The municipality of Santanyí has some of the best-known coves in Mallorca — and some of the easiest to enjoy badly: arriving at midday in August, with nowhere to park and your towel half a metre from the next one. This is the guide we give friends who visit us, and buyers who want to understand why this coastline is different.
Caló des Moro
The south-east's most repeated postcard: a narrow cove between cliffs, turquoise water and pines right to the edge. You reach it on foot from the Cala s'Almunia area, along a path with some rocky stretches. It is small and has no facilities, so in summer it fills up very early. Our advice: go first thing, or enjoy it from the rocks in spring and autumn.
Cala s'Almunia
A few minutes from Caló des Moro and far more authentic: fishermen's huts, boat ramps and a swim between rocks in the clearest water of the day. Not a sandy beach but a spot to swim and simply look. Best early, before people pass through on their way to Caló des Moro.
Cala Llombards
Fine sand, calm water and fishermen's huts on either side: probably the best cove in Santanyí for children. In season there is a beach bar and sun loungers. Above it lies the Cala Llombards development, villas among the pines and one of the most sought-after residential areas in the municipality.
Cala Santanyí
A wide sandy cove at the end of a small valley, with facilities in summer and a clifftop walk to the natural arch of Es Pontàs, one of the most photographed sights on the coast. It is the closest cove to the town, about five minutes by car.
Cala Mondragó and s'Amarador
Inside the Mondragó Natural Park: pine woods, dunes and two sandy coves joined by a coastal path. Cala Mondragó (also called Font de n'Alis) and s'Amarador are among the few coves in the south-east surrounded by protected nature, with no buildings on the front line. There are car parks at the park entrances.
Cala Figuera
Not a cove for lying down but for strolling: a narrow fjord with fishermen's huts, colourful boats and a harbour that still works. At sunset, with the quayside restaurants open, it is one of the loveliest places in Mallorca.
The coves of Santanyí are best in May, June, September and October. In August, the best time is the one most people have not discovered yet: before ten.
Practical tips
- In July and August, arrive before 10:00 or after 17:00: parking is the first thing to run out.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the paths to Caló des Moro and along the Es Pontàs coast.
- Respect the posidonia areas and leave nothing behind: many coves have no bins.
- Off season the coast is almost yours alone: the water stays pleasant well into October.
If you would like to live a few minutes from these coves, our search lets you filter by area: Cala Llombards, Cala Santanyí, Cala Figuera or Portopetro, among others.
