Mallorca is famous for its stunning coastline, offering everything from long, sandy stretches to hidden, turquoise coves (or calas). Getting around the island is easiest with a rental car, as public transport (TIB buses) can be infrequent or require transfers for remote beaches, but it is certainly possible.
Here is a guide to the beautiful beaches you requested and how to reach them:
South & Southeast Beaches (The Calas and Wild Coast)
Es Trenc (South)
Mallorca’s most famous natural and unspoilt beach. It is a long stretch of white sand backed by dunes, with shallow, calm, turquoise water. It is a great choice for families.
How to get there: By car, head towards Ses Salines or Ses Covetes. Large paid parking areas are available, usually around €7 per day. By bus, travel from Palma’s Estació Intermodal using TIB routes such as Line 508 or Line 501, with a connection in Campos to Line 517 or Line 530 during summer. Get off at Sa Ràpita or Colònia de Sant Jordi and walk to the beach.
Cala Mondragó
Cala Mondragó is located inside the protected Mondragó Natural Park. It is a beautiful double-bay beach with fine white sand and pine woods that reach almost to the sea. It is excellent for swimming and for gentle walks between the nearby coves, including S’Amarador and Caló d’en Borgit.
How to get there: By car, drive to Mondragó Natural Park. There is a large paid parking area, followed by a short walk along boardwalks to the beaches. By bus, Line 515 connects nearby towns such as Santanyí and Portopetro and runs directly to Mondragó Natural Park during peak season. From Palma, take a bus such as Line 501 to Santanyí first.
Cala Llombards
Cala Llombards is a picturesque narrow cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs and pine trees. It has fine sand, stunning blue water, and is also popular with local fishermen.
How to get there: By car, drive towards the village of Es Llombards. There is a small parking area near the beach, sometimes paid, but spaces fill up very quickly, so arrive early. By bus, take a route such as Line 501 from Palma to Santanyí. From Santanyí, local buses such as Line 516 or Line 517 may connect you to Cala Llombards, or you can take a short taxi ride.
Cala Pi (South)
Cala Pi is a smaller, deep, fjord-like cove set between two high cliffs. It has a sandy beach at the bottom, reached by a set of stairs, and is famous for its iconic viewpoint from the cliff top.
How to get there: By car, it is around a 40-minute drive from Palma. Follow signs to the village of Cala Pi. Street parking is available but limited. By bus, Line 505 connects Cala Pi directly with Palma, although seasonal operation should be checked. Otherwise, you may need a taxi from a nearby larger town such as Llucmajor.
Cala d’Or (Southeast)
Cala d’Or is a resort area known for its Mediterranean and Ibiza-style architecture. It has several small sandy coves, including Cala Gran and Cala Esmeralda. These beaches are well serviced and family-friendly.
How to get there: By car, the resort is easy to reach by road. Parking is usually available on the street or in paid car parks, although it can be busy. By bus, direct services such as Line 501 run from Palma’s Estació Intermodal to Cala d’Or. Local services, such as Line 515, connect the different coves within the resort and nearby Cala Mondragó.
North Coast Beach
Playa de Alcúdia (North)
Part of a very long, sweeping bay that includes Playa de Muro. It offers miles of soft, white sand and very shallow, clear water, making it perfect for families and water sports. It is a highly developed resort area.
How to get there:
Car: Easy access and plenty of parking options (some paid). Approx. 45-60 minute drive from Palma.
Bus (TIB): Direct bus routes (e.g., Line A32 from Palma Airport/Palma Intermodal) frequently serve the Port d’Alcúdia and Playa de Muro area, which is highly accessible via public transport.
General Transport Tips
Renting a Car is Recommended: For visiting the secluded calas and maximising your time, a rental car is the most flexible and often fastest option, especially to out-of-the-way spots like Cala Pi and Cala Llombards. Book early for the best rates and car size (narrow roads are common).
Public Transport (TIB Buses): The TIB (Transport de les Illes Balears) runs intercity buses that connect Palma with major towns and some popular resorts. You can pay with cash or contactless card directly on the bus. Be aware that service frequency often drops significantly outside of the high summer season.
Parking: In the summer, all beach parking lots and street spaces fill up very early (often before 9:30 AM). Always check if parking is paid or free.
