Mallorca has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, white sand, clear clean water, with great water sports and activities

Best beaches

Mallorca has lovely beaches and in the height of summer the beaches are very busy. The calas (coves) tend to have invitingly clear water and are less crowded than other beaches, and ideal for snorkelling.

Whilst at the beach, the flag warning signals should always be followed. See below for what each flag represents.

Green flag –

This signifies that the sea is calm and therefore bathing can take place with no undue risk.

Yellow flag –

This signifies that the sea is turbulent and that you should take particular care when swimming. However, it is advisable not to enter the water unless you are a strong, confident swimmer and children should not e allowed to swim without an adult.

Red flag –

This signifies that the area is rough and that there may be underlying currents. You should not swim under any circumstances if you see a red flag flying. If you ignore the warning, not only are you endangering your own life, but the life of someone else, should you need to be saved. The police will be called if you attempt to go in this area.

Beaches

• Puerto Pollença:

A very long beach, stretching all the way from Puerto Pollença to Port de Alcudia. It is a sheltered gently sloping sandy beach with many water sports available. This beach is very popular and can become crowded, especially at weekends It is possible to find a quieter spot if you head out of the port.

• Formentor:

A beautiful beach with golden sand and fantastic views. The beach becomes very busy during the height of the summer. Drive into Puerto Pollença and follow the signs for Formentor. This road will wind up the mountain to a spectacular viewpoint, you then need to drive down the other side of the mountain to reach the beach.

Alternatively there is a boat which leaves regularly from Puerto Pollença.

• Mal Pas:

Mal Pas is a pretty sandy cove situated around the bay of Puerto Pollença towards Alcudia. It is very small but has clear waters which are fabulous for snorkelling.

• Barcares:

Barcares is a small fishing port with a small sandy beach around the bay from Puerto Pollença. Lovely clear waters with fresh breezes ideal for windsurfers.

• Son Serra de Marina (Naturist):

Son Serra de Marina is originally a fishing village and port that over the years has become increasingly popular, undergoing a complete change to now being a very popular and modern resort.

It can be found on the road between Can Picafort and Arta. Drive through the residential estate and turn right, driving as far as you can. There is a long sweeping golden sandy bay which is for families at the beginning and then further down is for naturists. A couple of good restaurants and cafeterias here.

• Sa Calobra:

The 14km approach road to Sa Calobra is known as one of the most impressive mountain roads in Europe with scores of hairpin blends and the innovative ''tie knot'' configuration, descending 800 metres. The reward for the challenging 14km drive down to Sa Calobra is the pretty shingle beach which is located at the mouth of the dried up riverbed of the Torrent de Pareis, a true spectacle of nature. To reach the beach you walk through a man-made gorge cut through solid rocks in 1950. It can sometimes get very busy here due to a lot of visitors and coach tours.There are bars and restaurants but please note that this may not suit nervous drivers, the elderly or those with walking difficulties.

• Cala Tuent:

A well- kept secret off the windy road down to Sa Calobra (off the Fornalutx – Pollensa road). There is breathtaking scenery on the way to the beach which is a mixture of sand and shingle with clear waters for good snorkelling. There are restaurants overhanging the rocks on the right hand side of the beach, parking is available.

• Port Soller:

The nearest beach to Fornalutx is about 10 mins away with fine sands which stretch 700m. It offers a wide range of facilities from sunloungers to wind-surfing, plus bars and restaurants. The Platja d'en Repic can be reaced by taking the sign posted left over the tram tracks before entering the town itself.

• Es Trenc and Sa Rapita (Naturish Beach):

Es Trenc is one of the best beaches on the island and is worth a visit to the southeast coast for the day. There is 4km of beach and is backed by sand dunes and natural bush land and hardly a hotel complex in sight. Like all beaches on the island it becomes very busy in the height of the summer. Quieter beaches are Sa Rapita and Ses Covetes which are in the same bay, these are less well-known. These three beaches are signposted from Llucmajor and Campos.

• Cala San Vicente:

Cala San Vicente has two lovely bays with clear blue waters ideal for snorkelling when the sea is calm. The first bay is Cala Barques and the second bay is Cala Molins. Both bays are sandy with good facilities (restaurants and sunloungers). There is a lifeguard in the summer.