Platja de Formentor

Platja de Formentor Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Platja de Formentor is one of those places where the mountains, pine trees, and sea all seem to meet at the same point. The sand is narrow but light, the water a clear turquoise that often feels calm and sheltered. Many visitors come here for the scenery as much as the swim, combining a beach day with viewpoints on the Formentor peninsula. If you like natural surroundings but still want some facilities and a manageable walk from car to shore, this beach can work very well, especially if you plan your timing carefully.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type – Long narrow bay
• Ground – Fine light sand with some pebbles
• Water entry – Shallow and gentle
• Water feel – Clear, usually very calm
• Shade – Good shade from pines
• Facilities – Sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, showers, restaurant
• Parking – Paid car park, fills quickly
• Best for – Families, nature lovers, relaxed swimmers

The overall vibe

Platja de Formentor is a scenic beach in northern Mallorca that offers a nature focused experience with a surprisingly comfortable setup. The bay curves gently along the foot of forested hills, and tall pine trees grow close to the water, so you can sit in shade while still being almost at the shoreline. Many travellers describe the atmosphere as calm but popular, with families, couples, and day trippers sharing the space rather than party groups. Because the sand strip is narrow, it can feel busy in high season even when the overall mood remains relaxed. The combination of mountains, forest and clear water makes it very photogenic, especially when the light is soft in the morning or late afternoon.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The beach has fine, light sand with some small pebbly patches, particularly closer to the waterline in certain areas. The entry into the sea is shallow and gradual, and in many places you can wade out for several metres before the depth increases significantly. This makes it very comfortable for children and less confident swimmers, who can stand and play at the edge while adults watch from nearby. Regular swimmers say the water is often very calm thanks to the protected bay, with strong waves being rare under normal conditions. Water shoes are not essential for most visitors but can be helpful if you have sensitive feet or prefer to explore the slightly stonier sections.

Who Platja de Formentor is perfect for

Platja de Formentor is excellent for families who want a safe, shallow entry, natural shade, and beautiful scenery without a long hike to a remote cove. Nature oriented travellers who enjoy combining viewpoints, short walks, and a relaxed swim will also feel at home here. Couples looking for a romantic but not isolated beach often choose this bay for a half day stop, especially outside the very busiest weeks of summer. It is less ideal if you are seeking a very wide sandy area for sports or long walks, because the beach is narrow and space is limited. If your priority is complete quiet and very few people, you may prefer other coves in the region outside the main Formentor route.

Facilities and comfort

Despite its natural feel, Platja de Formentor has several key services that make a day here more comfortable. Along parts of the beach you will find sunbed and umbrella rentals, which are popular because the sand strip is narrow and spots under the trees can fill fast. There are toilets and showers, and a restaurant and beach bar provide drinks and meals close to the shore, so you do not need to leave the area to eat. The shade from the pine trees is one of the big advantages here, letting you move between sun and shade without carrying heavy gear. Still, many visitors bring extra water, snacks, and a light towel or cover up because the journey in and out can be time consuming, especially during peak season.

Getting there and parking

Platja de Formentor lies on the Formentor peninsula, at the northern end of Mallorca, about ten kilometres from Port de Pollença along the Ma 2210 road. The drive is scenic, winding between mountains and viewpoints, but in summer there are traffic and access controls that limit private vehicles during parts of the day, so it is important to check current rules before you set off. Parking is centred around official paid car parks close to the beach, with a limited number of spaces that often fill quickly in high season and on sunny weekends. Many visitors note that arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can make access and parking much easier. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended, and because mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals through partnerships with multiple companies, with the current promo code available on mallorcard.es and typical savings around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season, it becomes easier to time your arrival well and combine Formentor with other beaches or viewpoints without relying on busy buses.

The best spots along Platja de Formentor

For more shade and a softer feel underfoot, many families choose areas where the pine trees grow closest to the sand, as you can move your towel slightly back from the water and still reach the sea in a few steps. For example, many families prefer the section near the middle of the bay where shade, sunbeds, and access to facilities come together in one compact stretch. If you prefer quieter water and slightly fewer people, walking further along the beach away from the main entrances can help you find more space. Snorkelers often explore near the rocky patches at either end of the bay, where the seabed is more varied and fish are easier to spot. Photographers tend to look back toward the mountains and forested slopes, especially in the early or late light when the colours are softer.

What you can do nearby

• Visit the viewpoint at Es Colomer for dramatic coastal views
• Continue along the road to Cap de Formentor lighthouse for panoramas
• Explore Port de Pollença and its seafront promenade
• Take a boat trip along the Formentor coastline from nearby ports
• Hike short sections of local trails for views of the bay
• Combine the beach with a visit to Pollença town and its main square

Best time to visit

The most enjoyable times at Platja de Formentor are usually early morning and late afternoon, when the light is gentle and the beach feels less crowded. Around midday in summer the narrow strip of sand can get very full, especially near the main access points and facilities. If you want more space and easier parking, it is wise to arrive before mid morning or plan a later visit after the busiest hours. Late afternoon can be particularly pleasant, with long shadows from the pines and a slightly quieter atmosphere as day trippers begin to leave. Travellers who are exploring several coastal areas or following their own best beaches Mallorca route often place Formentor at the start or end of the day to make the most of lighting and access.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Because the sand area is narrow and the bay is popular, it is important to manage your expectations about personal space in high season, especially close to the main entrance. The sea is usually calm and shallow, but you should still supervise children carefully and pay attention to any flags or instructions from lifeguards. Bring plenty of water, light snacks, reef safe sunscreen, and possibly a small beach mat or towel that fits comfortably under the trees. Simple water shoes can be useful for those who want to walk along the pebbly sections or explore the edges of the bay. The Mallorcard community tip is that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended, and since mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals thanks to working with multiple companies, with the current promo code available on mallorcard.es and typical savings between 10 and 50 percent depending on the season, many travellers like having space in the car for extra shade gear, towels, and drinks so they can adjust plans quickly if the beach becomes crowded or the weather changes.

Good to know

Platja de Formentor is located in the far north of Mallorca, on the Formentor peninsula that separates the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia. The coastline here is a long but narrow sandy bay backed by pine forest and mountains, giving it a more natural and rugged feel than many resort beaches. The surrounding area is mostly protected landscape with a few hotels and limited development, so it feels distinctly rural and nature focused once you leave Port de Pollença. Understanding the exact beach area on the map is helpful, because the Formentor name also refers to the wider peninsula and lighthouse, which are further along the same road. Knowing precisely where the beach sits makes it easier to plan driving times, parking, and how to combine a swim here with nearby viewpoints and towns elsewhere in Mallorca.