Mallorca is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the Mediterranean, offering everything from hidden coves with turquoise waters to long stretches of soft, golden sand. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or a vibrant spot with beachside amenities, there’s a perfect beach for everyone. Having lived in Mallorca in 2019, we had the chance to explore its coastline extensively and discover its true gems, making it clear that this island is a paradise for beach lovers. So here is the list of the top 12 beaches in Mallorca:
1. Cala Marmóls
Our absolute favorite beach on the island is Cala Marmóls. Its outstanding beauty, with the most turquoise and clearest water we’ve ever seen, makes it look like a natural swimming pool. One of the reasons we love it is because it’s truly a hidden gem. Each time we visited, there were never more than 10-15 people. It’s a spot known mostly to locals, and perhaps if we hadn’t lived in Mallorca, we would never have discovered it.
Another factor contributing to its exclusivity is its challenging accessibility. To get there, you can either cross a private area (which involves jumping over two fences and walking about 30 minutes down to the beach), hike around 5 km from Cala S’Almunia (a trek that might take up to two hours), or arrive by boat, which is likely the most comfortable option. Whichever route you choose, visiting this beach is absolutely worth it.
One downside to Cala Marmóls is the jellyfish. Every time we visited, the waters were filled with them—so much so that we had to swim with goggles to avoid getting stung. We’re not sure if this is always the case, but it was our experience.
HERE ARE THE BOAT TOURS WHICH TAKE YOU TO CALA MARMÓLS
2. Cala Santanyí
Before discovering Cala Marmóls, our favorite beach was Cala Santanyí, which now holds second place on our list. Our first holiday together as a couple was to Mallorca, and Cala Santanyí was the first beach we visited—it was also where our hotel was located. We absolutely loved it.
Cala Santanyí boasts crystal-clear waters and is easily accessible. It’s surrounded by a few hotels, bars, and a parking area, making it very convenient. This beach is suitable for everyone: young people, families with kids, and older visitors alike. There’s even a diving school on-site where you can book lessons or rent a sea bike for some extra fun.
In addition to its beautiful sandy shore, Cala Santanyí is surrounded by cliffs, which makes it ideal for cliff jumping or climbing. We particularly enjoyed exploring this adventurous aspect of the beach.
3. Playa de Formentor
Playa de Formentor is a stunning natural beach nestled in the middle of pine forests, with breathtaking views of the Tramuntana Mountains (Sierra de Tramuntana). Located along the Formentor Peninsula, it’s worth combining your beach day with a trip to Cap de Formentor, the northernmost point of Mallorca, to watch the sunset from the iconic lighthouse.
We’ve also noticed many visitors setting up all-day picnics under the shade of the pine trees, which adds a charming touch to the experience. The only downside we found is the very expensive parking fee, which costs 15 euros per day.
4. Cala Varques
If you’re looking for a beautiful, secluded beach with only a few visitors, be prepared to put in some effort! To reach this gem of a beach called Cala Varques, you’ll need to walk about 30 minutes on a dirt road, navigating occasional uphill and downhill stretches with rocky terrain. However, the reward is one of the most stunning beaches in Mallorca.
An even better option is to arrive by boat, allowing you to explore the surrounding bay and venture into the mesmerizing sea caves. The beach is surrounded by high rock formations, making it ideal for cliff jumping, and features a famous natural rock bridge/window that is a sight to behold. The crystal-clear waters are teeming with fish, making it a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts.
5. Caló des Moro
Caló des Moro is a famous yet less comfortable beach in Mallorca. The views here are absolutely stunning, but don’t expect a long sandy shoreline with palm trees. The beach consists of a few large rocks, and the area is quite small, so it fills up quickly. To avoid the crowds, we recommend arriving early in the morning, ideally between 8 and 9 am, as it becomes packed by 10 am.
This beach is not suitable for families with small children but is perfect for young, adventurous visitors. The crystal-clear water makes it an excellent spot for snorkeling, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
6. Cala S’Almunia
Just a 5-minute walk from Caló des Moro, you’ll find another charming spot, Cala S’Almunia. This small beach has a tiny sandy shore that can accommodate a maximum of 20 people. Additionally, there’s an area with a few quaint houses where visitors often settle to enjoy the surroundings.
What makes Cala S’Almunia truly special is the abundance of cliffs, making it a paradise for cliff jumping enthusiasts. One standout feature is a central cliff with a hole you can jump into. From there, you either climb back up or swim around the cliffs to return. We had an incredible time enjoying these unique and adventurous experiences!
7. Cala Mesquida
We only visited this beach twice, as we discovered it quite late during our time on the island, and we’re genuinely sad about it. It’s a stunning beach with crystal-clear water and a long, shallow shore, perfect for a relaxing swim. At the far end of the beach, there’s also a designated nudist area, which might be a great bonus for those who enjoy it. The area is surrounded by several hotels, resorts, bars, and restaurants, making it a convenient spot to spend the day. Plus, it’s close to other beautiful beaches, making it an excellent choice for exploration. We highly recommend it!
8. Cala Llombards
Cala Llombards is a charming and picturesque beach known for its soft white sand, vibrant turquoise waters, and surrounding dramatic cliffs. Relatively small and peaceful, it’s perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. The calm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and a small beach bar nearby offers convenient refreshments. Its natural beauty and laid-back vibe make Cala Llombards a favorite for those seeking a tranquil escape in Mallorca. Located very close to Cala Santanyí, it’s easy to combine these two spectacular beaches in one day for a truly memorable experience.
9. Portals Nous
Portals Nous was one of the beaches we visited most frequently, as it’s close to Palma , where we used to live. It doesn’t get overly crowded and the long shoreline ensures you can always find a spot to lie down. There’s even a beach club where you can enjoy cocktails in the afternoon. However, some people might not like that the water gets deep close to the shore, making it less ideal for families with small children.
10. Es Trenc
Es Trenc is a very popular beach and one of the largest, stretching over 10 km. It’s part of a Natural Area and features beautiful white sand dunes, which make it stand out from other beaches. It’s perfect for families with children, offering plenty of space to play and shallow waters. One downside is that the beach is often covered with seaweed, which is characteristic of this natural area. Additionally, there is a parking fee of 7 euros per day.
11. Illetes
Illetes is a beautiful and popular beach located in the southwest of the island, not far from Palma. Known for its crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and stunning natural surroundings, this beach offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere with a scenic backdrop of lush greenery and rocky cliffs. While it can get busy during the high season, it’s definitely worth a visit, especially for those staying in Palma, as there is even a bus from the city centre that goes directly to the beach.
BOAT TOURS FROM PALMA
12. Playa de Muro
Playa de Muro is one of the best beaches for families with kids or those who simply want a relaxing holiday without venturing too far, this area is perfect for tranquil experience. The beach is surrounded by many hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions, offering everything you need for a comfortable stay. Numerous boat trips, excursions, and day trips are organized from here, allowing you to explore the beautiful coastline and nearby islands. The water is incredibly clear, shallow, and warmer, making it ideal for swimming and beach activities. With its family-friendly vibe and convenient amenities, it’s an excellent choice for a relaxing getaway.
BOAT TOURS FROM ALCUDIA
It was incredibly difficult to narrow down this list to just 12 beaches, as there are a total of 262 on the island, and we loved most of them. Mallorca may not be very big, but the beaches are all fairly close to each other, and many of them offer similar beauty. If you have time, we’d highly recommend a few more that are definitely worth a visit: Cala Pí, Cala Mayor, Cala Agulla, Cala Mondragó, Cala D’Or, Sa Calobra, Cala Ratjada, Cala Mitjana, and Cala Romántica—though there are still many more to explore!
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation in Mallorca is quite convenient, with various options to explore the island. The public bus network is extensive and affordable, connecting major towns, beaches, and attractions, although it can be slower during peak seasons. You can book your bus tickets online at 12go.
Renting a car is a popular choice for those wanting more flexibility, allowing easy access to remote areas and hidden gems. You can rent your can online at RentalCars.
Taxis are also available, but they can be more expensive, especially for longer trips.
Additionally, there are bike rentals and electric scooters for those who prefer a more eco-friendly way of getting around and don’t plan to go all around the island.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Mallorca is from late May to June or early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, perfect for exploring the island and enjoying the beaches without the summer crowds. The island is also lush and green in spring, with flowers in bloom, while the sea remains warm enough for swimming in autumn. July and August are peak tourist months, and while the weather is hot and perfect for beach lovers, the island can be overcrowded and prices tend to rise. For a more relaxed experience, visiting outside of these months is ideal.
CURRENCY
Spain uses the Euro (€) as its official currency.
1 USD = 0,98 EUR
1 GBP = 1,19 EUR
We recommend you to carry cash with you everywhere, as you won’t always be able to pay with card.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend to book a travel insurance for every trip as you never know what could happen. It’s not easy to deal with any kind of problems when you are abroad, so it’s definitely worth it to be covered and travel with peace in mind.
We use IATI travel insurance and you can book yours through our link and receive 5% discount.
Book here if you are from EU: https://www.iatitravelinsurance.com/en-eu/?r=96181493877707
Book here if you are from the rest of the world: https://www.iatitravelinsurance.com/en/?r=96181493877707
eSIM
If you’re travelling and want to stay connected without dealing with roaming fees or physical SIM cards, an Airalo eSIM is a super convenient option. You can install it directly on your phone before you even arrive, giving you instant mobile data as soon as you land. It’s perfect for using maps, booking attractions, ordering transport, and staying online while exploring. No need to search for WiFi or buy a local SIM — everything is handled digitally in just a few minutes.
CONTINUE READING OTHER TRAVEL GUIDES FROM SPAIN
We hope this blog post was helpful to you and you are gonna have a great time while exploring Mallorca. For more pictures and videos check out our IG story highlights (Mallorca 1, Mallorca 2, Mallorca 3) and our reels/feed posts. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to comment bellow or contact us via email or even better via Instagram @borntotraveldiaries. Thank you for your time and stay tuned for our next diary page 🙂.
