The beaches of Llevant in Mallorca are, for many who know the island well, the best of its coastline. The east coast combines something rarely found in the Mediterranean: pristine beaches accessible only on foot, white sand beaches sheltered by pine forests, turquoise waters reminiscent of the Caribbean, and a natural park that has escaped mass development. This is the area where Mallorca still resembles the Mallorca of thirty years ago.
If you stay in a agritourism in Manacor or, anywhere in the Llevant region, you'll find more than a dozen beaches within a 15-30 minute drive that are well worth the trip, with diverse profiles ranging from urban beaches with bars to wild stretches of sand accessible only on foot. This guide covers them all, with practical information: how to get there, where to park, whether there are services, and when it's best to arrive early.
Why the beaches of Llevant are different from the rest of Mallorca
The Llevant region—in eastern Mallorca, encompassing Manacor, Sant Llorenç, Artà, Capdepera, and Son Servera—has maintained a higher level of coastal preservation than the rest of the island. There are several reasons for this: the area developed for tourism later, much of the northern Llevant coastline lies within the Llevant Peninsula Natural Park, and many of its most beautiful beaches are only accessible on foot, which has slowed construction and overcrowding.
This means that in the middle of August you can find beaches with a hundred meters of sand and only twenty people, something that is practically impossible in the south or southeast of the island.
The most accessible beaches in Llevant: for those who want comfort
There's more to Llevant than hiking trails and hot tubs. These are the beaches with easy access by car, nearby parking, and amenities, ideal for a relaxing day at the beach or for families with young children:
- Porto Cristo (Manacor): the port's urban beach. Fine sand, calm waters, bars, restaurants, and parking. Good for families and as a base for visiting the Caves of Drach.
- Cala Moreia / s'Illot (Manacor): white sand, crystal clear waters, lively tourist atmosphere. Full services.
- Cala Anguila (Manacor): fine sand, low pine forest, turquoise waters. Quite popular but not as crowded as Cala Moreia.
- Cala Romàntica (Manacor): combines sand with rock formations that create natural pools. Very photogenic. Services and paid parking.
- Cala Millor (Sant Llorenç / Son Servera): long beach of fine sand, promenade, wide gastronomic offer. The most complete option in the Levante for a day of rest.
- Cala Bona (Son Servera): next to Cala Millor, smaller and with the charm of a fishing port.
These beaches are perfect for getting to know the Llevant region if it's your first visit, or for days when the plan is to go and come back without effort.
The unspoiled beaches of Llevant in Mallorca that are worth the effort of the journey
Here's the best of the Llevant coast. These are beaches that require a 15-30 minute walk but offer scenery that justifies the trip to the island. If you're only coming to Mallorca once in your life, these are the ones you have to put on your list:
- Cala Varques (Manacor): the jewel. One hundred meters of white sand, turquoise water, no amenities, accessible only on foot. More details below.
- Cala Petita (Manacor): small, secluded, accessible by footpath. For those seeking an intimate spot near Porto Cristo.
- Cala Magraner (Manacor): unspoiled, dirt parking and access via a path. Extraordinary waters.
- Cala Mesquida (Capdepera): a large, unspoiled cove on the eastern end, with dunes and protected native vegetation. There is nearby parking and a bar in one section, but most of the cove remains wild.
- Cala Torta (Artà): within the Natural Park, 10 km from Artà. Dirt track to the parking area and descent to the cove. No facilities.
- Cala Mitjana and Cala Estreta (Artà): natural continuation from Cala Torta on foot, small and even quieter beaches.
The advice if you're going to any of these: get there early. After 11 a.m., the dirt parking lots in Llevant fill up quickly during peak season, and the feeling of being unspoiled fades. Before 10 a.m., you'll practically have paradise to yourself.
Cala Varques in Mallorca: the jewel of Llevant in detail
How do I get to Cala Varques? Take the Ma-4014 road between Porto Cristo and Cales de Mallorca. At kilometer 10-11, there's a free roadside parking area with space for 30-40 cars. From there, a dirt path of about 3 kilometers (30 minutes walk) leads to the cove. Closed-toe shoes are recommended, bring plenty of water, there's no shade along the path, and there's no beach bar at the cove.
Why is it worth it? One hundred meters of fine white sand framed by pine forest and cliffs, exceptional turquoise water, no buildings in sight, and an atmosphere that combines couples, respectful backpackers, and discreet nudists without anyone bothering anyone else. It is the best-preserved cove in the municipality of Manacor.
During peak season, it's best to arrive before 10 am and be prepared for the Ma-4014 parking lot to be full by 9 am in July and August. Alternatively, arrive in the mid-afternoon, when the sun is less intense and visitors are starting to leave.
The Levante Natural Park: beaches of Artà and Capdepera
The Llevant Peninsula Natural Park, declared in 2001, protects the north-northeast strip of the Llevant peninsula between Artà and Capdepera. It is the least urbanized area of Mallorca and is home to some of the most pristine beaches on the entire island.
Within the Natural Park and its immediate perimeter:
- Cala Torta: coarse golden sand, crystal clear waters, no facilities. Access via dirt track. Jellyfish may be present in season.
- Cala Mitjana: a continuation on foot from Cala Torta. Smaller and much quieter.
- Cala Estreta: the next one on the route, practically never full.
- Cala Matzoc: very unspoiled, accessible by coastal path. Fine white sand, lush vegetation.
- Sa Font Celada: small and hidden, with a nearby natural freshwater spring.
- Arenalet des Verger: the most remote in the park, only for committed hikers.
- Cala Mesquida: right on the edge of the park, with protected dunes. The eastern part remains untouched.
To better understand the Llevant region as a whole, we have published two complementary guides: What to do in Manacor y charming villages in Mallorca.
When and how to visit the beaches of Llevant without feeling overwhelmed
When is the best time to visit the beaches of Llevant? May, June, September, and the first half of October are ideal months: the water is at a reasonable temperature (20-23°C), the days are long, there are far fewer people than in the height of August, and prices are much more reasonable if you combine beach time with accommodation. July and August are busy at any accessible beach, but coves requiring a short walk maintain a reasonable occupancy rate if you arrive early.
These are the practical tips that work:
- Arrive early: before 10 a.m. at any unspoiled cove in Llevant during the season.
- Closed-toe shoes are recommended for the trails of Cala Varques, Cala Torta, Cala Matzoc, and similar areas. Flip-flops won't hold up.
- Bring enough water: none of the secluded beaches have facilities. Bring at least 1.5 liters per person per day.
- Good umbrella: in the beaches with pine forest you have natural shade; in others (Cala Varques, Cala Torta), you don't.
- Absolute respect: you are in protected areas. Take your trash with you, do not light campfires, and stay on marked trails.
- Plan B ready: if the parking lot at the target cove is full, have a second option 10 minutes away.
If you're interested in the Llevant region beyond the beaches, we recommend this guide about what to do on a rural getaway in Mallorca.
Where to stay to have all these beaches within 20 minutes
The great advantage of staying in the Llevant region—in Manacor, Son Servera, Capdepera, or Artà—is that all these beaches are just a 15-30 minute drive away. If you stay in the south (Palma, Cala d'Or) or the west (Tramuntana), each visit to the Llevant is a one- to one-and-a-half-hour drive each way.
In a agritourism in Manacor like Es Mayolet, the beaches of Llevant are literally next door: Cala Varques is 20 minutes away, Cala Anguila 15, Cala Romàntica 18, Porto Cristo 12. You leave after breakfast, return for a siesta, and have dinner at the finca with unique rooms And the next day you repeat the experience with a different cove. That rhythm is what distinguishes a guest of Llevant from a tourist who comes on a day trip.
Combine the trip with experiences on the farm —horse riding, winery tasting, farm-to-table gastronomy— is what turns a vacation in beaches into a truly memorable stay.
Frequently asked questions about Levante beaches Mallorca
What are the best unspoiled beaches in Llevant?
The most outstanding unspoiled beaches in the Llevant region are Cala Varques, Cala Petita, and Cala Magraner in the municipality of Manacor; Cala Torta, Cala Mitjana, Cala Estreta, and Cala Matzoc in the Llevant Peninsula Natural Park; and Cala Mesquida in Capdepera. All require at least a 10-30 minute walk from the parking area or a drive along a dirt track to reach the entrance. There are no amenities, but the scenery is stunning.
Is it possible to get to Cala Varques by car?
No. Cala Varques is only accessible on foot via a 3-kilometer (30-minute) trail from the free parking area on the Ma-4014 road, at kilometer 10-11. Alternatively, you can arrive by boat from Porto Cristo. There is no direct road to the cove.
Which cove in Llevant is the best to go to with children?
The best beaches in Llevant for families with children are Porto Cristo, Cala Moreia, Cala Romàntica, and Cala Millor: all have direct car access, nearby parking, fine sand, and full amenities. For a more natural yet accessible experience, Cala Anguila is a good option.
Do the beaches of Llevant have services?
It depends a lot on the cove. Those in the southern Llevant region (Cala Millor, Cala Moreia, Porto Cristo, Cala Romàntica) have full amenities: beach bars, sunbeds, parking, and restaurants. The unspoiled beaches (Cala Varques, Cala Petita, Cala Torta, Cala Mitjana, Cala Matzoc) have no amenities. You have to bring everything: water, food, a parasol, and shoes.
When are the beaches of Llevant least crowded?
In May, June, and September, the beaches of Llevant are reasonably empty, even at their most popular spots. July and August are the busiest months, but the unspoiled beaches remain moderately busy if you arrive before 10 a.m. October is excellent: the water is still warm (21-22°C), the days are sunny, and the beaches are practically deserted.
Experience the beaches of Llevant from the heart of Llevant
If you want to experience the beaches of Llevant properly—without spending an hour driving each morning, and with time to revisit your favorites—the secret is to stay in the area. An agritourism in Manacor or any country estate in Llevant puts you 15-25 minutes from all the coves in this guide. After the beach, you return to the countryside. It's this combination that transforms an ordinary holiday into the kind of trip you want to repeat every year. If you'd like us to design your stay together with the coves that best suit you, write to us through our contact page and we'll get back to you in less than 24 hours.