Cap Des Bou

Cap des Bou / Can Cap de Bou beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Cap des Bou (more commonly signed as Platja / Can Cap de Bou) is a long, very narrow shoreline on the Bay of Pollença between Alcúdia and Port de Pollença in northern Mallorca. It runs beside the main coast road next to Club Pollentia and opposite the s’Albufereta de Pollença wetlands, so the setting feels open and natural even though a road is close behind. The strip is quiet, breezy, and shallow for a long way out, which makes it popular with windsurfers, kitesurfers, and sailors and less attractive for classic sand‑and‑sunbathing tourism. If you want space, views, and wind rather than a groomed family beach, this stretch can work very well.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type – long, narrow natural bay shore
• Ground – greyish sand, pebbles, and posidonia sea grass
• Water entry – very shallow for dozens of metres, mostly sandy‑muddy
• Water feel – calm but breezy, ideal for boardsports
• Shade – little; some from scattered trees or structures across the road
• Facilities – mostly none on the sand; some paid services, bars, and shops across the road and at nearby hotels
• Parking – easy free roadside and esplanade parking near Club Pollentia and along the Alcúdia–Port de Pollença road
• Best for – windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, quiet walks, anglers

The overall vibe

Cap de Bou / Can Cap de Bou is a beach in Mallorca that offers a long, low key shoreline with a strong nature and water sports character rather than a resort feel. The beach is around 2.4 kilometres long but only about 30 metres wide at most, and in places shrinks to just a few metres of sand and shingle. Because the water stays shallow for a very long distance, waves form low ridges rather than heavy surf, and wind from the north and northeast creates ideal conditions for boardsports. Visitor numbers are generally low and mixed between locals, a few tourists, Club Pollentia guests, and anglers; even in high season it rarely feels crowded compared with nearby Alcúdia or Port de Pollença beaches. The view across the bay toward Formentor and the Tramuntana foothills is wide and impressive, especially around sunset.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The shore consists of greyish sand mixed with pebbles and frequent deposits of dried posidonia sea grass, plus some muddy sections created by long term wave and wind action. This natural sea grass makes the beach look wild and can feel soft, springy, or slippery underfoot, which is one reason why few classic bathers choose it over other nearby beaches. The seabed has almost no slope for many metres, so you can walk a long way out before the water reaches your waist. This shallow, sandy‑muddy platform is good for learning windsurfing or kitesurfing and for families with very small children who only splash at the edge, but less satisfying if you want a quick dive into deeper water. Water shoes are helpful both for comfort on pebbles and for walking through sea grass patches; once you reach clearer sections, the water is calm and generally suitable for a cooling swim.

Who Cap de Bou is perfect for

Cap de Bou is ideal for windsurfers, kitesurfers, and sailors looking for consistent winds and lots of shallow water space. It also suits visitors who appreciate quiet, natural feeling shorelines and do not mind sea grass or less “pretty” sand. Bird and nature lovers benefit from the proximity to the 150‑hectare s’Albufereta wetlands just across the road, which add ecological interest to the area. It is less suitable for typical beach holidaymakers wanting soft, clean sand, loungers, and beach bars, or for families planning long days of sand play right at the waterline. If your best beaches Mallorca list emphasizes comfort and classic bathing, you will probably use Port de Pollença, Alcúdia, or Playa de Muro for primary beach days and treat Cap de Bou as a water sports or walking stop instead.

Facilities and comfort

There are few direct facilities on the sand along most of Cap de Bou. The beach is described as largely natural, without promenades, dense chiringuitos, or continuous lounger lines. In some sections, particularly nearer more built up segments, travellers mention lifeguards, paid sunbeds, toilets, and showers, with small shops and restaurants just across the road. However, much of the 2‑plus kilometre shoreline has no such infrastructure, and many users park, rig windsurfing or kitesurfing gear, and go straight into the water. Comfort depends heavily on what you bring: a camp chair or thick mat is far more comfortable on the mix of sand, gravel, and sea grass than a thin towel. Shade is limited, so most visitors rely on hats, umbrellas, or the occasional tree or wall behind the beach.

Getting there and parking

Cap de Bou sits on the southern edge of the Bay of Pollença between Alcúdia and Port de Pollença, very close to Club Pollentia and s’Albufereta. It lines the main coast road that connects the two towns, so access by car is straightforward from either side, with clear signage and no complex turns. You typically drive from Alcúdia or Port de Pollença along the MA‑2220 and pull off onto an esplanade or roadside lay‑by to reach the beach; parking here is free in the usual areas, though you must make sure not to block entrances or narrow shoulders. Bus routes between Alcúdia and Port de Pollença also stop very close to the shore, sometimes just 10 metres from the water, which makes it easy to reach without a car. Distances are short: around 4.5 kilometres from Port de Pollença and a similar range from Alcúdia, so cyclists also frequently use this corridor.

The best spots along Cap de Bou

For boardsports, the best sections are the broadest and least obstructed stretches of shore, where you can safely launch and land without disturbing swimmers or anglers. For example, areas directly in front of open fields or between residential clusters give more space for kites and rigs. If you want a quiet swim or sun session, look for segments where sea grass banks are thinner and small sandy patches appear between pebbles; these change with season and currents, so walking a short distance often pays off. Nature lovers may prefer spots closest to s’Albufereta, where you can combine short beach stops with birdwatching across the wetland. Sunset watchers often choose lay‑bys with a broad angle across the bay toward Formentor to enjoy the colours over the mountains.

What you can do nearby

• Windsurf, kitesurf, or sail in the shallow, wind exposed waters, either independently or via nearby schools and clubs.
• Walk or cycle the coastal road and paths between Alcúdia, Cap de Bou, and Port de Pollença, enjoying open views over the bay.
• Visit the s’Albufereta de Pollença natural area to observe birds and wetland ecosystems just inland from the beach.
• Combine a short stop here with full service beach time at Alcúdia, Playa de Muro, Port de Pollença, or Formentor.

Best time to visit

The character of Cap de Bou changes with the wind. For calm walks and very gentle paddling, mornings with lighter wind and softer light are often best. For windsurfing and kitesurfing, midday to afternoon in summer tends to be ideal, when northerly and north‑easterly winds strengthen, sometimes reaching around 18 knots and more. Even in high season, overall visitor numbers remain low, so you rarely need to worry about space; your main consideration is matching your visit to the wind and sun exposure you want. Sunset and golden hour can be particularly striking, with long shadows on the sand and mountains glowing across the bay.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Wear sturdy sandals or trainers for walking across stones and sea grass, and consider water shoes for entering the shallow, sometimes muddy seabed comfortably. Bring your own shade, drinks, and snacks, especially if you plan to stay away from the small serviced segments and spend time in the more natural stretches. If you are windsurfing or kitesurfing, check local forecasts and be mindful of other water users, keeping launch and landing areas clear and respecting any marked zones. Swimmers should note that the combination of shallow water and sea grass can feel less “clean” than on groomed beaches, and occasional stronger gusts can appear quickly, so stay within your comfort zone. Because the road runs close behind the beach, take care crossing with children and equipment.

Good to know

Cap de Bou / Can Cap de Bou is part of the Bay of Pollença’s southern shoreline, in a nature‑rich area where land and sea meet along a narrow strip of sediment shaped by currents and wind. The nearby s’Albufereta de Pollença wetland covers about 150 hectares and is recognized as a protected zone for its flora and birdlife, adding environmental value to the surroundings. The beach’s extreme shallowness and wind exposure explain why it has become a prime boardsports location rather than a classic bathing strand. Understanding its particular mix of shallow water, sea grass, and strong breezes helps you decide whether to include Cap de Bou as a peaceful, nature and sports oriented stop alongside more conventional beaches in a northern Mallorca itinerary.