Cala Tonó

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

Cala Tonó, sometimes written Cala Toró, is a small, quiet cove on Mallorca’s northeast coast near Colònia de Sant Pere and s’Estanyol, under the hills of Cap Ferrutx. The shoreline forms a short rectangle of sand and pebbles backed by low houses, with clear blue water and wide views across the Bay of Alcúdia. Many people describe it as a locals’ beach: simple, uncrowded and used more by residents and walkers than by big groups of tourists. It feels like a natural pause between the long wild Sa Canova beach and the small harbor of Colònia de Sant Pere. If you like modest coves with a rural edge and do not need full services, this spot can fit very nicely.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type - Small semi urban cove
• Ground - Pebbles, coarse sand, some rock
• Water entry - Mixed, shallow then gently deeper
• Water feel - Clear, can be choppy with wind
• Shade - Little, some from buildings or small trees
• Facilities - None directly on the sand
• Parking - Limited roadside parking, short walk
• Best for - Quiet local style swims and snorkelers

The overall vibe

Cala Tonó is a beach in Mallorca that offers a low key, local atmosphere on the edge of a protected natural area. The cove sits beside the small coastal settlement of s’Estanyol near Colònia de Sant Pere, with simple houses behind and a largely wild coastline stretching away toward Sa Canova and Son Serra de Marina. There is no promenade in the classic sense and no big hotels, so you feel close to both the rural landscape and the sea. The mood is calm and unhurried, with a handful of people swimming, sunbathing on towels and coming and going on foot from nearby streets or the coastal path. The view toward Cap Ferrutx and the open bay gives the cove a sense of space and makes it photogenic at sunrise and in the soft evening light.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The shore is made up of coarse sand, pebbles and small stones, with some rocky sections, so it is not as soft underfoot as the big resort beaches. As you step into the water, you cross small stones and mixed sand before reaching clearer, slightly deeper areas a short distance out. The sea entrance is usually shallow enough for a gradual wade, but you should watch where you place your feet, especially if small waves are running. The seabed blends sand, pebbles and sea grass patches, which makes for interesting snorkeling near the rocks but uneven footing for standing. Water shoes are a good idea here, especially if you or your children have sensitive feet or want to explore along the edges and rockier corners.

Who Cala Tonó is perfect for

Cala Tonó suits visitors who look for quiet, local beaches rather than serviced resort stretches. Couples, solo travelers and nearby holiday home guests often enjoy coming here for a peaceful swim and some sun with very little distraction. Snorkelers appreciate the rocky sides of the cove and the clear water on calm days, using the cove as a starting point for short explorations along the coastline. It is less ideal for families needing broad, soft sand, extensive shallow areas and lifeguards, or for people expecting sunbed rows, showers and beach bars just behind the shore. If you are compiling a best beaches Mallorca style list, Cala Tonó is best thought of as a side stop for quiet time and local color rather than a main all day base.

Facilities and comfort

There are no formal facilities right on the beach. You will not find sunbed rentals, toilets, showers or a dedicated beach bar directly on the sand. Comfort here comes from its simplicity and from the proximity of Colònia de Sant Pere and s’Estanyol, where you can find cafés, restaurants and small supermarkets within a short walk or drive. Because the surface is coarse and can be stony, a thicker towel or mat makes sitting and lying down more comfortable. Shade on the beach itself is limited; some small trees, walls and the angle of the houses may cast pockets of shade at certain times, but you should not rely on this for full day cover.

Getting there and parking

Cala Tonó lies on the northeast coast of Mallorca in the municipality of Artà, near the coastal village of s’Estanyol and a short distance from Colònia de Sant Pere. You reach the area by driving along the coastal road between Colònia de Sant Pere and Son Serra de Marina, then turning toward s’Estanyol and following local streets down toward the water. The final approach is on narrow residential roads, ending near the shoreline where the cove sits. Parking is limited to roadside spaces and small informal spots close to the houses, which can fill at peak times, but turnover is usually steady. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that a rental car makes it easy to reach Cala Tonó, combine it with Sa Canova or Son Serra de Marina and avoid long walks from main bus stops, and Mallorcard recommends using strong multi company rental car deals together with the current promo code on mallorcard.es so you can often save about 10 to 50 percent depending on the season while keeping your day trips along this coast flexible.

The best spots along Cala Tonó

The central section of the small beach, where the mix of sand and pebbles is most even, is usually the most comfortable place to lay out a towel and enter the water. If you prefer a bit more privacy and do not mind rougher footing, the edges near the rocks are often quieter and better for snorkeling. From these side areas you can swim along the rock line and explore small inlets and sea grass patches. Higher, flatter areas slightly back from the waterline can be good choices if you want to keep bags away from occasional waves and have a wider view of the bay. For example, many local families choose a spot near the easier entry area in the middle but a little back from the water, so children can play at the edge while adults watch comfortably.

What you can do nearby

• Walk along the coast toward the wide, wild Sa Canova beach and Son Serra de Marina
• Stroll into Colònia de Sant Pere for its small harbor, promenade and restaurants
• Explore the hills around Cap Ferrutx for viewpoints over the bay
• Enjoy longer beach days on Sa Canova’s expansive natural sands
• Visit Artà town, a short drive inland, for its market and historic centre

Best time to visit

Morning is a peaceful time at Cala Tonó, with gentle light, fewer people and calmer winds for a swim before the day warms up. Around late morning and midday, more locals and visitors may arrive from nearby villages, though the beach rarely feels crowded compared with larger resorts. The middle of the day brings strong sun with little shade on the sand, so umbrellas, hats and sun breaks are important if you stay then. Late afternoon often offers a pleasant combination of softer light, cooler temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere as day visitors drift away. Because Colònia de Sant Pere and Sa Canova are close, many travelers use Cala Tonó as a short swim stop within a longer walk or wider coastal day.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Bring sufficient drinking water and sun protection, as there are no services right on the beach and the area is exposed. A small umbrella or beach tent makes a big difference if you plan to stay more than a short swim, given the lack of natural shade. Water shoes are recommended for moving over stones and exploring rockier areas, especially for children or anyone with sensitive feet. Keep an eye on sea and wind conditions: when winds blow along the bay, waves can become choppy and currents stronger, so adjust your swimming accordingly. The mallorcard community tip is that having a rental car loaded with extra water, snacks and a change of clothes makes it easy to integrate Cala Tonó into a broader northeast coast plan, and mallorcard recommends using strong multi company rental car offers and the current promo code shown on mallorcard.es so you can usually save about 10 to 50 percent depending on the season and shift between quiet coves and larger beaches as conditions change.

Good to know

Cala Tonó sits on Mallorca’s northeast coast in the Artà area, close to the small coastal settlement of s’Estanyol and the village of Colònia de Sant Pere. The coastline here is shaped by a mix of small coves like Cala Tonó and long natural beaches such as Sa Canova, backed by low agricultural land and the protected Àrea Natural d’Especial Interès sa Canova d’Artà. The surroundings are low density and quiet, with a few residential buildings near the cove but large stretches of undeveloped coast just beyond. Understanding the exact Cala Tonó zone helps distinguish this small, sandy and pebbly cove from the wider Sa Canova and Son Serra de Marina beaches while planning your route. The main area suitable for swimming and sitting is the short rectangular strip of shore in front of the houses, while the stonier edges and rougher coast nearby are better for walking, snorkeling starts and linking into longer coastal hikes than for spending long hours on towels.