Platjola de sa Figuera

Platjola de sa Figuera Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Platjola de sa Figuera is a tiny rocky inlet on the rugged northwest coast of Mallorca, just below the municipality of Estellencs. The mountains drop steeply into the sea here, creating a narrow notch of rock and deep blue water rather than a classic sandy bay. You come to this spot mainly for wild scenery, a short, refreshing dip and the satisfaction of reaching such a tucked away corner. Many hikers and coastal explorers mention that the atmosphere feels intense and solitary, with very few people around even in high season. If you are looking for loungers, cafés and an easy family set up, this is not the right beach for you.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type: Tiny rocky cove
• Ground: Rocks and coarse pebbles
• Water entry: Steep and uneven
• Water feel: Deep, clear, exposed
• Shade: Almost none
• Facilitiesv None on site
• Parking: Informal roadside
• Best for: Strong swimmers, hikers

The overall vibe

Platjola de sa Figuera is a very small beach in Mallorca that offers a raw, no frills coastal experience on one of the most dramatic stretches of the Tramuntana shoreline. The feeling is closer to a wild sea access point than a place to spend a full day on towels. You are surrounded by steep slopes, terraced hillsides and cliffs, with the sound of waves and wind dominating everything. Most people who reach it arrive on foot from the mountain road or as part of a longer walk, so there is a quiet, self selected crowd of hikers and adventurous swimmers rather than casual visitors. The scenery is spectacular, but the space is so limited that you will likely stand or sit on bare rock rather than settle in for hours.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The shore here is almost entirely rocky, with patches of coarse pebbles and boulders rather than any significant sand. Getting to the water usually means stepping down over irregular rocks to a ledge or small gap where you can lower yourself into the sea. Once you are in, the water becomes deep quite quickly and is often very clear, with an impressive view down into the blue. Regular swimmers in this part of the coast note that the seabed is rocky and can have sudden drops, so it is not a place for unsure swimmers or children. Water shoes are strongly recommended, both to protect against sharp edges and to give better grip on slippery surfaces. On days with stronger swell, waves can hit the rocks directly, which makes entering and exiting the water risky and something to avoid.

Who Platjola de sa Figuera is perfect for

This spot is best for confident, experienced swimmers and hikers who actively seek out wild, technical sea entries. It works well for people who enjoy combining a Tramuntana walk or scenic drive with one short, powerful swim in deep water. It is a clear no for visitors with mobility issues, families with small children, or anyone who feels uneasy on steep, uneven terrain. If your personal idea of the best beaches Mallorca includes wide sand, lifeguards and cafés, treat Platjola de sa Figuera as a viewpoint rather than a swimming stop. For those building an itinerary that mixes comfortable resort beaches with a few rugged challenges, this cove can be one of the more demanding, high impact stops.

Facilities and comfort

There are no facilities at Platjola de sa Figuera. You will not find toilets, showers, sunbeds, umbrellas, lifeguards, bins or food and drink services at the water’s edge. Any services are back up on the main road or in Estellencs itself, which means you must come entirely self sufficient. Bring enough water for the climb and the time you want to spend near the shore, as well as some high energy snacks if you are walking longer distances. Sun protection is essential because there is almost no natural shade and the rocks can reflect heat. A lightweight towel or small mat can make sitting on the rock more comfortable, but keep gear minimal so your hands are free while you navigate the descent.

Getting there and parking

Platjola de sa Figuera sits below the Ma road that runs along the west coast near Estellencs, in postal code 07021. Access usually involves leaving the main road at a small path or informal turnoff and following a steep, rocky track down toward the sea. The last part of the approach is on foot and can be rough underfoot, so sturdy shoes are important; this is not a flip flop walk. Rental cars are often the easiest way to reach beaches in Mallorca, and that holds especially true here, because public transport options through this mountain section are limited and do not stop at every small cove. Parking tends to be informal roadside space or small lay by areas, with very limited capacity; arriving early in the day or later in the afternoon makes it more likely you will find a safe place to leave the car. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that using a rental car in this area makes it easier to link several viewpoints and small coves in one outing, and that by taking advantage of strong multi company deals and the current promo code on mallorcard.es they often save around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season while avoiding the need to rely on infrequent buses.

The best spots along Platjola de sa Figuera

Given the tiny size of the cove, the best spot is often simply the flattest rock you can find where you feel safe and stable. For example, many visitors look for a slightly raised ledge where they can sit and watch the sea without being splashed by waves. Strong swimmers usually head for the most sheltered corner of the notch, where natural rock walls give a bit of protection from side swell and make getting in and out slightly easier. If you do go into the water, choose a place where you can clearly see the seabed and where there are no large boulders directly under your entry point. For photos, standing back a little on the approach path and looking down into the inlet often gives the best impression of how steep and narrow this little Platjola really is.

What you can do nearby

• Walk stretches of the Tramuntana route between Estellencs and Banyalbufar
• Explore the village of Estellencs with its stone houses and sea views
• Stop at other rocky sea access points along the same road for comparison
• Combine a short stop here with a longer visit to a more accessible west coast cove
• Enjoy scenic driving with multiple miradors along the mountainous northwest coast

Best time to visit

Morning and late afternoon are usually the most comfortable times to visit Platjola de sa Figuera. In the morning, temperatures are lower and the climb down and back up feels less taxing, which many walkers appreciate. Midday in summer can be punishing, with strong sun on bare rock and almost no shade, so if you do come then, plan a brief visit and bring plenty of water. Late afternoon often brings softer light on the cliffs and sea, making this a good moment for photos and a short rest before heading back to your base. When planning several days along the west and northwest coast, it makes sense to fit this cove into a driving and walking day rather than giving it a full beach day slot.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Take the descent seriously: wear proper walking shoes, watch your footing and avoid coming here when it has recently rained, as the path and rocks can be slippery. If the sea looks rough, with waves breaking directly onto the rocks, consider it a no swim day and treat the spot purely as a viewpoint. Pack more water than you expect to drink, a hat, sunglasses and high SPF reef safe sunscreen, because sun reflection from the rock can be strong. A small first aid kit is useful for minor scrapes or cuts from rock edges. The Mallorcard community tip is that a rental car lets you keep spare clothes, extra drinking water and shade gear in the boot so you can cool off between demanding stops, and by using the strong rental offers from several companies together with the current promo code on mallorcard.es many visitors manage to save around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season while staying flexible enough to leave early if heat or sea conditions feel too intense.

Good to know

Platjola de sa Figuera is located on the northwest side of Mallorca near Estellencs, in the Tramuntana mountains, in postal code 07021. The coastline here is a classic Tramuntana mix of cliffs, terraces and tiny rocky inlets rather than broad sandy bays. The surrounding area is rural and natural, with small villages and isolated houses rather than a resort strip, so services are concentrated inland rather than at the shore. Marking the exact small notch of this cove on your map helps distinguish it from other nearby rocky accesses and from more substantial beaches on the same coast. Understanding this context makes it easier to decide how Platjola de sa Figuera fits into your wider Mallorca plans, usually as a demanding, scenic stop for experienced visitors rather than a general purpose beach for all travelers.