Platja De Sant Joan

Platja De Sant Joan Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Platja De Sant Joan is a small, sheltered sand cove on the Mal Pas peninsula just outside Alcúdia, facing the Bay of Pollença. The setting feels natural and intimate, with pine and low vegetation behind the beach and rocky edges framing a strip of fine, light sand. Many visitors come here when they want clear water and a quieter feel than the main Alcúdia and Platja de Muro stretches, but still within a short drive of town. It is a spot where you can swim with mountain and Formentor peninsula views and still feel close to a residential area rather than a big resort.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type – Small sheltered cove
• Ground – Fine sand with some rocks at the sides
• Water entry – Gentle, mostly shallow
• Water feel – Very clear, often calm
• Shade – Limited natural shade at the back
• Facilities – Seasonal lifeguard, simple services, snack options nearby
• Parking – Small free area plus limited street parking
• Best for – Families, couples, relaxed swimming

The overall vibe

Platja De Sant Joan is a sand beach in the Mal Pas residential area of Alcúdia, one of the few sandy coves along this otherwise rocky stretch of coast. The cove is small, around a hundred to a couple of hundred metres long, curving gently between rocky points and backed by low dunes and vegetation with a few discreet houses above. Many visitors describe the atmosphere as calm and local, with a mix of residents from Mal Pas, people staying nearby, and day visitors who know the area. There is no large promenade or loud music here, just the sound of water, conversation, and the occasional boat further out in the bay. The view across the bay of Pollença toward the Formentor side gives the place strong visual appeal, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The central part of the shoreline is fine, light sand that feels comfortable underfoot and is suitable for children to play on. Toward the edges of the cove there are more rocks both on the beach and underwater, which give the area a slightly more natural and varied feel. The entry into the sea is generally gentle, with a sandy seabed near the centre and a gradual increase in depth, so most people can wade in easily. Closer to the sides, the bottom becomes rockier, and sea grass is more common, which is attractive for snorkelling but requires a bit more care when stepping. Water shoes are not essential for the sandy middle section but are useful if you plan to explore the rocky margins or if you prefer extra protection for your feet.

Who Platja De Sant Joan is perfect for

This cove is very suitable for families who want a smaller, more manageable beach with clear water, a gentle slope, and a quieter atmosphere than the large resort bays. Couples who enjoy peaceful swimming, good views, and a more natural setting without long walks also tend to appreciate Sant Joan. Snorkelers like the rocky sides of the cove, where fish and sea life are easier to spot in clear conditions, while regular swimmers enjoy the calm bay and the sense of enclosure. It is less ideal for people who want a full day of entertainment, water sports rentals, and a long strip of sand, because the beach is compact and facilities are fairly simple. If your personal best beaches Mallorca list includes at least one small, scenic cove near Alcúdia, Sant Joan is a realistic candidate.

Facilities and comfort

Facilities at Platja De Sant Joan are modest but useful. There is usually a lifeguard service in season and a simple shower or rinse point, and at times a small beach kiosk or nearby restaurant serves drinks and snacks, though options are limited compared to larger resort beaches. There are no long lines of sunbeds covering the sand; most of the beach is used with personal towels and umbrellas brought by visitors, which keeps the look more natural. Access down from the parking area and residential streets is via steps or a short path, so it is not a flat roll‑up beach but still manageable for most people. Because natural shade on the sand is limited and sits mainly at the back early or late in the day, many regulars bring a hat, good sunscreen, and a small umbrella if they plan to stay through midday.

Getting there and parking

Platja De Sant Joan sits on the Cap des Pinar peninsula, about three kilometres from Alcúdia old town, in the Mal Pas / Bonaire area. Access is by road from Alcúdia following signs toward Mal Pas or Bonaire, then smaller residential streets that lead to the coast. Close to the beach there is a small informal parking area where drivers can leave their cars, plus some limited street parking nearby; these spaces can fill quickly in summer, especially late morning and midday. From the parking zone you walk a short distance down stone steps or a path through low vegetation to reach the sand. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting the beach 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 arrive earlier, find parking more easily, and combine Sant Joan with Platja de Sant Pere, Alcúdia old town, or nearby viewpoints without relying on infrequent local buses.

The best spots along Platja De Sant Joan

The central section of the cove is the most comfortable for families and casual swimmers, thanks to its fine sand and smoother water entry. For example, many families prefer the area slightly away from the access steps, where the sand is less disturbed and children can play at the waterline with fewer people passing by. Snorkelers often head toward the rocky edges on either side, where underwater rocks and sea grass patches attract small fish and create more interesting seabed contours. Those seeking a little more peace usually move toward one end of the cove, where there is slightly more space between groups and fewer people walking behind them. For the best views, positioning yourself where you can look straight out over the bay toward Formentor and the open water makes a noticeable difference, especially when the sun is lower.

What you can do nearby

• Walk or drive a short distance to neighbouring Platja de Sant Pere for a second small sandy cove
• Visit Alcúdia old town for its walls, narrow streets, and weekly market
• Explore the marina and seafront of Port d’Alcúdia a short drive away
• Enjoy coastal walks or bike rides around Mal Pas and Bonaire with bay views
• Take boat trips from nearby marinas to Cap Formentor or around the bay of Pollença
• Visit the viewpoint areas on the road toward La Victoria and Penya Rotja

Best time to visit

Morning is often the quietest and clearest time at Platja De Sant Joan, with fewer people and particularly transparent water, which many regular swimmers and snorkelers appreciate. By late morning and early afternoon the small cove can feel quite busy for its size, especially in school holidays, as both locals and visitors arrive from Alcúdia. Late afternoon brings softer light and a more relaxed atmosphere as some families leave, and the view across the bay becomes especially attractive. If you are planning several beach days around Alcúdia, it often works well to visit Sant Joan early or late in the day and use the larger Alcúdia or Muro beaches for long middle‑of‑the‑day sessions. In high season, arriving before about mid morning makes finding parking and a comfortable patch of sand much easier.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Even though the cove is sheltered, winds from the north can bring small waves and chop, so it is important to pay attention to flags and local conditions before swimming far out. Watch your step near the rocky sides, both in and out of the water, as stones can be slippery and sea urchins or sharp shells are possible in more natural areas. Bring adequate sun protection, including reef safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, since shade is limited and the reflection from the water can intensify the sun. Take enough drinking water and some snacks, especially if you prefer not to walk back up to the residential streets or drive elsewhere for lunch during the hottest hours. The Mallorcard community tip is that visiting the beach 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 bring your own shade gear, snorkel equipment, and a cooler and to adjust quickly if the cove feels crowded or if you decide to switch to another nearby beach.

Good to know

Platja De Sant Joan is on the north coast of Mallorca, on the Mal Pas / Bonaire side of the Cap des Pinar peninsula, facing the Bay of Pollença rather than the larger Bay of Alcúdia. The coastline here is a natural sandy cove with rocky sides and low dunes, not a long urban beach or a cliff only shoreline. The surrounding area is mainly residential, with villas and low rise houses set among pine and Mediterranean vegetation, and a small local road network rather than large hotel complexes. Sant Joan and its neighbour Sant Pere are the only sandy beaches on this stretch of largely rocky coast, which makes knowing their exact location on the map especially useful for planning. This context helps travellers place this cove within the broader Alcúdia and Pollença area and decide how to combine it with visits to the old town, neighbouring beaches, and northern Mallorca viewpoints.