Mallorca's Best Beaches: Can You Stand Paradise?
Where’s a sandy beach near me? - Is a question easily answered on the Balearic’s largest island.
Mallorca's beaches
Mallorca virtually invented the concept of going-on-holiday-to-sit-on-a-beach, not least because, within 50km of sandy strips fringing its coast, it has some of the best in Europe.
But it's not just quantity - it's quality and diversity.
For those seeking a fun-yet-relaxing family getaway, Mallorca offers plenty of suitable options. But it also boasts beaches for specialist groups, including jet-skiers, snorkelers and even nudists.
If you're in the market for a beach party, though, you might give this Balearic a miss; this island is more about kicking back with a cocktail, lazy bar conversations with fellow sunseekers from across the globe, and stationing yourself by the glittering Mediterranean with a good book.
And you won’t even need to leave the beach to stay satiated, with fried fish available at on-the-sand eateries (known as chiringuitos) at most beaches.
But it's the overall beauty that will have you coming back for Mallorca beach holidays.
Stray into the hinterland and you find yourself in fragrant pine forests and olive groves, overlooking dramatic, rocky coastlines.
Can you ‘stand paradise’?
Many have been drawn to the sun-kissed beaches of Mallorca - not least the famous English novelist and war poet Robert Graves.
In Goodbye to All That, Graves explored his parting with the social and moral values of England. His American friend Gertude Stein had suggested he escape to Mallorca.
“Mallorca is paradise... if you can stand it”, Stein wrote to Graves.
Graves lived in Deià for 56 years.
Experience any of the following glorious Mallorca beaches and you'll doubtless reach the conclusion that yes, you can also ‘stand paradise’ (especially if your Mallorca beach holiday only lasts for two weeks).
Cala Deià
Suitably, we begin with Cala Deià, reached via a winding lane from the village of Deià, where Robert Graves lived for more than half his life.
This charming, pebbly, blue water beach enjoys shelter from tree-covered escarpments.
In Graves' day Deià was a thriving if tiny fishing port.
Today, serving up elaborate drinks and costly fried fish is the main activity, while the clientele are music producers and Instagrammers, rather than shell-shocked war poets (although like Graves, many may be from Surrey).
Trying to park by the beach during high season could counteract any sense of relaxation you've accrued, so we recommend leaving your vehicle at Deià (where there's an excellent Graves museum) and enjoying the short hike through the olive groves to the water's edge.
Cala Torta
The locals would probably prefer we didn’t tell you about this little-visited gem, but its vast arc of sand is sure to invigorate your senses.
However, don’t visit on a windy day as the beach is rather exposed to the infamous Serra de Tramuntana - causing you to get somewhat over-invigorated.
While the deep-blue waters are enticing, do take care if visiting with children since the water drops away suddenly from the beach.
You'll need to park a few hundred metres away, so it may not be suitable for the less nimble.
And ensure you bring your own snacks and drinks to this nicest of beaches, since the solitary chiringuito recently closed due to a regulatory miss-step.
Platja de Alcudia
If bringing the kids to Cala Torta sounds a little too risky, consider the 3km sweep of Platja de Alcúdia.
This Mallorca beach boasts shallow waters ideal for the nippers to splash about in, and it seldom feels crowded even on peak summer days thanks to its vastness.
A number of bars and eateries are located along a wooden boardwalk, but party animals need not apply: Platja de Alcúdia is a place to get quietly sozzled in the sun, ideally with a tummy full of fried fish.
And unlike Cala Torta, this beach has all the necessary conveniences: toilets, showers and changing rooms, plus plenty of on-the-water rental action - think pedalos and kayaks.
Cala Mondragó
Also known as Sa Font de n'Alis, Cala Mondragó is set among the crags and trees of a nature reserve.
Its natural beauty is balanced with a good selection of basic services including the obligatory fried-fish outlet and those all-important hammock renters.
It can get unpleasantly busy in high season (and on Wednesdays when the market at nearby Santanyí takes place), but peace and quiet can be found at the nearby Cala S’Amarador, equally pretty but far less populated.
Cala Mondragó and its surrounds have thus far side-stepped being swamped with highrises, delivering unspoilt nature with decent toilet access.
Cala Santanyi
Famed for its gently sloping beach, fine white sand and clean, clear water, Cala Santanyi in the southeast is another spot that gets a lot of visitors.
Junipers and pines are dotted among the rocks that line the beach's long inlet. Arrive early to grab one of the limited number of sun loungers.
Despite its popularity, it's not ruined with hotels - although you'll find a few overlooking the beach.
Kayaks and paddleboards can be hired - which can be used to visit the majestic natural arch a little up the coast. This Blue Flag beach is also great for snorkelling.
Playa de Camp de Mar
One of the more sophisticated resorts on Mallorca, Playa de Camp de Mar comprises a section of hotels and villas for the more well-heeled visitor, and the beach is no slouch either: expect superb views along the rocky coast and all the amenities you could need.
Pencil in time for a trip to La Illeta restaurant, located on a small islet connected to the mainland by a tiny footbridge.
Cala Tuent
Embedded in a peaceful cave with steep-sided rock faces, this diminutive gravel beach is a good choice for diving and windsurfing. However, the large waves make it unsuitable for children.
Surrounded by the majestic Serra de Tramuntana mountains on the northwest coast, Tuent rarely gets busy even in mid summer.
There's plenty of free parking nearby - but it's also possible to visit by boat from Port de Soller (an hour away).
Cala Estellencs
Even during the bustle of peak season Cala Estellencs is a peaceful spot, with good snorkelling and diving, plus many caves within easy reach.
It's also a great place to enjoy the sunset - so don’t forget to pack a picnic with a bottle of cola or red wine (there are no facilities).
There's a lot of hiking and cycling to be enjoyed along the paths surrounding Tramuntana, the nearby village.
Portitxol
If you're based in Palma and need a quick dip in the sea before dinner, consider Portitxol - just a few minutes' drive from the town centre.
If you're planning to enjoy a few cocktails in one of the many bars and restaurants, you can also make the trip on foot - it's 10 minutes along the Paseo Maritimo.
For fish, try the excellent Sa Roqueta.
You won't come across many tourists in Portixol; it’s mostly visited by locals.
Es Trenc
This lazy sweep of super-fine white sand has not escaped the attention of the hotel-builders, but after years of protests they were seen off in 2008.
And it's all the better for it.
Stretching from Colònia de Sant Jordi to Sa Ràpita, Es Trenc is backed by pine forests that hum to the sound of cicadas in the midday heat.
There's only one draw-back: everyone knows how pretty it is, so you'll be shoulder-to-shoulder with sunseekers during peak season.
Also be aware there are no toilets, showers or parasol renters (perhaps in an attempt to keep the hoi polloi away), so bring shade with you and don't over-hydrate before arrival!
Platja d’es Carbo
Nothing good is easy: reaching Platja d’es Carbo demands a 3km hike from Colònia de Sant Jordi.
If you don't wind up rolling out your beach mat on Platja d’es Dolç instead (halfway along the route), you'll be rewarded with d’es Carbó's excellent beach, lapped by calm blue waters.
Arguably as beautiful as any beach on the Med, Platja d’es Carbó is much less visited due its remoteness, making it ideal for some sunwashed solitude.
As you'd expect, there are no amenities here - so pack food, drink and shade, and slip on some good walking shoes.
Cala Agulla
Backed by pines and mountains, charming Cala Agulla is much loved for its light-blue waters which are ideal for swimming and watersports (lifeguards are on standby).
A coastal path links Agulla to Cala Mesquida, bypassing the nudist beach of Cala Moltó.
Paid parking is available, as is a snack bar.
Toilets are on hand in a shaded area, but the cleaning ladies will insist on a tip.
Despite being 80km from the capital, Palma, Cala Agulla can get very busy in the high season.
Playa de Canyamel
This low-ley 300m beach is located on the north-eastern coast and is backed by a resort of the same name.
At one end is a rocky coast backed by a verdant pine forest, at the other is a wetland.
The beach is especially good for snorkelling, while amenities are sufficient - including sun lounger and watersports rental, plus a good beachside restaurant.
The resort has seen a number of upmarket hotels and restaurants spring up in recent years, increasing the resort's sense of exclusivity.
Portals Vells
Popular with locals and families, Portals Vells is a peaceful cove with a white sandy beach and gas-blue waters.
Kids will love exploring the many caves, and enjoy the swimmable waters.
A snack kiosk and restaurant is on hand, as are toilets.
The bay is frequented by yachts and pleasure boats, but if you don’t have your own vessel you can enjoy a boat trip for around 40 euros.
Parking is available but you can also reach it by public transport; simply hop on the 105 or 106 bus from Palma (1hr 15 mins).
Playa de Port Pollensa
Boasting a white sandy beach and a shady promenade, Playa de Port Pollensa offers a great variety of watersports - particularly windsurfing.
Popular with poets and painters for decades, the beauty of Puerto Pollensa has made this beach - and the connected Playa de Llenaire - one of the top-rated on the island.
As you might expect, there's a great choice of restaurants, too.
Es Carbó
Unspoilt Es Carbó stretches on for around a kilometre.
Located on Mallorca's southernmost tip, it's backed by protected sand dunes and offers tranquil, mirror-like waters that are ideal for children.
It's quieter than many Mallorca beaches, but a little walking is required to reach it.
There are no restaurants, so pack your own provisions - and due to its undeveloped nature there are no toilets or showers.
Playa de Formentor
Located on the Formentor peninsula, this charming beach is fringed with pine trees.
Because it's a long ribbon of sand, you're never more than a hop, skip and jump from the crystal clear water.
Dreamy views across the Bay of Pollensa, with its bobbing boats, complete the picture.
Drive along the peninsula road - itself offering spectacular views - or take a boat from Puerto Pollensa.
Parking costs 10 euros for the day, and it can get busy in summer, which due to the narrow beach means you could be elbow-to-elbow with other beachgoers.
Magaluf
The war-zone chaos of Magaluf might be the stuff of a Robert Graves poem, as the UK tabloids would have it.
However, officials have worked hard to dissuade day-time drinkers - often of British origin - resulting in a rather more upmarket playa than The Sun would have you believe.
Ageing 1970s hotels have been transformed into retro wonders - an excellent example being the recently renovated four-star Meliá South Beach.
But as gentrified as it has become, Magaluf still offers plenty of clubs and drinking holes, where the Brits still shake their thing - alongside plenty of Germans (actually the largest tourist demographic), Scandinavians and French.
Get a Quote