The best-known – and by that I mean almost all – beaches get busy by 10h in August, and that’s if you’ve managed to nab a parking spot one hour earlier. But with an alarm clock, and a short walk, families can still find a peaceful stretch of sand to spend the day, even in peak summer.
1.
Es Carbó
Ses Salines, near Colònia de Sant Jordi
A wild stretch of soft white sand with clear shallow water that feels peaceful despite its proximity to town. It’s really two beaches in one – Es Carbó Petit and Es Carbó Gran (also called Playa de Ses Roquetes) – running together for around a kilometre. The path there passes Es Dolç first (similar but busier, being closer to Colònia de Sant Jordi), then a handful of fishermen’s huts and a small cove before reaching Es Carbó itself. There’s nothing on the beach itself, so bring plenty of water, food and shade – the nearest cafés, toilets and shops are back in Colònia de Sant Jordi. Boats often anchor just offshore by mid-morning, so it’s not unusual to have company in the water even when the beach itself feels quiet.
Access: Around 30–40 minutes on foot via a flat, well-marked coastal path passing Es Port and Es Dolç beaches. The further you walk of course, the quieter it gets. Parking: Public car parks and on-street parking in Colònia de Sant Jordi.
2.
Cala Tuent
Escorca, near Sóller
A pebble and shingle beach surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains, with particularly clear water. The seasonal restaurant Es Vergeret just above the beach has wonderful views and tasty Mallorcan food, make sure to book a table in summer. Don’t expect to find any other facilities on the beach, there are no toilets, sunbeds or lifeguards. Just a few goats perhaps.
Access: You can drive but the carpark is tiny, the road long and winding, much better to arrive by boat. Parking: Very small parking close to the beach. Read our full guide to the boat trip from Port de Sóller →
3.
Sa Canova
Artà, near Son Serra de Marina
On the north coast, Sa Canova, the long stretch of sand between Son Serra de Marina and Colònia de Sant Pere, rarely fills up the way its Alcúdia Bay neighbours do. Windy days can however bring red flags and waves too big for the smallest swimmers, but much of the time it’s a brilliant spot for bodyboarding, wave jumping and plenty of space to spread out. No facilities here however – for toilets, cafés and shade, you can walk to Son Serra nearby.
Access: Around a 10–15 minute walk through protected dunes to reach the beach. Parking: Free parking near the entrance to the nature reserve.
4.
Es Caragol
Ses Salines
One of Mallorca’s more unspoilt beaches, with turquoise water and soft white sand. There are no facilities at all here – no toilets, cafés, sunbeds or lifeguards – so come fully prepared.
Access: A 30–40 minute walk (around 1.5–2km) along a coastal path. Not really family friendly in peak summer because the walk is hot and fully exposed. It is however flat and just about manageable if you’re heading there early and not hoping to return in the midday heat. Parking: Free roadside parking near Cap de ses Salines lighthouse. There’s no official car park, and spaces are limited in summer.
5.
Cala Mesquida
Capdepera
One of the best options for families wanting a natural setting without sacrificing convenience. There are lifeguards, toilets, showers, sunbed and parasol hire, plus a few basic restaurants and cafés in the nearby resort – and the beach is large enough that you can usually find plenty of space at the far end, even in August.
Access: Easy, via a boardwalk across the protected dunes. Parking: Large free car park at the resort, plus additional on-street parking nearby. From the car park it’s around a 5-minute walk to the beach.
A few other tips
Don’t mind setting an alarm? Mallorca’s protected nature reserves make a great choice for a peaceful beach day with kids, as long as you can get there early. Once their car parks fill up, the flow of arrivals slows right down, since the parking options beyond that point are limited. That’s not to say these spots are quiet, but they certainly feel less full than their neighbours.
S’Amarador, inside the Mondragó Natural Park, has no hotels on the bay, is protected from development on all sides, and once the car park is full, access is limited. A short walk along the rocks and Mondragó itself is similar, though the bus brings a few more crowds. The same goes for Es Trenc and Ses Covetes. For more on these beaches from access and parking to eating out, see our full beach guide →
