast is permitted.
But not all beaches are suitable for every type of person. Everyone has their own idea of a perfect beach holiday. In any case, attention should be paid to the flags waving on the beach (beach traffic light system) when choosing a beach.
These indicate whether it’s safe to swim or if caution is needed. It’s also important to be informed about the jellyfish situation. They often appear on the beaches of northern and western Mallorca. Contact with the Pelagia noctiluca can be quite painful.
Mallorca’s largest and nearly untouched beach, Es Trenc, is known as the local Caribbean. Eight kilometers of dreamy beach stretch from Sa Ràpita to Colònia de Sant Jordi (the best access is from Campos, with large parking lots at Ses Covetes on the northern end of the beach and at the Llevant salt flats).
The dune landscape is protected, and Aleppo pines, junipers, and rosemary grow in the bay. If you want to take a long beach walk in the summer, it’s best to do so early in the morning or at sunset. Es Trenc is known to be paradise-like, so it is no longer a secret.
The southeast coast of Mallorca features several fjord-like, sheltered coves. White, fine sand, beaches surrounded by rocks, and dunes covered with pine trees… It’s hard to pick favorites. The double cove of Cala Mondragó, with its steep cliffs and ancient trees, is considered a wild and romantic natural beauty.
The back part of the cove can be reached via a small path. Tip: early in the morning or after six in the evening, even during high season, you can have the coves (almost) all to yourself – how about a sunset picnic? The most popular natural beaches in the northeast are Cala Mesquida and Cala Agulla. Insider tip: the hidden cove Cala Moltó, only accessible on foot via a narrow path from Cala Agulla beach.
It’s worth visiting the charming coves Cala Torta and Cala Mitjana in the Llevant Natural Park. More than a dozen beaches in the Llevant region have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag for environmental quality. General rule: the harder the access, the more secluded the beach!
Sunbathing on the Beach
Stretch out, close your eyes, let the sand slip between your fingers, and just listen to the sound of the sea: a wonderful feeling that many long for all year round. However, it can be a short-lived pleasure if you suffer from sunburn or heatstroke.
To avoid this, don’t sunbathe at midday between 11 AM and 3 PM, apply sunscreen with sufficient protection factor half an hour before sun exposure, cover your head, and drink plenty of fluids. In the shade, you can enjoy the beach atmosphere without regrets for much longer.
You can choose to open an umbrella or relax on beaches with natural shade – for example, in the northeast, Cala Agulla (Cala Ratjada); in the southwest, Portals Vells (between Magaluf and El Toro) and Cala Fornells (Paguera); in the southeast, Cala Mondragó and Cala d’Or; and in the north, Playa de Muro, Alcúdia Beach, and Playa Formentor.
Doing it right will allow you to tan easily and comfortably while sunbathing. Using the right sunscreen is also essential to protect yourself from sunburn.
Children on the Beach
Of course, if children are present, building a sturdy sandcastle is a must. With elegant towers, shell decorations, and a large moat around it. But even adults without kids can try their hand at creating a temporary sand sculpture in Mallorca.
Watch the many sand artists at work. They are usually found on tourist beaches like Cala Millor, Port de Pollenca, or Can Picafort, and they create giant figures like Neptune, the god of the sea, crocodiles, or mermaids. Fancy some water fun?
Families and groups often head out to sea on a banana boat or pedal boat – rentals are available on almost all tourist beaches, like Magaluf in the southwest or Cala Millor in the east.
Water Sports
The bays of Pollenca and Alcúdia are a paradise for water sports! On the one hand, because the north has ideal wind conditions, perfect for sailors and surfers. On the other hand, because both bays are wonderfully sheltered: Pollenca Bay is surrounded by the Formentor and Sa Victòria peninsulas, and Alcúdia Bay by Sa Victòria and the Llevant.
The extensive coastline of Llevant also offers water sports enthusiasts almost unlimited possibilities. Sailing, surfing, diving, water skiing, or simply swimming in the crystal-clear waters against a unique natural backdrop. The infrastructure of the marinas is excellent, and there is a wide range of yacht clubs, sailing, surfing, and diving schools. Another popular diving spot is the area around Port d’Andratx.
Along the fantastic rugged coastline, there are caves, grottos, and two small shipwrecks. The highlight: the protected island of Sa Dragonera. Insider tip for divers: Cala San Vicente, a cove in the north near Pollenca.
What the Sea Brings to the Beaches of Mallorca
Especially in the off-season, great finds can be made on Mallorca’s beaches. Although the sea mostly brings in trash, sometimes there are useful items. Can you just take it with the motto: first come, first served? Possibly, as apart from a few walkers and athletes, the beaches are almost empty in the spring.
Caution: If you take objects found on the beach worth more than ten euros, you are breaking the law. However, the chances aren’t bad that you can legally obtain the find if you have a bit of patience.
First, hand it over within four weeks to the relevant coastal community. It is, so to speak, the lost and found office for beach finds. If the owner does not come forward within a year, you can pick up and keep your find.
If the object was indeed washed ashore by the sea, it’s quite unlikely that the original owner will come forward to the relevant coastal community. Either they discarded it deliberately, or the sea has erased its traces. And if the owner unexpectedly shows up, you are at least entitled to a reward for your find.