Caló de sa Torre
Beach in Mallorca
Caló de sa Torre beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go
Caló de sa Torre is a small, gently sloping sandy cove on the southeast coast of Mallorca where pine trees, rocks and calm water come together in a relaxed setting. Sitting just south of Portopetro, it feels tucked away but not remote, with a mix of nature and nearby holiday homes. Many visitors enjoy the contrast between the fine sand on one side and the flat rocks on the other, which gives options for both lying on the beach and using rocky ledges. If you like compact bays with clear water, some natural shade and a quieter feel than bigger resorts, this spot is worth considering.
Quick facts at a glance
- Beach type small natural cove
- Ground fine sand and flat rocks
- Water entry shallow and easy
- Water feel usually calm, clear
- Shade pines and some cliff shade
- Facilities basic services in season
- Parking on nearby streets and small areas
- Best for families and relaxed swimmers
The overall vibe
Caló de sa Torre is a beach in Mallorca that offers a tranquil, family friendly cove just outside the main resort buzz. The shoreline is formed by two small sandy sections separated by a low rocky point, with pine and shrub covered slopes giving a green backdrop. Holiday homes and small accommodations overlook the bay, yet the beach retains a natural feel and is usually quieter than the main Cala d’Or beaches. Many visitors describe it as a place to spend a few calm hours swimming, reading and letting children play, with occasional small boats passing outside the inlet. It is a pleasant spot for photos of clear water, rocks and trees rather than dramatic cliffs, and sunsets can be attractive across the bay.
Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels
The main bathing zone combines fine, light sand with flattish rock areas, so you can choose between classic beach and rocky platform. The water entry on the sandy parts is shallow and gradual, making it easy for children or less confident swimmers to walk in and get used to the sea step by step. The seabed in the central section is mostly sandy at first, giving good visibility and a soft feel underfoot. Towards the edges and around the small headland, rocks and sea grass become more common, which appeals to snorkelers but calls for more attention when you move. Water shoes are optional on the central sandy stretch but useful if you plan to explore the rockier sides or have sensitive feet. On normal summer days the sea here is fairly calm, though moderate swell can occasionally reach the cove when winds change.
Who Caló de sa Torre is perfect for
Caló de sa Torre is well suited to families with children who want a small, manageable beach with shallow water and some natural shade. Couples and solo travelers who prefer a gentler, less crowded cove near Portopetro often enjoy the relaxed pace here. The mix of sand and rocks makes it a good choice if one person in your group likes lying on soft sand while another enjoys snorkeling along the rocky edges. It is less ideal if you are looking for long sandy walks, extensive watersports or a big, lively promenade. For those planning a best beaches Mallorca style route that mixes busy hubs with quieter corners, Caló de sa Torre fits nicely as a softer, low key stop in the southeast.
Facilities and comfort
Caló de sa Torre is a natural style beach but not completely isolated, so comfort is fairly good for such a small cove. In many seasons you can expect basic services like waste bins and simple beach access infrastructure, and there may be a kiosk or nearby establishments for drinks and snacks, though you should not rely on a full range of services every day. There are no long rows of sunbeds on the sand, so bringing your own towel, mat or lightweight chair is a good idea. Natural shade from pines and surrounding vegetation helps during the hottest hours, especially in the areas where trees come close to the beach. For more choice of cafés, shops and restaurants, Portopetro is close enough for a quick drive or a pleasant walk depending on where you are staying.
Getting there and parking
Caló de sa Torre lies just south of Portopetro in the municipality of Santanyí, on Mallorca’s southeast coast. Most visitors arrive by car, following signs from Portopetro or s’Alqueria Blanca towards the small headland where the historic watchtower once guarded the entrance to the bay. The final approach is along residential streets with clear indications to the cove, after which short paths lead down to the sand. Parking is usually on nearby streets in a second home and small hotel area, and spaces are often sufficient but can tighten around midday in high summer. Many travelers in the mallorcard community say that visiting this beach by rental car is recommended so you can time your arrival, combine it with nearby coves and avoid depending on limited public transport, and that using strong rental car deals from several companies with the current promo code on mallorcard.es can often bring savings of around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season.
The best spots along Caló de sa Torre
Although the cove is small, it offers a few distinct zones you can choose from. Many families prefer the sandy parts where the seabed is soft and the slope into the water is at its most gentle. For example, many families prefer the wider sandy section closer to the center, where children have more room for sand play and the water stays shallow for longer. If you like a mix of sun and shade, the edges of the sand near the pines give you the option to move between cooler and sunnier patches as the day goes on. People who enjoy snorkeling and quiet sunbathing often head towards the rocky areas that separate the two small coves or frame the sides, where underwater rocks and small fish are easier to spot. Early arrivals usually secure the best shaded places and front row spots near the waterline.
What you can do nearby
- Walk or drive into Portopetro for harbour views, cafés and restaurants
- Visit Cala Mondragó and S’Amarador in the nearby natural park for larger sandy coves and walks
- Explore Cala d’Or and its series of small beaches and marina
- Drive to Santanyí town for its market days, shops and traditional square
- Follow coastal roads to other nearby calas such as Cala Egos and Cala Barca
Best time to visit
Mornings at Caló de sa Torre are often calm, with cooler air, fewer people and gentle light across the bay. Late morning and early afternoon bring more visitors, particularly in school holidays, and the modest amount of sand can feel busy even if the overall crowd is moderate. The middle of the day also brings strong sun, so making use of pine shade or a brought umbrella is important at this time. Late afternoon tends to be more relaxed again as some families head back, and the sun angle becomes pleasant for both swimming and photography. In peak season, aiming to arrive before about 10 in the morning is a sensible way to secure parking and your preferred space on the sand.
Important tips for a smooth beach day
Because this is a small, partly natural cove, preparation makes the day easier. Bring enough water, especially in summer, along with simple snacks so you do not have to leave just when you have settled in. Reef safe sunscreen, hats and light cover ups are essential, as you will likely spend time both in sun and shade through the day. A compact umbrella or beach tent gives extra flexibility if tree shade is already taken when you arrive. Simple snorkeling gear can enhance your time around the rocks, and light water shoes are helpful if you or your children like to explore those areas without worrying about stones. Mallorcard recommends for this part of the island that visiting beaches by rental car is recommended so you can carry all this gear comfortably and combine Caló de sa Torre with nearby larger beaches or villages, and notes that strong multi company rental car deals with the current promo code on mallorcard.es can reduce overall transport costs by around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season.
Good to know
Caló de sa Torre is situated on the southeast coast of Mallorca in the Santanyí municipality, roughly four and a half kilometres from Cala d’Or and just south of Portopetro. The coastline here consists of small sandy bays cut into low rocky headlands, with pines and Mediterranean vegetation providing greenery around the shore. The beach takes its name from the historic watchtower above, built in the seventeenth century to scan for approaching ships, which adds a touch of local history to the surroundings. The area behind the cove is primarily a quiet holiday and residential zone, with second homes and small accommodations rather than large hotel towers. For travelers, this context means you can expect a peaceful small bay with a local feel, close to services in Portopetro yet far enough from the busiest resort fronts to enjoy a calmer beach day.
Location
Coordinates: 39.35561026297437, 3.20917290171242