In short: In the north of Mallorca, you will find both: long, gently sloping sandy beaches in the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia, ideal for children, and small rocky coves like those in Cala Sant Vicenç, at Cap de Formentor, or at Cala Bóquer. For families, Port de Pollença, Alcúdia, and Platja de Muro are the most convenient; for snorkelers, the coves are the best choice.

There are beach days when you really just want one thing: a spot where the kids can walk into the water up to their waists without anyone getting nervous. And there are beach days when you’d rather hike for twenty minutes to find a cove where the loudest sound is the water itself. The north of Mallorca can do both. You just have to know where.

The beaches in the north at a glance

Beach Character Good for
Port de Pollença Shallow sand, promenade, calm water Families, walking, water sports
Cala Sant Vicenç Four small coves with sand and rocks Swimming, snorkeling, seaside evenings
Platja de Formentor Narrow strip of sand with pine trees Postcard views, calm water
Cala Bóquer Stones, no shade Hikers, snorkelers
Platja d’Alcúdia Kilometers of shallow, sandy beach Small children, long beach days
Platja de Muro Sand, dunes, pine forest backdrop Families, nature
Coll Baix Pebble cove, steep access Adventure, peace and quiet

Bay of Pollença

Port de Pollença: the local beach

The beach at Port de Pollença stretches along the town; the sand is fine, the water slopes gently and usually remains calm in the sheltered bay. Behind it are the promenade, cafés, and ice cream parlors. This makes it an uncomplicated beach for families: short distances, shade within reach, and if you’ve had enough, you’re five minutes away from lunch. Those who want to stay directly in town will find houses like the Casita Sa Vinyeta in Port de Pollença.

Cala Sant Vicenç: four coves against a grand backdrop

About six kilometers from Pollença lies Cala Sant Vicenç with its four coves: Cala Barques, Cala Clara, Cala Molins, and Cala Carbó. Sand and rock alternate, the water is clear, and behind it all looms the cliff face of Cavall Bernat. The coves are smaller than the large sandy beaches, but every day spent swimming here feels a bit like an excursion. In summer, there is a small market at Cala Molins in the evening.

Exterior view of Finca Palma Papa near Cala Sant Vicenç in the north of Mallorca
Back to your own finca after a day at the beach: the Finca Palma Papa near Cala Sant Vicenç for up to twelve guests.

Platja de Formentor: it's worth getting there early

The beach on the Formentor peninsula is one of the most famous on the island: a narrow strip of sand, pine trees reaching almost to the water, and the Bay of Pollença opposite. Because it became very crowded here in summer, the island administration regulates access. During the 2026 season, the road to the cape was closed to private cars daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., according to the ADAC. Cars were still permitted to drive to Formentor beach as long as parking spaces were available. Instead of driving, you can take the shuttle bus, which runs from Alcúdia via Port de Pollença to the lighthouse. The dates for 2027 have not yet been set, so be sure to check before your trip.

Cala Bóquer: the beach you have to earn

From Port de Pollença, a signposted path leads through the Bóquer Valley to the sea, about 2.5 kilometers or roughly a 40-minute walk. At the end, a cove awaits without sand, without a kiosk, and without shade, but with very clear water. Water shoes, water, and sun protection belong in your backpack.

Bay of Alcúdia

Platja d’Alcúdia and Platja de Muro: room for everyone

South of Alcúdia begins one of the longest sandy beaches on the island, which merges into Platja de Muro. The water remains shallow for a long way, and the sand is light and fine. For families with small children, this is hard to beat: building sandcastles, splashing around, repeat. At Platja de Muro, there are dunes and pine trees behind the beach, giving it a more natural feel than in the town area. The Finca Bellmar near Alcúdia, with space for twelve, is a good starting point for this area.

Coll Baix: for those who want peace

The pebble cove Coll Baix is located on the La Victòria peninsula. The path is signposted from the Sa Bassa Blanca museum; the last few meters lead steeply downhill and over rocks. It is not suitable for small children, but makes for a lovely day for couples and hikers.

Good to know for your beach day

  • Early or late: Before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m., the beaches are emptier and the light is more beautiful.
  • Water shoes: A real relief in rocky coves and on pebble beaches.
  • Seagrass: Washed-up Posidonia is not dirt, but a sign of healthy seawater.
  • Remote coves: There are usually neither lifeguards nor kiosks there. Bring water and provisions.
  • Dogs: During the swimming season, they are not allowed on most beaches. Exceptions are designated dog beaches.

Sunscreen, water, and snacks for your beach day can be delivered to your finca by the WOW MART. You can read more about the old town and the Calvary Hill in Pollença in one day, and you can find houses within walking distance of the water under Finca Mallorca by the sea. An overview of the region can be found at Finca in the north of Mallorca.

Frequently asked questions

Which beach in the north of Mallorca is best for children?

Platja d’Alcúdia, Platja de Muro, and the beach at Port de Pollença. All three have fine sand and very gently sloping water, plus short distances to cafés and shade.

Where is a good place to snorkel in the north of Mallorca?

In the rocky coves of Cala Sant Vicenç and at Cala Bóquer, which you can reach on foot from Port de Pollença in about 40 minutes. The water there is particularly clear.

Can you drive to Formentor beach by car?

During the 2026 season, the road to Cap de Formentor was closed to private cars daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. between May 15 and October 18. Cars were allowed to drive to the beach as long as parking spaces were available; otherwise, a shuttle bus runs from Alcúdia and Port de Pollença. The dates for 2027 have not yet been confirmed.

How many coves does Cala Sant Vicenç have?

Four: Cala Barques, Cala Clara, Cala Molins, and Cala Carbó. They are located about six kilometers from Pollença in front of the Cavall Bernat cliff face.

Are there quiet beaches in the north of Mallorca?

Yes, if you walk a bit. Cala Bóquer near Port de Pollença and Coll Baix on the peninsula near Alcúdia can only be reached on foot. It is significantly quieter there, even in summer.

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