Platja de sa Clota

Platja de sa Clota Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Platja de sa Clota is a tiny, wild pebble cove tucked into the rugged west coast of Mallorca between Banyalbufar and Port des Canonge. Here the mountains drop steeply into the sea, and the “beach” is really a narrow strip of rounded stones at the base of cliffs. The setting feels remote, dramatic, and exposed, with no services and no easy road access. It is a place for experienced coastal walkers, paddlers, or boat users rather than for a conventional beach day with children and sunbeds.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type – Remote rocky cove
• Ground – Pebbles and cobbles
• Water entry – Uneven, from rocks and stones
• Water feel – Very clear, can be choppy
• Shade – Cliffs give limited, shifting shade
• Facilities – None at the cove
• Parking – Only at distant access points
• Best for – Experienced hikers, kayakers, strong swimmers

The overall vibe

Platja de sa Clota is a small pebble beach in western Mallorca set in a steep sided inlet of the Tramuntana coast, far from resort areas. The atmosphere is wild and quiet, shaped by cliffs, terraces, and the constant sound of waves on rock rather than by people or music. Access is difficult and usually involves arriving by sea kayak or small boat along this section of coast, or a demanding hike on rough terrain, so you are unlikely to meet many other visitors. When people do come, they tend to stay short periods, swim carefully, and then move on rather than setting up for a full day. It feels more like a viewpoint and swim spot for experienced adventurers than a regular holiday beach.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The shoreline here is made up of pebbles and larger cobbles, with no soft sand underfoot. Entering the water means stepping over uneven stones that can move, so the approach can be unstable and slippery, especially when wet. Once in the sea, the water is usually very clear, with a steep drop a short distance from shore, which is typical for this part of the Tramuntana coastline. Swell from passing boats and changing winds can cause the water to become choppy quickly, and waves can make getting in and out more difficult. Water shoes are essential, and many visitors also appreciate having some form of support, like a walking stick, when moving over the rocks at the edge. This spot suits confident swimmers only, and it is not appropriate for non swimmers or small children.

Who Platja de sa Clota is perfect for

Platja de sa Clota is best suited to experienced hikers, kayakers, and strong swimmers who are comfortable in remote, unsupervised conditions. People who enjoy exploring the wild west coast by sea kayak often treat it as a short landing or rest point rather than a destination in itself. Photographers and nature lovers who appreciate dramatic cliffs, terraced hillsides, and clear deep water may also value the scenery, provided they are prepared for a demanding approach. It is not a good choice for families, casual beachgoers, or anyone wanting easy access, soft sand, and facilities. If your idea of a best beaches Mallorca itinerary is built around serviced bays and safe shallow water, this cove does not fit that pattern.

Facilities and comfort

There are no facilities at Platja de sa Clota: no lifeguards, no toilets, no showers, no sunbed rentals, and no bars or restaurants. You must be completely self sufficient, bringing all water, food, shade, and safety gear with you and taking all rubbish away when you leave. The rocky ground makes it hard to get comfortable for long periods, so many visitors limit their stay to a swim, some photos, and a short rest. In summer the cliffs can reflect heat back onto the cove, even though the area might go into shade at certain times of day. For comfort and safety, a thick mat, sturdy footwear, and careful planning of shade and hydration are crucial.

Getting there and parking

This cove lies on a remote stretch of the west coast of Mallorca, north of Banyalbufar and south of Port de sa Pedra de s’Ase, with steep cliffs rising directly behind it. There is no straightforward public road access right down to Platja de sa Clota; the most practical land approaches involve rough paths and sections of coastal hiking from other access points in the Banyalbufar and Estellencs area, which are only suitable for fit, prepared walkers. Many people who reach this spot do so by sea, using kayaks or small boats launched from more accessible points such as Port de Banyalbufar or Port des Canonge. Parking therefore usually means leaving a vehicle at these distant ports or villages and then continuing on foot or by sea. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting the coast by rental car is recommended because mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals since it works with multiple companies, the current promo code is available on mallorcard.es, and typical savings can be around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season, which helps you reach the starting villages early, secure parking, and then take your time exploring this rugged stretch without depending on infrequent buses.

The best spots along Platja de sa Clota

Given how small the cove is, there are only a few practical micro spots. Some visitors choose the slightly flatter sections of pebble bank furthest from the direct wave impact, where it is easier to sit and store gear safely above the wash line. For example, many people who land by kayak try to pull craft up onto the more stable stones near the central part of the cove, where they are less likely to be shifted by incoming swell. Strong swimmers sometimes enter and exit from the area that offers the most gradual slope into the water, which can vary depending on recent storms and how the pebbles have shifted. The rocky sides of the inlet can offer interesting underwater relief for snorkelling in calm conditions, but they also require extra caution because waves rebound off the walls. Climbing higher on the rocks for better views should only be done with great care, due to loose stones and the risk of falls.

What you can do nearby

• Hike sections of the rugged coastal paths around Banyalbufar and Estellencs
• Visit Cala Banyalbufar for an easier access rocky beach with village services above
• Explore the small fishing port of Port des Canonge further along the coast
• Enjoy viewpoints along the MA‑10 road over the Tramuntana cliffs
• Visit the village of Banyalbufar for its terraced hillsides and traditional stone houses

Best time to visit

If you plan to visit Platja de sa Clota, early morning is generally the safest and most comfortable time, with calmer sea conditions and cooler air. Midday sun can be intense on the west coast cliffs, and the rocky ground reflects heat, which makes conditions demanding for long stays. In the afternoon, winds sometimes strengthen, making the sea choppier and access more difficult, especially for kayaks and small boats. Travellers exploring several points along this coastline often plan this kind of small cove as a brief stop within a longer route rather than as a full day destination. For any visit, choosing a day with stable, calm weather and checking local sea conditions in advance is essential.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

This is a remote, unsupervised cove with real objective risks, so careful planning is crucial. Bring sturdy footwear and water shoes, as the combination of loose pebbles, wet rocks, and steep slopes makes slips likely. Pack plenty of water, high protection reef safe sunscreen, a hat, and some form of compact shade, as there are no services and only limited cliff shade that shifts with the sun. Strong swimmers should never underestimate changing swell, rebound waves off the cliffs, or the difficulty of climbing out over moving stones, and solo swimming is not advisable. The Mallorcard community tip is that visiting this stretch of coast by rental car is recommended because 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 in the range of 10 to 50 percent depending on the season, which allows you to carry safety gear, extra water, and spare clothes in the car and to leave the area promptly if sea or weather conditions deteriorate.

Good to know

Platja de sa Clota is on the west coast of Mallorca, along the Tramuntana range between Banyalbufar and Port des Canonge, far from major resorts. The coastline here is a steep, rocky inlet ending in a narrow pebble beach, not a sandy bay or urban shoreline. The surrounding area is natural and rugged, with terraced hillsides, cliffs, and scattered rural buildings rather than hotels or dense residential zones. Understanding the exact location on the map is important, because “sa Clota” refers to this small, hard to reach cove rather than to nearby, better known spots like Cala Banyalbufar. This context helps travellers decide whether to include it at all and to plan realistically, treating it as a serious coastal adventure rather than a conventional beach outing on the Mallorca coast.