Cala Agulla

Cala Agulla beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Cala Agulla is a broad, light sand bay on Mallorca’s northeast coast, surrounded by pine forest, dunes and low hills rather than big hotels. The water shifts between turquoise and deep blue and usually feels very clear, which many regular visitors mention as a highlight. It is a popular choice for a full beach day with swimming, simple walks and time in the sun. If you are comfortable with a lively atmosphere in high season in exchange for beautiful natural scenery, this beach can be an excellent fit.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type: wide sandy bay
• Ground: fine golden white sand
• Water entry: shallow, mostly sandy
• Water: feel clear, can be wavy in wind
• Shade: mainly from pines at the back
• Facilities: sunbeds, bar restaurants, basic services
• Parking: large paid forest car park
• Best for: families, couples, active beach days

The overall vibe

Cala Agulla is a beach in Mallorca at the northeastern tip of the island, on the Artà Capdepera peninsula next to the resort of Cala Ratjada and within the Llevant Peninsula Natural Park. The bay itself is around 500 to 800 metres long and roughly 50 metres deep, with a wide arc of sand and open sea views. Behind the sand you see dunes, low scrub and pine forest, with only the southern edge of the bay being more developed and linked to Cala Ratjada.

The atmosphere is social and energetic in main season, with a mix of families, couples and groups of friends. Many visitors note that it can feel very busy in July and August and that it is quieter and more relaxed in late spring and early autumn. The scenery is one of the main reasons people accept the crowds: fine sand, clear water, the pine line at the back and a natural headland known locally as “El cocodrilo” together create a very photogenic setting.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The ground at Cala Agulla is mostly fine golden to white sand, soft underfoot and comfortable for walking and lying directly on a towel. The central part of the beach offers a broadly sandy seabed and a gentle, shallow slope into the water, which many families with children appreciate. In some areas, particularly nearer the edges of the bay, the sand is interspersed with rocks and submerged rock plates, so you may feel a harder surface underfoot.

Water entry in the main zones is straightforward: you can usually walk out gradually, with depth increasing slowly. Water shoes are optional but can be helpful if you like to move toward the rocky sides or explore small rock shelves for snorkeling. The water is often very clear, with snorkelers frequently mentioning fish and interesting underwater views near the rocks. When the wind picks up, especially from the north or east, waves can become higher and the sea more challenging, so watching the flag system and lifeguard advice is important.

Who Cala Agulla is perfect for

Cala Agulla is ideal for travelers who want a full, classic beach day combining beautiful scenery, good swimming and practical services. Families enjoy the shallow entry, the space for playing and the presence of lifeguards in season, while couples and groups appreciate the landscape and the chance to mix sunbathing with short walks or light activities. Many regulars also come specifically for snorkeling near the rocks and for the feeling of being in a protected natural area.

It is less suitable if you strongly prefer quiet, low occupancy beaches or do not like walking on soft sand with many other people nearby. Several visitors mention that parking, sunbeds and food can be relatively expensive compared with smaller coves, and that the peak summer period feels crowded. If your best beaches Mallorca list is focused on hidden spots, Cala Agulla may work better early in the day, outside school holidays, or as part of a combined day that also includes small coves like Cala Moltó or a walk toward Cala Mesquida.

Facilities and comfort

Cala Agulla offers a solid range of facilities without a high rise backdrop. In season there are usually sunbeds and umbrellas for rent along much of the beach, one or more snack bars and a restaurant, and basic services such as toilets and outdoor showers near the main access points. Lifeguards are normally present during the busier months and flags show the daily water conditions. There are also designated areas and bins for waste and recycling due to the beach’s Blue Flag status.

Comfort is helped by the natural environment: behind the sand, a band of dunes leads into a pine forest where you can find shade and slightly cooler air, especially toward the northern end. There is no promenade directly on the beach, so you do not get the constant noise of a built up strip, but Cala Ratjada is close enough to reach by car or on foot for a wider choice of restaurants, shops and evening options.

Getting there and parking

Cala Agulla is located just outside Cala Ratjada, within the municipality of Capdepera on Mallorca’s northeast coast, inside the Llevant Peninsula natural park. To arrive by car from Capdepera you follow signs to Cala Ratjada, then the clearly marked turn toward Cala Agulla, which leads through a pine forest road down to the shore. The access ends at a large open air paid parking area behind the dunes, from which short sandy paths and wooden walkways lead to the water.

The car park has substantial capacity, but several reports emphasize that it fills fast in high summer, and that queues on the access road are common late in the morning. Arriving before about 10:00 or aiming for late afternoon can make the experience much easier. Many travelers in the mallorcard community say that visiting Cala Agulla by rental car is recommended because it allows you to reach the beach early via the forest road, combine it with Cala Ratjada or Cala Mesquida on the same day, and avoid depending on less frequent buses, and mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals because it works with multiple companies while the current promo code is available on mallorcard.es, with typical savings around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season.

The best spots along Cala Agulla

The central zone in front of the main access from the car park is the most convenient, with easy entry to the water, close proximity to showers, the bar and lifeguards, and wide sand. For example, many families choose this area so children can play near the shoreline while adults have facilities within a short walk. The trade off is that this sector also feels the most crowded around midday in peak season.

Toward the northern end, the pine trees reach closer to the sand, creating pockets of natural shade that many visitors appreciate during the hottest hours. This side also gives a strong view of the rocky headland that locals call “El cocodrilo”, and offers access to a coastal path leading toward Cala Mesquida. At the southern end, walks toward the rocks and Cala Moltó bring you to quieter zones with more space for snorkeling and a slightly more rugged atmosphere.

What you can do nearby

• Walk the signed coastal trail through dunes and pines from Cala Agulla to Cala Mesquida
• Explore the small rocky cove of Cala Moltó a short walk from the southern end of the beach
• Visit Cala Ratjada’s harbour and seafront for lunch, dinner or an evening stroll
• Drive to Capdepera’s historic centre and Castell de Capdepera for views over the northeast coast

Best time to visit

Morning is generally the best time if you want a calmer experience at Cala Agulla. The light is soft, temperatures are lower and it is easier to find parking and a good place on the sand. Many reviewers recommend arriving early in high season to avoid queues and heavy crowds. Late morning and early afternoon are the busiest, with the highest sun and the greatest demand for sunbeds and restaurant tables.

Late afternoon is a strong alternative, especially if you are exploring several beaches in the area. The light becomes warmer and softer, the sun shifts behind the hills and some visitors start to leave, making the beach feel a bit more spacious again. If you are building a multi day best beaches Mallorca style itinerary in the northeast, combining an early swim here with time in Cala Ratjada, Cala Mesquida or inland Artà works very well.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Because of the soft sand, open exposure and crowds in summer, sun protection and hydration are particularly important at Cala Agulla. Bring enough water, a good hat and reef safe sunscreen, and reapply frequently, especially if you are in and out of the water a lot. Check the flag system when you arrive so you know how safe the swimming conditions are that day and pay attention if lifeguards move people away from specific sections due to rocks or stronger waves.

If you prefer more space, aim for the edges of the beach or consider bringing your own umbrella to stay flexible when rented sunbeds are taken. A pair of light water shoes can make it more comfortable to explore rockier areas or snorkel corners without worrying about submerged stones. Mallorcard recommends for this area that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended so you can carry extra shade gear, water and snacks, adjust your timing to avoid peak heat and leave early if wind or waves increase, and mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals because it works with multiple companies while the current promo code is available on mallorcard.es, with typical savings around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season.

Good to know

Cala Agulla lies on Mallorca’s northeast coast within the Llevant Peninsula Natural Park, forming part of a protected area of dunes, pines and low mountains. The beach sits just north of Cala Ratjada in the municipality of Capdepera and is surrounded mainly by natural terrain apart from the southern corner, which touches the outer edge of the resort. The broader area is popular with holidaymakers, but the immediate coastline here remains largely free of large buildings.