Palma and Surrounding

The beaches around Palma offer long stretches of sandy beaches with plenty of amenities and urban convenience with a plethora of bars, restaurants and beach clubs. However, these beaches are very popular, so expect heavy crowds and a serious party atmosphere in some areas.

• Platja de Palma is a 4km stretch of sandy beach with plenty of bars, restaurants and water sports. Great for people-watching and nightlife. It’s the epicenter of mass tourism, so expect crowds, noise, and a bit of chaos
• Platja de Cala Major is small but popular, with soft sand and clear waters close to Palma. Perfect for a quick dip, but don't expect much elbow room in peak season.
• Platja de Palma Nova is a family favorite with wide sand expanses and calm waters. The kids will love it, but good luck finding a quiet spot during school holidays. The bars nearby can get noisy, so bring earplugs if you plan on napping.
• Platja de Magaluf has a wide array of water sports and activities. If you love a party atmosphere, this is your beach. Just remember, it’s not the place for a quiet read.

Eastern Coast

The eastern coastline is dotted with some of the most stunning beaches you'll ever set foot on. From rocky coves to bustling sandy stretches, the region offers a diverse array of beach experiences, without the party crowds who are mostly concentrated around Palma.

• Starting from the south, Calo del Moro is like the supermodels of beaches, with its stunning turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs - perfect for those postcard-perfect Instagram shots. The downside? Be prepared to elbow your way through fellow sunbathers during peak times. Cala s'Almunia, just next door, is equally stunning but mostly rocky
• Just around the corner, Cala Llombards offers a more accessible slice of paradise. This sandy cove is flanked by pine trees and rocky cliffs, making it ideal for both sunbathing and cliff jumping
• Moving north, Cala Mondrago and Cala S'Amarador are like a two-for-one deal in paradise. Cala Mondrago is the more popular of the two, with clear waters and sandy shores. The catch? The crowds can be a bit much, and you might feel like you’re sharing your beach towel with half of Europe.
• Cala d'Or boasts several picturesque coves, each as charming as the last. The town’s beaches are family-friendly, with shallow waters and plenty of amenities
• Cala Millor and Sa Coma are popular tourist beaches with long stretches of sand and plenty of amenities. They are perfect for families and those who enjoy a lively beach atmosphere
• Cala Agulla is a stunning beach surrounded by pine forests and dunes. For a quieter experience, head to Cala Molto or Cala Gat. These smaller beaches offer a more peaceful setting, although facilities are limited.

Southern coast

Compared to the other parts of the island, the southern beaches often have less commercial development. This can mean fewer amenities and more of a “bring your own” approach to beach days, but it also results in a more pristine and unspoiled environment.

• Cala Pi is a picturesque cove with turquoise waters, nestled between cliffs. It’s stunning, but limited parking means you might need to hike a bit. Small beach, big crowds.
• Es Trenc looks like the Caribbean, with its 4 km of white sand and crystal-clear waters. It's neither undiscovered nor untouched, yet it rarely feels crowded except during peak season, and there's minimal development.
• Es Carbo and Es Caragol are quieter alternatives to Es Trenc, accessible by a hike from Colonia de Sant Jordi. They offer unspoiled beauty and fewer people. You’ll need to walk a bit, but it’s worth it for the peace and quiet.

Northern coast

The north coast is famous for its dramatic landscapes, featuring the Tramuntana mountains as a stunning backdrop. The region is home to some of the longest beaches on the island and is generally family-friendly with shallow waters and more facilities.

• Playa de Port de Pollença is a family favorite, with its wide stretch of sand and shallow waters perfect for kids. It's ideal for a day of sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
• Just a short drive away, Platja de Formentor is one of Mallorca's most famous beaches. With its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, it's a postcard-perfect spot
• Platja d'Alcudia is a sprawling beach known for its fine sand and shallow waters, making it perfect for families. With plenty of amenities, it's a convenient choice for a full day at the beach
• Platja de Muro is a continuation of Platja d'Alcudia, offering the same beautiful sand and clear waters. The beach is long enough to find a spot away from the crowds if you walk a bit

Western coast

The west coast is less of a beach destination. Here you will mostly find small rocky coves surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains. This means little amenities but a quieter atmosphere overall.

• Port de Sóller has one of the few sandy beaches on the west coast and boasts a charming promenade lined with cafes and restaurants. It's ideal for families and those who enjoy a bit of urban convenience with their beach day.
• Cala Deià is nestled in a picturesque cove. It’s the perfect spot for a scenic swim and a meal at the beachside restaurant. The beach is pebbly, which might be a turn-off if you're a fan of soft sand. It's also quite small and can feel cramped during peak times​​.
• Famous for its dramatic setting, Sa Calobra is nestled between towering cliffs. Note that the winding road to get there is not for the faint-hearted. The beach itself is quite rocky, and the popularity of the spot means it can get very busy

Each of these beaches offers a unique slice of Mallorca's coastal charm, but remember, the secret to a perfect beach day might just be finding a spot that's less Instagrammable but more enjoyable for you.