Turquoise Waters, Hidden Coves and the Mediterranean Mallorca We Love♥︎
Mallorca is home to far more than the famous beaches you see on postcards. From secluded calas tucked between the Tramuntana mountains to tiny pebble coves with impossibly clear water, some of the island’s most beautiful places are found a little off the beaten path. These are the beaches we loved discovering and the ones we would happily return to.
a little love for mallorca’s hidden coast
Mallorca has a way of making you slow down. One moment, you are driving through the mountains with the Mediterranean stretching out in front of you; the next, you are stopping for a swim or discovering a quiet corner of the coast.
For us, that is what makes Mallorca so special. It is not only the dramatic landscapes, crystal-clear water or charming villages, but the feeling that there is always something new waiting around the next bend. Beyond the famous sights, you can find winding coastal roads, peaceful coves and little places that make you want to stay a little longer.
Cala Llombards has definitely become a Mallorca classic and it is easy to see why. The small sandy cove is framed by rugged cliffs, pine-covered hills and incredibly clear turquoise water, creating that picture-perfect Mediterranean setting Mallorca is famous for.
It is no longer really a hidden secret, but we still think Cala Llombards is worth experiencing. The scenery is beautiful, the water is perfect for a swim and the dramatic coastline makes it one of those places that looks just as impressive in real life as it does in photos.
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Playa de Formentor is one of those places that instantly shows you why Mallorca is so special. Set on the island’s northern coast, the long sandy beach is surrounded by pine trees, turquoise water and the dramatic peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana.
For us, the setting is what makes Formentor unforgettable. The winding drive through the mountains already comes with spectacular views, and once you reach the beach, there is nothing better than cooling off in the clear Mediterranean water while looking back at the mountains.
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Cala Comtessa is one of those small coastal spots that feels almost too pretty to be real. Just outside Palma, this little bay combines crystal-clear turquoise water, rocky edges and Mediterranean greenery, creating a beautiful place for a swim and a few slow hours by the sea.
We love Cala Comtessa because it feels more intimate than Mallorca’s larger beaches. There is a little stone staircase leading down into the water, while sun loungers and umbrellas make it easy to stay for longer. The water is usually the main attraction, though, perfect for cooling off and enjoying a relaxed swim.
Cala Agulla is located near Capdepera in northeastern Mallorca and is one of our favourite beaches in Mallorca. The beach is surrounded by pine trees and green hills, while the water is beautifully clear and turquoise. It is a great place to spend a few relaxed hours swimming, sunbathing and enjoying the views.
The beach is quite popular, but the beautiful surroundings make it worth a visit. We especially love the view when you first see the bay the colours of the water and the landscape are just amazing.
Es Trenc is located in South Mallorca, near Campos and is probably one of our favorite beaches in Mallorca. Especially early in the morning, when the beach is still quiet, it feels incredibly peaceful. The long sandy beach, clear water and open landscape make it a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy the coast.
We also love Es Trenc outside the main summer season. In spring or autumn, it is perfect for a long walk along the beach, with fewer people and a much more relaxed atmosphere. For us, this is when Es Trenc really shows its best side.
👉 Our tip: Visit the Salinas d’Es Trenc while you are in the area and pick up some local Flor de Sal, it makes a lovely little Mallorca souvenir. If you arrive early in the morning, we recommend parking near Bar Esperanza. There are only a few parking spaces, but it is right by the beach and usually much cheaper than the main parking areas.
Caló des Moro is without a doubt one of the most beautiful coves in Mallorca. The turquoise water, rocky cliffs and small sandy beach create an incredible setting, and it is easy to understand why this place has become so famous.
But there is a downside: it is also one of the busiest spots on the island. Especially during the summer, the small cove can get extremely crowded, which takes away some of the magic.
So, as beautiful as Caló des Moro is, we probably would not recommend making a special trip here. There are so many other beautiful beaches and quieter coves in Mallorca where you can enjoy the sea without the crowds. If you do want to see it, try going very early in the morning or outside the main summer season.
Playa de Sant Elm is a lovely spot on Mallorca’s west coast, with clear water, small coves and a beautiful view across the sea to Sa Dragonera. The beach is right next to the village, so it is easy to combine a swim with a little walk, a coffee or lunch by the sea.
We like Sant Elm because it feels relaxed and easy-going. It is not just about spending the day on the beach the whole area is great for slowing down and enjoying the coast. And if you stay until the evening, the sunsets here can be beautiful.
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If you’re in the mood for a proper beach day, Playa de Muro is hard to beat. The beach is long, wide and sandy, with shallow turquoise water that stretches far out into the bay. There is plenty of space to walk along the shore, find a spot in the sand and spend a few hours without feeling like you are sitting on top of your neighbors.
Playa de Muro is located in the north of Mallorca and is very different from Mallorca’s small calas, and that is exactly why we like it. Come early for a quiet walk along the water, or stay for a lazy afternoon when all you really want to do is swim and relax.
Cala Mesquida has a completely different feel from many of Mallorca’s smaller, sheltered calas. The wide sandy beach opens out towards the sea, with dunes and rugged hills surrounding it. On a calm day, the water is beautifully clear and the whole bay feels wonderfully open.
We like coming here when we want a little more space. You can walk along the beach, go for a swim or simply sit in the sand and watch the waves. The landscape around Cala Mesquida is also worth exploring, especially if you enjoy combining a beach day with a short walk.
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Camp de Mar is a great spot for a relaxed beach day in southwest Mallorca. The sandy beach sits in a sheltered bay with clear blue water, and the small wooden walkway leading to the restaurant on the island just offshore gives the place its unmistakable look.
It is a little more developed than some of the quieter calas on our list, but that can also be part of its appeal. Everything is close by, and you can easily combine a swim with lunch, a drink or a walk along the coast.
During your trip through Mallorca you probably won’t pass by Playa d’Alcúdia. It’s a great choice if you want a classic Mallorca beach with lots of space. The long sandy shore stretches along the Bay of Alcúdia, with clear, shallow water that makes it especially nice for swimming.
What we like about Playa d’Alcúdia is how easy it is to enjoy. You can walk for a long way along the beach, jump into the water whenever you feel like it or simply find a spot in the sand and stay there for a few hours. It is more lively and developed than some of the smaller beaches on our list, but there are also quieter stretches if you walk a little further.
Cala Sa Nau is a small and beautiful cove on Mallorca’s southeast coast. The water is incredibly clear, the cliffs are covered with greenery and the little bay feels much more intimate than some of the island’s larger beaches.
We really like Cala Sa Nau for a swim. The water is calm and inviting, and the rocky coastline gives the cove a beautiful natural setting. It is also a nice place to slow down for a few hours rather than trying to fit too much into one day.
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Platja de S’Arenal in Portocolom is a lovely spot if you want to experience a more relaxed side of Mallorca. The beach sits in a sheltered part of the bay, with clear water and a calm atmosphere that makes it easy to spend a few hours here without much planning.
What we like about Portocolom is the setting. The traditional harbor, small boats and colorful waterfront houses give the area a very different feel from Mallorca’s larger resort beaches. After a swim at Platja de S’Arenal, we highly recommend getting some drinks and food at Bar Blau.
Cala Deià is one of those places in Mallorca that feels almost too beautiful to be real. Tucked between the Tramuntana mountains, this small rocky cove is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, clear turquoise water and the charming stone houses of Deià.
It’s not the place to come for a huge sandy beach. Instead, Cala Deià is all about the setting, swimming and atmosphere. The rocky shore is perfect for jumping into the crystal-clear water, while the famous Ca’s Patró March sits right above the bay, a great spot to stop for lunch or a drink.
When we travel, we always save the best places we discover from hidden viewpoints and cozy cafés to beautiful beaches and must-see spots. To make trip planning easier, we created interactive travel maps with all our favorite locations in one place. Simply open the map and explore the places we personally visited.
In our opinion, these are some of the most unique beaches and little coves in Mallorca. Some are well known, while others are still a little off the beaten path. What they all have in common is that they stood out to us in their own way, whether it was the setting, the water, the views or simply the feeling of being there.
S’Illot is a small, peaceful beach in the north of Mallorca that we really enjoyed discovering. Surrounded by rocky coastline and clear blue water, it feels much more natural than many of the island’s larger beaches.
There is not a huge stretch of sand here, and that is part of its charm. Instead, you get a beautiful little bay, calm water and a great view of the coastline. We especially like S’Illot for a quiet swim or a few relaxing hours away from the busier beach resorts.
If you are exploring the north of Mallorca, S’Illot is definitely worth adding to your list, especially if you prefer smaller beaches with a more natural feel.
Caló de Ses Llisses is exactly the kind of place we love finding in Mallorca. This small, rocky cove is much quieter than some of the island’s famous beaches, with clear water and a beautiful natural setting.
There is no big sandy beach or beach club here and that is what makes it special for us. It is more about finding a quiet spot by the water, jumping in for a swim and enjoying the coastline without much around you.
If you are looking for one of Mallorca’s more peaceful spots, Caló de Ses Llisses is definitely worth adding to your map.
One of Mallorca’s most beautiful hidden beaches, Platja des Coll Baix is tucked away beneath impressive cliffs on the north coast. It takes a little effort to get there, but the wild landscape, clear blue water and peaceful atmosphere make the journey worth it.
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Banyalbufar is one of those places that feels completely different from Mallorca’s classic beach destinations. The coast here is rugged, the cliffs rise steeply from the sea and the small bathing spots are tucked between the rocks.
The scenery is absolutely class and the swimming a 10 out of 10. The water is incredibly clear, and when the sea is calm, the little coves are perfect for a refreshing dip. There is no sandy beach, but that is exactly what makes Banyalbufar feel special – Lovely Place for Snorkeling.
If you are exploring the west coast, we think Banyalbufar is worth a stop, especially if you enjoy quiet swimming spots, dramatic landscapes and a more authentic side of Mallorca.
Cala Rotja is a small cove near Canyamel that we think is easy to overlook and that is part of its charm. The rocky coastline, clear blue water and green surroundings create a beautiful little spot that feels far removed from Mallorca’s busier beaches.
We especially like the view of the cove from above, where you can really see its unusual shape and beautiful colors.
👉 Our tip: Enjoy delicious food and great views right next to the bay at Restaurante Cala Rotja.
Cala Mitjana is one of those coves that makes you forget about the bigger beach resorts for a while. Tucked away on Mallorca’s east coast, the small sandy beach is surrounded by pine-covered cliffs and clear turquoise water.
For us, the best part is the walk to get there. The beach itself is quite small, so it can get busy in summer. Still, the beautiful setting and crystal-clear water make Cala Mitjana a great spot if you enjoy exploring Mallorca on foot and discovering quieter corners of the island. So check out the Cala Sa Nau Beach next to Cala Mitjana.
Portals Vells is definitely one of our favorite beaches here. This beautiful little bay in southwest Mallorca is part of the famous three-finger bay, where three small coves meet along the same stretch of coastline.
The setting is what makes this place special: clear turquoise water, pine-covered hills and small sandy beaches nestled between the unique sandstone rocks.
We really like Portals Vells because you can explore a little instead of simply staying in one spot. There is also a little beach bar where you can get cold drinks and snacks. It can get busy during the summer, but if you come earlier in the day, the atmosphere is much more relaxed.
Cala Morlanda is a small rocky swimming spot on Mallorca’s east coast that feels very different from the island’s sandy beaches. Here you will find clear water and a rocky coastline, which makes it a great place for a swim and snorkeling.
It is also a nice stop if you are exploring the coast around Porto Cristo and S’Illot. Just bring your swimming gear, water and everything else you might need for a few hours by the sea.
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Cala Tuent is one of those beaches where the drive is part of the adventure. The road winds down through the Serra de Tramuntana with plenty of tight bends and incredible mountain views. It takes a little patience, but we think the journey is absolutely worth it.
Once you reach the bay, the landscape feels completely different. Mountains and pine trees surround the clear blue water, while the small beach is mostly made up of pebbles and gravel. The final road down is narrow and winding, so take your time and enjoy the views rather than rushing to get there.
👉 Our Tip: Make sure to stop for lunch or dinner at Restaurant Es Vergeret. The restaurant is perched above the coast and has an incredible setting overlooking the Tramuntana and the sea.
If you make your way to Cala Torta, don’t just stay at the first beach you see. Cala Mitjana and Cala Estreta are right next door, and the coastal path connecting these three coves is one of our favorite little adventures in this part of Mallorca.
There is bigger parking area and from there you have to walk around 20-30 minutes down to the beaches. Cala Mitjana feels like the quieter little sister of Cala Torta, while Cala Estreta is much smaller and more rugged, perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful spot away from the crowds.
👉 Our tip: Make a morning of it and explore all three coves on foot. And afterwards, head up to Agroturismo Sa Duaia for a well-deserved drink or meal. Sitting above this wild coastline, it’s a beautiful place to slow down, enjoy the views and finish the day the Mallorcan way.
If there’s one place in Mallorca that feels almost unreal, it’s Torrent de Pareis. It has now become a more well-known spot on Mallorca but is definitely still one of the unqiue ones.
Deep in the dramatic Tramuntana mountains, this spectacular gorge winds its way between enormous limestone cliffs before reaching the sea at Sa Calobra. The journey there is part of the experience. The famous winding road takes you through some of Mallorca’s most impressive mountain scenery, and when you finally arrive, the huge rock walls rising above the small beach make you feel tiny in the best possible way.
We recommend coming early, especially in summer, when Sa Calobra can get busy. Torrent de Pareis isn’t your typical Mallorca beach, it’s a natural spectacle and one of the island’s most unforgettable places.
Cala del Toro is a small, rocky cove in the southwest of Mallorca, near Portals Vells. It’s not the kind of beach you visit for a long stretch of soft sand, but for the incredibly clear turquoise water and peaceful setting.
The little inlet is surrounded by rocks, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling in Mallorca. Bring your mask, find a quiet spot on the rocks and spend a few hours enjoying the crystal-clear Mediterranean.
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Mallorca is always a little bit home for us. From tiny rocky coves with crystal-clear water to sandy beaches surrounded by pine trees and dramatic cliffs, every cala has its own character.
After living in Mallorca for a few years, we’ve put together some of our favorite calas in Mallorca the places we would come back to again and again. Some are easy to reach, while others require a little hike or an adventurous drive. But that’s often what makes them special.
From famous sandy beaches to secluded coves, we’ve marked our favorite spots across Mallorca. Use the map to discover where each beach is located and find your next place to swim, relax or explore.
We’ve pinned our favorite beaches, hidden calas and beautiful coastal spots across Mallorca.
Simply hover over the pins to explore each spot and discover where your next beach day could take you.
👉 Which beach are you looking for?
Es Trenc
Playa de Sant Elm
Cala Tuent
Playa de Muro
Playa de Alcúdia
S'Illot Beach
Torrent de Pareis
Caló de Ses Llisses
Cala Torta, Cala Mitjana & Cala Estreta
Cala Morlanda
Portals Vells
Cala Sa Nau & Cala Mitjana
Cala Rotja
Banyalbufar
Platja de S'Arenal, Portocolom
Camp de Mar
Cala Mesquida
Caló des Moro & Cala s’Almunia
Cala Llombards
Cala Agulla
Cala Comtessa
Playa de Formentor
Cala Pi
Platja des Coll Baix
Cala Deià
Mallorca is not only about beautiful beaches. Rocky coves, clear turquoise water and sheltered bays make some of Mallorca’s beaches perfect for snorkeling.
These are some of our favorite spots when we want to spend the day in the water rather than just on the beach.
Cala del Toro is one of our favorites for a relaxed snorkeling session. The small rocky cove has incredibly clear water, and the rocks around the bay are perfect for exploring with a mask and snorkel.
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Cala Morlanda is a small, rocky cove on Mallorca’s east coast and a great spot for a quiet snorkeling session. The clear water, rocky coastline and sheltered little bay make it perfect for exploring beneath the surface.
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Cala Blanca is a small, rocky cove in Costa de la Calma on Mallorca’s southwest coast. The clear turquoise water and rocky seabed make it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, especially when the sea is calm.
A little further along, near El Chiringuito, you’ll find some really cool snorkeling spots among the rocks. They also have pretty good snacks and drinks there. Sun loungers are rather expensive.
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Cala Tuent is one of our favorite spots on Mallorca’s Tramuntana coast. Surrounded by pine-covered mountains and dramatic cliffs, this quiet bay feels wild and remote, with clear blue water that’s perfect for a refreshing swim and snorkeling.
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Cala Murta is a small, peaceful cove hidden along Mallorca’s Formentor peninsula. Surrounded by pine trees, rugged cliffs and crystal-clear Mediterranean water, it feels wonderfully remote and untouched.
It’s a great place to escape the busier beaches of Mallorca and enjoy a quiet swim or snorkeling session in beautiful natural surroundings. If you’re lucky you’ll even see donkeys and goats on the beach.
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