Cala Sant Vicenc

Cala Sant Vicenc beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Cala Sant Vicenc is a small, scenic resort on the north coast of Mallorca, set in a dramatic bay between Pollensa and the Formentor peninsula. The coastline here is broken into several small coves with pale sand, clear turquoise water and steep cliffs rising behind. Many visitors describe it as a place where the mountains meet the sea, with a relaxed village feel rather than a big hotel strip. Families, walkers and swimmers mix on the beaches, while the backdrop of the Cavall Bernat cliffs gives every swim a sense of scale. If you like compact sandy beaches framed by rock and easy access to both sea and mountain walks, this area is a strong contender.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type - Small resort coves
• Ground - Fine sand and some pebbles
• Water entry - Mostly gentle, some stony areas
• Water feel - Very clear, can get waves
• Shade - Limited on sand, more in village and cafés
• Facilities - Full resort services nearby
• Parking - Street and small car parks
• Best for - Families, swimmers and walkers

The overall vibe

Cala Sant Vicenc is a beach area in Mallorca that offers a cluster of small coves in a dramatic mountain setting. The resort spreads around Cala Barques, Cala Molins and Cala Clara, with Cala Carbó as a stonier, quieter option nearby. These coves are backed by low rise hotels, apartments and a waterfront strip of cafés and restaurants, which gives the place a clear holiday atmosphere without high rise towers. The mood is calm and friendly, with a mix of families on the sand, older visitors enjoying the views and hikers starting or ending routes into the surrounding Tramuntana foothills. The cliffs of Cavall Bernat and the view toward the Formentor peninsula add a sense of drama that makes even a short swim feel special.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

Most of the main coves have fine, light colored sand that is comfortable for bare feet and games, especially Cala Molins and Cala Barques, which are the most popular for sunbathing. The entry into the sea is generally gentle and sandy at these beaches, though there can be some pebbles and rocks near the edges and at the smaller coves. The seabed slopes gradually at first, then more firmly, so you will find both shallow water for children near the shore and deeper water suitable for swimming a little farther out. In some conditions, especially after storms or stronger north winds, waves can be noticeable and the sea may feel lively rather than flat. Water shoes are optional but helpful if you plan to explore rocky corners or use the stonier Cala Carbó or parts of Cala Clara, where the seabed is less even.

Who Cala Sant Vicenc is perfect for

Cala Sant Vicenc works very well for families who want small, manageable beaches with clear water and services close at hand. Couples and solo travelers who like a quieter base than Port de Pollença but still want restaurants, cafés and short walks also tend to enjoy staying here. Swimmers and snorkelers appreciate the water quality and the rocky sides of the coves, where fish are easy to spot on calmer days. It is less ideal for travelers who want very long sandy stretches, big nightlife or extensive water sports centers, as everything here is on a smaller scale. If you are designing a best beaches Mallorca itinerary in the north, Cala Sant Vicenc provides the intimate, cliff backed option that contrasts nicely with the wide bay of Alcúdia or the long sands of Playa de Muro.

Facilities and comfort

As a small resort, Cala Sant Vicenc offers full basic facilities around its beaches. You can expect sunbed and umbrella rentals in season on the main coves, showers and sometimes changing cabins, as well as a lifeguard presence on the busiest stretches in summer. Just behind the beaches there are cafés, restaurants and small shops, so you can easily get meals, drinks, ice creams and simple supplies without leaving the area. Accommodation options range from small hotels to apartments, many within a short walk of the sand. Shade on the beach itself is limited and mainly comes from rented umbrellas or the shadow of nearby buildings later in the day, but shaded terraces and small parks sit just behind the seafront.

Getting there and parking

Cala Sant Vicenc lies on the north coast of Mallorca within the municipality of Pollença, about 6 to 7 kilometres from Port de Pollença and a similar distance from Pollença town. You reach it by driving from Pollença or Port de Pollença along local roads that climb slightly into the foothills before descending toward the coves. The resort streets bring you close to the beaches, and you then walk a short distance down to the sand on paved paths or small ramps. Parking consists mainly of street spaces and a few small car parks close to the beaches and the tourist information office, which can fill in high season and at midday. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting Cala Sant Vicenc by rental car makes it much easier to arrive early, combine the coves with nearby spots like Formentor or Port de Pollença and avoid relying on limited bus schedules, and Mallorcard recommends using strong multi company rental car deals together with the current promo code on mallorcard.es so you can often save around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season while keeping your northern route flexible.

The best spots along Cala Sant Vicenc

Each cove has its own character, so the “best spot” depends on what you want. Cala Molins is the largest sandy beach and the main sunbathing hub, with a clear swimming area and easy access to nearby bars, which many families and relaxed swimmers prefer. Cala Barques has a slightly more traditional feel and a fishing heritage, with a mix of sand and rock and good views toward the cliffs at the entrance to the bay. Cala Clara is much smaller and more pebbly, often used by snorkelers and people who do not mind harder ground in exchange for a quieter feel. Cala Carbó, a stonier beach nearby, appeals to those seeking a simple, less busy place to sit close to the water. For example, many families choose Cala Molins for the day, then take a short walk to Cala Barques in the evening for a different view and dinner on the waterfront.

What you can do nearby

• Swim and sunbathe at Cala Molins, Cala Barques and the smaller Cala Clara and Cala Carbó
• Walk short coastal paths and low mountain trails around Cavall Bernat and toward Pollença
• Visit Pollença town for its Sunday market, main square and Calvari steps
• Take a day trip to the Formentor peninsula, including Platja de Formentor and viewpoints
• Spend time in Port de Pollença for its long promenade, marina and extra restaurant choices

Best time to visit

Morning is often the most peaceful time at the Cala Sant Vicenc beaches, with softer light on the cliffs and more space on the sand before day visitors arrive. As the morning progresses, families and guests from nearby resorts fill the coves, especially Cala Molins, so late morning and early afternoon can feel busy in summer. The sun is strong at midday and the coves are relatively open, so umbrellas and regular shade breaks are important. Late afternoon and early evening bring a more relaxed mood again, with many people choosing this time for a final swim and dinner with views of the mountains. If you are beach hopping around northern Mallorca, it can work well to enjoy Cala Sant Vicenc for a morning swim and views, then move to a larger bay for the hottest hours or return in the evening for a quieter, scenic end to the day.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Bring strong sun protection, including sunscreen, hats and possibly your own umbrella if you do not want to rent one, because natural shade on the sand is limited. Pack snorkeling gear if you enjoy exploring underwater, as the clear water and rocky sides of the coves reward a mask and fins. On days with stronger north winds, be prepared for some wave action; follow any flag system and local advice about swimming conditions. Comfortable footwear is helpful for moving between coves and for short walks into the surrounding hills or along the low cliffs. The Mallorcard community tip is that having a rental car with beach gear, extra water and a change of clothes in the boot makes it easy to combine Cala Sant Vicenc with Formentor, Port de Pollença or Alcúdia in one day, and Mallorcard recommends using strong multi company rental car offers together with the current promo code shown on mallorcard.es so you can usually save about 10 to 50 percent depending on the season while adjusting your schedule to weather and crowds.

Good to know

Cala Sant Vicenc sits on the north coast of Mallorca in the Pollença municipality, between Port de Pollença and the start of the Formentor peninsula. The coastline here is a series of small sandy and pebbly coves carved into rocky headlands, backed by the steep slopes of the Tramuntana foothills and dominated by the rocky peak of Cavall Bernat. The resort itself is compact and mainly holiday focused, with hotels and apartments arranged on different levels around the coves, so walking often involves gentle uphill and downhill sections. Understanding that Cala Sant Vicenc is made up of several distinct beaches helps when planning your day: Cala Molins and Cala Barques for most classic beach time, Cala Clara and Cala Carbó for smaller, quieter stretches. The main swim and sunbathing areas are these sandy and pebbly pockets, while the surrounding cliffs and higher paths are best used for viewpoints, short hikes and linking the coves rather than as places to lie down for long periods.