Rocky cliffs, hidden coves, white sand and an impossibly blue sea: Mallorca’s beaches in the sunny Balearics are some of the most photographed in the world, and there's one for everyone. Here's our guide.
LessWith few buildings in sight, Cala Mesquida is a local favorite. Umbrellas of every color dot wide expanses of white sand, and green cliffs seem to roll right into the sea.
One of the larger beaches in Mallorca, Es Trenc is seemingly endless, with miles of pale waters stretching beyond the eye can see. Considered the local favorite, it’s one of the island’s best stretches and has the benefit of being in a national park, surrounded by dunes and salt flats.
Platja de Santa Margalida, located in Ca’n Picafort, is easily accessible and right off a main road. Flanked by palm trees and restaurants serving sangria and the daily catch, the beach is bound to be busy with locals due to its location right on the town. It’s great for families.
A scenic drive along Mallorca’s northern fork brings you to the waters at Platja de Formentor, which are still and shallow, making for the ideal mid-afternoon swim. High mountains rich with vegetation surround the area, which is populated with some of the island’s grandest real estate.
The surfer’s choice. On eastern Mallorca’s Alcúdia Bay, it’s out of the way and under the radar, with rougher waters than most beaches on the island. For this reason, it’s decidedly less crowded and always draws a few local kite surfers.
The road to Cala Torta, on the northeastern point of Mallorca, is something out of this world. With steep mountains, high grasses, and greenery all around, it’s a sharp contrast to the beach’s saturated waters, in which deep navy flirts with bright azule. With hills to hike and an open-air shack for snacking on langoustines and calamari, it’s a paradise among paradise.
The closest beach to the capital of Palma, Platja d’Illetes is convenient for those looking to rest after wandering the city’s markets, 14th century castles, and limestone cathedrals. Las Terrazas, a beach club, is ideal for a day of lounging under the sun.
One of the lesser- known Mallorca beaches that requires a locals' guidance — there’s not a lot of signage— the rocky cove of Cala Falcó is a quick car ride from both Palma and Magaluf. The bar Cap Falcó offers boho beach vibes.