I’ve spent years exploring Mallorca’s coastline. These are the 15 best beaches in Mallorca – from hidden coves to golden stretches worth the journey.
I, like many of you, I’m sure, have been to Mallorca quite a few times. It’s one of those go-to places that’s conveniently located, stuffed full of amenities, that everyone loves and is a real fan favourite. The problem, like with most travellers, is that either you end up at the same popular beach as everyone else, or you just end up going back to the exact same place.
This got me thinking. And I decided to set out and explore the entire area as far and wide as possible to try and find the best beaches in Mallorca.
The first problem was the scope. Narrowing down the best beaches in Mallorca took considerable research. What makes it even more difficult is that there’s a variety of them. There’s a mix of sandy bays and rocky coves, called calas.
Quick note: to find the exact aesthetic you’re looking for (I’m looking at you, Instagram travellers), a cala is a cove surrounded by cliffs, where a playa is a sandy beach. So whenever you see those signs, you know exactly what to look for.
Now, one very important thing to note is that you will need a car to reach most of the best beaches in Mallorca. Remember, the more secluded or unknown they are, usually, the better. That being said, we have added some ever-popular beaches to the list. And to be fair, they’re popular for a reason.
Now, just a quick, brief note. The best time to visit is May to October. The reason being they’re quieter. Summer is packed.
North Coast
1. Cala Formentor
The north coast is home to some of the best beaches in Mallorca. Cala Formentor is one of those absolutely must-visit beaches. This is one of those places you have to see at least once in your lifetime. Golden sands, pine forest backdrop, and the best of it all, shallow turquoise water. That’s right. You get to walk in for what feels like miles, just enjoying the water, not having anyone flailing around you, splashing you with water because they can’t seem to swim.
What really adds to the overall experience is the historic hotel site. The Four Seasons, which is what it is now, is one of those places where stars like Charlie Chaplin and Audrey Hepburn used to stay. I always say (I actually have never said this, but it seems apt) if it’s good enough for Charlie Chaplin and Audrey Hepburn, I’m pretty sure it’s good enough for the rest of us.
One of the really nice things about this beach is the actual getting there. The drive there is honestly half the experience. Incredible, dramatic coastal roads, views – it’s honestly like something from a film. A really good tip is to stay for the sunset up at Cap de Formentor lighthouse afterwards. As is the case with most places in the area, the real magic happens when the sun sets. The colours, the atmosphere. It’s one of those things where, for a split second, you think, I think I could live here.
What’s really great about the beach is that the water here is really warm. Much warmer than the other northern beaches. What’s also a super plus point is that it’s family-friendly. Because it’s shallow and calm, a great unbelievably fun activity is that paddleboarding is available. It’s one of those places where you can honestly spend the whole day from morning to night. Everything from looking out over the sea, sitting on a paddleboard, lounging in the warm water, to watching the sunset.
2. Playa de Alcúdia
So next up, we have Playa de Alcúdia. This is, of course, something between a fan favourite and a hidden gem. And yes, I hate using those words. But it is.
Known as Mallorca’s longest beach, the great thing about this beach is that it never feels crowded, even during peak season. Because of the expansive sandy stretches, it feels like there are fewer people than there actually are. And if you’re willing to have a little walk and a wander around, you could even find places that feel ever so slightly deserted. Okay. Fine. That might be an over exaggeration. But at least you won’t be sat next to someone so close that you can actually smell their tanning lotion.
What’s really great about Playa de Alcúdia is just how well developed it is. Loungers are available. Of course, many restaurants, water sports, and even a playground. Its gentle, shallow water is really ideal for families with young children. It’s one of those places where the kids can run around. Obviously, you always need to keep a parental eye out. But it’s one of those places where you can drop your guard at least a little, knowing that they should be safe no matter where they go in terms of water depth.
What is also really great about the beach is that it makes it a fantastic base if you want beach and town. Old Town walls are really worth seeing. They are absolutely beautiful and make for fantastic photos (yeah, talking to my Instagrammers again). It’s one of those places where you can mix between beach and town, where it’s not such a trek to drive to and then have to schlep all the way back. You really are within walking distance of everything.
Cherry on top? The beach has Blue Flag status. Which, well, what more do you want?
3. Cala Mesquida
Now this place holds a real soft spot in my heart. Think 300 metres of stretch of super fine sand. On the one side, there’s a resort with a beach bar (to me, that is not just a plus point, but perhaps more important than the beach itself). And on the other side, you have a protected nature reserve with dunes. There’s this sort of feeling of unspoiltness that makes it feel rather special and unique. The mix of amenities and nature is honestly just lovely.
What is really great is that this beach is extremely popular with bird watchers. So whether you enjoy watching birds or not, this is really a good choice. Bird watchers tend to be a rather quiet kind of people. Which ensures that your beach-going won’t be disturbed by people running around making a lot of noise. This is really the kind of place to go unwind and really just soak in paradise.
What is great is that there are beautiful pine trees that provide natural shade, which, as we all know, the beach is all fun and games until you get back to the hotel so sunburned that you can barely take off your swimming costume.
Now I do need to make one thing clear. Even though, yes, it is very popular with bird watchers, it’s not exactly a super quiet beach. It does get quite lively. But it doesn’t really feel packed because of the size. So if you enjoy a mix of quietness and vibiness, this is the place for you. It really does depend on the season and the time of day. But either way, you get to experience both or either.
It’s about a 5-minute walk from the parking, though, through the boardwalk. So that is something to remember.
Northeast Coast
4. Cala Torta & Cala Mitjana
Now off to the northeast coast. We start off with Cala Torta and Cala Mitjana. These are two beaches that you can actually combine in one day. They’re only a 15-minute walk apart.
Cala Torta is one of those really wide, sandy beaches and has wonderfully turquoise water and is definitely one of the best beaches in Mallorca. Then on the other side, you have Cala Mitjana, which has those Instagram-perfect sugar-white sand beaches. The really great thing is that Cala Mitjana is nearly empty even in August. In fact, it’s one of those places that you really want to share with people. But I honestly thought of not even putting this on my list just because I didn’t want to give the secret away.
Now, what makes these two beaches really great is that it is also part of the Llevant Peninsula Natural Park. So in terms of nature, protected beauty, it just has it all.
Now here is the important part, and unfortunately is one of those things with actual hidden gems (yes, again, I used that horrible, horrible word). But when it comes to these really pristine spots that aren’t super popular, it is, of course, the lack of amenities. This is super important, guys. There are no facilities. So you have to bring whatever you need. It’s not one of those places where you go, oh, well, I’ll just quickly nip up there to – no. There’s nothing. So please pack accordingly.
However, if you do and you prepare, it’s one of those places that will stay with you for the rest of your life. It does have an extremely remote feel. It’s sort of how you imagine the Mediterranean coast would have looked decades, if not a century ago. Before mass tourism and the always-present resort bar. It really is so unspoiled. And just the ultimate, ultimate getaway from everything.
Another quick note, it’s about a 10-kilometre drive through woodland from Artà. So, do plan accordingly. But if you do make this trek, trust me, you’ll thank me later.
5. Cala Agulla
Next up, we have Cala Agulla. So this is a Blue Flag beach, and it is honestly one of Mallorca’s cleanest. It has extremely fine white sand that sometimes shimmers pink from the coral. It really is beautiful and worth spending most of the day there, as the colour of the sand slightly enhances or changes depending on the angle of the sun.
It has shallow crystal water, which is perfect for snorkelling. And when I say perfect, I mean perfect.
There is more infrastructure here than at other East Coast beaches. However, again, be prepared. Yes, there might be some infrastructure, although it might not have everything you need. So when it comes to this side of Mallorca, do yourself a favour. Rather go prepared. You can always buy something that you didn’t think you wanted or needed, but it’s always best to be prepared in this area rather than to be caught out. Or worse, having to get into the car and drive kilometres while everyone else sits on the beach, and you have to sort the problem.
A really nice thing about this as well is that the dunes and pine forest frame the beach, so it makes for fantastic views. And, yes, photos. This is really great for families wanting some facilities nearby. But, again, facilities are limited. So just keep that in mind.
Overall, this is a fantastic beach for a great day out in the sun. It’s one of those places where you can lounge about, go swimming, hang out, and go snorkelling. It’s really worth planning your day around and just enjoying the local area.
Southeast Coast
6. Caló des Moro
Heading down to the southeast coast, Caló des Moro is, quite frankly, the Instagram beach and easily one of the best beaches in Mallorca. It’s one of those beaches where everyone takes photos of it. You’ll see it everywhere, and yet it’s one of those places you can’t get sick of seeing. So if that is the vibe you’re looking for, it is sensational.
There’s a slim strip of white sand between tree-lined cliffs. And honestly, it is just stunning. It’s one of those places where you can just take pictures for hours on end. The sun shifts a little bit, and you see something else, and you just start snapping again.
That being said, because of this, it does get packed in the summer. And when I say packed, I mean packed. So either be prepared for crowds or plan your dates accordingly.
Now this is privately maintained by a foundation. And what that means is that it is pristinely kept. I mean, this beach really is hashtag no filter needed.
Now the access to the beach is a little bit tricky. It’s not exactly inaccessible, but you do have to access it via a steep rocky path. So super important note: wear proper shoes. And, yes, I know. Many of you plan your outfits in full. And the shoes simply have to go with the outfit. In this case, start with the shoes, build the outfit around that. Because you will need them. There is nothing worse than trying to get down these rocky paths with the wrong shoes. Trust me.
Okay. Now the big thing here is that there are no facilities whatsoever. So, again, plan accordingly. What is kind of ironic about this is that there’s zero cell phone signal. Yes. You read that correctly. The Instagram beach has zero cell phone network. So if you’re planning on taking a few snaps, realise you’ll only be able to upload them in the car or when you get back to the hotel. There is no chance for any live feeds here.
Quick tip. Arrive early in the morning. Or you actually won’t find space. That is not an exaggeration. I can guarantee you that if you leave it too late in the morning or early afternoon, the chances that you will find a space are almost zero. So, unless you’re willing to cuddle up on a stranger’s lap, get there first thing in the morning.
The neighbouring Cala S’Almunia is a 5-minute walk away if it does get too crowded. So if you get there and it’s just too overcrowded, that is a second alternative. Just 5 minutes up the road.
7. S’Amarador & Cala Mondragó
So for the nature lovers, we have S’Amarador and Cala Mondragó. Located in the Mondragó Natural Park, this place, well, no development, just nature. It is spectacular!!
There are 3 beaches in total to explore. So well worth making it a day trip. S’Amarador, Cala Mondragó and, of course, Cala d’en Borgit.
S’Amarador has natural dunes, forest, and unbelievably beautiful rocky coves. It is Blue Flag and family-friendly. It’s one of those places you really can just spend the whole day exploring. And it kind of feels as if you’ve stumbled on something nobody else knows about. That being said, there are, of course, people depending on the time of day and the time of year. But there is something rather unspoilt about these beaches and the way that they feel. And, of course, with all of the coves and dunes, there are continuous new spots to discover around every single corner.
A very important thing to note is that it is only accessible by car. Now, what is great about this is that it tends to keep the crowds manageable. It does get quite crowded, of course. We live in the day of sharing information (hello, you’re reading this). So, unfortunately, best-kept secrets aren’t really that well kept anymore. That being said, this place is still relatively uncrowded. And in some cases, when you arrive, there’s barely anyone there. Again, only being able to access it by car does tend to keep people away, as it feels like a bit of a schlep for larger groups, especially families, to move around from spot to spot.
This is a brilliant place to hang out when it comes to marine life. Snorkelling here is actually a must. The amount of marine life is unreal. So, hanging about snorkelling all day, it’s just a fabulous, fabulous, fabulous spot!
To top it off, it’s got a great beach bar, which is fantastic for drinks and snacks. But again, I cannot recommend the snorkelling enough. It is fabulous.
8. Cala Santanyí
If you find yourself in and around the market town of Santanyí, without a shadow of a doubt, head on over to Cala Santanyí. This is a pristinely beautiful beach. It is a lovely white sand cove that is relatively near the market town of Santanyí.
This is a fantastic family-friendly beach that has crystalline shallow water. What makes this place great, especially when it comes to families, is that it has actual facilities. There are restaurants, showers, and even lounger rentals. So, yes, no need to try and fit those origami folding chairs that somehow seem to never be able to fold up back into the same size sleeve with you. The facilities here are great. Pretty much everything you need. Again, especially if you’re with a family, it’s always good to plan in advance and try to take as much as you can. But the most important part is that there are actually facilities here.
What is really great is the paddleboarding. Paddleboarding and kayaking are super popular here. So, again, if you do decide to do that, and you are there during a very busy season, try to get there early before they run out.
This is one of those places that tends to get quite popular. Do tend to get quite busy because it is a very popular family-friendly beach. But very, very, very much well worth the visit.
What’s also really great is that there are dive trips available from the local centre. So if you or perhaps some of your group might want to go diving, this is a really, really, really great activity in a beautiful place.
Honestly, best visited before or after peak summer. It’s one of those places that are so popular that during peak summer, it is seriously heaving. So if you’re willing to deal with that, then, of course, knock yourself out (if you can actually find a space). But my suggestion would be to go either just before or after the peak of summer to be able to enjoy the place to the full.
South Coast
9. Es Trenc (Platja des Trenc)
Es Trenc has got to be one of the best beaches in Mallorca – certainly the most iconic. This is a beach that was saved from development after around 30 years of protest. Now, I don’t know about you, but any beach that is fought over for 30 years, I think that shows it’s worth saving. That should tell you all you need to know.
It is wild, white sand stretching for over 5 kilometres. Yeah. That’s right. You read that correctly. 5 kilometres. It actually feels like the Caribbean. And when I say it feels like the Caribbean, I mean, it looks like the Caribbean, so much so that it’s one of those places that have been featured in films countless times as, you guessed it, the Caribbean.
It is backed by natural dunes, and there’s not a single building in sight. It has to be one of the most sensational visits. It does feel like you’ve been transported to a Caribbean island. And as if you are completely and utterly in the middle of nowhere. Walking around for kilometres without seeing anything in terms of infrastructure is just, it’s breathtaking.
There are a couple of very small beach bars called chiringuitos. But mostly, these are untouched beaches. So, again, pack accordingly. However, every here and again, you will stumble on a bar.
Now this is one of those places that, again, it’s just, it is a once-in-a-lifetime must.
So some notes. Get there early. Parking fills up fast. This is obviously a very popular beach and can get crowded. But due to its enormous scale, there are pockets of it that feel completely untouched. And, again, if you visit smartly during the right time of the year, it can feel almost like stretches of private beach.
One thing, however, that I do need to highlight is that there is a naturist section at one end. So, you know, be prepared. Either join or avert your eyes.
The biggest plus point about this place (as if the unspoiled nature isn’t the biggest plus point) is the sunsets. The sunsets here. Honestly, I have no words to describe them. You can go every single night for a month, and not one sunset will look the same. And each one somehow feels more beautiful and more unique and more spectacular than the last. It’s a place where you can sit, and you end up dreaming about having a beach house there.
It is a must, must, must visit.
10. Cala Pi
Next up, we have Cala Pi. So, Cala Pi is really unique and just impossibly beautiful. Picture a dramatic cove sandwiched between tall pine-covered cliffs. It is minuscule. And when I say minuscule, I mean it is literally only about 50 metres wide. So it is incredibly intimate. But it has got to be one of the most photogenic places I’ve ever been to.
You have to access the beach via a really steep staircase carved into the cliff. Yeah. Exactly. So again, the right footwear here is not just important, it’s essential. And, of course, it is a bit of a climb. Not like you’ll need chalk-covered fingers or anything. But it’s not a casual walk down a slightly sloped driveway.
That being said, again, nothing too adventurous, but it’s one of those places where being there, getting there, is an adventure in its own. I just want to reiterate again, this is not a dangerous pathway or anything like that. But it somehow makes you feel like an explorer. Walking down this steep staircase that’s been carved into the cliff down to this private little cove between these cliffs dotted with pine trees. It’s a highlight.
It’s the kind of place that really pretentious people will talk about continuously at every single dinner party. You know, the kind that goes, oh, we only buy our soap from these tiny little stores in the south of France. You won’t even know of the village. That sort of thing. It is so unique, so lovely, so special. Honestly, it’s a must.
Traditional boathouses line one side. So again, photos, it’s just wow. The water is still and really, really, really excellent for snorkelling.
There is a viewpoint cliff that is sort of the, well, not sort of, it is the Instagram spot. It is beautiful. Again, one of those places that those who know about it post that angle and yet everyone wants a picture of that angle. It’s just spectacular.
There is a beach bar for drinks, which is really great.
One quick note is that it can feel really busy because of the size. That being said, it is important to note that over the many times I’ve been there, it’s never felt overwhelming. Really, due to the setting. Due to the fact that you have to climb down, and it’s a bit of a journey getting there. So that tends to keep most people away. But, again, on a 50 metre stretch of beach, even a small group of people feels like a large group of people. So do prepare yourself for that, but this is honestly one of those places you really have to visit at least once.
West Coast / Tramuntana
11. Cala Deià
When it comes to West Coast beaches, Cala Deià is a natural fit on our list. It’s a rocky cove at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains and is relatively near the gorgeous artist village of Deià.
It is a pebble beach, so don’t expect sand. And bring water shoes. But, honestly, it is picture perfect.
There are 2 restaurants right on the water. Ca’s Patró March needs booking weeks ahead. This place is extremely popular with creative types. So if you’re looking for a place to hobnob with celebrities and the international crowd, this is it.
Now, a very, very, very important thing to note. Parking is a nightmare. It’s not difficult; it is impossible to find parking. So what I would suggest would be to actually park in the village and just walk down. Make it part of the whole experience where you walk from the village down to the beach, go to the restaurant, have a great time, and then saunter back in time.
The hike down is honestly part of the charm. It is so beautiful. And if you make it an activity where you take your time, slowly stroll, hiking down, it will honestly be one of your highlights of the trip.
Again, I just need to emphasise, don’t read this and think, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, I’m sure, but I’ll find parking. Trust me. You will not.
Although this is not your typical sandy Mallorca beach, it has a fantastic atmosphere, a really, really great set of people who frequent the beach and, again, just a great little excursion.
12. Cala Banyalbufar
Next on the list is one of those places that, again, I almost didn’t want to add to the list because I feel like putting it out there might ruin it for all of us.
Cala Banyalbufar is one of those places, those very rare places, that have not been overrun with tourists yet. It’s a rocky pebble beach right at the foot of an unbelievably dramatic cliff. The walk down through the ancient Moorish terraced vineyards is stunning. Most of your experience there will feel like you’re stuck in a film. The views, the atmosphere, the quietness of it all. It is actually breathtaking.
Banyalbufar means vineyard by the sea in Arabic. So that should really tell you all about the setting. Walking down with the vineyards creating the backdrop, it’s just, it really is swoon-worthy.
This is a fantastic, fantastic spot for snorkelling. And what makes this place even better is that there’s a waterfall nearby.
Now there’s a beach shack for drinks, but no sand. So that is a very important thing. However, even though there’s no sand, you can lounge on the rocks.
You do need to wear walking shoes for the steep descent. So again, especially this side of Mallorca, shoes are really, really, really important.
But if you’re looking for a place that is not overrun, that feels quiet and unspoiled, this should definitely be on your list.
13. Sa Calobra
Now come on. If it’s remote you’re after, then Sa Calobra has got to be one of the best beaches in Mallorca. Remote doesn’t even begin to describe it.
So let’s start with the drive. The drive in itself has to be on your to-do list, whether you go to the beach or not. Imagine 13 kilometres of hairpin turns. In fact, it is so scenic that the 13-kilometre drive takes about an hour. The reason? Yep, you guessed it, the hairpin turns. In fact, this road is nicknamed the snake. So that should give you a picture. But again, even just the road in itself is one of those experiences that you have to add to your list.
Then after the 13-kilometre journey, you arrive. Now I need to let you know that parking is available, but it is a paid lot. It’s around 10 to 12 euros to park. But then from there, you walk through a tunnel carved in rock. This is such an experience that, again, it’s one of those things you’ll be telling over dinner parties for years to come.
Once you walk through this tunnel carved in rock, it opens up to a dramatic gorge beach. Which is pebbled. Honestly, this is the stuff that Instagram was built for. Again, just important to note, this is a pebble beach and not a sand beach. But wow. Wow. Wow.
Now there are 2 beaches, the main cove and the Torrent de Pareis, which is at the end of the gorge. This is 200 metre limestone cliffs on either side.
Ironically, for a beach at least, it’s very popular with cliff jumpers. Of course, not on the beach, but rather the cliffs on the side of the beach.
So there is an alternative if you don’t want to drive the snake, as it is affectionately referred to. You can take a ferry from Port de Sóller, which takes around 1 hour.
If I can give you some advice, go early. Restaurants are packed by late morning. And from there on, it only gets worse. But this is one of those places that you absolutely have to go. It is the Machu Picchu of remote beaches.
Near Palma
14. Portixol
Portixol is a former fishing village, now a trendy suburb of Palma. There’s only about 100 metres of sand, which does make this beach very, very, very small. But unbelievably charming.
It’s more of a local hotspot than a tourist hotspot, which definitely adds to its charm. It’s one of those places where it’s really popular with locals after work if they want to, you know, go for a swim or something. So it does have a very local charm to it rather than a tourist charm.
It is surrounded by very stylish restaurants and cafes. So it really is ideal to spend most of the day. What I love to do is get there early in the morning, have breakfast, then lounge on the beach, go for a swim, have a drink, go for lunch, sort of lounge throughout the whole day, and then end it off with dinner in the evening and late afternoon swims.
It’s got a very local feel. And, yes, I know I’ve droned on about this a lot, but that really is the only way to describe it. It has a very boutique feel, so it’s not touristy at all, which is, of course, a plus point for most of us.
It does offer very easy access from Palma City Centre, as it is a relatively quiet suburb of Palma. And is really a great spot for swimming, lounging, and just generally hanging about.
15. Cala Llamp
Lastly, and most certainly not least, on the list is Cala Llamp. It’s near the very upscale Port d’Andratx, which is great if you’re in the area and want to shoot over for a quick saunter.
Now, there is something very important to note: there is no sand on the beach. But what makes this truly unique is that you lie on a smooth rock shelf tilting into the gorgeous emerald water. You’ll be forgiven if, for a second, you feel like, or picture yourself on, a Sports Illustrated shoot.
There are pine-clad cliffs that rise like an amphitheatre behind you, which makes the whole beach feel quite hidden in a way. It really is unbelievably beautiful and something truly unique and different if that’s the sort of thing you’re after.
It is excellent for swimming and, of course, snorkelling. Which is great to then climb up and channel your inner mermaid by drying yourself on the rocks by the sea.
In terms of accessibility, it’s about a 30-minute walk from the town, or alternatively, if you don’t feel like walking that far, it is a short drive. But, again, if you’ve got the time, taking the walk just makes you feel a little bit like a local.
Now that being said, it is not exactly a secluded beach. It is relatively popular. A lot of people know about it, and they can see quite a few faces. So if you’re interested in peace, the nearby Cala Blanca is even more secluded. That’s the sort of place where you hang around and at times don’t see another soul for hours. Disclosure, again, this is dependent on the time of the year. But generally speaking, Cala Blanca gets really, really quiet and feels almost newly discovered at times.
Quick Reference Table
Here’s a quick comparison of the best beaches in Mallorca:
| Beach | Type | Facilities | Crowd Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cala Formentor | Sand | Some | Medium | Families, scenery, sunsets |
| Playa de Alcúdia | Sand | Full | Medium-High | Families, amenities |
| Cala Mesquida | Sand | Some | Medium | Nature lovers, bird watching |
| Cala Torta & Cala Mitjana | Sand | None | Low | Seclusion, natural beauty |
| Cala Agulla | Sand | Limited | Medium | Snorkelling, families |
| Caló des Moro | Sand | None | High | Instagram, photography |
| S’Amarador & Cala Mondragó | Sand | Some | Medium | Nature, snorkelling |
| Cala Santanyí | Sand | Full | High | Families, water sports |
| Es Trenc | Sand | Minimal | Medium-High | Caribbean vibes, sunsets |
| Cala Pi | Sand | Some | Medium | Photography, snorkelling |
| Cala Deià | Pebble | Some | Medium | Celebrities, atmosphere |
| Cala Banyalbufar | Pebble | Minimal | Low | Seclusion, snorkelling |
| Sa Calobra | Pebble | Some | Medium | Adventure, dramatic scenery |
| Portixol | Sand | Full | Low-Medium | Local vibe, convenience |
| Cala Llamp | Rock | None | Medium | Unique experience, swimming |
Practical Tips
Okay. So this is the part you should really focus on because you get to learn from my mistakes.
As I try to share some practical tips on things that have gone, not necessarily wrong for me, but could have gone better. Let’s say that.
Car Hire
First of all, car hire is essential, especially for the best beaches in Mallorca. It’s one of those things where you think, oh, do you know what, it’s fine. And either you end up paying a fortune in cabs or taxis, or, worst part, and yes, this has happened to me, you get taken somewhere, and then when you try to book a car, you realise there are no cars available in the area. Trust me, if you wanna know what panic feels like, that’s it. So do yourself a favour, grab a car rental.
Another great thing as well is, yes, even if you are close to a place with amenities, a lot of times something happens where you want or need something and you realise either they’re out of stock or they just don’t stock it. And you end up having to travel. Being able to have a rental car, especially if travelling to some of the best beaches, cannot be recommended enough. It allows you the freedom that even when you drive, you see something, you’ve got the freedom to say, oh, do you know what, actually, let’s go and explore this afterwards. Or beforehand. Or anything like that.
Now, again, unfortunately, as tourists, we can get targeted. So it is very, very, very important to use reputable companies. Sixth recommended.
Also, very important, take a video of the car before renting, and I mean a detailed video. It has happened to me in the past, where I got a car, I actually noted the scratch on the side mentally, but immediately assumed, well, of course, they’ll know about this. Didn’t say anything, and then was charged for the scratch. It is so, so, so impossibly important. Do yourself a favour. Don’t let something like that spoil a great holiday at the end for absolutely no reason.
Parking
Next up is parking. So honestly, this varies wildly in my experience. Some parking is free. Some is 20 euros or more. And some of them are so full during the summer that there just is no parking. Again, renting a car is so important so that you can drive around looking for a spot.
If you are planning on going in the summer, being there super early is key. I know that’s not great for any holiday goer, and you wanna have a lie-in, but trust me, it will ruin your day. So, again, in terms of parking, try to do some research ahead of time so that you aren’t caught off guard. And just keep an open mind. If you get there and the parking’s filled up, be prepared for it so that it doesn’t spoil the mood or anything that you expected. If it doesn’t happen and you find parking, wonderful, great. If not, you sort of expected it, and you’ve already made alternative plans.
What to Bring
Now what to bring? For the rocky beaches, water shoes. That is so important. Do not try to walk in flip-flops. And more importantly, don’t think, oh, I’ll just take off my shoes and go barefoot. A friend of mine cut their foot on the rock. We were so far from anything. It was not a fun story. So take your water shoes for rocky beaches.
A great thing to take with you always to most of these beaches, especially where you’ve got shallow waters, is snorkelling gear. It’s great fun. It just adds to the experience. If it’s your own gear, that’s a free experience. More importantly, a lot of times, places have limited gear available if there are amenities. So oftentimes, you plan accordingly. Again, this has happened to me, where I think, oh great, I know they’ve got snorkelling gear. Go there, all excited, only to find out they’ve got nothing left. So plan accordingly.
And then, of course, sunscreen and picnic supplies. Again, there are amenities, but because they’re so busy, they can run out sometimes. Sometimes they don’t have what you want. They’ve got a limited selection. Or alternatively, you get there, and there are no amenities. So make sure you pack what you enjoy. And sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Along with the ever-important hat, of course.
Best Months
The best months to go would be May and October. It’s warm enough to swim, but they have a fraction of the summer crowds.
If you have to go during the summer, of course, there’s nothing really you can do about it. But if you can plan for May or October, these months are the best.
Safety Note
From a safety note, valuables are generally safe, unlike cities like Barcelona. However, use common sense no matter where you are in the world. If you are going to be stupid about it, you will be a target.
Obviously, don’t wear copious amounts of jewellery if you’re on a secluded beach. It’s not necessarily that it is a dangerous area, but let’s not put these ideas into people’s heads. So be smart about it.
Don’t leave your things lying about. Don’t leave your phone or your bag lying around. There are, as in most areas in the world, pickpockets. So keep your stuff close. Don’t let them lie around and be vigilant. Always, no matter where you are.
Beach Bars
A practical tip, beach bars or chiringuitos are common. However, they are not everywhere. So check before you go.
It is one of those places where the more remote beaches, which usually means it’s more beautiful, either there are no facilities or what the facilities have can be limited or even run out quite quickly. So check before you go. Do your research.
But, again, if I can give you any advice? Plan ahead of time. Even if you see there might be a beach bar, take some stuff if it’s in a remote area. I’ve gotten caught too many times, very excited for something, only to realise either they’ve got no stock or they just closed down.
