Cala Sa Nau

Cala Sa Nau beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Cala Sa Nau is a narrow, pine framed cove on Mallorca’s southeast coast, set at the end of a deep inlet between Cala d’Or and Portocolom. The beach feels tucked away, with pale cliffs, white sand and clear turquoise water squeezed into a sheltered, fjord like bay. Many visitors say it combines a natural atmosphere with just enough comfort from the beach bar and simple facilities. Families, couples and groups of friends mix here, especially in summer, to spend slow hours swimming, snorkeling and resting under the pines. If you enjoy scenic coves that feel natural but are still reachable by car, this beach is a very good candidate.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type - Small sandy cove
• Ground - Fine white sand
• Water entry - Sandy, then steeper drop
• Water feel - Clear, generally calm
• Shade - Good from pines at the back
• Facilities - Seasonal bar, toilets, showers
• Parking - Free car park, short walk
• Best for - Families, snorkelers, relaxed day trips

The overall vibe

Cala Sa Nau is a beach in Mallorca that offers a compact, sheltered cove experience in a mostly natural setting. The sand is only about 50 metres long and up to 70 metres deep, backed by low limestone cliffs and thick pine and scrub. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with a mix of local families, holidaymakers from Cala d’Or and day trippers who have sought out this smaller bay instead of larger resort beaches. Despite being popular in high season, the cove usually feels informal and low rise, thanks to the lack of big buildings at the shoreline. The views up the inlet and out toward the small cave openings and rocky sides give it strong photo appeal, especially when the light is softer.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The beach surface is fine, light sand that feels comfortable for bare feet and perfect for children to play on. The water entry is smooth and sandy underfoot, but the descent into depth is steeper than at many long shallow south coast bays, so the water becomes swimmable after only a few metres. This is great for confident swimmers but means adults should watch children closely, as there is less extended knee deep zone than on some other family beaches. Along the sides of the cove the seabed transitions into rocks and sea grass, which are excellent for snorkeling but less comfortable for standing. Water shoes are helpful if you plan to explore the rocky edges or swim close to the cliffs and caves, although they are not strictly necessary in the central sandy section on calmer days.

Who Cala Sa Nau is perfect for

Cala Sa Nau works particularly well for families with water confident children, thanks to the sandy entry, clear water and compact size where you can keep an eye on everyone. Couples and small groups appreciate the combination of natural surroundings, a beach bar and the feeling of being away from the main resort fronts. Snorkelers rate the cove highly, especially the rocky sides where underwater rock walls and sea grass beds attract fish. It is less ideal for people who need very shallow water for toddlers, those who dislike steps and walking, or visitors who prefer wide, open bays with long promenades. If you are planning a best beaches Mallorca style route along the southeast, Cala Sa Nau fits nicely as the pine backed, cave dotted stop between more built up beaches like Cala d’Or and the harbor scenes of Portocolom.

Facilities and comfort

For a relatively small cove, Cala Sa Nau is well set up. In season, there is a beach bar that serves drinks and meals, giving you the option to stay all day without bringing all your own food. Basic facilities typically include toilets and a freshwater shower, which help make a full day more comfortable. Sunbeds and umbrellas are often available to rent on parts of the sand, while those who prefer a more natural feel can set up under the trees at the back. The pine forest provides welcome shade, especially in the middle of the day, and many regulars move between sun and shade as the light shifts. Because this is still a natural cove, it is wise to bring enough water, some snacks and any special items you might need for children or longer stays.

Getting there and parking

Cala Sa Nau lies in the municipality of Felanitx on Mallorca’s southeast coast, inland from the coast road that links Cala d’Or and Portocolom. Arrival by car is straightforward but involves a sequence of small, well signposted rural roads that wind through fields and low hills. At the end of the access road there is a free parking area close to the cove, which can fill quickly in peak season and on weekends, so many visitors aim to arrive before late morning. From the car park you walk roughly 100 to 500 metres, depending on where you leave the car, along a path and then down steps to reach the sand. The path is easy for most visitors but still involves some stairs, so buggies and people with reduced mobility may find the last part slower even though there is also a wooden walkway that improves access.

The best spots along Cala Sa Nau

The central band of sand offers the easiest water entry and is where most families set up, as it combines soft footing with a clear view of the sea and the entire cove. If you value shade, the rear of the beach under the pines is very popular, especially from late morning onwards, offering cooler air while still being only a few steps from the shore. Snorkelers tend to head toward the rocky sides, particularly the left side when facing the sea, where cliffs and submerged rocks create more underwater interest. Walkers and photographers often climb a little way along the paths on the cliffs to look down on the cove and the inlet, capturing the full shape of the “mini fjord” and the contrast between white sand and deep blue water. For example, many families prefer a spot slightly to one side of the central area, where they can mix shade from the trees with an easy, direct line to the sandy entry.

What you can do nearby

• Walk along the coastal paths to the neighboring cove of Cala Mitjana
• Visit the harbor town of Portocolom for a stroll, a meal and lighthouse views
• Explore Cala d’Or’s multiple small sandy coves and evening atmosphere
• Drive up to the Santuari de Sant Salvador viewpoint near Felanitx
• Combine Cala Sa Nau with other nearby coves such as Cala Marçal or Cala Ferrera

Best time to visit

Morning is a particularly pleasant time at Cala Sa Nau, with calm water, cooler air for the walk from the car park and more space on the sand. By late morning and midday, the beach becomes busy in high season, and the car park can fill, though the pine shade and bar make staying through the middle of the day manageable if you are prepared. The light becomes harsher at midday, but snorkeling conditions often remain good because of the clear water and sheltered position. Late afternoon brings a more relaxed feeling again as some families leave, and the sun begins to slide across the cove, creating warm colors on the cliffs and trees. If you are exploring several southeast beaches over a few days, it can work well to use Cala Sa Nau as either an early day base before moving on, or as a mid to late afternoon stop after a morning at a more open bay.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Wear comfortable footwear suitable for a short walk and steps between the car park and the beach, especially if you are carrying bags or managing children. Bring enough water and sun protection, including high factor sunscreen and a hat, since even with pine shade the sun can be intense when you are on the sand or in the water. If you are visiting with children, keep in mind that the depth increases relatively quickly and agree clear rules about how far they can wade or swim. Water shoes, a mask and snorkel are very useful here if you want to explore the rocky sides and small caves safely. The Mallorcard community tip is that using a rental car stocked with extra water, towels and shade gear makes it easy to reach Cala Sa Nau early, move on to other coves later and avoid long waits for buses, and Mallorcard recommends taking advantage of strong multi company rental car offers and the current promo code available on mallorcard.es so you can usually save around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season while keeping your beach days flexible.

Good to know

Cala Sa Nau lies on the southeast coast of Mallorca within the Felanitx municipality, in a stretch of shoreline where deep, narrow inlets cut into low limestone cliffs. The beach sits at the end of one such inlet, with white sand at the back and rocky sides leading out toward the open sea. The area around the cove is mostly natural, featuring pine forest, scrub and agricultural land rather than heavy resort development, with the nearest larger built up areas being Cala d’Or and Portocolom a short drive away. Knowing the exact position of Cala Sa Nau helps distinguish it from other similar looking coves nearby and makes it easier to find the correct rural access road and parking. The main usable zone for swimming and sunbathing is the sandy pocket at the end of the inlet, while the cliffs, paths and rocky platforms along the sides are best suited to walking, viewpoints, small cave exploration and snorkeling access rather than spending a full day lying down.