Spain: Mallorca’s Beaches and Marinas, Part One - Sarah Drane, Purple Cake Factory

Mallorca’s Beaches

Boasting more than 200 beaches and 42 marinas at last count, it’s a wonder how Mallorca packs it all into its dainty 554km of coastline. And, with arguably some of the most picturesque maritime scenery in the entire Mediterranean, the island is a Mecca for the yachting fraternity who are mesmerised by the sparkling waters and endless opportunity for sporting activities. Here’s Sarah's lowdown on Mallorca’s finest beaches.

The Beaches

Es Trenc – Easily one of the Island’s most amazing beaches, Es Trenc is a four-kilometre stretch of sand lapped by turquoise seas that would not look out of place in a Caribbean holiday brochure. Right on the south-eastern tip of the Island, Es Trenc is a little awkward to get to by road and parking is a pricey daily rate, so you’re far better travelling by boat. Upon arrival you’ll soon realise you weren’t the only one with that bright idea as in high season there will be many yachts resting at anchor, but do make sure you take the tender ashore and explore up-close.

Completely devoid of heavy residential development, the white sands are backed by pine-clad sand dunes woven with heather and grasses. Although officially a nature reserve (and popular with both naturalists and naturists) Es Trenc does have a wide supply of sunloungers, sunbeds and a couple of refreshing beach bars. Interestingly, just behind the beach, stretch the Salines de Llevant salt pans which attract 170 species of migratory birds as well as gourmets keen to purchase the various varieties of Flor de Sal d’Es Trenc made with olive, rose and wine. Harrods even stock this fine Mallorquin produce.

Cala Deià – at the other end of the scale is Cala Deià, a real treasure of a find on Mallorca’s rugged western coastline. A favourite with writer Robert Graves, at first glimpse the tiny bay doesn’t appear to have much to shout about – just 200 metres of shingle and a ramshackle beach bar – but its beauty is compelling. The cove has jagged cliff faces and looming boulders which provide a dramatic backdrop to the deep, clean, emerald waters which just invite you in for a swim. Again, much easier to access by boat than by road, the Cala can get lively at peak season although many retreat as shadows are cast across the beach by late afternoon. Keep your camera to hand, Cala Deià is also good for a celeb spot, after all Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have a pad just around the corner.

Magalluf and Palmanova – For a completely different flavour, and within easy distance of Palma and Puerto Portals marinas, you might want to drop anchor at one of these two neighbouring beaches. Magalluf has almost two kilometres of wide sand whilst Palmanova actually comprises three beaches, Torrenova, Son Matias and Playa de Palmanova, the last of which is the most expansive at over 500 metres. Each with current Blue Flags, the coveted tag given to only the best beaches who comply with all 29 of their environmental, safety and water quality criteria, the waters are clear and the sands impeccably maintained. A paved promenade snakes the length of Magalluf beach bursting with bars, cafés and restaurants whilst water sports are in abundance. Jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides and pedalos can all be hired if your boat lacks in the toy department. The top tip for both Palmanova and Magalluf is to go in the morning; weary night owls don’t hit the beach until after midday…

Portals Nous – Puerto Portals’ home beach, just east of the harbour wall, is perfect for a stop-off on the way back from a busy day at sea or indeed just when you don’t fancy voyaging too far. Popular with all nationalities, particularly the Spanish at the weekends, the beach is wide and sandy with the usual array of sunloungers and sunbeds. Home to a bona fide sea school, Portals Nous is a great spot to learn sailing, canoeing or windsurfing in the swell-free waters which are sheltered by an island just a few hundred metres offshore. By far the biggest draw at Portals Nous is Roxy Beach Bar found on a natural promontory at the far end of the beach. Perfectly orientated to the west, capturing the last of the sun’s rays as it dips towards the sea, the tasty bar food, chilled drinks and equally chilled bar staff attract dozens of boats in to moor at the end of the day. Take your tender and moor alongside the bar or alternatively Roxy Beach will happily collect you in theirs.

Portals Vells – Four kilometres down from Magalluf, in the south-western tip of Mallorca, is the three fingered inlet of Portals Vells made up of 100 metre wide Sa Caleta de Portals Vells, 70 metre wide Sa Platgeta de Portals Vells and the nudist beach of Playa El Mago – Mallorca’s first official naturist spot. They share two eateries between them and Sa Caleta has plenty of sun umbrellas. The epitome of picture-postcard, this dreamlike beauty spot with crystalline turquoise waters is well-known amongst the yachting fraternity. The inlet attracts many vessels on a sunny day which all cosy alongside each other testing the mooring skills of even the most proficient skipper, especially when the wind makes a change of direction. Just to the left of the main beach sits a cave containing the rudiments of a chapel. Rumour has it that fishermen built it in the15th century to give thanks for a safe return home. The caves are not natural, but carved out to source stone for the building of Palma Cathedral and the entire inlet sits within a Natural Area of Special Interest.

Read part two of Sarah's article centred on Mallorca's marinas

Sarah Drane

Sarah is the proprietor of Purple Cake Factory, an Award-winning company that specializes in real estate, marine and travel PR.