Blue Mallorca: beaches, coves and sea spots to enjoy near Mon Port
There is a Mallorca that never gets old. A Mallorca that smells of salt and sounds like waves breaking against rock, that unfolds in impossible shades of blue around every bend in the road. That Mallorca exists, and its epicentre in the north of the island has a name: the waters surrounding the bay of Port d'Andratx and its surroundings, just a few minutes from Mon Port Hotel & Spa.
When you stay at Mon Port, the most authentic Mediterranean nature is not a brochure promise: it is what you have in front of you every morning. This guide covers the beaches, coves and sea spots worth exploring when the hotel is your starting point.
Port d'Andratx: where the sea begins at home
Before venturing further, it is worth staying close. The fishing port of Port d'Andratx is one of the most picturesque in Mallorca, with traditional boats sharing the harbour with luxury yachts and the reflection of white houses shimmering on the water. The seafront promenade is ideal for a first morning coffee or a last vermouth before dinner.
The harbour waters are calm and crystal clear. Some Mon Port guests jump directly from the rocks at dawn, when the bay is still silent. There is no sandy beach here, but you do not need one: the water makes up for everything.
Cala Llamp: intimate and within walking distance
Just a few minutes from the hotel along a road that winds through pines and summer houses, Cala Llamp is one of those coves you remember. Small, sheltered, with emerald green water and flat rocks perfect for sunbathing. There is no beach bar or sun lounger service, which guarantees a crowd-free, peaceful experience.
The seabed is rocky and teeming with life: perfect for snorkelling. Bring your own mask and fins and spend an hour exploring what lies beneath the surface. You will not regret it.
Cala en Basset and the La Trapa Nature Reserve
For those who enjoy combining sea and mountain, the path to Cala en Basset through the La Trapa Nature Reserve is a complete experience. The hike from Sant Elm, around forty-five minutes, crosses a dry and aromatic landscape with views of the islet of Sa Dragonera, a protected nature reserve.
When you arrive at the cove, the contrast is dramatic: a strip of dark pebbles surrounded by sheer rock cliffs and water in several shades of blue. The current can be strong depending on the time of year, so it is worth asking locally before swimming.
Sant Elm and the view of Sa Dragonera
The small village of Sant Elm, about fifteen kilometres from Mon Port, deserves a full afternoon. In front of it, the elongated silhouette of Sa Dragonera — an uninhabited island and nature reserve — seems to float on the horizon. From the seafront, the spectacle is constant: kayakers, sailboats, the ferry crossing to the island, and in the background, the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana descending to the sea.
The village's two beaches — Platja de Sant Elm and s'Algar — are modest but very accessible. Clean water, sandy bottom and shallow shoreline: ideal for families with young children.
Cala Estellencs: the hidden gem of the north coast
Driving up the Serra de Tramuntana road to Estellencs is already an experience in itself. But the reward comes when you walk down to the village cove: a small inlet with black pebbles, intense turquoise water and cliffs surrounding it like a natural amphitheatre. The descent takes about twenty minutes and is steep, so proper footwear is essential.
Estellencs also has a small terrace bar to recharge after a swim. The village itself, with its stone alleys and 13th-century church, deserves a quiet stroll.
Cala Fornells and Peguera: the perfect balance
If you are looking for something more organised — with sunbed service, easy access and equally exceptional water — Cala Fornells, in Peguera, is the answer. A cove divided into three small beaches with pine trees reaching down to the shore, sheltered waters and a calm atmosphere even in high season.
Peguera also has good fresh fish and seafood restaurants. A long afternoon here — swimming, eating and strolling — is one of the most satisfying plans on offer in southwest Mallorca.
Camp de Mar: architecture, history and sea
Between Port d'Andratx and Peguera lies Camp de Mar, a small settlement with one of the coast's most unusual features: an islet with a restaurant reached by a wooden footbridge. The scene, with its fine sandy beach, calm waters and the mountains behind, is one of the most photogenic landscapes in Mallorca.
The beach has kayak and paddleboard hire, allowing you to explore the coast from the water. First thing in the morning, with the bay almost deserted, the experience borders on the sublime.
Boat trip: seeing the coast from the sea
Some of the best coves in the area — such as Cala Marmassen, Cala Blanca or the cliffs between Port d'Andratx and Sa Dragonera — are only accessible by sea. Hiring a small boat without needing a skipper's licence, or joining an organised trip from the harbour, is the most authentic way to experience this coastline from where it truly makes sense: from the water.
The Mon Port team can advise you on trusted operators in the area and help you plan the outing according to your interests and sailing experience.
Practical tips for enjoying the sea in Mallorca
- oThe best time for the quietest coves is May to June and September to October. In July and August, arrive before 10 in the morning.
- oMany small coves have no road access or very limited parking. Check before you set off.
- oSnorkelling is free and extraordinary along virtually the entire local coastline. All you need is your mask.
- oThe Mediterranean sun in summer is very intense. High-factor sunscreen, a hat and water are essential.
- oAt Mon Port you can request a picnic basket to take to the beach. Far better than anything you will find at the beach bars.
The sea in Mallorca is not a backdrop. It is the main character. And from Mon Port, you have direct access to some of its most beautiful chapters. You just need to know where to look.
