Cala Fonoll

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

Cala Fonoll is a small, tucked away cove just outside Port d’Andratx where pebbles, rocky edges and very clear water replace the classic long sandy strip. The bay sits between low cliffs and residential buildings, yet it manages to feel low key and quietly local. Many people who use it are residents or guests staying nearby who come down for swims rather than full beach days. If you like compact, stony coves with clean water and a simple setup close to one of Mallorca’s most elegant ports, Cala Fonoll can work very well.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type: Small pebble cove
• Ground: Pebbles and coarse gravel
• Water entry: Stony, gently sloping
• Water feel: Clear, usually calm in summer
• Shade: Little, bring your own
• Facilities: Beach bar, no rentals
• Parking: Nearby streets
• Best for: Confident swimmers and low key sun time

The overall vibe

Cala Fonoll is a modest beach in Mallorca set in a natural inlet on the bay of Port d’Andratx, framed by small cliffs and an urban backdrop. The cove itself is short and narrow, with a pebbly shore and clear turquoise water that many regulars mention as its main attraction. The atmosphere is relaxed and usually low to medium in occupancy, with mainly locals, second home owners and a few nearby holidaymakers using it. You feel close to Port d’Andratx and its exclusive harbour, yet the cove has an unpretentious, neighbourhood bathing spot character. It is more about a good swim and a quiet hour by the water than a highly organised resort beach scene.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The ground at Cala Fonoll is almost entirely made up of small pebbles and coarser stones, with some larger boulders mixed in. Lying straight on the pebbles can feel a bit hard, so most people use a thicker towel or mat. The water entry slopes gently, but the presence of stones and boulders under the surface means you need to watch your footing as you go in. Once you are a few metres from the shore, the seabed remains pebbly and gravelly, and the water is very clear, which is pleasant for swimming but not ideal for standing still for long. Many visitors find water shoes useful here to make both walking and getting in and out more comfortable. In summer the bay is often quite calm, although it can be more exposed when wind comes from the west.

Who Cala Fonoll is perfect for

Cala Fonoll suits confident swimmers and visitors who are comfortable with pebbly beaches and simple conditions. Couples, solo travelers and locals who just want a clean, quick place to swim near Port d’Andratx are likely to appreciate it. It is a good fit if you plan to spend part of the day exploring the port, cafés and viewpoints and only need a compact bay for refreshing dips rather than all day lounging. It is less suitable for small children who want soft sand and easy paddling, and for anyone who finds walking on stones difficult. If your ideal beach day involves long sandy walks, extensive shallow water and full service infrastructure, you will be happier at larger nearby beaches such as Camp de Mar.

Facilities and comfort

On the shore itself Cala Fonoll is fairly basic. There are no standard rows of sunbeds and umbrellas, no showers on the beach and no lifeguard service. A beach bar normally operates near or above the cove, providing drinks and simple food, which adds comfort without turning the place into a full resort setup. There is no natural tree shade on the pebbles, so if you plan to stay more than a short swim, bringing your own umbrella, hat and good sunscreen is important. Toilets, if available, are associated with the nearby bar rather than a dedicated beach facility. The cove’s compact size and simple layout make it easy to keep an eye on your things, but you are still in an urban setting, so treat valuables with normal care.

Getting there and parking

Cala Fonoll is located on the west coast of Mallorca in the municipality of Andratx, just west of the main harbour of Port d’Andratx. To get there by car, you drive into Port d’Andratx and continue towards the western side of the bay, then follow local streets that drop down towards the water. The cove sits very close to the entrance jetty of the marina, behind the sailing club area. Parking is usually along nearby streets in the residential area; because the beach is small and mainly used by people staying close by, finding a space is often manageable outside the absolute peak weeks. From your parking spot it is just a short walk on paved streets and then down a ramp or steps to reach the pebbles.

The best spots along Cala Fonoll

The middle section of the shore is where the pebble band is most regular and the entry into the water feels easiest. For example, many visitors choose a place roughly in the centre where the slope is gentler and there are fewer larger boulders underfoot. If you prefer to be a bit more separate from others, the edges of the cove towards the cliffs can offer a slightly quieter feel, though the ground here can be more uneven. Snorkelers usually head to the sides where underwater rocks and gravel attract more fish and give more to look at. For a nicer view over the whole cove and Port d’Andratx bay, a short walk up onto the nearby paths and residential lanes provides excellent vantage points.

What you can do nearby

• Stroll along the waterfront promenade of Port d’Andratx for cafés and restaurants
• Take a scenic drive or short trip to Camp de Mar for a wider sandy beach
• Visit other nearby coves such as Cala Egos or Cala Marmassen
• Enjoy sunset drinks overlooking the harbour and surrounding hills
• Use Port d’Andratx as a base to explore mountain villages like Sant Elm or Valldemossa

Best time to visit

Morning is often the most pleasant time to enjoy Cala Fonoll if you like a quieter atmosphere and cooler stones underfoot. Arriving early makes it easier to choose your place on the pebbles and enjoy a calm swim before the day warms up. Around midday and early afternoon the sun is strong and, without much natural shade, conditions can feel intense if you stay too long without an umbrella or cover up. Late afternoon works very well if you want a relaxed swim before dinner in Port d’Andratx, with softer light on the cliffs and a slightly calmer mood on the water. As part of a multi day Mallorca beach plan, Cala Fonoll fits nicely as a half day or “swim stop” paired with more spacious sandy beaches elsewhere.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Because the beach is pebbly and there are stones in the water, bring sturdy sandals or water shoes to make walking and entry safer and more comfortable. A thicker towel or mat makes lying on the pebbles much nicer, especially if you stay longer than a quick dip. Sun protection is essential, as there is no natural shade and the reflections from pale stones and water increase exposure. Take care when moving in the water, especially with children or less experienced swimmers, as the seabed is uneven and not as forgiving as sand. If you plan to spend more than an hour or two, consider combining your swim here with meal or shade breaks in nearby Port d’Andratx rather than staying through the hottest part of the day on the stones.

Good to know

Cala Fonoll lies on the west coast of Mallorca, just outside Port d’Andratx, one of the island’s most upscale harbour towns. The cove is a short, narrow pebble beach in a natural cut between low cliffs, with clear water and a modest urban backdrop. The immediate surroundings are residential and holiday buildings rather than open countryside, but the small size of the cove and its rocky framing keep a surprisingly natural feel at the waterline. In planning terms, it is useful to see Cala Fonoll as the main local swimming spot for Port d’Andratx, since the harbour itself does not offer a standard beach. The genuinely usable area is the 50 to 60 metre stretch of pebbles and the gently sloping stony seabed just in front, while the cliffs and built edges around it are best appreciated as scenic framing and access rather than as places to sit very close to the sea.