Cala De Sa Torre

Cala de Sa Torre beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Cala de Sa Torre is a small, sheltered cove just south of Portopetro on Mallorca’s east coast, where light sand and rocky platforms sit under a historic watchtower. The little bay feels intimate and somewhat tucked away, with pines and low cliffs framing clear, usually gentle water. Many visitors say it feels like a quiet alternative to the busier resort beaches nearby, especially outside peak hours. The size and layout make it a good place for relaxed swimming and family time if you are happy with a compact strip of sand rather than a wide bay. If you enjoy low key coves with a mix of rock and sand and do not need big facilities on the beach itself, this spot can fit very well into your plans.

• Beach type: Small sheltered cove
• Ground: Fine sand and flat rocks
• Water entry: Shallow, gently sloping
• Water feel: Generally calm, clear
• Shade: Some from pines and rocks
• Facilities: Very limited on the beach
• Parking: Nearby roadside spaces
• Best for: Families, swimming, snorkeling

The overall vibe

Cala de Sa Torre is a compact cove beach in Mallorca that offers a calm, almost pocket sized bathing area at the southern edge of Portopetro. The shore sits in a small indentation of the coast, with pines and low cliffs around it and the remains of an old defence tower giving the place a bit of historical character. The atmosphere is usually quiet and relaxed, with a mix of local residents, families and some holidaymakers who have walked down from nearby accommodation. It lacks the bustle and noise of bigger resort beaches, so the feeling is more about gentle swimming, kids playing in the shallows and people reading on the sand or rock terraces. The scenery is pleasing, with clean water and stone formations that look particularly nice in early or late light, though the cove is small enough that it can feel full when several families arrive at once.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The beach at Cala de Sa Torre is short and relatively narrow, but it offers both fine golden sand and flat rock platforms. One part of the cove is mostly soft sand where you can sit comfortably and where children can play at the waterline, while another part consists of low rocky shelves that people use as natural terraces for towels and loungers. The seabed in front of the sandy section slopes gently and stays shallow for a while, which makes it easy for less confident swimmers and younger children to get into the water. Further out, the bottom transitions to a mix of sand and rocks with some sea grass patches, so water shoes are useful if you like to explore or stand in slightly deeper areas. On most days the wave action is moderate and the bay feels well protected, but after strong winds there can be a bit more movement, so it is still wise to keep an eye on the conditions.

Who Cala de Sa Torre is perfect for

Cala de Sa Torre is particularly good for families and couples who like small, manageable coves where the water is shallow at the edge and the atmosphere is calm. Parents often appreciate that the beach is short and easy to oversee, and that the seabed near the sand is gentle enough for supervised play. It also suits visitors who enjoy low key snorkeling, as the rocky sides of the bay offer some underwater interest without having to swim far. If you are planning a best beaches Mallorca route and want a quieter stop near Portopetro and Cala d’Or, this cove can be a nice contrast to larger, busier beaches. It is less ideal for those who want long walks along the shore, extensive watersports or big beach clubs, since the cove is small and the offer is simple.

Facilities and comfort

On the sand itself, services are minimal. There are generally no permanent beach bars, sunbed rows or big rental stands right on the shore, and past descriptions mention that toilets are one of the few formal facilities linked to the area. For food, drinks and more comprehensive services you rely on what is available in Portopetro, which is within walking distance along local streets or paths. This means you should arrive with the basics you need to be comfortable for a few hours, including water, snacks, towels and sun protection. Some natural shade is provided by nearby pines and the cliffs, especially at the edges of the day, but an umbrella or small shade tent can still be very helpful in summer, particularly if you plan to stay through midday.

Getting there and parking

Cala de Sa Torre lies just south of the harbour of Portopetro in the municipality of Santanyí, on Mallorca’s east coast. You reach it by driving to Portopetro and then continuing a short distance south through residential streets, following local signs or a map toward the cove. The approach is straightforward, with the last stretch on narrow roads through housing areas and then a short walk down to the beach itself. Parking is usually along the nearby streets or in small informal roadside spaces in the surrounding residential area, and while it is often possible to find a spot, it can get tighter in the main summer weeks and on weekends.

Many travelers in the mallorcard community say that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended so you can reach Cala de Sa Torre and other nearby coves early, move easily between Portopetro and the Mondragó area and avoid depending on less frequent local 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. Once parked, you cover the final metres on foot along a short path or small slope.

The best spots along Cala de Sa Torre

Because the beach is small, it is worth taking a minute to pick your spot. Many families prefer the sandy section where the entry is most gradual and the surface is soft enough for sitting and playing. Others enjoy the flat rocky platforms at the side of the cove, where you can spread towels on warm stone, be slightly elevated above the water and enjoy clear views out to sea. For example, parents often set up toward the back of the sand with children in front at the waterline, so they can watch easily without being too close to the gentle waves. Snorkelers and stronger swimmers tend to head toward the rocky edges and around the outer part of the cove, where fish and sea grass patches break up the sandy bottom. For photos, the angle that includes both the sand and the old tower in the background gives a strong sense of place.

What you can do nearby

• Walk to the harbour of Portopetro for restaurants and a waterside stroll
• Combine a short swim here with a visit to Cala Mondragó and S’Amarador beaches
• Explore Cala d’Or’s coves like Cala Egos or Cala Gran on the same day
• Take coastal walks and short viewpoints around the Mondragó Natural Park
• Enjoy boat trips from nearby harbours to see the east coast from the sea

Best time to visit

Mornings are often the most comfortable time at Cala de Sa Torre, with fewer people and softer light, making it ideal for families and quieter swimmers. If you arrive early you have a better chance of choosing your favourite corner on the sand or rocks before the cove fills. Midday and early afternoon can feel hotter and busier, especially when holiday accommodation around Portopetro is full, though the beach still stays more tranquil than some bigger resort bays. Late afternoon and early evening bring gentler temperatures and warmer light, and the small size of the cove can feel pleasantly intimate at this time. If you are touring beaches in Mallorca, it often works well to visit Cala de Sa Torre as a half day stop combined with nearby Mondragó or Cala d’Or for more space and facilities.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Because the cove is small and access is via local streets, it pays to plan a bit. Bring enough water and some snacks, as you will not find a chiringuito directly on the sand and may not want to walk back to Portopetro in the hottest part of the day. A hat, sunglasses and reef safe sunscreen are essential in the strong east coast sun, and a simple umbrella or shade tent can make a long stay much more comfortable. Water shoes are helpful for both adults and children, since parts of the seabed and some shore zones are rocky or have small stones, especially near the edges.

The mallorcard community tip is that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended so you can keep extra supplies, shade gear and spare clothes in the car and quickly switch to other nearby beaches like Cala Mondragó or Cala Egos if wind, crowds or mood change, 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 de Sa Torre is located on the southeast coast of Mallorca, in the Santanyí area, just south of the harbour village of Portopetro. The coastline here is made up of small sandy coves and rocky inlets cut into a low cliff line, rather than long, continuous beaches. The surroundings are mainly residential and holiday focused, with villas, apartments and some hotel complexes nearby, but the cove itself still feels relatively natural thanks to the pines and rock faces. Knowing the exact position on a map is useful because there are several small bays in this stretch between Portopetro and Cala d’Or, and Caló de Sa Torre sits slightly apart in its own side inlet under the old tower. When you plan your days in this part of Mallorca, it is helpful to see this cove as a quiet, small scale option in a cluster of attractive beaches, each offering a different balance of space, services and natural feel.