Can Picafort

Can Picafort beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Can Picafort is a lively, medium sized resort on the Bay of Alcúdia in the north of Mallorca, set along a long sandy shoreline. The main beach runs in front of hotels, cafés, and a seafront promenade, while Son Bauló at one end and Playa de Muro close by give you more natural stretches. It suits travelers who like an easy holiday base with plenty of accommodation, restaurants, and activities within walking distance. Families, couples, and active visitors all tend to find something that works for them here.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type – long resort beach plus Son Bauló cove
• Ground – fine, light sand
• Water entry – shallow, gently shelving
• Water feel – clear, generally calm inside the bay
• Shade – limited on the sand, some from buildings and parasols
• Facilities – sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, bars, shops, water sports
• Parking – resort street parking and public car parks nearby
• Best for – families, easy resort holidays, water sports

The overall vibe

Can Picafort is a beach area in Mallorca that offers a classic, accessible resort feel along a large bay. The main strand in town joins on to Playa de Muro toward the west and Son Bauló to the east, so you effectively have several kilometres of sand to choose from. The atmosphere is friendly and holiday focused, with hotel guests, apartment renters, and day visitors filling the promenade, cafés, and beach bars in summer. Son Bauló, at the eastern end, feels a little more natural thanks to the nearby Son Real protected area and dunes behind the sand. Overall it is more relaxed than big nightlife centres, but still quite busy and built up in peak season.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

Both the main Can Picafort beach and Son Bauló are predominantly fine, soft sand that is comfortable underfoot and for lying out. The water entry is shallow and sandy for quite a distance, which works well for children and less confident swimmers who like to stand and play in gentle waves. Around rocky edges and near the Son Real side of Son Bauló you will find more stones in the water and on the shore, but the central swimming zones remain mostly clear. The bay of Alcúdia is wide but sheltered, so waves are usually modest, although breezier days can bring some chop that windsurfers and paddleboarders enjoy. Water shoes are not essential for most of the beach, though they can be useful if you wander toward rockier corners or shallow reefs.

Who Can Picafort is perfect for

Can Picafort is particularly good for families and mixed age groups who want services close by and gentle beach conditions. Large family hotels like Zafiro Can Picafort and others in the area offer pools, kids’ clubs, and entertainment, which combine well with the easy sand and shallow water. Couples who like walks, bike rides, and day trips along the north coast also find it convenient as a base. It is less ideal if you are seeking remote, wild coves or very quiet surroundings, as this is a sizable resort with a continuous strip of buildings by the sea. For a best beaches Mallorca style itinerary, many people stay here for practicality and then drive to more dramatic beaches and coves on some days.

Facilities and comfort

The main strengths of Can Picafort are its facilities and convenience. Along the seafront you find sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, public showers, toilets at various points, and seasonal lifeguard cover. The promenade is lined with cafés, ice cream shops, bars, and restaurants, so you rarely need to carry much more than basic beach gear. Water sports are widely available, including pedalos, SUP, windsurfing, and in some areas boat and excursion services. Behind the front line hotels and apartments there are supermarkets, bike rental, and other holiday services, so everyday logistics are simple. Natural shade on the sand is limited, so most people either rent umbrellas or bring their own.

Getting there and parking

Can Picafort sits on the northeastern side of the Bay of Alcúdia, in the municipality of Santa Margalida, about 60 kilometres from Palma. From Palma you can drive via the Ma‑13 motorway toward Alcúdia, then follow the Ma‑12 or connecting roads to Can Picafort; the route is straightforward and signposted. Once in the resort, the seafront is easy to reach by car, with public car parks and on street spaces across different zones; availability varies with time of day and season, but many visitors manage with patience and some walking. Public buses run from Palma, Inca, and Alcúdia, making it accessible without a car. Within the resort, most beaches, shops, and restaurants are reachable on foot or by bicycle.

The best spots along Can Picafort

If you want full services and to be in the middle of things, the central stretch in front of the main hotels is the obvious choice. For example, many families choose this area so they can easily move between the beach, accommodation, and seafront restaurants. If you prefer more space and a slightly quieter feel, the Son Bauló beach at the eastern end offers fine sand with dunes and a small wetland area behind it, plus direct access into the Son Real protected coast for walks. Toward the west, near the transition to Playa de Muro, the beach tends to feel wider and more open, with fewer buildings directly behind certain stretches. Walking the length of the shoreline lets you pick the combination of services and quiet that suits you best on a given day.

What you can do nearby

• Walk or cycle along the coast from Son Bauló through the Son Real protected area toward Son Serra de Marina, passing dunes, small coves, and archaeological sites
• Take bus or car trips to nearby beaches such as Playa de Muro, Alcúdia’s main beach, or Formentor for more varied scenery
• Enjoy evening strolls and dining along Can Picafort’s seafront promenade, with views across the bay to the mountains
• Use local boat excursions to explore the bay of Alcúdia and surrounding coves from the water

Best time to visit

In summer, mornings are usually the calmest and coolest time on the beach, with softer light and more space for families and walkers. By late morning and afternoon, the central strips of Can Picafort and Son Bauló become busy with sunbathers and swimmers, and the promenade livens up. Late afternoon and early evening bring gentler temperatures and a pleasant atmosphere for walks and drinks by the sea. Outside peak months, spring and autumn can offer a good balance of mild weather, open services, and fewer crowds. If you are exploring the north coast over several days, consider using Can Picafort for easy, full service beach days and heading to quieter spots like Son Real or Ca’n Cullerassa when you want more space and a natural feel.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

On busy days, arriving earlier helps you find parking and choose a preferred place on the sand, especially if you want to be near specific facilities or at Son Bauló. Bring or rent shade, as large parts of the beach have no natural cover and midday sun can be intense. Reef safe sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water are important, particularly for children and older travelers. Keep an eye on kids near the sea, even though the entry is gentle, and be mindful of any water sports zones that may be marked separately. If you like walking, consider combining beach time with short coastal walks toward Son Real in order to see a more natural side of the area without leaving the resort completely.