Majorca is known for many things, among them a pulsating nightlife and beautiful Mediterranean climate which makes the island a great escape all year round.
But no doubt the biggest island in the Balearic Islands archipelago owes its legendary status to its stunning beaches; and goodness me, has it got a range. Whether it’s sand or pebble, gravel or rock, there is a spectacular array of gorgeous beaches to choose from – 262 to be exact. It’s one of those vacation spots that do not disappoint, at least for anyone looking to holiday on the beach.
This cornucopia means everyone has their own preferred beach in Majorca (Mallorca if you fancy). And here are some of our favourites to suit different tastes.
Es Trenc
Just 15 minutes’ drive from the village of Campos in the island’s south is Es Trenc Beach, a two-kilometre stretch of fine-grained white sand. Word has it that it’s the most famous of all beaches in Majorca (and the most popular naturist beach), and that alone says quite a lot.
On top of being one of the most beautiful spots on the entire island, Es Trenc’s popularity can also be traced to the fact that there is no attached resort to it, meaning there are no hotels or restaurants to litter the beautiful beach with an almost tropical look.
In case you’re wondering if you’ll ever get to visit Es Trenc with family in tow, no worries. There are several sections reserved for naturists, and it is in fact very child-friendly. The downside is that it can get a bit overcrowded sometimes, the size notwithstanding.
Port d’Alcudia Beach
The north-east coast-located Alcudia is one of the oldest spots on the island, with ruins from its Roman history still standing up by the old town.
Down the coast, the beach makes for one of the longest in Majorca, and a fantastic diving spot thanks to the gentle currents on the waters here. There’s a marina to dock, complete with open-air restaurants lining it. So popular and rewarding is it that the port-beach was included in the World’s Best Beaches for 2012.
Playa de Muro
Another family favourite with all kinds of watersports. The diverse range of facilities on Playa de Muro also means the blue flag beach is a favourite of people living with disabilities.
The golden sand beach is partly flanked by juniper and pine trees (dunes too), with plenty of hotels on set. Things can get quite breezy, but the upside is that this makes it a great location for kiting.
Canyamel
Canyamel beach measures a paltry 290 metres in length and 80 metres in width, but what it lacks for in size it makes up for in a characteristic rustic charm that has seen some visitors grace its golden sandy shores year after year.
If you’re in the hunt for a party spot, Canyamel is not the best happening scene. Those looking for some peace and quiet, however, will appreciate the serenity of this minute beach that lies in the middle of a nature reserve. It’s also very family-friendly, with main activities including swimming and pedalos.
Speaking of partying…
Puro Beach
If you’re looking for an ideal place to throw on your party costume, then Puro beach club should be an obvious candidate.
Virgin magazine’s 2010 best beach club in the world truly delivers. By day, it’s a perfect place to recline on the shaded day beds, as you enjoy a massage on request, or some downtime in the spa; perhaps a dip in the pool. Things turn a notch higher from early afternoon as DJs dole out tunes, the picture made the more beautiful by the sun going down behind the mountains, and yachts rocking in the marina just across the bay.
It’s extremely chic, with a pretty hip crowd, so remember to look the part (and don’t forget to pack your party shoes).
Cala Deia Beach
Another small cove that is more pebble than sand, Deia has to be one of the classiest places in Majorca. It has amazingly clear sapphire waters, with the bay engulfed by rocky cliffs, giving it this odd feeling (in a good sort of way) that you are in a hidden paradise.
Some famous faces have been known to frequent the shingly Cala Deia, including Robert Graves who used to take a dip every day during his sojourn in the village.
It’s a fantastic happening place, Cala Deia, with an exquisite range of good Majorcan wine (and never-ending beer), never mind a slew of bubbly restaurants right on the beach.
Cala Mondrago
The predominantly sandy beach, flanked by a pair of rocky headlands, lies in the south of Majorca in a secluded resort going by the same name. The resort’s vicinity was declared a natural park in the early ‘90s which plays to its benefits as there can be no commercial developments in the area.
The impact is already being felt as the beach – popular for activities such as snorkelling and pedal boats – remains unspoilt to this day.
It’s a perfect place for families.
Cala Tuent
The sequestered beach sits at the foot of the highest mountain in Majorca, Puig Mayor, with an impressive backdrop consisting of mountains as well as olive and pine trees.
If you’re in search of a tranquil beach, they don’t come better than this, with a small beach restaurant on site.
Cala Varques
Rounding up our list is Cala Varques, a spectacular sandy white beach nestled in a cove that helps keep the wind and waves at bay. It’s encircled by low cliffs and a forest, sloping smoothly into the cobalt blue waters. But be prepared to do a 15-minute saunter through pine trees to get to the beach.
The virgin beach is a favourite hideout for nudists (and controlled boat anchoring), and despite its relatively small size, it’s just about sufficient for both body and textile, although it can get quite popular during high season.
Now, next time you head out to Majorca and find yourself bamboozled by the vast options of beach available, you have an idea where to start.