Relax On These Quiet Beaches In Mallorca
Escape the crowds on these wild, remote stretches of sand
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With over 260 beaches, there’s nowhere quite like Mallorca for an island getaway. Being the largest island in the Balearic region, you can imagine just how packed the beaches can get. Having said that, don’t change your travel plans just yet—you may be surprised to hear that Mallorca still has a handful of beaches where you can find peace and quiet. The travel experts here at Plum Guide have done the oh-so-demanding job of testing the island’s beaches and have all the inside knowledge about where to go. Take a look at our guide to the best quiet beaches in Mallorca (just don’t tell anyone about them).
Es Calo del Moro
Located in the southeastern corner of the island near the village of S’Almunia, this Blue Flag beach is one of Mallorca’s prettiest spots. The beach can be a bit difficult to find (the residents put up signs saying the road is private) but it’s possible to drive all the way down. Tucked deep inside a bay with sheer cliffs on either side, the small length of fine sands and bright blue waters are accessible via a steep flight of stairs down to the beach. As the beach is preserved by a private foundation and is beautifully maintained, you won’t find any facilities here, so be sure to bring everything you need for the day.
S’Amarador
The Cala S´Amarador beach in Mallorca
Also on the southeast of Mallorca lies S’Amarador beach. The Mondrago Natural Park protects its glorious white sands, and its relatively isolated location means that you’ll avoid the crowds. Surrounding the beach are sand dunes, pine forests and rocky coves, adding to that secluded feel. The shallow, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, and you won’t get any noise pollution from water sports here—ideal for napping or reading a book in peace. You won’t be totally left without facilities though, as there are sunbeds and parasols to rent, as well as a small snack bar. Apart from that, you won’t find any high-rise hotels or busy restaurants nearby.
Playa S’Arenalet des Verger
You won’t find much information about Playa S’Arenalet des Verger online. Also known as S’Arenalet d’Albarca, this relatively unknown virgin beach is located 12 kilometres from Artà in the Serra de Llevant Nature Reserve. To get here, be prepared for at least an hour and a half hike along the coast, where you’ll pass Cala Matzoc (another uninhabited beach) and the ancient lookout tower of Torre d’Aubarca. The beach is worth working up a sweat for, and you’ll be greeted with azure waters, fine sands and not another soul in sight.
Cala Llombards
View of Cala Llombards beach bay on Mallorca island, Spain
The picturesque cove of Cala Llombards sits on Mallorca’s southeast coast. At just 55 metres wide, this is one of the island’s smaller beaches. Steep cliffs on either side create a fjord-like setting (but thankfully with much nicer temperatures than Norway). Being nestled in a little cove means you’ll find calm waters which are ideal for snorkelling—the rocky areas around the edges are home to schools of colourful fish. When you’re not exploring underwater, sunbathe on the rocks, or take a walk along the cliffs to Cala Santanyi. Despite its beauty, Cala Llombards manages to stay off the tourist trail and is more popular with locals, evident from the small fishermen’s cottages lining the bay.
Cala Varques
Bay with boats in Cala Varques, Mallorca, Spain
The secluded paradise of Cala Varques is nestled on Mallorca’s east coast. Due to its remote location, it takes a bit more effort to get here—the drive includes unpaved dirt roads and a 20-minute walk—but it’s completely worth it for the views. Framed by two rocky headlands, this long sweep of fine sands is home to some of the bluest waters you’ve ever seen. Around 150 metres southeast of Cala Varques is a small sandy beach which appears at low tide. This is a preferred spot for nudists as it’s sheltered from the main beach. Bordering the beach is a pine grove which provides much-needed shade from the midday sun.
Platja d’es Carbo
When it comes to quiet beaches in Mallorca, it doesn’t get any better than Platja d’es Carbo. To get there, take a three-kilometre walk along the coast from the town of Colònia de Sant Jordi (stop for a quick dip at Platja d’es Dolç along the way). Platja d’es Carbo is backed by sand dunes, pine trees and low-lying shrubs, and it’s quite refreshing not to see any signs of development. This is somewhere you come to enjoy a good book away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist resorts, but as there are absolutely no facilities, don’t forget to bring all your beach day essentials.
Cala Formentor
Figuera beach in Formentor cap in Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca’s north coast is home to the wild Formentor peninsula, which points across to the neighbouring island of Menorca. Drive through this spectacular landscape to Cala Formentor, a wonderful natural bay protected by the Tramuntana Mountains. Although it’s quite narrow, the beach extends for almost one kilometre, so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot. When it gets too hot, rent a sun lounger or relax under the shade of the pine and holm oak trees. There are all the facilities you need here, including toilets and beach bars.
Sa Calobra
Seascape and rocky hills in Sa Calobra, Majorca
Sa Calobra is one of the more unique beaches on the island. Located on the northwest coast of Mallorca, close to the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, this remote beach is an exciting day out. It’s located at the end of Torrent de Pareis, a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape site. To get here, drive along a winding road full of hairpin curves, switchbacks, dips and a tunnel that goes through a mountain. The slightly hair-raising journey is worth it for the picturesque pebble beach backed by towering rocky cliffs. But this is not the only beach here—follow the path to the right, which will lead you through a narrow tunnel which opens up onto the main Sa Calobra beach.
Cala Torta
Panoramic view of Cala Torta, Mallorca, Spain
Nude beaches tend to be much quieter, so if you’re looking for both tranquillity and to tan in your birthday suit, then Cala Torta is the best option. Situated on the northeast tip of Mallorca, two kilometres along the coast from the resort of Cala Mesquida, you’d be hard-pressed to find a beach with a more remote feel than Cala Torta. Located within the Llevant Peninsula Natural Park, the large sweep of white sand is surrounded by dunes and vegetation. Except for a single beach bar, there are no facilities here, and there’s a short supply of shade, so bring your own parasol with you.
Cala Mesquida
Wooden bridge over sand dunes at Cala Mesquida, Mallorca, Spain
Not too far from Cala Torta is another wonderful beach. Cala Mesquida is a holiday resort, so you will find hotels at one end. However, if you make your way to the other end of the beach you’ll find a protected nature reserve area made up of sand dunes and pine forests. This part of the beach is a peaceful spot to unwind, the clear blue waters inviting you in for a swim. Cala Mesquida extends for 300 metres, so there’s plenty of room to escape the holiday-makers. No water sports activities are allowed, keeping it a more relaxed place.
Es Trenc
The beach of Es Trenc on the island of Mallorca
It may be one of Mallorca’s most well-known beaches, but that doesn’t mean it’s the busiest. At over two kilometres long, this wide expanse of powder-white sand with clear blue waters feels very Caribbean. The government has imposed a ban on beachside development here, so all you’ll find behind the beach are sand dunes where a variety of seabirds have made their home. Water sports are banned here, except for a few paddle boards, which can be rented out during peak season. Further away from the main crowds, it’s not uncommon to see naturists making the most of the quiet surroundings. While you’re here, foodies should check out the nearby Salinas de Es Trenc saltworks to see how the famous fleur de sel sea salt is harvested.
Cala Banyalbufar
Located on the island’s west coast, Cala Banyalbufar is one of the loveliest quiet beaches in Mallorca. Although it’s Banyalbufar town’s main beach, you’ll find that it’s never busy here aside from a few locals. However, don’t expect to lie on any sand—the beach is small and narrow, made up of pebbles with concrete sunbathing areas. But once you set eyes on Cala Banyalbufar, the lack of sand is forgotten. Located in a sheltered bay hugged by cliffs and mountains, the waters are impossibly blue and provide one of the most scenic swimming spots on the island. There’s even a mini waterfall tumbling down from the cliffs.