Es Vells Marins Baixos

Es Vells Marins Baixos beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Es Vells Marins Baixos lies off the rugged shoreline near Betlem on Mallorca’s northeast coast, in a stretch known more for coves, rocks and underwater caves than for classic sandy bays. Here the mountains of Artà drop towards the Bay of Alcudia, creating a wild coastal feel with clear water and views across to the far side of the bay. People are drawn to this area for hikes from Betlem, small rocky inlets like s’Aigua Dolça and Es Caló, and the quiet atmosphere. Regular walkers speak of a coastline where swimming feels like a bonus to a beautiful coastal route rather than the main event. If you like combining hiking, snorkeling and raw scenery, this area can be rewarding, but it is not a conventional family beach.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type - Rocky coastline with small coves
• Ground - Rocks, pebbles, some small sandy pockets
• Water entry - From rocks or tiny coves
• Water feel - Very clear, can be choppy
• Shade - Limited, some from low trees and rocks
• Facilities - None at the shoreline
• Parking - In Betlem, then walk
• Best for - Hikers, snorkelers, nature lovers

The overall vibe

Es Vells Marins Baixos is part of a rugged coastal zone in Mallorca rather than a single defined beach, with rocky shores, tiny coves and underwater caves set along the coast near Betlem. The ambiance is quiet, natural and slightly remote, shaped more by wind, waves and pine trees than by umbrellas and sunbeds. You will meet hikers, local swimmers and snorkelers who have come specifically to enjoy the clear water and wild coastline. It is a place where you hear the sound of the sea against rocks and the rustle of low vegetation more than music or chatter.

The scenery is striking, with views across the open bay, the line of the mountains behind you and the bright blue sea below. Short detours bring you to small coves such as s’Aigua Dolça and Es Caló, where a bit of sand and more protected water make swimming easier. Overall, the area feels adventurous and unspoiled rather than organized or comfortable in a resort sense. It suits those who enjoy time out in nature with minimal infrastructure and who are happy to work a little for their favorite bathing spots.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

Around Es Vells Marins Baixos the shore is predominantly rocky, with a mix of flat ledges, uneven stones and some pebble zones. In nearby inlets like s’Aigua Dolça and Es Caló you can find small sandy or mixed ground areas where entering the water is easier. In the more exposed parts, access to the sea is directly from the rocks, often down small natural steps or near low walls built to shelter boats. The seabed is mostly rocky with patches of sand and seagrass, which is why snorkelers like the area.

Water shoes are very helpful here, both for walking over stones and for moving safely on slippery rock surfaces at the edge. On calm days the sea tends to be crystal clear, with visibility that invites you to explore the underwater world. When winds pick up from the north or northeast, waves and chop can make entries and exits significantly more challenging, and less confident swimmers usually avoid the water on such days. As with any rocky coast, you need to watch where you place your feet and be cautious about jumping into unknown depths.

Who Es Vells Marins Baixos is perfect for

This area is best for travelers who actively seek out natural, rugged shorelines and enjoy hiking as much as swimming. Experienced swimmers, snorkelers and people who appreciate quiet, undeveloped coves will feel at home here. It is also appealing for those building a best beaches Mallorca style route who want at least one day that feels more like a coastal hike with swim stops rather than a standard beach outing.

It is not well suited for visitors who need soft sand, gentle infrastructure and easy access. Families with small children, people with mobility limitations, or anyone who feels insecure on rocks will likely find this area uncomfortable. If you want beach bars, sunbeds, lifeguards and a quick stroll from car to sun lounger, you will be much happier at nearby Colònia de Sant Pere’s town beach or at other sandy spots around the Bay of Alcudia.

Facilities and comfort

At the shoreline around Es Vells Marins Baixos there are no services in the usual beach sense. You will not find sunbed rentals, organized umbrellas, showers or toilets right by the water. The closest facilities are back in the village of Betlem or further away in Colònia de Sant Pere, where you have cafés, restaurants and small shops. This means you need to arrive prepared with everything you will need for your time on the coast.

Bring plenty of drinking water, snacks or a picnic, and a good level of sun protection. A backpack is more practical than loose bags because of the walking and uneven ground. For comfort, a light mat or compact folding seat can make sitting on rocks much more pleasant during breaks. Because this is a protected marine area with underwater caves, it is important to respect local regulations and avoid leaving any waste behind.

Getting there and parking

To reach Es Vells Marins Baixos, you normally drive to Betlem on Mallorca’s northeast coast, after passing through Colònia de Sant Pere on the Bay of Alcudia. From the end of Betlem, signposted tracks and paths lead along the coast towards coves like s’Aigua Dolça and Es Caló, and the marine area around Es Vells Marins Baixos lies offshore here. The hike is on a mostly firm path with only modest elevation, but you should expect rocky sections and some sun exposure.

Parking is usually along the streets at the entrance to Betlem or in small informal areas near the start of the walking route. Space is limited in high season and on weekends, so arriving earlier in the day helps. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting this corner of the island by rental car makes it much easier to reach Betlem at quieter times and link it with other beaches on the bay, and that mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals through several companies with a current promo code and typical savings of about 10 to 50 percent depending on the season, which can be useful when planning flexible coastal hikes and swim stops. From where you park, plan on walking for a while before reaching the more interesting coves and swimming spots.

The best spots along Es Vells Marins Baixos

The most enjoyable swimming often takes place not directly on the exposed rocks but in nearby coves that benefit from slightly more shelter. For example, many families and relaxed swimmers prefer the small bay of s’Aigua Dolça, reached by continuing along the coastal path from Betlem until the terrain drops to a little sandy cove with clearer access. Es Caló is another nearby bay that regular hikers mention for its calm water and good snorkeling when seas are settled.

More experienced swimmers and snorkelers may be drawn to the rockier sections closer to the underwater caves, staying close to shore and choosing entries where local people often go in. Look out for flat rock ledges that serve as natural platforms for sunbathing between swims. For views and photos, slightly elevated points along the path give beautiful panoramas of the coastline, the mountains behind Betlem and the wide sweep of the Bay of Alcudia. Early morning or late afternoon usually offer the most flattering light and quieter paths.

What you can do nearby

• Hike the coastal path from Betlem to s’Aigua Dolça and Es Caló
• Swim and relax at the small town beach in Colònia de Sant Pere
• Enjoy a meal or drink at sea facing restaurants in Colònia de Sant Pere
• Explore inland routes towards the Ermita de Betlem for mountain views
• Combine with a drive to other Bay of Alcudia beaches like Son Serra de Marina or Can Picafort

Best time to visit

Morning is often the best time to explore this area, when temperatures are cooler for walking and the light is soft on the mountains and sea. Starting early means you can reach coves like s’Aigua Dolça before they become busier and enjoy calm water if winds have not yet picked up. Midday brings higher heat and stronger sun, which can be demanding on exposed coastal paths with limited shade.

Late afternoon can be very pleasant, with lower sun, longer shadows and more comfortable temperatures for the return walk. However, you need to keep an eye on timing so you do not end up hiking back in low light if you are unfamiliar with the paths. If you are planning several nature focused days in the northeast, it works well to alternate between a long sandy beach day elsewhere on the bay and a more adventurous hike and swim day around Es Vells Marins Baixos.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Treat a visit here as a coastal hike with optional swimming rather than a standard beach trip. Wear sturdy walking shoes or sandals for the path and change to water shoes at the shore for safer entries on rocks. Always check sea conditions before swimming, as waves and currents can be stronger than they look along exposed sections, and avoid going into the water near underwater cave entrances unless you are highly experienced and properly equipped.

Carry enough water and food for your whole outing, as there are no shops directly on the route. Pack a hat, sunglasses and strong reef safe sunscreen, since shade is scarce. A small first aid kit and dry bag for valuables are also sensible additions. The Mallorcard community tip is that using a rental car as a base lets you store extra water, snacks and clothing and adapt quickly if weather or sea conditions change, and that mallorcard.es works with multiple rental car companies to provide strong deals with a current promo code and typical savings of roughly 10 to 50 percent depending on the season, which can make it easier to link this hike with other nearby coastal stops in comfort. On hot days and weekends, starting early and avoiding the peak midday sun will make your time in this area much more enjoyable.

Good to know

Es Vells Marins Baixos lies off the northeast coast of Mallorca near the small settlement of Betlem, within the Bay of Alcudia and close to the Llevant marine reserve. The coastline here is a rocky, broken shore with small coves and underwater caves rather than a continuous sandy beach. The surrounding area is largely natural and rural, with a small residential urbanization at Betlem and more services concentrated in Colònia de Sant Pere further along the bay. Understanding the specific coastal section and its offshore caves helps distinguish Es Vells Marins Baixos from nearby named coves like s’Aigua Dolça and Es Caló while still seeing them as part of one hiking and swimming corridor. Accurately identifying this zone on maps is very helpful when planning routes, locating parking at Betlem and choosing which stretches of coastline to include. This context also makes it easier to position Es Vells Marins Baixos within a broader exploration of Mallorca’s northeast corner, balancing rugged hikes with easier beach days elsewhere on the bay.