Es Cap de Gegant

Es Cap de Gegant beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Es Cap de Gegant is a small, wild rocky cove on the southwest coast of Mallorca, close to Son Caliu and a short distance from Palmanova and Puerto Portals. It feels far more natural than the nearby resort beaches, with low cliffs, rock platforms and very clear water set away from the main seafront. People come here for a quiet swim, sun on the rocks and a different view of the bay rather than for sunbeds and a promenade. The descent is steep and a little adventurous, so it attracts confident walkers and swimmers more than casual strollers. If you like tucked away rocky coves with a raw feel and do not need services, this spot can be very satisfying.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type: rocky cove, small inlet
• Ground: rocks, rough slab, some stones
• Water entry: rocky, uneven, quickly deep
• Water feel: clear, often calm close in
• Shade: very limited, some cliff shade
• Facilities: no services on the cove
• Parking: street / small informal areas in Son Caliu
• Best for: strong swimmers, hikers, calm escapes

The overall vibe

Es Cap de Gegant is a beach area in Mallorca that offers a quiet, mostly undeveloped rocky shoreline hidden below the built zone of Son Caliu and Costa d en Blanes. The cove forms part of a stretch of secret style coastal inlets together with Punta Negra, surrounded by rock, low vegetation and open sea views. You reach it by following small paths and a fairly steep descent, which keeps casual crowds away and preserves a sense of seclusion. The mood is peaceful and low key, with a mix of locals and a few visitors who know the area.

There is no bar, no road right by the water and no music except what a few people may bring at low volume. The main sounds are waves on rock and the distant hum of resort life higher up the hill. It feels like a pocket of nature surrounded by development, a place where you see the hotel skyline and marinas further along the coast but still sit directly on rock looking out at open sea. This contrast gives Es Cap de Gegant a particular charm for people staying in Palmanova or Portals who want a more natural swim without driving far.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The shoreline at Es Cap de Gegant is predominantly rock, with flat slabs, irregular ledges and some rough stone and gravel areas. There is no real sandy section, so you will be lying on rock or concrete like surfaces, perhaps with a towel or mat to soften things. The access to the sea is usually via natural rock steps or low ledges where you can lower yourself in, and in some parts the water becomes deep within a few strokes. This makes it attractive for confident swimmers but less so for those who prefer to stand in shallow water.

The seabed is a mix of rock, sand pockets and seagrass patches, which helps keep the water very clear but also means that footing can be uneven and sometimes sharp. Water shoes are very helpful both on the approach down the rocks and when entering and exiting the sea. On calm days the water close to the rocks can feel like a still, transparent pool, ideal for snorkeling and quiet swimming. When wind or swell picks up, waves can slap against the rocks and make the entry slippery and risky, so this cove is best in stable, calm conditions.

Who Es Cap de Gegant is perfect for

Es Cap de Gegant is perfect for strong swimmers, adventurous couples and small groups of friends who enjoy rocky coves and clear water without crowds. It suits people staying in the southwest who like to vary the classic sandy beaches of Palmanova and Son Maties with more natural, quiet spots. Snorkelers also appreciate the rocky seabed and good visibility when the sea is calm. If you are creating a best beaches Mallorca style itinerary that includes both easy family bays and wilder corners, this is a good “secret cove” type stop.

It is not a good choice for families with young children, visitors with mobility issues, or anyone who prefers flat sand and lifeguards. The descent can be steep and the rocks uneven, so carrying pushchairs or lots of gear is impractical. People who feel uneasy around cliffs or deep water close to shore may also find it uncomfortable. For a relaxed, shallow paddling day with full facilities, the nearby beaches of Palmanova, Son Caliu or Portals Nous are better options.

Facilities and comfort

There are no direct facilities at Es Cap de Gegant. You will not find sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets or showers on the rocks or at the waterline. Any services you use will be back in Son Caliu or Palmanova, where there are cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and full service beaches. This means you need to arrive self sufficient: bring water, snacks, sun protection and something comfortable to sit or lie on.

Shade is very limited and depends on the time of day and angle of cliffs and rocks, so for much of the day you will be in direct sun. A hat, strong sunscreen and perhaps a light shirt for extra coverage are important if you plan to stay more than a short swim. Because the cove is small, there is not much space to spread out; a compact setup works better than bulky gear. You should also plan to take all rubbish back with you, as bins are not right by the rocks.

Getting there and parking

Es Cap de Gegant lies on the southwest coast near the resorts of Palmanova and Son Caliu, in the municipality of Calvià. The most practical way to get there is by rental car or on foot from nearby accommodation. If you drive, you follow the Ma 1C toward Palmanova and Son Caliu and then use local streets to find parking in the Son Caliu area, often around residential roads not far from the sea. From there, small paths and tracks lead toward the rocky headland, and a more adventurous descent takes you down to the cove itself.

The approach path is not a formal promenade; it can be steep, with loose stones and irregular steps, so good shoes are essential and you should avoid coming in very slippery or wet conditions. Space for parking is limited because there is no dedicated car park for this small cove, only regular street parking used by residents and hotel guests. Arriving earlier in the day or outside the most crowded summer hours gives you a better chance of both parking and enjoying the cove with fewer people.

The best spots along Es Cap de Gegant

Because the cove is small and rocky, the best spots are usually the flatter ledges closest to the easiest water entry points. Many visitors choose a slab near where the path arrives, where the rock is relatively flat and you can sit or lie with a direct view of the sea. From here, it is simple to lower yourself into the water and climb back out. If you want a bit more privacy, you can explore slightly along the rocks to find a ledge a little away from the main descent, as long as you are comfortable scrambling.

Snorkelers tend to move toward the edges of the cove where rocks and seagrass create more underwater interest. Slightly higher rock shelves above the main bathing area can be good for sitting with a wider view along the coast toward Palmanova and Punta Negra. In the later afternoon, places where you can see the sun setting toward the open sea become especially attractive, turning a quick swim into a simple sunset stop.

What you can do nearby

• Combine a swim at Es Cap de Gegant with a day on the sandy beaches of Son Caliu or Palmanova
• Walk the coastal paths around Punta Negra and other small headlands for views and photos
• Visit Puerto Portals for marina atmosphere, restaurants and cafés
• Enjoy water sports, boat trips or paddle rentals from the larger resort beaches nearby
• Explore Calvià’s other coves such as Es Carregador, Oratori or Costa d en Blanes on a coastal circuit

Best time to visit

Morning and late afternoon are usually the most comfortable times to visit Es Cap de Gegant. Early in the day the climb down is cooler, the rocks are not yet hot and the cove is likely to be quiet. This is a good window for a calm swim and some snorkeling in clear water. Midday brings intense sun and strong reflection from rock and sea with little shade, so unless you are very prepared, shorter visits are better at that time.

Late afternoon and early evening often offer the best light and a pleasant temperature, especially in summer. The sea can still be warm, and the rocks begin to cool, making it a nice moment for a last swim and some photos before heading back up. You should avoid visiting on days with strong wind or large swell from the open sea, as the rocky access becomes much more dangerous and the water less enjoyable.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Wear sturdy shoes for the approach and descent, and bring water shoes for moving safely on rocks and entering the water. Pack enough drinking water and a few snacks, as there is nothing available at the cove itself and the combination of sun, rock and sea can be draining. A good towel or mat, high factor sunscreen, hat and sunglasses are essential for comfort on hard, exposed surfaces. Keep your belongings in a single backpack or dry bag so you can climb with free hands.

Move slowly on the path and on wet rock surfaces, especially after rain or when waves are washing onto ledges. Avoid jumping from heights unless you have carefully checked depth and underwater rocks and you feel fully confident; in a rocky cove like this, conservative choices are safest. Keep an eye on the sea state during your stay and be prepared to leave if waves grow or conditions change. Take all rubbish out with you so this small, natural corner remains as unspoiled as possible.

Good to know

Es Cap de Gegant sits on the southwest coast of Mallorca near Son Caliu and Costa d en Blanes, between the larger resort beaches of Palmanova and the more exclusive marina of Puerto Portals. It is a rocky cove coastline rather than a sandy bay, with cliffs, rock shelves and deep clear water close to shore. The immediate surroundings are natural rock and low vegetation, while above the cliffs you find residential buildings and hotels. Understanding its position helps distinguish it from inland sites with similar names and from the many sandy beaches in the same municipality. For travelers staying in this part of Mallorca, Es Cap de Gegant offers a small, wild contrast just a short distance from the busy, fully serviced resort beaches.