Photos: MOCHNI
I explored the best natural beaches and calas in Mallorca, and each has its own unique character. Most of them are far away from the well-known tourist spots and are mostly located in the UNESCO World Heritage Serra de Tramuntana, which includes the breathtaking and hidden Cala Murta, Cala Figuera de Formentor, and Bañalbufar, as well as the better-known Cala Deià and Platja des Traves in Sóller. One of my favorite beaches, Playa del Mago is a sheltered beach framed by pine forests with crystal-clear, shallow water. It’s super cozy, gay-friendly, and has that Ibiza spirit. Cala d’es Moro boasts an incredible coastal scenery, while Platja de Cala Agulla is a wide, expansive beach in the north where you can catch good waves here and there for surfing.
Some are easily accessible with a short walk, while others can only be reached via a slightly more advanced hiking trail. In any case, make sure to bring enough water, ocean-friendly sunscreen, and a small kit with essentials (like a jellyfish sting remedy) just in case. For the steeper paths, I recommend light hiking shoes. I love every single one of these beaches and calas, and the hikes are definitely worth it! Cala Tuent, Sa Calobra, and Coll Baix are definitely on the bucket list for this guide as well. Discover all 9 best natural beaches and calas on Mallorca!
Bañalbufar is a quiet, breathtaking coastal shore tucked right below ancient terraced cliffs in the cultural landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana. With its cascading agricultural steps, it almost feels a bit like Bali meets the Mediterranean. Via a winding path up the Tramuntana mountains and back down through a street and steps leading down the steep cliffside from the village, you will reach Bañalbufar. Combined with raw, rugged cliffs and crystal-clear deep water, it makes for a truly unique escape.
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To reach Cala Deià, I love taking a long walk through the quiet nature of Deià. You walk past olive tree terraces where you hear nothing except donkeys and roosters. Alternatively, you can hike down the winding trail from the enchanting artist village tucked into the Tramuntana mountains. Steep paths lead you all the way down to a magical rocky cove. You can also reach the cala by car, as there are some parking spaces down the road. Its rich artistic heritage, traditional stone architecture, and stunning sea views make it completely unique.
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Platja des Traves is a lively and central sandy beach stretching right along the harbor promenade of Port de Sóller. With its golden sand, gentle waves, and the iconic historic tram passing right by, it offers a wonderful, bustling seaside atmosphere with the stunning Tramuntana mountains in the background. Very easy to reach by car, bus, or via the historic wooden train from Palma and Sóller town.
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Hidden in the North of Serra de Tramuntana, Cala Murta is a deeply peaceful, shaded nature cove is tucked away at the end of the peninsula. It is surrounded by wild pine trees and friendly local mountain goats. You can drive by bus or car past Pollença towards Cap de Formentor, park nearby, and take a scenic 20-minute walk through the woods to get there.
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Right across from Cala Murta, Cala Figuera de Formentor is a stunning, wild pebble cove tucked away between dramatic mountain walls on the Formentor peninsula. The crystal-clear water and rugged, untouched surroundings create a true adventure feeling. By car, you can park at the designated roadside area and take a steep, rocky 15-to-20-minute walking path down to the shore. I definitely recommend wearing sturdy shoes.
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Located in Calvià in the southwest of Mallorca, Playa del Mago is a tiny, gay-friendly raw beach pocket surrounded by low pine-covered rocks, offering crystal-clear swimming conditions. It’s one of my favorite beaches because it has a super chilled vibe and Ibiza spirit, with wide, flat water that feels like a huge bathtub oasis! To reach the beach, I love to walk the path along Playa del Rei, but you can also easily reach the beach by car. There is a small parking area nearby, followed by a very short, flat walk through the pine trees.
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Cala d’es Moro is a legendary, postcard-worthy cove framed by very steep cliffs and impossibly clear turquoise water located in Santanyí, Southeast of Mallorca. Park in the designated residential area and take a 15-to-20-minute walk along a coastal path and steep rock descent. (Tip: Go early!)
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Tucked in Manacor on the east coast of Mallorca, Cala Varques is a secluded paradise beach with a wild, untouched atmosphere. Natural stone arches nearby totally reward the effort it takes to get there. You can take a 1-hour advanced hike from S’Estany d’en Mas along the beautiful coastline. For this path, I definitely recommend wearing sturdy shoes. Alternatively, you can park along the rural roadside and hike about 20 minutes through a flat pine forest trail to reach the sand.
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Platja de Cala Agulla is located in Capdepera in Mallorca’s northeast. It is a wide, expansive stretch of fine sand completely embraced by a protected nature reserve with a stunning pine forest backdrop. While it is not a consistent surf spot, you can catch good waves here when the conditions and swell are right. Easily accessible by bus or car, large paid parking lots are located right next to the main beach entrance.
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