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The biggest Balearic practically invented beach tourism, and there’s a good reason why: among its 50km of fine white sand and rocky coves are to be found some of the best beaches in Europe. The island’s beaches have personality in bucketloads and diversity in spades. Some are perfect for families; others cater for water-sporty types, naturalists or nudists. Mallorca doesn’t do party beaches in the Ibiza style, preferring the gentler pleasures of daytime beach clubs with drinks, music and a chilled seaside vibe. Whether you’re looking to take your ease on a sun-lounger with a Cosmopolitan in hand, feast on grilled fish at a feet-in-the-sand chiringuito or pick your way through the sun-warmed pinewoods to a magical cala, there’s something here for sandmen and -women of all ages and conditions.

#1 Cala Mondragó

Set amongst beautiful lush green woodland and rocky crags on the eastern side of the island, close to the town of Santanyí, Cala Mondragó offers sheltered shallow swimming with plenty of space and white soft sand, perfect for families and young children. This beach offers everything you could want from a day out at the beach whilst on holiday such as parking, easy access, beach bars and amenities yet blessedly free of high-rise hotels and villas so you get a real feel for the natural beauty of the south-eastern side of the island.

This beach is very popular with tourist and locals and can get quite busy during the peak season, so if you need more peace and quiet? Walk the 400m along the coast to the less-frequented but equally beautiful Cala S’Amarador.     

#2 Platja de Alcúdia

This beautiful and well-maintained beach ticks all the boxes for a perfect family day out. The shallow warm and clear water is a dream for small children, and the fine white sand is ideal for sandcastle building. Set close by to the medieval town of Alcúdia this beach has it all, beach bars, restaurants, showers, changing rooms, loos, a playground and with the generous expanse of sand stretching approximately 3km it almost never feels crowded.   

<h3 class="BaseWrap-sc-UrHlS BaseText-fFrHpW GallerySlideCaptionHed-lfzRYK boMZdO bcbDQL kzMjO"><span class="GallerySlideCaptionHedText-dauSZL hOQIAG">#3 Cala Deià</span></h3>
<p><span>A winding single-lane road leads from the village of Deià to a pretty pebble beach sheltered by wooded escarpments. Once a tiny fishing port, this idyllic </span><em>cala</em><span> is now patronised by a footloose international crowd of fashion and music-industry folk, </span><a href="https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/travel-instagram-accounts-to-follow">Instagrammers</a><span> and floating Deià residents. A couple of rustic </span><em>chiringuitos</em><span> serve up simple rice dishes and grilled fish at un-simple prices; Ca’s Patró, up on the left as you approach the beach, is the nicer of the two. Parking at the beach is a nightmare in high season – consider a short hike from the village down a footpath (it’s signposted) among olive groves and orchards.</span></p>

#4 Cala Torta

A secret unspoiled beach that locals would rather you didn’t know about. Protected by its off the beaten track location on the island’s north-east corner, the cala is a romantic sweep of pristine white sand with dazzling blue water set amongst an untouched and unspoiled natural landscape. The inviting turquoise water does however hide a steep drop to a sudden depth so it’s advised that children playing and swimming in the bay should be supervised.

#5 Portitxol

The curved bay of Portitxol once a fishing port has in recent years become Palmas most desirable beach. Popular with local residents this stunning beach is lovely for a quiet evening dip before a tasty dinner at one of the many fantastic restaurants along the strip. The location of this stunning beach is what makes it, Portitxol offers soft golden sand and warm blue sea all of which is literally a 10 minute stroll from the centre of town with its museums, shops, cafes, and fantastic restaurants.

#6 Es Trenc

One of the best know and most popular beaches in Majorca, also known as the island’s famous ‘virgin’ beach, saved and untouched from the threat of development in 2008 stretches along the south coast between Colònia de Sant Jordi and Sa Ràpita.

This stunning beach has been compared to beaches of those of the Caribbean due to its turquoise blue waters and fine soft white sands. At 10km long this beach is truly spectacular but offers no amenities so best to bring your own sunshade. At the end of the day be sure to check out the nearby saltworks with their charming shack-like shop and café.

#7 Cala Formentor

Located on the islands far northern tip, the Formentor peninsular is truly spectacular, offering stunning natural beauty, oak and pine sheltered beaches, shallow turquoise waters all lined by a wild and remote landscape. Only 10km from the very desirable Port de Pollença this beach is a true place of escapism, find yourself a nice shady spot on the narrow stretch of  sand and snooze away all day long.  

#8 Cala Varques

Set in a small cove on the islands east coast, close to the historical town of Manacor, Cala Varques is easily accessible from most of the tourist developments but still feels tucked away, unspoiled and intimate. One of the island’s few beaches with an Ibiza-style hippy vibe: nudism is a thing, and barefoot bohos sell jewellery on the sand.

There are no sunbeds or facilities at this beach so come prepared with a sunshade and plenty of water.

#9 Cala Lombards Santanyi

Popular with locals, Cala Llombards is a stunning cove beach in the southeast of Mallorca, near to the small village, Es Llombards, and about 10 kilometres from Santanyi.

This secluded beach is surrounded by steep cliffs and rocky areas, as well as pine trees and scrubs. The sand is white and soft and the water is beautifully crystal clear and ideal for snorkeling. There are no waves here, or rarely so, making it ideal for swimming with children as well.

#10 Cala Mesquida

Cala Mesquida is a long stretch of sandy beach set among pine trees and sand dunes in the northeast coast of Mallorca.

Close to the small town of Capdepera, only 7 kilometres away and Artá, a larger town a bit further away. The area surrounding Cala Mesquida was specially designated as an "area of special interest" by the Balearic government in 1991, helping to protect some of its wild natural beauty. Cala Mesquida is considered to be one of the top 20 beaches in Majorca.