Best Beaches in South Mallorca: Insider’s Top 10 Picks (2023)

South Mallorca is where you’ll find the island’s cosmopolitan capital, Palma, as well as some of the island’s best beaches. And although it’s home to popular resorts – for example, S’Arenal and Can Pastilla – you can also find completely undeveloped beaches that look the same today as they did hundreds of years ago.

Personally, I love spending time exploring South Mallorca, as I never know what I’ll find next. I’ve stumbled across prehistoric villages, picturesque bluffs, and a special place called Es Pontas, a rock carved into a perfect archway by the sea. It was the backdrop to one of the best Mallorcan sunsets I’ve ever seen.

So, without further ado, here is all you need to know about the top 10 best beaches in South Mallorca.

10 Best Beaches in South Mallorca

Looking at some South Mallorca beaches, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in the Caribbean. With long stretches of powder-soft golden sand and super clear water, it’s no wonder people are tempted back to this part of the island year after year.

The beaches on this island differ from those on the other coasts. Perhaps you’d also like to know more about the best beaches in North Mallorca.

1. Es Trenc & Ses Covetes

Probably south Mallorca’s most famous beach, Es Trenc is also the longest beach in this part of the island, measuring over 2 kilometers end to end. Despite its popularity and obvious charms, development hasn’t been allowed at this beach, which has helped maintain its natural appeal.

Ses Covetes adjoins Es Trenc to the north and is a smaller version of its next-door neighbor. It has also escaped the development that could ruin such a charming place. There are just a few cafes on the beach, and in Ses Covetes, there’s a small supermarket.

Yachts moor off the coast to appreciate stunning views of these pretty beaches from the water. Speaking of water, it’s calm and shallow here, making Es Trenc and Ses Covetes ideal for families, who pack out these beaches during the summer holidays.

Additional information

• Overall score: 9/10
• Accessibility: 4.5/5
• Senior-friendly
• Child-friendly
• Lifeguard: Yes, during high season.
• Parking: Yes, several paid car parks within 100-300 meters
• Facilities: Showers and toilets, sun loungers and parasols available
• Restaurants: A couple of beach restaurants with Mallorca food and cafes
• Occupancy: Crowded during high season.
• Sports: None

📍 See Es Trenc & Ses Covetes on Google Maps

2. Cala Mondragó

Cala Mondrago is this list’s second beach in Mondrago Park, a wonderful place to spend time. There are rocky headlands along both sides of the beach, and each is topped with lush green trees. This makes Cala Mondrago a popular beach, and it can become overcrowded in the height of summer. 

But if you can find yourself a spot on the beach, there’s little not to like. Kids will enjoy the shallow, calm water, and adults will appreciate the facilities and beach restaurant. Parking is convenient, and S’Amarador Beach is only 400 meters away along a paved coastal walkway.

Additional information

• Overall score: 9/10
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Senior-friendly
• Child-friendly
• Lifeguard: Yes, during high season 
• Parking: Yes, free parking nearby
• Facilities: Sun lounger and umbrellas, toilets, showers
• Restaurants: Beach bar
• Occupancy: Very crowded during high season
• Sports: Pedalos available

📍 See Cala Mondragó on Google Maps

3. Cala Llombards

Cala Llombards is found in the small village of Es Llombards. It’s a stunning location, surrounded by pine trees and craggy white-gray rocks. The water is completely clear, making it ideal for snorkeling, and the sandy beach is a pure pleasure, with fine, white sand.

Although Cala Llombards is busy in summer, you can usually find a space to lounge. It’s a family-friendly place with showers and toilets and a lovely bar selling drinks and snacks. Walking from the beach, you can easily reach Es Pontas – that natural archway I mentioned earlier – the perfect place to enjoy the sunset!

Additional information

• Overall score: 8.5/10
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Senior-friendly
• Child-friendly
• Lifeguard: Yes, during the high season 
• Parking: Yes, right on the beach
• Facilities: Sun beds and parasols, showers and toilets
• Restaurants: Beach bar
• Occupancy: Crowded in high season
• Sports: Jet skis and catamaran tours

📍 See Cala Llombards on Google Maps

4. S’Amarador

S’Amarador Beach is on the southeastern coast of Mallorca and sits within the confines of Mondrago Park, where meandering hiking trails entice you to explore. S’Amarador has plenty of golden sand and calm, shallow water, and its setting, backed by tall pine trees, is simply lovely.

S’Amarador has received numerous accolades, even being voted the best beach in Europe. There’s a beach bar for those essential drinks and snacks, plus toilets and, during high season, a lifeguard. A coastal trail linking S’Amarador with nearby Cala Mondrago (beach #6 on this list). If you have the time, I recommend this walk.

Additional information

• Overall score: 8/10
• Accessibility: 3/5
• Senior-friendly
• Child-friendly
• Lifeguard: Yes, during high season
• Parking: Yes, around 300 meters away
• Facilities: Toilet
• Restaurants: Small beach bar
• Occupancy: Crowded during high season
• Sports: None

📍 See S’Amarador on Google Maps

5. Cala Pi

Cala Pi is found next to the small village of the same name. It’s a lovely little cove, around 125 meters long, located at the inner end of a short canyon. The beach isn’t suitable for people with limited mobility, as access is via a staircase from the bluff above. But there is free parking near the beach, which is perfect if you’ve got a hire a car. 

The facilities at the beach are basic, but you’ll be able to hire a lounger and umbrella, and you can also snorkel straight from the shore in the warm, shallow water, which is ideal if you’ve got kids.

Additional information

• Overall score: 8/10
• Accessibility: 3/5
• Child-friendly
• Lifeguard: Yes, during high season.
• Parking: Free parking close by
• Facilities: Sun beds and umbrellas are available
• Restaurants: A beach bar
• Occupancy: Very crowded during the high season
• Sports: None

📍 See Cala Pi on Google Maps

6. Caló des Màrmols

Calo des Marmols is a small-ish beach overlooked by high golden-colored cliffs on both sides. The only way to get here is by boat or hiking a 1.5-kilometer trail with a steep slope at the end. Although this sounds like hard work, you’re rewarded with a quiet, undeveloped beach. If you set off early, you could well be the day’s first visitor.

Because the beach is so isolated, there are no facilities, but it is perfect for snorkeling, as the water’s so clear and clean. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water when you visit – and leave nothing behind. 

Additional information

• Overall score: 8/10
• Accessibility: 2.5/5
• Lifeguard: No
• Parking: No
• Facilities: None
• Restaurants: None
• Occupancy: Quiet
• Sports: None

📍 See Caló des Màrmols on Google Maps

7. Caló des Moro

Calo des Moro is close to Cala Llombards and shares many of the same qualities. It’s a small beach in a natural inlet, giving it a hideaway feel. On a sunny day, the contrast between the bright turquoise water, soft white sand, and deep green vegetation is simply stunning.

There’s parking nearby, but as there’s a steep staircase down to the beach, this beach isn’t ideal for less mobile people. There are no facilities, but despite this, Calo des Moro is always busy during the peak tourist season.

Additional information

• Overall score: 8/10
• Accessibility: 3/5
• Child-friendly
• Lifeguard: No
• Parking: Yes, 300 meters away
• Facilities: None
• Restaurants: None
• Occupancy: Crowded in high season
• Sports: None

📍 See Caló des Moro on Google Maps

8. Es Caragol

Es Caragol is located at the most southerly point of Mallorca, close to the flats of Ses Salines that for centuries have been used to produce salt. To get to the beach, you need to navigate a 30-minute hiking trail from the nearby lighthouse – but don’t let that put you off, as the walk is very scenic.

Es Caragol beach is half a kilometer long, and due to the effort required to get there, it’s rarely crowded, even in the height of summer. There are no facilities, so make sure you bring drinking water. Then enjoy the white sand and pale turquoise water and feel your cares melt away.

Additional information

• Overall score: 8/10
• Accessibility: 2.5/5
• Lifeguard: No
• Parking: Yes, a 30-minute walk away
• Facilities: None
• Restaurants: None
• Occupancy: Rarely crowded
• Sports: None

📍 See Es Caragol on Google Maps

9. Platja es Carbó

Platja es Carbó is located to the east of the resort town Colonia Sant Jordi in a completely secluded location, so getting here isn’t the easiest. No roads or parking are nearby, so access is via a half-hour hiking trail. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by super soft sand, crystal clear waters… and very little else.

It’s a lovely spot to bring a towel, book, plenty of water, and camp for the day. It’s a relaxing place, as no water sports or restaurants fill the air with noise. In front of Platja es Carbó, you’ll see a tiny island called Isla Moltana, which you can swim to from the shore if you’re looking for a challenge.

Additional information

• Overall score: 7/10
• Accessibility: 2.5/5
• Child-friendly: If they can manage the half-hour hike to the beach
• Lifeguard: No
• Parking: No
• Facilities: None
• Restaurants: None
• Occupancy: Rarely crowded
• Sports: None

📍 See Platja es Carbó on Google Maps

10. Es Dofí

Es Dofí is a small beach on the southeastern tip of Mallorca. Between popular Es Carbó to the west and Ses Roquetes to the east, Es Dofí is a little more difficult to reach. Your best bet is to park at Colonia de Sant Jordi and take a scenic walk along the coastline – you’ll have earnt your spot on the beach when you arrive!

Es Dofí is a sand and rock beach popular for mooring yachts, as the water is so deep. When relaxing on the beach, the yachts and tiny Mallorcan islands in the foreground make for an infinitely appealing view.

Additional information

• Overall score: 7/10
• Accessibility: 3/5
• Child-friendly: If they can manage the coastal trail
• Lifeguard: No
• Parking: No
• Facilities: None
• Restaurants: None
• Occupancy: Rarely crowded
• Sports: None

📍 See Es Dofí on Google Maps

Where to Stay on the South Coast

There are fewer tourist towns on the south coast of Mallorca than elsewhere on the island. You’ll find popular – and very lively – Magaluf to the west of Palma. But if you look east of the city, the main holiday resorts are more chilled out, although they still offer plenty of hotels, restaurants, and bars. The four destinations I’d recommend are:

• Can Pastilla
• Colonia Sant Jordi
• Cala d’Or
• El Arenal

Although you’ll find large, all-inclusive hotels in south Mallorca, there are also lots of independent hotels, which offer a more authentic Spanish feel. That’s one of the big bonuses to staying in south Mallorca – this fishing and agriculture-driven region is atmospheric and traditional and offers a delightful pace of life.

Renting a Car in South Mallorca

Because South Mallorca is more rural than other parts of the island, you may struggle to explore beyond the main tourist resorts if you rely on public transport. So, if you want to plan your own itinerary, experience remote beaches, and travel at your own speed, the best way is to rent a car in Mallorca.

I’ve tried several companies and found Discover Cars are the best for car rentals in Mallorca. They have pick-up locations in the larger south Mallorca resorts, such as Can Pastilla and Cala d’Or, and their low prices and high service standards are hard to beat.

Tours and Activities in South Mallorca 

South Mallorca has plenty to discover, and a tour is a great way to see all the sights without the hassle of planning it yourself. I’ve been on several tours in Mallorca and have always had a great time. If you’re keen to explore south Mallorca on a bike, you’d love to read cycling in Mallorca.

My favorite tours in south Mallorca are:

• Boat Trip from Cala Figuera to Calo de Moro, S’almonia, Cala Màrmols. Mallorca
• Full-Day Tour to the Best Beaches and Coves of Mallorca
• Coasteering in South Mallorca with Transfers
• Mallorca Southern Cliffs and the Salt Marshes Guided Tour

Tips for Exploring South Mallorca’s Beaches

Best time to visit

South Mallorca’s beaches are most popular in the peak summer months of July and August, which is also when most families visit the island. Mallorca is considered one of the best places for families to live. Find out which other Spanish destinations are great to live in with your family.

If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting in June or September, when temperatures are deliciously warm, but fewer people visit.

Safety Tips

South Mallorca is a very safe destination overall, but you should still:

• Exercise caution at night and in busy places where pickpockets may operate.
• Take care when driving on local roads, which can be narrow and winding.
• Be careful (and wear solid shoes) on the trails leading to beaches, which can be steep and uneven.

Packing essentials

Some people forget just how hot south Mallorca can get in the peak of summer. So, to stay comfortable, don’t forget the following items:

• Sun cream
• Hat and sunglasses
• Refillable water bottle
• Lightweight, breathable clothing

Local customs and etiquette

When you visit beaches in the south of Mallorca, feel free to dress as you wish – some beaches are even clothing optional. But when you’re exploring this area’s smaller towns and villages, to be respectful, throw on shorts and a shirt first.

Conclusion: South Mallorca’s beaches

So, now you’ve read about South Mallorca’s best beaches, and the rest is up to you. Some amazing options are available to enjoy this coast’s natural, undeveloped beauty, and I hope you’ll explore them on your next trip to this paradise island.

If you need more help planning your trip, check out my blog for inspiration and this travel resources page for free and useful ideas.