Mallorca pretty much invented the beach holiday concept nearly a century ago, and it’s not hard to see how or why with one glimpse at the best beaches in Mallorca. Tucked along the island’s 342 miles of coastline are some of the finest, as well as cleanest and best-maintained, beaches in the Med. Where the biggest Balearic scores highly (and you could say the same for the island’s food scene, cultural highlights, and leisure activities) is in its diversity. From easy-going family spots with calm water and golden sands to rocky calas (coves) to wild-and-woolly water-sport hubs and secluded nudist havens, there’s something for everyone here. What you won’t find so much are Ibiza-style party playas: Mallorca likes to keep the vibe low-key, with daytime beach clubs majoring on mellow music, sunset cocktails, and Spanish beachside eating. Few things are more romantic than the scent of sun-warmed pine trees as you pick your way down to a secret cala on a golden summer evening.
There’s a caveat, however: Mallorca’s beaches, like those of other Mediterranean seaside destinations, are increasingly suffering the effects of over-tourism. In high summer, car parks fill up fast, and beaches can feel worryingly overcrowded—so much so that locals avoid them altogether. To keep your stress levels down, aim for early mornings or late afternoons and skip the midday rush. It also helps to seek out beaches that can’t be reached directly by car: the harder the access, the quieter and better preserved they’re likely to be. Remember to pack a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, especially if there’s a hike involved or the beach has no amenities. And one final suggestion: If you happen to stumble on a paradisical playa, do think before sharing it with the rest of the world on social media.
Portals Vells
This collection of gem-like calas clustered around a calm inlet lies just three miles south of Magaluf yet feels half a world away from that notorious tourist entrepot. Dense pine forests and rocky outcrops shelter the beach at Sa Platgeta des Portals Vells, the largest of the tiny calas. Though its tucked-away location tends to keep the package-tour crowds at arm’s length, in fact, Sa Platgeta is easily reached by car from the harbour at Puerto Portals (or walk it, around 1.67 miles). The water quality in the bay is superb—this is a great diving and snorkeling site. Amenities are minimal, though there’s a delightful beach chiringuito, El Repós. Before your lunchtime paella, check out the Cova de Portals Nous (just over the headline to the right of the beach), a sea cave and quarry, source of the sandstone blocks used for the building of Palma Cathedral.
