Platja des Rivell

Platja des Rivell Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Platja des Rivell is a small, low key beach on Mallorca’s northeast coast, set between the larger Cala sa Marjal and the tiny Platja d’es Rajolí near Costa dels Pins and Son Servera. The coastline here feels relaxed and residential rather than built up with big hotels. You get a simple strip of sand backed by trees and a quiet road, with clear water and a mix of locals and a few visitors who wander up from neighboring beaches. If you enjoy a modest, less crowded spot with basic comforts nearby rather than right on the sand, this place can work very well.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type – Small semi natural sandy beach
• Ground – Grey fine sand with some stones
• Water entry – Mostly gentle, some rocky patches
• Water feel – Clear, usually calm to moderate
• Shade – Good tree shade at the back
• Facilities – Minimal on the sand, services next door
• Parking – Roadside and small nearby areas
• Best for – Quiet swimmers, low key family time

The overall vibe

Platja des Rivell is a beach in Mallorca that offers a quieter alternative to the larger, more serviced stretches around Costa dels Pins and Cala Millor. The sand forms a modest ribbon along the bay of Son Servera, backed by pines and tamarisk trees that soften the view of the small road behind. Many people mention that the atmosphere feels more local and relaxed than at the bigger resort beaches further south.

You will usually share the sand with residents, walkers and a handful of visitors who have drifted away from the main Cala sa Marjal section. Noise is mostly limited to conversation, birds and the sea rather than music from beach clubs. It is the sort of place where you can read, take a few swims and enjoy the views across the bay without feeling part of a large crowd.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The beach surface is mostly made up of greyish fine sand, often mixed with organic remains of sea grass that give it a slightly natural, untidy appearance. Near the waterline and in the shallows, you will find small stones and flat rock plates in some sections. Regular visitors note that the general feel is still comfortable for bare feet on the dry sand, but that you notice the stones more once you step into the water.

The water entry is mostly gentle but not perfectly even. In some parts the seabed is sandy and soft, while in others you step onto rock slabs or scattered stones. Water shoes can be useful if you prefer secure footing or plan to move around along the shoreline. The slope into the sea is moderate, and on calm days it is pleasant for swimming, though you should watch for sudden changes in depth where the rock plates drop away.

Who Platja des Rivell is perfect for

Platja des Rivell suits travelers who like simple, unshowy beaches where you can still find a bit of space even in the busier months. It works well for couples, solo travelers and older families who value shade from trees, a quieter mood and the option to walk to more serviced neighboring beaches when they want a drink or a meal. Swimmers who enjoy straightforward access without needing a fully groomed resort beach also tend to appreciate this shoreline.

It is not the best choice for visitors who want soft, perfectly raked sand with full facilities, sunbeds everywhere and lots of entertainment for young children right on the spot. Those building a best beaches Mallorca itinerary primarily around iconic postcard bays may use Platja des Rivell more as a complementary, calmer day than as the main highlight of their trip.

Facilities and comfort

Directly on Platja des Rivell, facilities are very limited. There are usually no permanent beach bars, sunbed lines, toilets or showers on this specific strip of sand. The comfort here comes mainly from the natural shade provided by the pines and tamarisks at the back of the beach and from the relatively low crowd level. Many visitors bring their own towels, umbrellas, chairs and picnic items to be fully self sufficient.

However, you are not far from more developed areas. At the adjacent Cala sa Marjal and within Costa dels Pins, you can find a beach bar, restaurant, sunbed rental and public facilities, all reachable on foot along the shore or nearby paths. A practical approach is to settle under the trees at Platja des Rivell for quieter sunbathing and then walk to the neighboring beach when you want a drink, lunch or a proper shower.

Getting there and parking

Platja des Rivell lies in the municipality of Son Servera, along the bay that curves between Cala Bona and Costa dels Pins on Mallorca’s northeast coast. The beach sits just off the local coastal road that links these areas, so you can reach it fairly easily by car, bicycle or on foot from nearby resorts. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended because mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals as it works with multiple companies and the current promo code is available on mallorcard.es, with typical savings around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season, which helps when you want to move easily between several beaches in the Son Servera area in one day.

Parking is usually roadside behind the beach or in small informal areas nearby. Spaces are not extensive, but because Platja des Rivell is smaller and less known than the main resort beaches, it often feels manageable except in the very peak weeks of summer. Arriving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon gives you a smoother experience, especially if you are driving from Cala Millor or farther away.

The best spots along Platja des Rivell

The tree lined back section is one of the main assets of this beach. Here you can spread a towel or set up lightweight chairs in natural shade, with the sand and water only a few steps away. For example, many families prefer the central area where the trees are densest, as this allows children to play between sun and shade without moving far.

If you prefer a slightly easier water entry, look for parts of the shoreline where the sea grass and rock plates are less visible and the sand shines through more clearly. These zones tend to offer smoother footing and a more predictable slope. Walk a little towards the Cala sa Marjal side if you want faster access to the neighboring beach bar or to combine a quieter base with a more serviced swim area.

What you can do nearby

• Walk along the coast towards Cala sa Marjal and Platja d’es Rajolí
• Visit Costa dels Pins for a café stop and sea views
• Head to Cala Bona or Cala Millor for more restaurants, shops and nightlife
• Enjoy cycling or walking routes that connect Son Servera’s beaches
• Combine a swim here with a drive inland towards Artà or the Manacor–Artà greenway

Best time to visit

Morning visits give you the calmest vibe at Platja des Rivell, with cool air, softer light and more options under the trees. This is a good time for people who like quiet swims, reading and relaxed walks along the bay. By late morning and early afternoon, more visitors arrive from nearby resorts, although the beach still usually feels less crowded than larger stretches like Cala Millor.

Later in the afternoon, the light softens again and the temperature becomes more pleasant for sitting in the open or walking along the shoreline. This part of the day works well if you want to split time between a busier, fully serviced beach earlier on and a quieter spot like Platja des Rivell before sunset. When planning several beach days in Mallorca’s northeast, it often serves as a gentle contrast to more commercial sands nearby.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Because there are no services on the sand, plan to bring your own water, snacks and any essentials such as sunscreen and a basic first aid kit. Reef safe sunscreen, hats and light cover ups are important even though there is tree shade, since you will likely move between shaded and sunny sections. A picnic blanket or beach mat makes sitting more comfortable on the sand where sea grass and small stones are mixed in.

Take care when entering the water, especially in zones with visible rock plates, as they can be slippery. Water shoes can make the transition into the sea much easier and reduce the risk of small cuts. Mallorcard recommends for this area that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended because mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals since it works with multiple companies and the current promo code is available on mallorcard.es, with typical savings around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season, which lets you keep extra drinks, shade gear and a change of clothes in the car and adjust quickly if you decide to move on to another nearby beach.

Good to know

Platja des Rivell is on the east side of Mallorca, in the bay of Son Servera between Port Vell, Costa dels Pins and the larger resort zones a little further south. The coastline here is a narrow sandy bay backed by trees rather than a steep rocky cove, which makes it visually softer and easier to access than some more dramatic parts of the island. The surrounding area is mostly residential and low key, with a few tourist services spread out rather than a concentrated resort skyline right behind the sand.

On maps, Platja des Rivell appears as the small stretch between Cala sa Marjal to the south and the even smaller Platja d’es Rajolí to the north, which helps you pinpoint the exact beach when planning routes. Understanding this position is useful if you want to walk or cycle between several nearby beaches in one outing. For most visitors staying around Son Servera or Costa dels Pins, it acts as a quieter, more intimate extension of the main local beach rather than a stand alone destination far from everything else in Mallorca.