What do the best beaches on the island of Mallorca have in common beyond fine sand and calm waters? Each one calls for a different plan: some are convenient for spending a few hours with the family, others invite you to go for a walk, and others have a more natural atmosphere, with fewer services and more peace and quiet.
This guide brings together some of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca to explain the strengths of each one: what they are like, what kind of surroundings they have, whether it is worth going by car, whether you need to walk, what services you can expect and which one is best depending on what each person needs.
The best beaches in Mallorca according to the type of trip
The best beaches in Mallorca should not be chosen based only on the photo. For example, a cove may be beautiful yet uncomfortable for visiting with small children. On the other hand, an urban beach may feel less magical, but it is perfect for a peaceful swim without having to drive too far.
That is why it is worth thinking first about what you want. Those looking for services, shade and easy access should not plan the day in the same way as someone who prefers an unspoilt cove with no beach bar or sun loungers.
- For a wide, open beach, Es Trenc is usually one of the best-known options in the south of Mallorca
- For a setting of pine trees and mountains, Formentor beach has one of the most recognisable landscapes in the north of the island
- For those staying in Cala d’Or, Cala Mondragó, Cala Mitjana, Cala Sa Nau and Cala Varques are among the most interesting options
- In Santa Ponsa, there are options such as Caló d’en Pellicer and Playa del Mago, which allow you to vary your plans without long journeys
Es Trenc
To begin with, the most famous beach and often considered the best in Mallorca: Es Trenc. This spot offers a long, open stretch of sand without the enclosed feeling of many coves. It is located in the south of the island, within the protected surroundings of Es Trenc-Salobrar de Campos, an area with dunes, salt flats and ecological value.
Considered one of the best beaches in Mallorca, its great appeal lies in its turquoise waters, which have nothing to envy the Caribbean. It may not be the quietest beach in the middle of summer, but it is a good choice for anyone who wants to walk along the shore, enjoy a refreshing swim and spend the day by the sea.
- Access is mainly by car from the Campos, Ses Covetes or Colònia de Sant Jordi area
- There are nearby car parks, but they are all paid
- It is worth going early in July and August, especially if you want to park without driving around the car park too much
- It is a good option for couples, groups and adults looking for a large beach
Formentor beach
The next stop among the most popular beaches in Mallorca is Formentor beach. This one has a very different character from Es Trenc: it is a sandy beach surrounded by pine trees, with the typical landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana. For those who need basic services, there are sun loungers, parasols and a small bar next to the jetty.
The delicate point is access. In high season, it is not advisable to set off without checking the traffic regulations, because the Formentor road has restrictions for private vehicles for much of the day. Access to the car park is only allowed while there are spaces available. If there are none, you will need to take a shuttle bus from Alcudia or Port de Pollença.
- It is worth planning your visit before setting off, especially between mid-May and October
- Ideal for those looking for a well-kept beach with pine-tree shade and views of the north coast
- It is not the easiest option for an improvised mid-morning visit in August
- To take things calmly, it may be better to consider arriving by public transport, going early or visiting on days outside peak occupancy
Cala Mondragó
In addition to its large beaches, Mallorca also stands out for its coves that preserve a beautiful landscape. Cala Mondragó, within Mondragó Natural Park, is one of the best options near Cala d’Or for those who want a protected setting without completely giving up a certain level of accessibility.
Unlike other more isolated coves, Mondragó can be an excellent option for families. It has protected surroundings, but also public car parks in the s’Amarador and ses Fonts de n’Alis areas, as well as nearby areas with toilets, tables and benches. In summer, these car parks are paid; outside the tourist season, parking is free.
- From Cala d’Or, where hotels such as Calimera Fido Gardens are located, it is an easy trip by car for spending half a day
- In high season, it is worth arriving early to make sure you find a space in the car park
- It is one of the best options on this list for families who want nature without giving up a certain level of comfort
Cala Varques
That said, not all beautiful beaches in Mallorca are easy to visit. Cala Varques is a truly special cove thanks to its natural appearance, but as it requires a certain journey, you need to be prepared for it. It is not the most suitable beach for families with small children, pushchairs or people looking for services nearby.
Cala Varques has a wilder and less developed beauty. It is an unspoilt cove on the coast of Manacor, with light-coloured sand, rocks and pine trees. It is wonderful, yes, but there are no established services, access requires walking and it is not advisable to expect a convenient car park right next to the sand.
- It is better for adults, couples or travellers prepared with comfortable footwear to reach the beach
- You need to bring water, food, sun protection and everything required for the day
- From the Cala d’Or area, where the Fido Tucán hotel is located, it can be reached by car
Caló d’en Pellicer
On the other hand, Caló d’en Pellicer proves that a beautiful beach does not always have to be far from an urban area. This small cove in Santa Ponsa is surrounded by pine trees and integrated into a nearby setting, making it a good option for those looking for a cove close to the Fido Punta del Mar hotel.
Of course, it is not a beach for those looking for large open spaces, but it is a good choice for anyone who wants a nearby, pleasant swim without organising a long excursion.
- The cove does not have extensive services of its own, although there is a residential area, bars and restaurants nearby
- Its size means it can fill up quickly in summer
- It is convenient for those staying in Santa Ponsa who want an alternative to the main beach
Cala Mitjana
Returning to the Cala d’Or area, Cala Mitjana is an interesting option for those looking for a more natural cove without having to drive too far. Its appeal lies in the setting of pine trees and rocks, but it is worth keeping in mind that this is not a beach with extensive services and you do need to walk a little to get there.
Its charm lies in its surroundings, but also in its simplicity. It is not a beach designed for those looking for sun loungers, showers or restaurants right on the sand. Therefore, from Cala d’Or or Cala Egos, it can be a good car trip for those who prefer a more discreet cove, provided they go without rushing and with everything they need in their backpack.
- It is not advisable to go too heavily loaded, because you need to walk a little to get there
- For families, the choice will depend a lot on the age of the children and their tolerance for the walk
- Cala Sa Nau is also nearby and can be a more convenient alternative if you want to walk a little less
Playa del Mago
Likewise, Playa del Mago is one of the best-known coves in south-west Mallorca thanks to its small size and natural surroundings. It is close to Portals Vells and not far from Santa Ponsa by car, so it can work well as a short getaway from the Fido Punta del Mar area.
It is an interesting option for adults looking for a cove that is different from the more urban beaches in the area. As it is small, it is not advisable to arrive at the busiest time of day in summer or to expect too much space.
- From Fido Punta del Mar, it is a manageable car trip for a change of scenery
- The Portals Vells area also makes it possible to visit other small nearby coves
- It is more advisable for adults or couples than for families
- In high season, both the car park and the sand can fill up quickly
How to choose a beach in Mallorca without getting it wrong
In addition to looking at photos, it is worth thinking about the logistics. In Mallorca, some beaches are much more enjoyable when you arrive early or late in the afternoon. It is also always useful to check how to get there, the rules that apply, whether there are regulated car parks or stretches that need to be covered on foot.
The area where each traveller is staying also plays a role. Those staying in Cala d’Or have plenty of beautiful options on the eastern coast, while from Santa Ponsa it is possible to visit other beaches in the Calvià area.
Likewise, more than one person will consider visiting the famous Es Trenc or the equally well-known Formentor beach. In these cases, it is important to calculate distances carefully, take everything you need with you or, in the second case, be prepared for possible access restrictions.
- For those looking for beaches near Cala d’Or: Cala Mondragó, Cala Mitjana, Cala Sa Nau and Cala Varques
- If you are looking for beaches near Santa Ponsa: Caló d’en Pellicer or Playa del Mago
- If you are travelling with children: Cala Mondragó is an excellent alternative
- If you are looking for unspoilt coves: Cala Varques and Cala Mitjana require more preparation
For more information about the condition of Mallorca’s beaches, the Balear Coast website provides many useful details, such as water temperature, wave conditions and the weather forecast.
Frequently asked questions about the best beaches in Mallorca
Where to stay in Mallorca to visit some of the best beaches?
What beautiful beaches are there near Cala d’Or?
What beautiful beaches are there near Santa Ponsa?
What is the best time of year to swim on Mallorca’s beaches?
How much does it cost to hire a sun lounger and parasol in Mallorca?
With this list of the best beaches in Mallorca, you can already get an idea of the different options available from north to south. Without a doubt, the number of different beaches and coves means there are alternatives for every taste.
That said, to make the most of a beach day in Mallorca, you need to consider more than just the Instagram photo: parking, access, services, arrival time and who you are going with. Sometimes, the most suitable beach is not always the most famous one, but the one that best fits what you want or can do.