Cala En Cranc

Cala en Cranc beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Cala en Cranc is a small, rugged cove of stones and rocks on the west coast of Mallorca between Camp de Mar and Cala Blanca in the municipality of Andratx. The inlet has a characteristic U shape, with low cliffs and slopes dropping into very clear water and only patches of coarse sand near the back. Even though it lies next to a residential area, the shoreline itself feels surprisingly wild and unpolished. Many visitors say it is a good place for a quiet swim and some snorkeling away from busier beaches, as long as you are comfortable with a stony shore. If you want natural scenery, calm water and do not need services right on the sand, this spot can work well.

• Beach type: Small rocky cove
• Ground: Stones, rocks, some sand
• Water entry: Uneven, over stones
• Water feel: Clear, can deepen quickly
• Shade: Limited, some from pines and cliffs
• Facilities: None directly on the cove
• Parking: Street parking nearby
• Best for: Strong swimmers, snorkelers, quiet time

The overall vibe

Cala en Cranc is a modest cove beach in Mallorca that feels quite natural despite being close to the Camp de Mar urbanisation. The shore is narrow and mostly covered with stones and rock plates, framed by two small cliffs that open to the sea. The atmosphere is usually quiet and low key, with a few locals, hikers and in the know visitors rather than big resort crowds. You are more likely to hear waves and cicadas than loud music, and many people come just for a swim and some time on the rocks before heading back to Camp de Mar or Port d’Andratx. The views out toward Cap des Llamp and Cap Andritxol give the cove a dramatic backdrop, especially in afternoon light.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The ground at Cala en Cranc is mainly rock and stones, with only a little sand in some parts of the cove. You will be sitting on pebbles or flat rock surfaces rather than on a wide sandy strip, so a thicker towel or folding mat is useful if you want to stay longer. Water entry is over stones and rock shelves, which can be uneven and slippery where algae grow, and the seabed becomes deeper quite quickly once you are a few metres out. Water shoes are very helpful here, making it easier to walk to the waterline and to get in and out without worrying about sharp or unstable stones. On calm days the sea is very clear and attractive for swimming and snorkeling along the sides of the cove, but when there is swell, waves can push against the rocks and increase the risk for less experienced swimmers.

Who Cala en Cranc is perfect for

Cala en Cranc is best for confident swimmers, snorkelers and people who enjoy small, rocky coves with a local feel. If you are comfortable climbing over stones, sitting on rock ledges and entering the water from uneven ground, you can have a very pleasant, quiet swim here. Couples and solo visitors staying in Camp de Mar often appreciate it as a quick escape from the busier main beach. It is not suitable for families with small children who need shallow sand and easy access, or for visitors with mobility challenges. If you are building a best beaches Mallorca style list focused on wild and less crowded spots, Cala en Cranc fits as a small but characterful addition; if you mainly want long sands and full amenities, it is better as a short side visit.

Facilities and comfort

There are no formal facilities directly at Cala en Cranc. You will not find sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, showers or a beach bar on the cove itself. Any services you use will be in Camp de Mar, just a short drive or walk away, where the main sandy beach has restaurants, cafés and more developed infrastructure. This means you should come to Cala en Cranc with what you need for the time you plan to spend there: water, a snack, sunscreen, a hat, a towel or mat and possibly snorkeling gear. Shade is limited and depends on the time of day and the position of the cliffs and nearby vegetation; there are some spots where you can escape the sun for a while, but you cannot rely on large shaded areas.

Getting there and parking

Cala en Cranc lies between Camp de Mar and Cala Blanca, about five kilometres from Andratx town on Mallorca’s west coast. To reach it by car, you first drive to Camp de Mar following the Ma 1 from Palma toward Andratx and then the turnoff to Camp de Mar. Once in Camp de Mar, you continue on the Ma 1020 road toward Port d’Andratx and, shortly after the last roundabout, you turn left following local signs for Cala en Cranc. The small access street continues almost to the end, where you will find a stone wall and a path down to the cove near house number 22. Street parking is typically available along this access road, and there is usually enough space outside peak times, although in high summer weekends it can be busier. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended so you can reach this residential corner easily, combine Cala en Cranc with Camp de Mar and Cala Blanca on the same day and avoid relying on limited bus stops on the main road, 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. From where you park, the footpath down to the cove is short but may be uneven, so good footwear helps.

The best spots along Cala en Cranc

Because the cove is small and mostly rocky, choosing your spot carefully makes a difference. Many visitors look for flat rock slabs or larger, more stable stones near the waterline where they can lay a towel and sit comfortably with direct access to the sea. Others prefer places slightly higher up on the rocks where there is a bit more shade or where you can lean against a natural rock wall. For example, regulars often choose the side that offers the best view toward Cap des Llamp and Cap Andritxol, so they can enjoy the scenery while they rest. Snorkelers tend to explore the rocky edges on both sides of the cove, where underwater cliffs and boulders create good habitats for fish and interesting rock formations. For photos, the viewpoint from the right hand cliff, where you can look back across the U shaped inlet to the open sea, is particularly striking.

What you can do nearby

• Enjoy the main sandy beach and full services at Camp de Mar
• Walk or drive to Cala Blanca for another small, rocky cove swim
• Visit Port d’Andratx for a harbour stroll, cafés and waterside restaurants
• Explore short walking routes on the coast toward Cap Andritxol for views and old watchtower remains
• Drive further along the Ma 1 and Ma 10 roads to explore other Tramuntana villages such as Andratx and Estellencs

Best time to visit

Morning is often the most comfortable time at Cala en Cranc, with cooler air, gentler light and usually calmer water. If you arrive early you are likely to have more space and can choose the best rock ledge or flat area before others arrive. Late morning and early afternoon bring stronger sun and more visitors from Camp de Mar, though the cove is rarely crowded compared with big resort beaches. Late afternoon and evening offer a softer light on the cliffs and sea and can be particularly beautiful when the sun lowers toward the southwest coast, making it a good time for a last swim and some photos. If you are exploring different beaches in Mallorca, Cala en Cranc works well as a half day stop combined with more comfortable sand or a town visit nearby.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Because the shore is rocky and unserviced, some basic preparation will make Cala en Cranc much more enjoyable. Wear sturdy sandals or trainers for the short path and rocks, and bring water shoes if you plan to get into the sea from the stones. Take enough drinking water, reef safe sunscreen, a hat and possibly a light cover up, as shade can be limited and the sun on the west coast can be strong even outside midsummer. Always take care on wet rock surfaces, which can be slippery, and avoid climbing higher cliffs where there is risk of falling or rockfall. The Mallorcard community tip is that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended so you can keep extra clothes, food and shade gear in the car and easily switch to Camp de Mar’s sandy beach or to other Andratx area coves if the swell, rocks or atmosphere at Cala en Cranc are not what you hoped for that day, 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 en Cranc is on the west coast of Mallorca in the municipality of Andratx, between the resort of Camp de Mar and the more natural cove of Cala Blanca. The coastline in this stretch is formed by rocky inlets and small pebble coves under low cliffs and pine covered slopes, rather than long sandy bays. The area just behind the cove is semi residential, with houses from the Camp de Mar urbanisation, but the shore itself remains mostly natural and unbuilt. Having Cala en Cranc clearly marked on your map is useful so you can distinguish it from nearby beaches and find the narrow access road without confusion. When you plan your days in southwest Mallorca, it makes sense to combine this small, quiet cove with more accessible beaches and with visits to Port d’Andratx or Andratx town for a balanced mix of wild and comfortable experiences.