12 of the Best Beaches in Majorca

Majorca has more than 200 beaches, from wide golden bays with lifeguards and sunbeds to tiny turquoise coves reached on foot through pine woods. Here are the best, whether you want space for the kids, a snorkelling spot or a postcard cove.

The south-east coves

1. Caló des Moro

Perhaps Majorca's most photographed cove: a narrow inlet of turquoise water between pine-covered cliffs near Santanyí. It's tiny and very popular – come early in the morning or out of season, and be prepared for a short, rocky walk.

2. Cala Llombards

A pretty, sheltered cove with fine sand, a beach bar and clear water, a little quieter than its famous neighbour.

3. Cala Mondragó

Inside a natural park, Mondragó has two sandy coves linked by a coastal path, with calm water and pine trees for shade – great for families.

4. Cala Varques

Reached by a walk through the countryside, this unspoilt cove with sea caves nearby feels wild and remote.

The south

5. Es Trenc

A long stretch of white sand and shallow turquoise water backed by dunes – the closest Majorca gets to the Caribbean. It's protected and undeveloped, with only a few beach bars.

6. Sant Elm

In the far south-west, the small resort of Sant Elm has a sandy beach facing the dramatic island of Sa Dragonera, which you can visit by boat.

The north and north-east

7. Cala Formentor

A long, narrow beach shaded by pines on the Formentor Peninsula, with calm, clear water and views across the bay. In summer, access by car to the peninsula can be restricted – check before you go and consider the bus or a boat from Port de Pollença.

8. Playa de Muro

Kilometres of fine sand and very shallow water make this one of the best family beaches on the island, next to the S'Albufera wetlands.

9. Playa de Alcúdia

A long, gently sloping bay with every facility, water sports and a lively promenade, next to the medieval walled town of Alcúdia.

10. Cala Mesquida

A wide, natural beach backed by dunes in the north-east, popular with families and bodyboarders on windy days.

11. Cala Agulla

Near Cala Rajada, this beautiful sandy bay is surrounded by pine forest, with walking paths to quieter coves nearby.

The west coast

12. Cala Deià

Not a sandy beach but a pebble cove with crystal-clear water below the artists' village of Deià, with two simple fish restaurants above the rocks – a favourite for a long lunch.

Beach tips

• Arrive early at the coves – car parks fill by mid-morning in summer.
• Bring water shoes for the pebble and rocky coves.
• Respect protected areas: stay on paths through the dunes and pine woods.

Island-hopping? Read why Menorca is worth a visit, or discover the quieter side of Ibiza.