Cala Conills

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

Cala Conills is a small rocky bay at the southern end of Sant Elm that feels more like a relaxed local bathing cove than a classic sandy resort beach. You look straight out over clear turquoise water with views toward Sa Dragonera island, while a handful of small boats rest on the slipways and rock ledges. Many visitors mention that it feels intimate and authentic, with a mix of residents and a few travelers who have walked down from the village. The setting is simple but atmospheric, especially toward sunset when the light drops behind Dragonera. If you are happy with pebbles, rock platforms and easy access to the sea rather than a wide sand strip, this spot can work very well.

• Beach type: Small rocky cove
• Ground: Pebbles, gravel, flat rocks
• Water entry: From rocks and slopes
• Water feel: Clear, deepening quickly
• Shade: Some natural spots
• Facilities: Nearby restaurant, basic
• Parking: Street and nearby areas
• Best for: Swimmers, snorkelers, sunset

The overall vibe

Cala Conills is a compact cove beach in Mallorca that offers a calm, semi urban coastal experience on the edge of Sant Elm. You have low sandstone walls and rock terraces framing a small pocket of pebbles and gravel, with clear water and a few beached boats giving it a traditional maritime feel. Local families and regular swimmers tend to use it more than day tourists, so it often feels quieter than the main sandy beach in Sant Elm itself. The atmosphere is laid back, with people sunbathing on the rock platforms, slipping into the water for a swim and then heading up to the nearby restaurant. The views across to Sa Dragonera and along the coast give this little cove more scenic impact than its size might suggest.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The ground at Cala Conills is mostly made up of pebbles, gravel and flat sandstone rock shelves rather than soft sand. There is usually a sloping section where small stones lead into the water, plus rock ledges where locals lay towels or bring small folding chairs. Entering the sea means stepping carefully across these pebbles or using natural rock steps, and the seabed deepens fairly quickly once you move away from the edge. Water shoes are very useful here, as they make it much easier to walk over the stones and get in and out without worrying about sharp edges or slipping. On calm days the water is clear and inviting, ideal for a longer swim or some basic snorkeling along the rocky sides, but when the sea is rough the waves can push against the rocks and make access more difficult, so it is important to judge the conditions before going in.

Who Cala Conills is perfect for

Cala Conills is ideal for travelers who enjoy small, rock based bathing spots and do not need a big sandy area. Confident swimmers and snorkelers often rate it highly because the clear water and rocky seabed attract fish and offer more underwater interest than many flat sand beaches. Couples and friends staying in Sant Elm like it for quieter moments, quick swims and sunset views over Sa Dragonera. It is less suitable for families with very young children who want to dig in the sand, paddle in very shallow water and move around barefoot. If you are planning a best beaches Mallorca itinerary focused on long sandy bays, this cove will be more of a characterful extra stop than your main beach day choice.

Facilities and comfort

Directly at the cove you do not have large scale built beach infrastructure, but you do benefit from the services of Sant Elm. A well known seafront restaurant sits directly by the water, making it easy to combine swimming with a meal or drinks while watching the bay. There are usually no long rows of sunbeds or formal umbrellas on the rocks, so most people bring their own towels, mats or small chairs. Basic bins are available, and any additional facilities such as toilets will usually be through the restaurant or in the village just a short walk away. Because natural shade is limited to a few spots behind rocks or walls, it is worth bringing your own sun protection, especially in midsummer when the sun can be strong even into the late afternoon.

Getting there and parking

Cala Conills lies at the southern end of Sant Elm in the municipality of Andratx, on Mallorca’s southwest coast. To reach it by car you drive toward Andratx, then continue following signs for Sant Elm along a winding but well maintained road until you enter the village. From there, you head toward the southern part of town along the street named for the cove and then walk down a short distance to the water. Parking is usually on nearby streets and in small informal areas around Sant Elm, and while you can often find a space, it may take a little patience in peak season and at popular sunset times.

Many travelers in the mallorcard community say that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended so you can arrive early in the day or for evening light, easily link Cala Conills with other Andratx area beaches and avoid relying on limited bus connections, 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. Once parked, everything in Sant Elm, including Cala Conills, is reached on foot.

The best spots along Cala Conills

Given the cove’s small size, small differences in where you sit can change your comfort level. Many regular visitors choose the flatter rock shelves that run alongside the pebbly slope, where it is easier to place a towel or chair and you have quick access to the water. Others look for a patch of finer gravel near the waterline for a slightly softer surface underfoot. For example, many families or mixed groups prefer the area closer to the gentle sloping entry, so everyone can get in and out without climbing over higher rocks. Snorkelers often head toward the rocky sides and the outer edge of the cove, where the seabed shows more structure and sea life. For sunset, the spots that look directly out to Sa Dragonera usually give the most impressive views as the light fades behind the island.

What you can do nearby

• Stroll along Sant Elm’s seafront promenade and main sandy beach
• Take a boat trip from Sant Elm to Sa Dragonera island for hiking and views
• Visit Port d’Andratx for a harbour walk and waterside restaurants
• Explore coastal paths around Sant Elm with viewpoints over Dragonera
• Drive inland to the town of Andratx and surrounding countryside

Best time to visit

Cala Conills is pleasant at different times of day for different reasons. Morning often brings calm water and a quieter atmosphere, making it a good time for focused swimming or snorkeling before more people arrive in Sant Elm. Midday and early afternoon can feel hotter and a bit more exposed on the rocks, though the cove still tends to be less crowded than larger sandy beaches in other parts of the island. Late afternoon and early evening are particularly attractive here, as the sun drops toward Sa Dragonera and the colours over the sea and cliffs become warmer. If you are touring several beaches in Mallorca, this cove often works well as an afternoon or sunset stop after a day spent at larger bays elsewhere.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Because the shore is mostly rocks and pebbles, sturdy footwear for walking and water shoes for entering the sea make a big difference. Take care when moving over wet rocks, as some areas can be smooth and slippery, especially near the waterline. The sea deepens fairly quickly, so weaker swimmers should stay close to the entry points and avoid going too far out on days with stronger swell. Bring enough drinking water, a hat and reef safe sunscreen, since shade is limited and sun reflects off both water and pale rock.

Mallorcard recommends for this area that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended so you can keep extra drinks, snacks, shade gear and spare clothes in the car and easily adjust plans if wind, waves or crowds make the cove less comfortable, 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 Conills is on the southwest coast of Mallorca, at the edge of Sant Elm in the Andratx region. This part of the island is characterised by rocky coves and small bays looking out toward Sa Dragonera rather than long sandy expanses. The immediate surroundings are semi urban, with houses, apartments and a seafront restaurant, yet the rocky shore and clear water keep a distinctly natural feel at the waterline.

Having the exact cove marked on your map is useful because Sant Elm has more than one bathing area, and Cala Conills sits slightly apart at the southern end, with its own character and view lines to Dragonera. When planning your day, it helps to think of Cala Conills as a compact local style bathing cove that pairs well with a walk through Sant Elm and maybe a boat trip to the nearby island, rather than as a stand alone full day beach for large groups.