Cala Auberdans

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

Cala Auberdans feels like a quiet, rugged corner of the northeast coast where rocks, pine trees and clear water matter more than sand and services. The cove is small and V shaped, with coarse ground and a very natural appearance, which means it usually stays much less crowded than nearby resort beaches. Many visitors come here precisely for that sense of seclusion and raw coastline, rather than for a classic family beach day. If you like rocky shores, clear water and a low key, almost wild atmosphere, this spot can work very well.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type: small rocky cove
• Ground: pebbles, rocks, coarse sand
• Water entry: uneven, over rocks
• Water: feel clear, can be choppy in wind
• Shade: some from pines and cliffs
• Facilities: none on the beach, limited nearby
• Parking: small free roadside area and nearby streets

The overall vibe

Cala Auberdans is a beach in Mallorca on the northeast coast within the municipality of Capdepera, on the Costa de Canyamel. It is also known locally as Cala Alberdans, Cala Albarxians or Cova dels Albardans, and sits between Cala Roja and Na Gratellosa on a relatively undeveloped headland. The cove itself is short, around 40 to 50 metres long, and shaped like a narrow V with steep rocky sides.

The atmosphere is quiet and natural, with mainly hikers, local residents and a few in the know visitors making their way down. There are no built up hotel fronts or loud bars immediately above the cove, and the sounds you notice most are the waves on the rocks and the wind in the pines. It can feel isolated outside high season, so you should not expect the social buzz you find on big sandy bays, but many people value exactly that simplicity.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The shore at Cala Auberdans is mostly rocky and pebbly, with only small patches of coarse sand. You will find rounded stones, rock slabs and some rough gravel rather than a smooth sandy strip. This means walking barefoot is uncomfortable in many areas, and most visitors keep sandals or water shoes on until they are fully in the sea.

Water entry is uneven and can be tricky: you step over rocks and pebbles to reach deeper water, and some surfaces can be slippery, especially where algae or sea grass attach to the stone. Once you are off the rocks, the water is usually very clear, with a mix of rocky seabed and patches of seagrass rather than an even sandy floor. Water shoes are highly recommended here, both to protect your feet and to improve stability when you enter or exit the sea. On calm days the cove offers rewarding swimming and snorkeling for confident swimmers, but waves and swell can make access harder when the wind picks up.

Who Cala Auberdans is perfect for

Cala Auberdans is best for experienced swimmers, snorkelers and visitors who actively seek a natural, stony cove rather than a sandy family beach. It suits people who enjoy clambering over rocks, sitting on warm stone ledges with a mat and spending time in the water rather than building sandcastles. Divers and snorkel enthusiasts often appreciate the underwater relief in the wider area, which includes caves, rock walls and tunnels along the adjacent coastline.

It is not ideal for families with small children, people with reduced mobility or anyone who expects easy barefoot access and a flat sandy play area. If your personal best beaches Mallorca shortlist is dominated by soft sand and shallow entry, this cove will likely feel too harsh and impractical. For those building a more adventurous coastal itinerary, though, Cala Auberdans can be a memorable stop alongside more accessible beaches in the Canyamel and Capdepera area.

Facilities and comfort

There are no services directly on Cala Auberdans. You will not find sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, showers or a beach bar on the rocks here. The nearest facilities are back in the Costa de Canyamel residential area and in Canyamel itself, which are close in distance but still a walk or short drive away.

This means you need to come fully self sufficient: bring water, snacks, a towel or mat thick enough for rocks, and everything you need for sun protection. The pine trees and cliffs around the cove offer some patches of shade, especially outside the middle of the day, but there are no organised shade structures. Because the beach surface is uneven and hard, lightweight folding mats or yoga mats work better than thin towels alone for sitting or lying down.

Getting there and parking

Cala Auberdans lies just south of Canyamel, reached via local roads that lead into the Costa de Canyamel area. From Artà or Capdepera you drive toward Canyamel and, at the roundabout before entering the town, follow signs toward the coastal residential zone. Narrow streets such as Vía de l’Estornell and Vía Geranis lead toward the headland; from there, a short walk on footpaths and rough tracks brings you down toward the cove.

Parking is generally informal and free, found along the residential streets near the end of Vía Calès or similar cul de sacs, where you can leave your car before walking the rest of the way. Spaces are limited and not marked like a formal car park, so visitors often park where it is both legal and considerate for residents. Because access is via rocky paths and minor tracks, it is wise to wear sturdy shoes until you reach the shore. Rental cars are often the simplest way to reach this corner of the Costa de Canyamel, and the area lends itself well to combining several small coves and viewpoints in one outing.

The best spots along Cala Auberdans

On such a small and rocky cove, micro choices matter. The central part of the beach, where the mixture of pebbles and rock slabs meets the water, offers the most straightforward place to get into the sea once you identify a stable entry route. For example, many visitors choose a small gap between larger rocks where the stones are more rounded and it is easier to step into deeper water.

Along one side, rock ledges form small natural platforms where you can spread a mat and set up a low profile base for sunbathing and gear. These spots tend to be more comfortable than loose pebbles and offer a slightly elevated view over the cove. The surrounding headland also has viewpoints where you can look down into the clear water, making it a good place for photos of the V shaped bay, especially when the sea is calm and the colour shifts between blues and greens.

What you can do nearby

• Walk along the coastline between Cala Auberdans and neighbouring coves such as Cala Roja
• Explore viewpoints in the Costa de Canyamel area overlooking the rocky headlands
• Visit Canyamel’s main sandy beach for a more classic swim and beach facilities
• Combine the stop with a visit to the prehistoric towers or caves in the wider Capdepera area

Best time to visit

Because Cala Auberdans has no facilities and very limited shade on the rocks, mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times to visit. In the early hours the sun is lower, the rocks are cooler and the water can feel calm and inviting. Midday in summer can be intense here, with strong sun reflecting from both sea and stone, so it is better suited to brief swims than to long static sunbathing.

Late afternoon provides softer light and more shadow from the cliffs and pines, which many visitors find much more pleasant for sitting on rocks and watching the sea. If you are exploring several spots in this part of Mallorca, Cala Auberdans works well as a shorter stop between time at more accessible beaches or as part of a coastal walk that includes other calas and viewpoints.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Footwear is critical at Cala Auberdans. Bring sturdy walking shoes for the access paths and solid water shoes or sandals for the rocky shore and water entry. The rocks can be sharp, uneven and slippery in places, so moving carefully and keeping your hands free on the descent is important.

Because there are no services, pack enough water, snacks, reef safe sunscreen and a basic first aid kit, especially if you plan to snorkel. Keep an eye on the sea conditions: even experienced swimmers should think twice about entering if waves are breaking strongly onto the rocks or if there is a noticeable swell. Let someone know your plans, avoid swimming alone and be cautious when climbing or jumping from any rock ledges, since submerged rocks and depth changes are not marked in this natural cove.

Good to know

Cala Auberdans is on the northeast side of Mallorca, between Canyamel and Capdepera, on a rocky peninsula that faces the open sea. The coastline here is a mix of small coves, cliffs and pine forest, with this particular inlet being more of a stony, natural cove than a sandy beach. The surrounding area blends a quiet residential zone at Costa de Canyamel with largely undeveloped headlands and wooded slopes.