Cala Serralot

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

Cala Serralot, also known locally as Es Serralot, is a wild, little used stretch of shoreline on Mallorca’s north coast between Can Picafort and Son Serra de Marina. Set within the protected Son Real area, it lies between two long, unspoiled sandy beaches and feels far removed from built up resort life. The “cala” itself is more of a shallow, low lying coastal section with sand, shingle and dunes than a classic enclosed cove. Many walkers and nature lovers use it as a quiet pause on longer beach or coastal hikes rather than as their only destination. If you enjoy open, natural coastlines with very few people and do not need facilities, this spot can be rewarding.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type - Remote natural shoreline
• Ground - Sand with shingle and some rocks
• Water entry - Mostly shallow, some stones
• Water feel - Clear, can be choppy with wind
• Shade - Almost none, dune scrub only
• Facilities - None on site
• Parking - At Son Real / nearby, walk in
• Best for - Walkers, nature lovers, quiet swims

The overall vibe

Cala Serralot is a beach in Mallorca that offers a raw, open coastal experience in a protected natural area rather than a typical resort bay. The shoreline is low and gently curved, backed by dunes, scrub and the Son Real estate rather than buildings or promenades. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative, shaped by the sound of waves, wind and birdlife more than by voices or music. You will mainly meet hikers, locals walking dogs and a few determined swimmers spreading out along the wide coast between Platja des Dolç and s’Arenal d’en Casat. The scenery feels spacious and untamed, with long views across the Bay of Alcúdia and inland toward low hills and pine patches.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The ground at Cala Serralot is mostly natural sand mixed with stretches of shingle and some rocky patches near the waterline. Entering the sea usually means stepping across a combination of soft and coarse sand with occasional stones, so the footing is generally easy but not as groomed as in managed resort areas. The seabed stays shallow for a while and then deepens gradually, making the water entry friendly for people who like to wade in slowly, though you should still watch your footing around any stones and small rock bands. On calm days the sea can feel very inviting, with clear shallows and gentle waves; when north or northeast winds blow, the surface can become choppy and waves stronger. Water shoes are optional but useful if you have sensitive feet or plan to stroll further along the shore where stones are more frequent.

Who Cala Serralot is perfect for

This shoreline is perfect for walkers, runners and nature minded visitors who want to combine a beach day with a sense of open space and very few people. Couples and solo travelers who enjoy quiet swims and long coastal views without buildings nearby will also appreciate the area. Birdwatchers and those interested in Mallorca’s dune and coastal ecosystems often include Son Real and its beaches in their plans. It is not ideal for families with small children who need lifeguards, toilets and cafés close by, nor for visitors expecting sunbed rows, easy parking right at the sand or extensive shallow play zones watched by staff. If you are assembling a best beaches Mallorca style plan, Cala Serralot is a good add on for wilderness lovers, not a central family hub.

Facilities and comfort

There are no services directly at Cala Serralot: no toilets, showers, sunbeds, beach bars or lifeguards. Comfort here is basic and depends on what you bring and how comfortable you are with simple conditions. You need to carry in your own drinking water, food, shade and anything else you might require, then carry everything back out again to protect the natural area. The sand can be very pleasant for lying down where it is fine and dry, but some stretches are coarse or mixed with shingle, so a thicker towel or mat improves comfort. Because the zone is part of a protected area, staying on marked paths when accessing the beach and avoiding damage to dunes and vegetation is important.

Getting there and parking

Cala Serralot lies on Mallorca’s north coast within the municipality of Santa Margalida, between the long undeveloped beaches east of Can Picafort and the equally natural sections near Son Serra de Marina. Most visitors reach it via the Son Real area, parking at official Son Real or nearby parking points signposted off the main road that runs behind the coast. From there, you walk along marked paths through the estate, dunes and pine scrub toward the sea, then follow the shoreline or coastal tracks until you reach the Cala Serralot section. The walk can take 20 to 40 minutes depending on your starting point and pace, and involves sandy and occasionally uneven ground, so closed shoes or sturdy sandals are recommended. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that having a rental car is the easiest way to access Son Real, combine Cala Serralot with other north coast beaches and avoid relying on infrequent rural buses, 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 route flexible.

The best spots along Cala Serralot

Given the length of the surrounding shore, the best spots are those where the sand is finer and the seabed is mostly free of stones. Many visitors choose a stretch roughly in the middle between the longer neighboring beaches, where the coast feels most open and the dunes behind are intact. If you prefer more shelter from wind, slight curves in the shoreline and low dune ridges can offer marginally more protection, though this coast is generally exposed. Swimmers often stand back a little from any rocky bands and enter where the bottom looks sandy and the water clearer. For example, many walkers pause at a point where the dunes behind form a shallow bay shape and the water in front looks evenly turquoise, using this as their swim and rest stop before continuing along the coast.

What you can do nearby

• Hike the marked trails of the Son Real area, including its archaeological sites and viewpoints
• Walk along the shore toward Son Serra de Marina or back toward Can Picafort
• Swim and sunbathe on the broader, unspoiled beaches of Platja des Dolç and s’Arenal d’en Casat
• Visit Can Picafort or Son Serra de Marina for cafés, shops and a more conventional beach setting
• Explore inland tracks by bike or on foot through the pine and scrub landscapes behind the coast

Best time to visit

Morning is often the most pleasant time to visit Cala Serralot, with cooler air for walking, softer light over the dunes and generally calmer sea conditions. As the day goes on, the exposed shoreline can become very hot, especially in summer, with little shelter from the sun and wind, so midday visits require strong sun protection and plenty of water. Late afternoon offers a second good window, with lower temperatures, long shadows on the dunes and a warm glow across the Bay of Alcúdia. Because this is a remote, facility free coast, it is sensible to plan visits around the less intense hours of the day, particularly if you intend to walk longer distances. Many travelers treat Cala Serralot as part of a half day hike rather than as a full stationary beach day.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Wear good walking shoes or sturdy sandals that cope well with sand and uneven tracks, as you will cover some distance before reaching the shoreline. Bring more water than you think you need, especially in warm months, since there are no taps, kiosks or bars nearby. High factor sunscreen, a hat and, if you plan to stay longer, a lightweight sunshade or beach umbrella are essential because natural shade is almost nonexistent. A sturdy towel or mat will make mixed sand and shingle more comfortable, and a small dry bag keeps valuables safe from sand and spray. The mallorcard community tip is that using a rental car with extra drinks, snacks and clothes in the boot makes it easier to treat Cala Serralot as one stop in a broader north coast plan, and mallorcard recommends using strong multi company rental car offers together with the current promo code listed on mallorcard.es so you can usually save about 10 to 50 percent depending on the season while adapting your day to weather and energy levels.

Good to know

Cala Serralot lies on the north coast of Mallorca within the municipality of Santa Margalida, in the protected Son Real coastal area between Platja des Dolç and s’Arenald’en Casat. The coastline here is a low, dune backed sandy shore interspersed with shingle and occasional rocky patches, forming part of the long natural belt between Can Picafort and Son Serra de Marina. The hinterland is mainly natural scrub, dunes and pine, with archaeological sites and old farm buildings rather than modern resorts. Understanding the exact Cala Serralot section helps distinguish this relatively small, named stretch from the broader neighboring beaches, even though to the eye it blends into the long natural coast. The main usable area for swimming and resting is the sandy and shingle shore along this segment, while the dunes and protected vegetation behind are best respected as conservation zones and walking terrain rather than places to set up for the day.