10 best beaches in Mallorca to escape the heat
Whether you want to get your kit off, pilot a windsurfer, pay for sun loungers or hit one of the party beaches, this island will deliver a beach with fine white sand, rocky coves and sand dunes galore.
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With over 50 kilometres of beautiful beaches to choose from, there is one for every vibe.
Cala Deia
When you think 'best beaches Mallorca', this is the one that probs springs to mind. It's been Instagrammed to death but if you strike it lucky by going early or late, you could well find yourself on this beautiful beach without as many of the crowds.
The rocky coastline is reached through olive groves and orchards from the village. Don't even think about trying to score a paid parking space here in high season and if you're hungry eat in the hamlet of Deia as the beach shacks are hella pricey. But omg that turquoise water on this north-western idyll.
Calla Mondrago
Mallorca's southeast coast is home to Mondrago Natural Park and its famed sandy beach. There are rustic chiringuitos on the fine sand for a quick lunch and easy access via an inevitably thronged car park. If it's all bit full on, just keep walking and in around 400 metres you'll find Cala s'Amarador - one of the island's most pleasant beaches. The shallow water means it's also family friendly.
Two beaches, one beach day? It's a pretty good deal but avoid it on Wednesdays when everyone who's been to the market in the nearby town of Santanyi heads over for a dip.
Cala Torta
If you're near the northeast corner of Mallorca and the wind isn't too hectic off the Tramuntana Mountains, this is an unspoiled as things get. Beware of the steep incline in the gin-clear waters though it's a proper drop off so keep an eye on small children. Arrive early in high season and this absolutely beautiful beach will feel like you're miles away from civilisation. Of all the beaches in Mallorca, this feels the least developed.
Platja de Alcudia
At over three kilometres, this is easily one of Mallorca's longest beaches. It's almost manicured in its perfection and families adore its crystal clear waters, flat sea, water sports such as kayaks and pedalos and the fact that it's easily accessible from the medieval town of Alcudia near the northern tip of the island. A strip of small restaurants and beach bars are also just a short walk away but don't mistake it for one of the island's party beaches. It's anything but.
Es Trenc
The gem of the south coast, this beach was the scene of a fierce battle between pro development consortiums and locals who wanted it preserved. Thankfully the latter won and a short wander through a stunted pine forest and small sand dunes brings you to one of the most famed of Mallorca's beaches. Think Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay but with a six euro entry fee (A$10).
As stunning as it is, give it a wide berth in July and August as there will barely be space to pop a towel down. When you do go, however, bear in mind there aren't such niceties as toilets or showers on this stretch of coast between Colonia De Sant Jordi and Sa Rapita. Those who persevere are greatly rewarded.
Playa de Formentor
Sitting on the eponymous peninsula, is a mere sliver of beach and the Four Seasons hotel of your dreams. It feels remote thanks to being ensconced in a cloak of oaks and Aleppo pines and is probably our favourite beach on the island. Just take a jaunt up the east coast from Port de Pollenca.
Cala Varques
Just outside Manacor, this beach retains its hippie vibes, artisan trinket vendors and very lax clothing rules. It's a super chill destination with precious few facilities and you've got to love the scent of pine drifting in from the hills. Magnificent.
Calo Des Moro
This tiny, tiny sliver of a beach is folded between pine forests and serrated cliff faces, but gosh it's gorgeous. There are no sun loungers to hire or bustling bars but that is half its charm. Remember the aquamarine eye shadow your mum once wore? That's the hue of the water here.
Cala Mesquida
Declared an area of special interest and therefore safe from developers, this beach - complete with elevated walkways to protect its fragile dune system - stretches 350 metres and if you turn right, you'll amble into the nudist area. The beach is seven kilometres from Capdepera and there is a small bar and restaurants slinging tapas and burgers. There are also lifeguards on site and it's a great spot for watersports such as snorkelling and diving. One of the standouts on the east side of the island. As is Cala Ratjada, the next beach over.
Cala Agulla
Up there with Cala Pi for pure prettiness, Cala Agulla sits within the Llevant Peninsula National Park but strikes a happy balance with sunbeds, food vendors and the all important toilets. It's super popular in summer so either avoid or set out early. The location on the northeast coast, near the town of Capdepera, is well suited to hiking and if you're up for exploring there's a bunch of coves away from the crowds.
Where is Mallorca?
Mallorca is part of the Balearic archipelago which is off the east coast of Spain. It is the seventh largest island in the Pacific.
How big is Mallorca?
It's an impressive 3640 square kilometres. For context, Kangaroo Island is 4405 square kilometres.
Do Australians need a visa for Spain?
No. You can stay for 90 days or less within a 180 day period without a visa.
Can you fly direct to Mallorca from Australia?
No. You will have to transit through Asia or the Middle East to a European hub such as Madrid before taking a flight to the Palma de Mallorca airport in Palma.
Originally published as 10 best beaches in Mallorca to escape the heat
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