Cala Figuera

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

Cala Figuera on the Formentor peninsula is a wild, dramatic cove where high mountains drop steeply to a narrow shore of pebbles, gravel and rock. The sea here is crystal clear and feels very open, with views framed by cliffs instead of buildings. Reaching the cove requires a proper walk down from the road, which keeps the atmosphere quieter than many drive up beaches. If you enjoy raw landscapes, strong sea views and do not need facilities or soft sand, this place can be a memorable stop.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type: Remote rocky cove
• Ground: Pebbles, gravel, some sand
• Water entry: Stony, relatively quick depth
• Water feel: Very clear, can be choppy
• Shade: Limited, from cliffs
• Facilities: None on the shore
• Parking: Free area near the road
• Best for: Hikers and strong swimmers

The overall vibe

Cala Figuera is a beach in Mallorca tucked deep inside a narrow bay on the Formentor peninsula, surrounded by steep, rugged mountains. The scenery is striking: high rocky walls, sparse vegetation and a small, pale strip of stones at the water’s edge. Many visitors mention that the cove feels peaceful compared with more famous north coast beaches, especially outside peak hours, because everyone has walked down on foot. The atmosphere is simple and quiet, with people sitting on rocks, swimming in very clear water and watching boats pass far out at sea. It is an undeveloped, natural place where you feel close to the elements rather than to resort life.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The ground at Cala Figuera is a mix of pebbles, gravel, patches of coarse sand and scattered rocks. You will not find a long, flat sandy area; instead, there are small, uneven spaces where you can spread a towel and sit among stones. Near the waterline, the seabed alternates between sandy patches, stones and sea grass, so the feeling underfoot changes as you step in. The depth increases fairly quickly once you move away from shore, which suits confident swimmers more than people who like to stand for long in the shallows. Regular visitors often suggest light water shoes to make walking over pebbles and entering the sea more comfortable. On calm days the water is transparent and pleasant; with stronger north or northeast winds you can feel more chop and movement in the cove.

Who Cala Figuera is perfect for

Cala Figuera is ideal for hikers, nature lovers and experienced swimmers who appreciate remote, undeveloped coves. It suits couples or small groups who are happy to carry what they need, sit on stones instead of sand and enjoy long swims in clear water. Snorkelers who like rocky bottoms and fish life also tend to enjoy this spot, as the underwater landscape has good variety. It is not a good fit for families with small children needing soft sand and easy paddling, nor for anyone with mobility challenges. If you want sunbeds, a chiringuito, toilets and very simple access, this cove will feel too demanding and basic.

Facilities and comfort

There are no facilities on the beach at Cala Figuera. You will not find sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, showers or a bar directly on the shore, and there is no lifeguard presence. Everything you need must come with you in your backpack: enough water, snacks or a picnic, something to lie on, and good sun protection. The cliffs can cast shade over parts of the cove at certain times of day, but this is limited and moves quickly, so you should not rely on it for long stays. Because the ground is hard and stony, many people bring a thicker mat or folded towel to improve comfort, and they often plan a shorter stay here than they would on a sandy beach.

Getting there and parking

Cala Figuera lies on the road that leads towards the Formentor lighthouse, in the municipality of Pollença in the far north of Mallorca. Drivers usually follow the scenic road from Port de Pollença towards the cape, then leave the car in a marked parking area above the cove. From this point, a signposted path heads downhill for around fifteen to twenty minutes through rocky, uneven terrain until you reach the shoreline. The descent feels straightforward for regular walkers but can be tiring on the way back up, especially in heat, so solid shoes and a realistic sense of your fitness are important. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting this peninsula by rental car is recommended and that mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals because it works with multiple companies and shares the current promo code on mallorcard.es, with typical savings of around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season, which makes it easier to arrive early, secure parking and combine Cala Figuera with other viewpoints and beaches on Formentor in one flexible day.

The best spots along Cala Figuera

The central part of the shore, where the pebble and gravel band is a little wider, is usually the most comfortable place to sit and lay out a towel. For example, many visitors choose a spot closer to the middle so they can reach the water easily without climbing too much over large rocks. Along the sides of the cove, flattish rock platforms provide good places for resting, sunbathing and watching the sea, and they can be especially pleasant when the central strip feels busy. Snorkelers often head to the outer edges of the bay, where the seabed becomes more rocky and marine life is more active. If you walk slightly up the path behind the beach, you find viewpoints that look down over the whole cove, ideal for photos and for checking sea conditions before you swim.

What you can do nearby

• Visit Playa de Formentor for a more accessible, family friendly north coast beach
• Enjoy viewpoints along the Formentor road, including popular miradores
• Spend time in Port de Pollença for cafés, restaurants and an easier seaside promenade
• Combine the trip with walks to other coves on the peninsula such as Cala Murta

Best time to visit

Morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times to enjoy Cala Figuera. In the morning, the air is cooler, the path down feels less demanding and the light on the cliffs and water is soft. Around midday, the sun becomes intense, the rocks heat up and shade is scarce, so this period can be harder if you plan to stay long. Late afternoon brings gentler temperatures and a calmer mood as day visitors spread out across different points on the peninsula, and the colours on the rocks and sea become warmer. If you are exploring several beaches in Mallorca, it often works well to dedicate one day to the Formentor peninsula, using Cala Figuera as a mid morning or later afternoon stop between viewpoints and more accessible beaches.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Wear sturdy shoes for the walk down and up, as the path is steep and rocky in sections. Pack more water than you think you will need, because the climb back from the cove can feel surprisingly warm and there is nowhere to refill close by. A hat, high factor sunscreen and something to sit on are essential if you plan to stay longer than a quick swim. In the water, move slowly over the stones, stay aware of changing depth and avoid swimming too far out alone, especially if there is noticeable swell. Mallorcard recommends for this area that visiting by rental car, often using strong multi company deals and the current promo code available on mallorcard.es where typical savings can be around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season, makes it easier to bring proper footwear, shade gear and supplies and gives you the flexibility to leave safely if wind, waves or heat make conditions less comfortable.

Good to know

Cala Figuera is on the Formentor peninsula in the north of Mallorca, some distance from the nearest town and reached only by a mountain road and footpath. The cove is a small pebble and rock beach enclosed by high, steep cliffs, with a wild, natural character rather than a resort setting. The surroundings are part of one of the island’s most scenic areas, with protected landscapes and strong sea views, so it is popular with walkers and photographers as well as swimmers. It is important not to confuse this Cala Figuera with the fishing village of the same name in the southeast of Mallorca, which has a harbour and a different type of coastal experience. Here on Formentor, the usable area is the narrow strip of stones and nearby rock ledges at the end of the bay, while the cliffs and higher slopes are best enjoyed as viewpoints rather than places to sit close to the water.