Palma Guide: top 5 beaches in Mallorca

A holiday is not a holiday without a beach: the sand under your bare feet, the gentle sound of the waves and the purification that comes with swimming in the salty sea. And then there’s the snorkelling, paddleboarding, exploring, and, for the less adventurous, lying supine with a great book.

Luckily Mallorca is home to over 250 sandy stretches and secluded coves, so you can go to a beach a day if you choose. From your base with us at Nakar Hotel in the heart of Palma, the island is your oyster. But, between you and us, some of the best beaches demand a bit of a walk to reach them. So, pack your sneakers and a bag with all your essentials and let’s take a trip to…

Platja de Torrent de Pareis – Northwest

This bucket-list beach is situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of the Serra de Tramuntana, so it’s definitely worth the trip. From Palma, drive north towards Sóller, through Fornalutx (once voted one of Spain’s most beautiful villages) and along a winding mountain pass known as ‘Snake Road’, considered one of the most scenic drives on the island, if not the world.

From the port village of Sa Calobra, where there is also a small beach, follow the signs and the canyon, which will take you through two rock tunnels that open onto a spectacular beach surrounded by cliffs that really feels like another world. You can also get here by boat.

Cala Barques – North

If you’re looking for a more family-friendly alternative, head to Cala Barques in the north of the island, seven kilometres from Pollença. This cove is a lovely small beach perfect for adults and kids to have some serious beach fun.

The clear, calm sea and the surrounding landscape, flanked by rocks, give this sandy cala an extra special something. Plus, there are sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, some places to eat and drink, and toilets.

Platja de Muro – North

One of the most popular beaches in Mallorca is Platja de Muro, the five-kilometre sandy stretch close to the towns of Muro and Port Alcúdia in the island’s north.

It’s one of the best blue flag beaches in Mallorca, and because there are all kinds of facilities, from sun loungers to restaurants, it really is a great place for a day out. Platja de Muro is one of the longest and most picturesque beaches with soft white sand and shallow turquoise water. It extends all the way to Port d’ Alcúdia and up to Can Picafort, so the length is more like 11 to 13 kilometres in reality — the perfect place to spend a day.

Es Carbó – Southeast

We would describe Es Carbó as a beach where you can escape everything. So if you are looking for some peace and quiet, this place is for you. Es Carbó can only be reached on foot, a 30-minute walk from Colònia de Sant Jordi, or by boat.

Here you can experience Mallorca at its wildest and purest. And although there are no facilities like sun loungers, this is one of this beach’s charms. You should also check out the natural beauty of Es Trenc and Es Caragol nearby.

Cala Mondrago – Southeast

Staying on the southeastern coast, a short drive from Santanyí, Mondragó Natural Park is a protected expanse of land next to the sea. This unspoiled spot is home to several beaches, including Cala Mondragó, also known as Caló de sa font de n’Alis.

Framed by rocks, the sea is a pure glistening turquoise that pops against the white sand. There are some facilities, including a shop and a restaurant, but not so many that you miss out on a real sense of Mediterranean paradise. Check out our recent post on Mondragó Natural Park to discover more.