Mallorca is loved for its sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged mountain landscapes. While many flock to its popular sandy stretches, the island is home to plenty of hidden gems and some are accessible only by footpaths. Taking beach hikes in Mallorca is an adventure that rewards you with secluded coves, serene sunsets, and untouched natural beauty. Here’s your guide to discovering these secret shores, where the journey is as breathtaking as the destination.
Are Beach Hikes Worth it?
Seeking out Mallorca’s most secluded beaches can take you away from the hustle and bustle of the island’s more popular tourist spots. But with the heat, the sand, the hilly hike, is it worth the effort? Of course:
Firstly, for some tranquillity and solitude. Mallorca’s secluded beaches provide a peaceful retreat where the sounds of nature dominate. Away from the crowded resorts, you can find a quiet spot without interruption. This break from the crowds and such tranquillity is a rare commodity.
For nature lovers, the unspoiled natural beauty is motivation to seek out the island’s hidden beaches. These untouched natural surroundings offer breathtaking landscapes from rugged cliffs and pine-covered hills to crystal-clear waters and fine sand.
What’s more, with fewer humans, these secluded beaches serve as sanctuaries for wildlife. You can take in Mallorca’s animal life in their natural habitat, from marine creatures in the clear waters to birds and other animals in the surrounding areas. Snorkelling or simply exploring the shore can reveal a world teeming with life.
Another compelling reason to hike your way to a beach is to wake up your sense of adventure. Whether it’s hiking through a dense forest, traversing rocky paths, or navigating coastal trails, the journey to these hidden coves adds an element of exploration and adventure to your beach day. This journey not only makes the destination more rewarding but also allows you to discover the island’s diverse landscapes up close. While exploring these areas you could uncover hidden historical sites, ancient ruins, or traditional fishing villages that offer a glimpse into the island’s past and cultural heritage.
By visiting Mallorca’s secluded beaches, you contribute to sustainable tourism practices. These areas are often protected from overdevelopment and commercialization, ensuring that their beauty is preserved. Supporting these environments by minimizing your impact and respecting local guidelines helps maintain the island’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
Beach Hikes in the North of Mallorca
Northern Mallorca, with its dramatic mountain landscapes and rugged coastline, offers some of the island’s most breathtaking hidden beaches, accessible via scenic hiking trails. Here are the top 5 hidden beaches in the north of Mallorca, each promising solitude, beauty, and adventure:
Cala Boquer
The Trail: The hike to Cala Boquer takes you through the Boquer Valley. Park at the carpark a few blocks north of the “Pine Walk”, in Puerto Pollensa.
This moderate trail takes you through a dramatic limestone valley. It is a wide path so you can choose your own way along the valley and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Goats and birds will keep you company and the scramble down to the beach at the end is a doable challenge (perhaps not very young children).
The hike is approximately 3km one way and takes about an hour.
The Beach: Cala Boquer is a small, pebbled beach with crystal-clear waters. Its secluded location makes it a peaceful spot for swimming and snorkelling, away from the crowds.
Notable Features: The beach is known for its abundant birdlife, including the rare black vulture, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching. Look out for Egyptian Vulture, Eleonora’s Falcon, Hoopoe, among others. The dramatic entrance to the beach, flanked by towering cliffs, is truly spectacular.
Cala Figuera & Cala Murta (Formentor)
The Trail: This trail begins at the Cala Figuera parking, where a short walk will take you through a tunnel. Continue walking until you come across the marked path to El Fumat. The ascent, although challenging with its steep and rocky paths, rewards hikers with one of the most spectacular views on the island, overlooking the deep blue waters and the dramatic cliffs of Formentor. From El Fumat, a scenic and moderately challenging trek takes you on a meandering trail passing a mix of rugged terrain and lush Mediterranean scrub. This part of the route concludes at the secluded Cala Murta, a pebble beach nestled in a beautiful cove – the first beach on this trek. The way back to Cala Figuera is along a different path that ends at the parking area, so before jumping back in the car, enjoy a dip at another idyllic beach.
The Beach: The first beach, Cala Murta is a pebble beach in a sheltered cove. Cala Figuera is a stunning, narrow beach with clear, turquoise waters, surrounded by high cliffs. The remote location of both these stunning calas ensures they remain one of the most tranquil spots in the area.
Notable Features: The beaches’ crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkelling, with a rich marine life to explore. The hike itself offers some of the most panoramic views of the Formentor peninsula.
Coll Baix
The Trail: The trail to Coll Baix starts in the hills of the La Victoria peninsula in Alcúdia. With its starting point at the parking by the refugi de Coll Baix, this is a moderately challenging hike with some steep and rocky sections towards the beach – good footwear is a must. The path provides stunning views over Alcúdia Bay and the surrounding countryside, leading to the secluded beach after about a 45-minute walk.
The Beach: Coll Baix is a beautiful, remote shingle beach, accessible only by foot or by boat. Its crystal-clear waters are framed by dramatic cliffs, making it one of the most picturesque beaches in the north of Mallorca.
Notable Features: The beach is a haven for nature lovers, offering a sense of isolation and tranquillity that’s hard to find elsewhere. The clear waters are perfect for snorkelling, with a chance to see a variety of marine life.
In conclusion, seeking out North Mallorca’s most secluded beaches is not just about finding a quiet spot to sunbathe; it’s about embracing the adventure, appreciating the natural and cultural riches, and finding a deeper connection with one of the Mediterranean’s most enchanting islands.
