Today I propose a tour of the best coves on the North Coast of Mallorca. But first… Do you know what makes this part of the “Beautiful Island” special? Without a doubt, the most notable and outstanding feature is the presence of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain mange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the “Cultural Landscape” category, which makes the North Coast of Mallorca unique and different.
Thus, unlike the other areas of Mallorca (each with its own special appeal), in this case we enter a landscape dominated by large cliffs and imposing mountains. A landscape where, for centuries, access to the sea has been a very complicated task, forcing the island’s inhabitants to use their ingenuity to the maximum in search of small natural harbors that would allow boats to anchor. This is the case of Sa Calobra, a small village that is part of our selection.
After this brief introduction… let’s begin our route!
1. Cala Banyalbufar
We begin our tour in Banyalbufar, a tiny and beautiful town located at the foot of the Mola de Planícia (940 m), one of the most beautiful in the Serra de Tramuntana. Descending from the village along a beautiful path between Malvasia grape vineyards, we arrive at Cala Banyalbufar, an old fishermen’s refuge where you can still see traditional “llaüts” in their “escars” (boat shelters) while you enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters or snorkel, enjoying its seabed rich with Posidonia oceanica. An idyllic place that we trust you will help us protect.
2. Sa Foradada
In addition to being an icon of Mallorca’s north coast, near Valldemossa, Sa Foradada hides a little secret that remains hidden except to those who dare to take the hike or prefer to go aboard a boat: a small cove with crystal-clear waters located at the foot of a restaurant that boasts some of the best views on the entire island. Keep in mind that in summer the excursion can be very hot due to the high temperatures, so an excellent alternative is to hire a boat excursion to Sa Foradada.
3. Cala Deià
A place chosen by many artists to establish their residence, the picturesque town of Deià, nestled in the shelter of large mountains, also boasts one of the most beautiful coves in Mallorca. We’re talking about Cala Deià, a very popular destination among locals and tourists alike, not only for the beauty of its crystal-clear waters but also for the fame and charm of its renowned restaurant: Ca’s Patró March, where you can enjoy the delicious fish and seafood of the day, or a delicious paella, while admiring the reflections of the Mediterranean on the cliffs that protect the cove from storms.
Outside of the summer season (because it’s very hot in summer), you can enjoy a moderately difficult route in this fascinating setting: the Camí dels Pintors. For an easier route, you can visit the Torre de Sa Pedrissa. A highly recommended option for visiting Cala Deià in a different way is to rent a boat without a license in Port de Sóller and take the tour by sea. This is one of the recommended activities in Port de Sóller.
4. Cala Tuent
Cala Tuent is located just over 5 nautical miles northeast of Port de Sóller. In other words, we are entering the wildest, most natural, and most authentic part of the Serra de Tramuntana. Here, protected by the cliffs of Morro des Forat and Morro de Sa Corda, we find the beautiful Cala Tuent.
The starting point of the Sa Costera route, this secluded cove has been the setting for TV commercials, films, and series. And no wonder: located at the foot of Puig Major, the highest peak in Mallorca, Cala Tuent is surrounded by mountains covered in a dense pine forest, and its surroundings remain practically unchanged (hopefully for many years to come). Cala Tuent can be reached via the Sa Calobra Road, a spectacular roadway conceived by the famous engineer Antonio Parietti Coll.
5. Sa Calobra and the Torrent de Pareis
The Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis complex is one of the main tourist destinations on the north coast of Mallorca. Whether via the winding and spectacular road or by boat from Port de Sóller, hundreds of people visit this idyllic corner of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains every day. It’s one of the few access points to the rugged and craggy coastline of northern Mallorca, a former fishing village where we find a good number of restaurants.
6. Cala Sant Vicenç
For our next recommendation in this compilation of the best coves in northern Mallorca, we travel to the northernmost tip of the island: Cape Formentor. Specifically, the point where this geographical feature begins, near the town of Port de Pollença. Cala Sant Vicenç is home to one of the most beautiful landscapes on the island, between the Serra de Cornavaques and the Serra del Cavall Bernat, the latter being a classic challenge for the island’s mountaineers.
In this idyllic setting—more urbanized than we’d like—we find four small coves with crystal-clear waters and sandy bottoms: Cala Barques, Cala Clara, Cala Molins, and Cala Carbó.
7. Cala Figuera de Formentor (Pollença)
We finish with what is probably my favorite cove in all of Mallorca. A pristine cove with crystal-clear waters that is framed by the Serra de Tramuntana and therefore surrounded by the imposing mountains that form Cape Formentor, at the northern tip of the island. Find out more here: Cala Figuera de Formentor.