Best Beaches in Northern Mallorca: From Cap Farrutx to Cap de Formentor
February 10, 202610-15 min readCoral Boats Team
A detailed tour of every beach and cove from Cap Farrutx to Cap de Formentor: sand, rocks, scenery, accessibility, amenities and the best ways to get there — including boat routes.
A coastline that transforms with every kilometre
If there is one thing that makes northern Mallorca special, it is the sheer diversity of its coast. In just 60 kilometres — the distance between Cap Farrutx and Cap de Formentor — you will find white-sand beaches that rival the Caribbean, rocky coves hidden between towering cliffs, pristine stretches of sand guarded by dunes, and secluded spots only reachable by boat or after a hike through the pines.
This guide covers every beach and cove along the northern coast, from east to west: from the wildest corners of the Llevant Natural Park to the legendary turquoise waters of Formentor. For each beach you will find what the seabed is like, how to get there, what amenities are available and — where it truly makes a difference — why seeing it from the sea changes the experience entirely.
Whether you are looking for a family day out with sun loungers and a beach bar, or an adventure hiking to a secluded cove, you will find your perfect beach here.
From Cap Farrutx to Cap de Formentor: the northern coastline at a glance
Northern Mallorca's coast traces a sweeping arc that embraces the Bay of Alcudia, one of the widest bays in the western Mediterranean. At the eastern end, Cap Farrutx marks the entrance to the Llevant Peninsula Natural Park — a rugged landscape of limestone cliffs and wild scrubland. As the coast curves northward, it softens into vast sandy stretches — Son Serra, Can Picafort, Playa de Muro, Playa de Alcudia — before rising again along the Victoria Peninsula with dramatic coves like Coll Baix.
Further west, the Port of Pollença offers a long, tranquil urban beach — the gateway to the iconic Formentor Peninsula: dizzying cliffs, pine forests reaching down to the water's edge, and the famous beach that has captivated travellers for generations. Finally, the coast closes with the rugged coves of Cala Boquer and Cala Sant Vicenç, true treasures carved into the rock.
Throughout this entire stretch, boat excursions are the perfect complement: they reveal perspectives impossible to see from land, provide access to remote coves, and let you enjoy the scenery without the limitations of the road.
Map of northern Mallorca showing the best beaches and coves from Cap Farrutx to Cap de Formentor, including the most popular boat routes
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The Llevant Natural Park and the wild eastern coast
The eastern end of the northern coast is its wildest stretch. Mass tourism has not reached here, and the landscapes retain an authenticity that is hard to find elsewhere on the island. From the Llevant nature reserve to the long sandy beach of Can Picafort, every section of coastline has its own personality.
1Es Caló and Cala Na Clara (Betlem)
Sheltered beneath Cap Farrutx, the small settlement of Betlem hides two gems: Es Caló, a tiny pebble cove perfect for snorkelling, and Cala Na Clara, slightly larger, with a mixed sand-and-rock seabed and astonishingly clear waters.
Seabed: Pebbles and rock with patches of coarse sand
Access: By car to Betlem, then on foot (5–10 minutes). No direct public transport
Amenities: None. Bring water and supplies
Scenery: Serra de Llevant cliffs plunging into the sea, aromatic scrubland, rocky islets
Best way to get there: On foot from Betlem or, for the most inaccessible stretches of coast, by boat excursion from Colonia de Sant Pere. Several local operators run routes around Cap Farrutx that let you admire its cliffs from the sea — a truly spectacular perspective.
This is a place for those seeking absolute solitude and nature without filters. Perfect for snorkelling enthusiasts and photographers.
2Colonia de Sant Pere
This former fishing village retains a charm that has been lost along much of the Mallorcan coast. Its small town beach alternates stretches of sand with rock and offers direct views of the Serra de Llevant and the Na Borges islets.
Seabed: Sand mixed with rock and posidonia seagrass
Access: By car (easy parking outside August). Bus from Artà
Amenities: Seafront restaurants, a small supermarket in the village, showers
Scenery: Traditional fishing harbour with colourful llaüts, mountains in the background, unforgettable sunsets
Don't miss: Strolling around the harbour and trying the fresh catch of the day. Boat trips depart from here towards the Llevant coast and the coves of Betlem, allowing you to explore stretches of coastline that are inaccessible by land.
Colonia de Sant Pere is also the starting point for hiking trails to the Betlem Hermitage, with panoramic views across the entire bay.
3Son Serra de Marina
One of Mallorca's best-kept secrets. Son Serra de Marina is a long, narrow stretch of virtually untouched sand, flanked by a protected dune system and a torrent that flows into the sea.
Seabed: Fine golden sand with some posidonia along the shoreline
Access: By car to the Son Serra development. Limited parking near the beach
Amenities: Very few. A seasonal beach bar and little else. No sun loungers or parasols for hire
Scenery: Dunes, low pine forest, farmland in the distance and a sense of endless beach
Tip: Walk to the left (towards Can Picafort) to find the most deserted stretches. The beach extends for several kilometres, and on weekdays you can find long sections completely empty.
Son Serra is the ideal beach for those who want to escape the crowds. The easterly wind can blow hard here, so check the forecast before you go. When the sea is calm, the water clarity is remarkable for such an open beach.
4Can Picafort
Marking the transition between the wild eastern coast and the great beaches of the bay, Can Picafort offers an extensive urban beach with every amenity a family could need.
Seabed: Fine, pale sand with a gentle slope into the water
Access: Easy by car (large car park) and by bus from Palma, Alcudia and Artà
Amenities: Full range: lifeguards, showers, sun lounger and parasol hire, beach bars, promenade restaurants, water sports
Scenery: Lively promenade, open views across the Bay of Alcudia, the Tramuntana mountains in the distance
For families: The shallow waters and gradual entry make Can Picafort one of the safest beaches on the island for young children.
Although more touristy than its eastern neighbours, Can Picafort maintains a pleasant and laid-back atmosphere. The weekly market (Tuesdays and Fridays) is a great excuse to combine beach time with a spot of shopping.
The dramatic cliffs of Cap Farrutx and the unspoilt coastline of the Llevant Nature Reserve, starting point of our journey along northern Mallorca's beaches
The charming fishing harbour of Colonia de Sant Pere with traditional llaüt boats and the Serra de Llevant mountains behind, one of the most authentic corners of the north coast
The Bay of Alcudia: dream beaches and crystal-clear waters
The heart of the northern coast is home to the bay's most celebrated beaches: Playa de Muro and Playa de Alcudia, kilometres of white sand and turquoise water that appear year after year in the rankings of Europe's finest beaches. Alongside them, Alcanada offers an entirely different landscape — more intimate and rocky. These are the beaches we sail past on our boat excursions, and we can assure you that seeing them from the sea is a completely different experience.
1Playa de Muro
Consistently rated one of Spain's best beaches, Playa de Muro occupies the central strip of the bay with over 5 kilometres of fine white sand. Its sandy seabed slopes so gently that it creates transparent, shallow waters ideal for children.
Seabed: Fine white sand of limestone origin. Very gradual entry into the water
Access: By car with several parking areas (the closest ones are paid in summer). Tourist shuttle and regular bus from Alcudia and Can Picafort
Amenities: Varies by section. The area closest to Alcudia (sectors I and II) has sun loungers, beach bars and lifeguards. Sectors III and IV, within the s'Albufera Natural Park, are more natural and peaceful
Scenery: Protected dune vegetation, pine forest backdrop, waters shifting from turquoise to emerald with the light
From the sea: On our morning boat tour, the view of Playa de Muro from the bay is breathtaking: an endless white strip backed by the dark green of the s'Albufera pine forest.
The quietest sections are near the s'Albufera Natural Park — well worth the extra walk to enjoy a virtually pristine setting.
2Playa de Alcudia
A natural continuation of Playa de Muro towards the port, Playa de Alcudia combines the beauty of the sandy shore with the convenience of having everything close at hand. It is the most accessible beach in the area and one of the most fully equipped.
Seabed: Fine white sand, transparent and shallow waters
Access: Excellent. Walking distance from Alcudia town centre or the port. Large car park, bus stop
Amenities: Everything: lifeguards all summer, showers, toilets, sun lounger, parasol, kayak and paddle board hire, beach bars and beachfront restaurants
Scenery: Palm-lined promenade, panoramic views of the bay and the Tramuntana mountains
Marina: Our boat excursions depart from the Port of Alcudia — the perfect starting point for exploring the northern coast by sea.
Playa de Alcudia is ideal for anyone who wants to combine a beach day with lunch at the port, a stroll through Alcudia's medieval old town, or a sunset boat trip. Everything is just steps away.
3Playa de Alcanada
Just 3 kilometres from the Port of Alcudia, Alcanada is a world apart. Its landscape is dominated by the iconic Alcanada islet with its stone lighthouse, and the surrounding waters are a snorkelling paradise.
Seabed: Mixed: areas of flat rock, gravel and small tongues of sand. The underwater scenery is extraordinary
Access: By car (limited parking, paid in summer; arrive early). Also on foot or by bicycle from the Port of Alcudia
Amenities: Minimal. A restaurant next to the beach and little else. No sun loungers or lifeguards
Scenery: The lighthouse perched on the islet, Aleppo pines reaching the shore, deep blue waters with an incredibly rich seabed
Snorkelling: One of the best snorkelling spots on the island. The posidonia meadows are home to wrasse, white seabream, starfish and octopus. Bring your own mask and snorkel
From the sea: Alcanada is one of the most beautiful stops on our morning boat tour. Circling the lighthouse islet and anchoring for a swim in its crystal-clear waters is a truly unforgettable moment.
Alcanada has a special atmosphere: peaceful, natural and elegant all at once. The golf course beside the beach lends it an unexpectedly bucolic touch.
Panoramic view of Alcanada island with its iconic stone lighthouse and the crystal-clear waters of Alcudia bay, a paradise for snorkelling
The wild coast: Coll Baix, La Victoria and their hidden beaches
North of the Port of Alcudia, the Victoria Peninsula throws up spectacular cliffs above the sea. Here the coast turns rugged and untamed, and the beaches it conceals are among the most stunning in all of Mallorca. Some can only be reached on foot along mountain trails or — much better — by boat from the sea.
1Coll Baix: the hidden gem
Coll Baix is, for many, the most spectacular beach in northern Mallorca. A natural amphitheatre of cliffs towering over 200 metres high surrounds a pristine shore of white pebbles and electric turquoise water.
Seabed: Coarse white pebbles of limestone origin. The water takes on an almost unreal turquoise colour from the reflection off the white rock
Access on foot: Hiking trail from the Ermita de la Victoria (45–60 minutes, moderate-to-difficult with a steep final section). Wear good footwear and bring water
Access by boat: Without doubt the most comfortable and spectacular way to arrive. On our morning excursion, Coll Baix is one of the star stops: we anchor in front of the beach so you can swim, snorkel and soak in the scenery — without the effort of the hike
Amenities: Absolutely none. This is a 100% pristine beach. Bring everything you need
Scenery: Vertical cliffs cloaked in vegetation, sea caves at either end, waters of an otherworldly clarity
Tip: If you go on foot, start early. The hike under the midday sun is tough. If you come by boat, you can be there in just 15 minutes from the Port of Alcudia and spend your time enjoying the place rather than sweating on the trail.
Coll Baix is a beach that stays with you. The combination of vertical cliffs, impossibly blue water and a feeling of total isolation makes it a truly unique experience.
2La Victoria, El Mal Pas and Bonaire
The Victoria Peninsula is home to several beaches that are more accessible than Coll Baix but equally beautiful, surrounded by pine forests that reach all the way to the shore.
Platja de Sant Joan (La Victoria):
Coarse sand and pebbles. Spotlessly clean waters with a rocky seabed ideal for snorkelling
Access by car along a narrow, winding road. Limited parking
A beach bar-restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea
Setting: Dense pine forest, mountains and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere
El Mal Pas:
Small urban beach beside the Bonaire residential area
Fine sand, calm waters sheltered from the swell
Basic amenities: showers, promenade
Perfect for a quick swim with views over the port
Bonaire:
Residential area with rocky access points to the sea and small coves
Deep, crystal-clear water — excellent for swimming and diving
No beach amenities, but a yacht club nearby
All of these beaches are connected by a panoramic road that climbs to the Victoria viewpoint, offering vertigo-inducing views across the entire Pollença and Alcudia bays.
3Es Barcarés
Tucked between the Bonaire area and the Port of Pollença, Es Barcarés is a beach known mainly to locals and largely overlooked by conventional tourism.
Seabed: Fine sand mixed with posidonia and areas of flat rock. Very shallow waters
Access: On foot from the Port of Pollença (15 minutes along the coast) or by car with parking in the Bonaire residential area
Amenities: None. A completely natural beach
Scenery: Head-on view of Pollença Bay with the Tramuntana mountains as a backdrop. Small boats at anchor create a quintessentially Mediterranean scene
For children: The extremely shallow waters and absence of currents make it very safe for the little ones
Es Barcarés is the kind of place where locals turn up with a cool box and a parasol, in no rush and with no pretensions. An authentic corner far from the crowds.
The pristine beach of Coll Baix, surrounded by cliffs over 200 metres high, reachable on foot via a hiking trail or by boat trip from Alcudia harbour
The Formentor Peninsula and the Pollença coast
West of the bay lies one of Mallorca's most iconic landscapes: the Formentor Peninsula, with its breathtaking cliffs, impossible pine forests and dream beaches. Beside it, the Port of Pollença offers a long urban beach perfect for hassle-free enjoyment. This area is outside the range of our excursions from Alcudia, but numerous operators run boat trips from the Port of Pollença towards Formentor and the northern coast.
1Port of Pollença beach
The Port of Pollença (Port de Pollença) boasts a long, tranquil beach stretching the full length of the promenade, with the Tramuntana mountains as a constant scenic backdrop.
Seabed: Fine, pale sand with a very gradual entry into the water
Access: Excellent. Large car park (paid in summer), bus stop, and everything within walking distance from the village centre
Amenities: Full range: lifeguards, sun loungers, parasols, beach bars, restaurants, water sports, sailing and windsurfing schools
Scenery: A sheltered bay with mountains behind, sailboats on the water and a promenade lined with restaurants and cafés
Atmosphere: Quieter and more sophisticated than Alcudia. The Port of Pollença attracts visitors seeking calm, culture and fine dining
From the sea: Boat excursions depart from here towards Formentor and the northern coast — an exceptional way to discover coves that are inaccessible by road.
The Port of Pollença promenade, known as the Passeig de Voramar, is one of the most beautiful in Mallorca: centuries-old pines, waterfront terraces and a quality of light that has inspired painters for generations.
2Formentor beach
If there is one postcard-perfect beach in Mallorca, it is Formentor. Nestled between centuries-old pine trees that lean over the water, its white sand and impossibly turquoise waters have made it one of the most photographed beaches in the Mediterranean.
Seabed: Fine white sand, turquoise crystal-clear waters with a sandy bottom. Gradual entry
Access by car: Ma-2210 road from the Port of Pollença (20 minutes). In summer, car access is restricted and a shuttle bus service runs from Port de Pollença
Access by boat: Several operators offer boat trips from the Port of Pollença to Formentor. It is arguably the most beautiful way to arrive, sailing along the peninsula's coastline with its cliffs and pines
Amenities: Beach bar-restaurant, sun lounger and parasol hire. No public showers
Scenery: Aleppo pines over white sand, cliffs in the background, brilliant turquoise water. This is one of those beaches that takes your breath away
Tip: Get there early. In high season it fills up before midday. The light in the early morning, with sunbeams filtering through the pines, is simply magical.
Formentor is the kind of beach that justifies a trip to Mallorca. Set aside an entire day to enjoy it at a leisurely pace.
3Cala Murta
Hidden on the northern coast of the Formentor Peninsula, Cala Murta is a secret known only to experienced hikers and sailors.
Seabed: Medium-sized pebbles and rock. Deep waters of an otherworldly clarity
Access on foot: Trail from the Formentor road (30–40 minutes). Unsigned, moderately difficult
Access by boat: Some boat excursions from the Port of Pollença include Cala Murta as a stop. It is the most practical and spectacular way to get there
Amenities: None. Bring water, food and sun protection
Scenery: Tramuntana mountain cliffs plunging into the sea, pine and holm oak forest, absolute silence
Cala Murta offers a Robinson Crusoe experience just a few kilometres from civilisation. On calm days, underwater visibility exceeds 20 metres.
4Cala Figuera (Formentor)
Not to be confused with the fishing village in the south. Cala Figuera on the Formentor Peninsula is a narrow inlet between rock walls — a miniature fjord of rugged beauty.
Seabed: Rock and small stones. Not a sandy beach
Access: On foot from the Formentor road (there is a small car park and a short trail). It can also be reached by boat, although anchoring is tricky due to the depth
Amenities: None
Scenery: Vertical rock walls, pines clinging to the edge, intensely deep blue water
Ideal for: Experienced swimmers and lovers of raw nature. The water is deeper and cooler than at the sandy beaches
Cala Figuera is more of a natural viewpoint than a conventional beach, but the sight of that tongue of dark blue sea wedged between cliffs is absolutely breathtaking.
The hidden coves of the northeast: Cala Boquer and Cala Sant Vicenç
Rounding off our tour of the northern coast, these final coves combine the geological drama of the Serra de Tramuntana with waters so clear they leave you speechless.
1Cala Boquer
One of Mallorca's most rewarding hikes leads to Cala Boquer, a remote cove surrounded by dramatic rock formations.
Seabed: Large pebbles and rock. Gravel bottom underwater
Access: On foot only, from the Port of Pollença. The trail starts at the Boquer housing estate and follows a spectacular valley between mountains (30–45 minutes). Wear proper footwear
Amenities: None. Pure nature
Scenery: A wild valley with feral goats, sheer rock faces, and a cove that opens like a natural amphitheatre to the sea
Snorkelling: Excellent. The rocky seabed supports rich marine life and the waters are incredibly clear
Tip: The cove faces north and can be exposed to swell on tramontana wind days. Check the wind forecast. On calm days, the water is like a mirror.
The walk through the Boquer valley is an experience in itself: the landscape has an almost lunar quality, with wind-eroded rocks and hardy vegetation.
2Cala Sant Vicenç and its four coves
The small resort of Cala Sant Vicenç conceals four distinct coves, each with its own character, clustered at the foot of imposing limestone cliffs.
Cala Barques (the largest):
Sand and gravel, turquoise waters, beach amenities
The most accessible and family-friendly of the four
Beach bar, sun lounger hire, lifeguards in summer
Cala Clara:
Small, sandy, nestled between rocks
Less crowded than Cala Barques
Very calm waters, ideal for children
Cala Molins:
The widest, with fine sand and a sandy seabed
Restaurant and full beach amenities
Fantastic for snorkelling along the rocky edges
Cala Carbó:
The smallest and wildest, rock and pebbles
No amenities, access via a short trail
Deep, crystal-clear water and a feeling of exclusivity
General access: By car to Cala Sant Vicenç (paid parking in summer). Bus from the Port of Pollença
Scenery: Vertical grey limestone cliffs, pine forests, rock formations that change colour with the sunlight
Tip: Visit all four coves in a single day by walking between them. Each offers a different perspective and the walk is very short.
Cala Sant Vicenç is the perfect finale for this guide: it packs the full range of landscape diversity that defines the northern coast of Mallorca into one compact area.
The iconic Formentor beach with centuries-old pine trees leaning over white sand and turquoise waters, one of the most photographed beaches in the Mediterranean
The crystal-clear waters of Cala Sant Vicenç framed by towering limestone cliffs in Pollença, the perfect finale to a tour of Mallorca's north coast
How to explore the northern coast: by road, on foot or from the sea
Each way of travelling the northern coast offers a completely different experience:
By car:
Essential for reaching the more scattered beaches (Son Serra, Alcanada, Formentor)
Parking is scarce in summer at the most popular spots: arrive early or take public transport
The Formentor road is spectacular but has access restrictions in summer
On foot (hiking):
Necessary for reaching Coll Baix, Cala Boquer and Cala Murta
Always bring good footwear, plenty of water and sun protection
The trails are usually short (30–60 minutes) but involve elevation changes
By boat:
The most spectacular way to see the coast. Perspectives impossible to get from land
Direct access to coves like Coll Baix without any effort
Ideal for families and groups who want to make the most of their time
From the Port of Alcudia, our boat excursions sail the coast between Playa de Muro, Alcanada and Coll Baix with stops for swimming and snorkelling
From the Port of Pollença, other operators offer routes towards Formentor and the northern coast
By bicycle:
Perfect for the flat stretch between Can Picafort, Playa de Muro and Alcudia along the cycle path
Not recommended for the mountain areas (Victoria, Formentor) unless you are an experienced cyclist
The perfect combination: rent a car for the extremes (Llevant and Formentor), use a bicycle around the bay, and book a boat excursion to see the coast from the perspective that truly makes it unforgettable.
Your perfect beach in northern Mallorca
From the prehistoric solitude of Es Caló to the legendary elegance of Formentor, northern Mallorca offers more than 20 beaches and coves covering every taste and travel style. Families with children, couples seeking romantic hideaways, adventurous hikers, or simply travellers who want to lie on the finest sand in Europe — there is a beach here waiting for you.
Our advice is not to limit yourself to a single beach. Spend several days exploring different stretches and combine the experience on land with a boat trip. Watching the Victoria cliffs from the sea, anchoring off Coll Baix for a swim in crystal-clear waters, or simply watching the coastline glide past before your eyes — these are the moments that turn a holiday into a memory that lasts forever.
Ready to discover the northern coast? We will see you on the sea.
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