11 Best Beaches in Mallorca/Majorca

There's a good reason Mallorca attracts millions of tourists every year. The beaches of this Balearic island in the Mediterranean are divine. Translucent waters, diversity of beaches, stunning nature, spectacular landscapes—the island captivates you easily. From the wide, sandy bays like Alcúdia to hidden, cyan coves, dramatic beaches at the foot of the mountains, and charming city stretches, Mallorca's offerings are impressive.

Also, this island, along with Sardinia in Italy, is where you find some of the most spellbinding white-sand beaches in Europe. And then there's Palma de Mallorca, a vibrant capital that enthralls you with an epic seaside Cathedral, a lively Old Town, and an energetic tapas culture. Let me take you on a tour of Mallorca's best beaches while sharing my experience of exploring this marvelous island.

Best for the shallow white sand

When you stand on the wooden pier piercing into the transparent, turquoise water, Alcúdia doesn't feel like Europe. This white-sand beach looks like a Caribbean transplant, offering calm, shallow sea. Located on the island's north, Alcúdia is a spacious, two-mile bay, perfect for families with small kids. The gentle waters are also great for kayaking and paddleboarding.

It's the beach of Port d'Alcúdia, a charming resort town with plenty of accommodation, restaurants, tapas bars, and watersports rentals. It's usually a more affordable alternative to the island's Southern resorts. Travel back in time by visiting the gorgeous Old Town of Alcúdia (2 miles away), which greets you with medieval city walls and a labyrinth of tiny alleys. 

Best for gorgeous, untouched nature

If you're looking for wild Mallorca, go to Formentor. Located on the island's northernmost point, it's a Mediterranean idyll. The lush pine tree forest grows at the edge of the impossibly blue waters, divided only by a short strip of soft, white sand. Off-season, it's one of the most magical beaches in Mallorca. Coming during the summer requires some preparation, as the tiny stretch fills up quickly. Arrive early in high season to secure your spot.

Several beach bars offer parasol and lounger rentals (quite overpriced). There's paid parking near the beach. The rocks at the edges of Platja de Formentor are fantastic for easy snorkeling. You can also have your White Lotus-reminiscent luxurious escape, Mallorca-style, here: Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor is among the most exclusive hotels on the island. It is located at the south end of the beach.

Best urban beach in Palma de Mallorca

Portitxol is a lovely neighborhood south of Palma's Old Town. Once a fishing village, today, it's home to some of the most scenic seafood restaurants and trendy bars in town. Also, there's Portitxolet, a small, crescent-shaped bay, where locals go for a relaxing dip, a sunbathing escape, and sunset watching. You can easily walk here from the Cathedral, or take a local bus.

Sunset is usually when Portitxolet is at its most vibrant – the restaurant terraces are packed, and the beach becomes the city's best viewpoint. Ola del Mar and El Marino are top choices for grilled seafood. Cafè Bar Es Vaixell is where you try traditional Mallorcan tapas. Also, you may recognize Portitxolet from the "Despecha" music video by the Spanish star Rosalia. 

Most photogenic cove and best forest hikes

Mondragó Natural Park is among the most enchanting places on Mallorca's southeastern coast. It's the land of juniper groves, Aleppo pines, and limestone cliffs hugged by the sapphire sea. Cala Mondragó is at the heart of the natural park's beauty. This cove might be the island's most spectacular, mesmerizing you with the transparent waters of all shades of blue. Sunbathe on the white sand, jump into the turquoise from the cliffs, explore the seabed with snorkeling gear on, or kayak through the gorgeous bay—there's an activity for everyone at Mondragó.

Like many other Mallorcan coves, it sees a surge of visitors during the high season, so get there as early as possible. Otherwise, you can always visit the neighboring coves of Caló des Borgit and S’Amarador, offering the same stunning beauty. Birdwatchers will be happy to spot the local aquatic birds that nest in the natural park. 

Best for amenities

A gem of the Calvià coast, Peguera stands as the more laid-back alternative to the raucous resorts of Magaluf and Palmanova. Its vibe is boutique hotels rather than high-rises, and you won't find loud sports bars or nightclubs here. Palmira Beach is ideal for a relaxed family trip or a peaceful romantic escape. It's a moon-shaped bay of golden sand, flanked by a promenade with restaurants and cafes.

Everything is close by, there are showers and toilets, lifeguards are on duty, and you've got several watersports rentals. Shallow access ensures fun water time for kids and peace for adults. Also, it's within walking distance of the magnificent Cala Fornells, which is one of the best snorkeling spots on the Calvià coast. 

Best for water sports

The undeveloped northeast coast is at its most impressive at Cala Mesquida. Surrounded by vast dunes and a rugged coast, it's a fantastic beach destination. The open bay is more exposed to the winds, so surfing and windsurfing are widely practiced here. During the summer, when the waters are calm, Cala Mesquida is an excellent spot for families with kids. The fine sand is great for castle-building, and the water access is shallow.

There's no natural shade, so bring your umbrella or rent one on the spot. A demanding Talaia de Son Jaumell hike starts in Cala Mesquida and takes you to an ancient watchtower with magnificent coastal views. 

Best for the pine tree forest and clear waters

Located between Alcúdia and Can Picafort, Platja de Muro is a fantastic stretch to feel connected to Mediterranean nature. The pine tree forest runs parallel to the golden sands, providing a stunning backdrop to your bathing and a cozy place to escape the sun in the summer. It's my favorite beach in Mallorca.

Muro is never too crowded, you can easily walk to Port d'Alcúdia for civilization, but it feels distant enough to get a tranquil break. The water access is shallow, but it gets deep fast. It's also often windy here, so you can try windsurfing. 

Best for picture-perfect beauty

The most photogenic of all Mallorcan calas (rocky coves), Caló del Moro is sure to take your breath away with its turquoise waters. It's a narrow cove between two limestone cliffs with a translucent sea. The colors here range from bright blue to sapphire, inviting you to explore the seabed while snorkeling. As one of Mallorca's most famous coves, it gets extremely crowded during the high season.

The best time to visit for a quieter experience is mid-spring or early autumn. In summer, I'd advise going here for a quick dip and a photoshoot, but choosing more peaceful coves to spend the day at. The only official parking is within 15 minutes' walking distance from the beach. 

Best for a family holiday

Santa Ponça is a classic family getaway. You've got a spacious, wide beach of white sand. One of Mallorca's longest stretches, it's perfect for kids—the access is shallow, and the protected bay ensures calm waters. Rent a pedalo (a paddle boat) for a more scenic pastime in the picturesque Santa Ponça. Take the spectacular seaside promenade to Calita Santa Ponça, a paradise-looking little cove with clear waters, offering amazing snorkeling.

Platja Cala Blanca is another gorgeous cove, located between the town and Costa de la Calma. As for the accommodation, you'll find many family-friendly resorts and hotels in Santa Ponça. Jungle Parc is a fun adventure park for kids with ropes courses and zip lines. 

Best for spectacular nature

Sa Calobra is a revered name among road enthusiasts and die-hard cyclists. Lost among the high cliffs of the UNESCO-protected Serra de Tramuntana, this remote village is the terminus of one of Spain's most adventurous and stunning routes. Beginning from Coll dels Reis, the road features multiple hairpins, a 270-degree spiral bridge, and tunnels. All with breathtaking views of the island's mountains. The journey culminates in Torrent de Pareis, a tiny, pebbly beach between the two gargantuan cliffs, backed by the gorge.

If you're looking for exceptional natural experiences on Mallorca, traveling to Sa Calobra is one to embark on. If a super windy road sounds like too much, you can also get here by ferryboat from Port de Sóller. Torrent de Pareis is connected with the village by a pedestrian tunnel. You'll find several restaurants in Sa Calobra, surrounded by the wonderful green bay. 

Best for the unforgettable views

Bathing with a vista is better. The main beach of the fishing village of Sant Elmoverlooks the unspoilt Mediterranean island of Sa Dragonera. It's a tranquil stretch on the less-developed southwestern coast of Mallorca, where you can experience a slower pace of life and fully immerse yourself in the wild nature. The water is calm and impeccably clean.

The charming village of Sant Elm offers many traditional Mallorcan restaurants. But the real showstopper is Dragonera Island, just off the beach. Get on a boat to explore its uninhabited bays and hike to the Na Pòpia peak through the wild Balearic nature. The island is also a top yacht destination in Mallorca—you can sail to many hidden coves there.