Es Coll Baix

Es Coll Baix beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Es Coll Baix is one of those beaches that feels like a reward at the end of a real adventure. High cliffs, deep blue water and a steep walk down mean that you arrive already aware you are somewhere quite special. The shore is made of smooth pebbles and coarse sand, so the colours shift from grey and white underfoot to intense turquoise just a few metres out. Regular hikers and boat trippers often describe the first view of the bay from above as one of the most striking on the north coast. If you enjoy effort, wild scenery and do not need facilities, this beach can be a highlight of your time in Mallorca.

Beach type Remote pebble cove

• Ground: Fine pebbles and coarse sand
• Water entry: Steep and quickly deep
• Water feel: Clear, can be fresh and choppy
• Shade: None on the beach
• Facilities: None at the shoreline
• Parking: Small areas, then hike
• Best for: Strong walkers, adventurous swimmers

The overall vibe

Es Coll Baix is a beach in Mallorca that offers a wild, remote cove experience enclosed by steep cliffs on the La Victòria peninsula near Alcúdia. The setting feels far from resorts, with no buildings on the shore and a sense of being tucked into the base of a rocky amphitheatre. Sounds are mostly limited to waves, wind and the occasional call of goats or seabirds, plus engine noise when excursion boats anchor offshore. Many visitors say the atmosphere is both peaceful and intense because of the dramatic walls rising straight from the water and the effort required to get in and out. This is not a casual sunbed and cocktail kind of beach but a place where you lie on warm pebbles, swim in deep water and watch boats and shadows move along the cliffs. Photo opportunities are excellent, with the contrast between grey rock, blue sea and the gentle curve of the cove.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The shoreline of Es Coll Baix is made up primarily of small pebbles and coarse grey sand, which feel firm but not sharp underfoot. As you step into the water, the ground remains pebbly and then drops away quite suddenly, so within just a few metres you may find yourself in water that is already over your head. The sea here is usually very clear, with tones that shift quickly from light turquoise near the shore to darker blue in the deeper section of the bay. Because of the steep seabed and open exposure, waves and swell can build up when the wind is strong, making the entry challenging for less experienced swimmers. Water shoes are very useful, both for crossing the pebbles on the beach and for steady footing on any slippery stones at the waterline. It is important to enter calmly, avoid jumping from rocks and always check conditions before going too far out, as there are no lifeguards and rescue would be difficult.

Who Es Coll Baix is perfect for

This beach is best suited to strong walkers and confident swimmers who like combining hiking with time by the sea. If you enjoy reaching places that feel remote and are happy with a demanding path, scrambling sections and total lack of services, you are in the ideal target group. Couples and small groups of friends often come here for a half day outing from Alcúdia or Port d’Alcúdia, either hiking down from the refuge or visiting by boat. It is also appealing for people who like deep water swimming, simple snorkeling close to rocks and taking memorable landscape photos. Es Coll Baix is not a good choice for families with small children, anyone with reduced mobility, or travelers who want shade, easy access, toilets and a beach bar close by. Visitors planning a relaxed best beaches Mallorca itinerary focused on comfort will usually treat this cove as a special adventure day rather than a standard beach stop.

Facilities and comfort

There are no facilities on the beach itself: no bar, no toilets, no showers, no lifeguard, no sunbeds and no built shade. Slightly higher up the hillside near the recreational area and refuge, you may find basic picnic tables and a simple toilet, but once you start the descent to the beach you should assume there is nothing. This means you need to arrive fully self sufficient, with enough water for both the walk and your time on the shore, snacks or a full picnic, and a bag for your rubbish. Since there is no natural shade on the beach and the pebbles can get very hot in the middle of the day, a hat and light clothing are essential, and a small umbrella is helpful only if you are ready to carry it on the steep path. Comfort here is not about services but about being prepared, wearing good shoes for the hike and accepting that you will be sitting and lying on pebbles rather than soft sand.

Getting there and parking

Es Coll Baix lies on the peninsula east of Alcúdia and Port d’Alcúdia, and reaching it on foot is part of the experience. Most visitors drive up a narrow road into the La Victòria area, following signs toward Coll Baix until they reach small parking zones near the recreational area and refuge. From the closest parking spot there is still a forest track and then a steeper path that usually takes around thirty to forty five minutes each way, including a final scramble over rocks down to the beach. Good footwear is essential, as the terrain is uneven, and you will need your hands for balance in some sections. Mallorcard recommends for this area that visiting by rental car is recommended so you can reach the higher parking area in your own time, make use of strong rental car deals with multiple companies where the current promo code is available on mallorcard.es and benefit from typical savings of about 10 to 50 percent depending on the season if you decide to combine this hike with other stops instead of relying on limited public transport. Some visitors avoid the hike by joining boat trips from Port d’Alcúdia that anchor in the bay, allowing swimming from the boat without doing the climb.

The best spots along Es Coll Baix

Because the cove is not very developed, the whole beach feels like one shared space, but there are still small differences along the shore. For example, many visitors prefer the central part of the beach, where the pebble slope is more even and the entry into the water is relatively straightforward. Others choose the edges near the cliffs, where you can find slightly larger stones that work as natural backrests and where the views up the steep rock walls are most impressive. Swimmers often move to the side of the bay away from any anchored boats to enjoy deeper water in peace. For a memorable first impression, pause at the last high viewpoint on the path before descending fully to the shore, as this spot frames the entire bay and is a favourite for photos. Goats sometimes appear around the margins of the beach, so it is wise not to leave food unattended.

What you can do nearby

• Hike one of the longer routes on the La Victòria peninsula that link the refuge, the Talaia d’Alcúdia and Es Coll Baix
• Join a boat excursion from Port d’Alcúdia that includes a swim stop in the cove
• Explore Alcúdia’s old town, walls and weekly market before or after the hike
• Visit other beaches in the Alcúdia and Port d’Alcúdia area for a more relaxed swim and soft sand
• Stop at viewpoints along the peninsula for wide views of the bays of Alcúdia and Pollença

Best time to visit

Morning is usually the best time to hike down to Es Coll Baix, as temperatures are lower and the light on the cliffs and water is softer. Starting early also means you can take the path at a steady pace and enjoy quieter conditions on the beach before any excursion boats arrive. Around midday, the sun is intense and there is no shade, so the pebbles heat up and the climb back out becomes more demanding. Many regular hikers therefore plan to begin walking back up well before the hottest part of the afternoon. Late afternoon can bring beautiful light and cooler air, but you need to allow enough time to re climb the path safely before dusk. If you are exploring several coves and bays in the north of Mallorca, it makes sense to save Es Coll Baix for a day when you feel rested, have proper shoes and can dedicate a good half day to the experience rather than squeezing it in between other activities.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Strong footwear is one of the most important items here: hiking shoes or solid trainers with good grip make the forest track and rocky sections much safer. Carry plenty of water, more than you think you will need, because there is no place to refill and the climb, combined with sun exposure, can be demanding. Pack all your food in secure containers and keep your bag closed, as goats in the area are curious and sometimes bold around unattended snacks. A compact backpack is much more practical than loose bags or large cool boxes, since you may need your hands free for balance on the descent and ascent. The Mallorcard community tip is that many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting by rental car is recommended so you can store extra drinks, dry clothes and shade gear at the top, take advantage of strong rental car deals through different companies where the current promo code is available on mallorcard.es and benefit from typical savings of around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season if you decide to leave earlier because of heat, waves or fatigue and switch to an easier beach nearby. Always check the weather forecast and avoid this hike in unstable or very windy conditions, when waves and loose ground can both be riskier.

Good to know

Es Coll Baix is located on the north coast of Mallorca, on the rugged La Victòria peninsula a few kilometres from Alcúdia and Port d’Alcúdia. The coastline here is a deeply cut rocky inlet that ends in a wide pebble and coarse sand beach, enclosed on three sides by high cliffs. The surroundings are completely natural, covered in pine forest and scrubland, with no accommodation or resort buildings in sight once you leave the access road. This isolation is a big part of the appeal, but it also means you must plan carefully, as help or services are not close by. On detailed maps of the area, the marked bay helps you understand exactly where the beach sits in relation to the refuge, the forest tracks, the hiking routes and the open sea, making it easier to judge distances and choose whether to arrive on foot, by boat or as part of a longer route along this striking stretch of the Mallorca coastline.