Punta des Tords

Punta des Tords beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Punta des Tords is a raw, low lying stretch of coast on Mallorca’s deep south shore, between Colònia de Sant Jordi and la Ràpita, where rocks, sand pockets and sea grass mix along a very natural shoreline. This is not a classic resort beach but more of a coastal segment with small, shifting sandy entries surrounded by stone and shallow platforms. You come here for walking, sea views and quick, careful dips rather than for a full sunbed and beach bar setup. Many people who know the area use this corner as a quieter alternative to the main Es Trenc access points, accepting the basic conditions in exchange for space and a wilder feel. If you like simple, undeveloped coast and do not mind rock and seaweed underfoot, this area can be rewarding.

The overall vibe

Punta des Tords is a small coastal section in Mallorca that feels like the edge of a nature zone rather than a structured bathing beach. Low rock shelves, shallow coastal pools and irregular sand patches form a broken shoreline backed by scrub and the beginning of the dune system that leads toward Es Trenc and Platja dels Estanys. There is no promenade, only rough tracks and paths used by walkers, locals and a few in the know visitors. The mood is quiet and exposed, especially outside the busiest summer weeks, with long views over the bay and the sound of waves on rock and sea grass. It feels like somewhere you add into a walk or coastal exploration, not the main, comfortable base for a whole day on towels.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

Along Punta des Tords you find a mix of flat rock, small stone ledges and little sandy inlets that can appear and disappear with storms and shifting seaweed. Where sand gathers you can enter over a gentle, shallow bottom, but in many places you will walk over stone or through bands of dried and live posidonia before reaching deeper water. The sea here is usually clear but can carry more seaweed than manicured resort bays, and the bottom can be uneven with rocks and shallow holes. Water shoes are very helpful, almost essential, if you plan to go in, as they protect your feet from sharp edges and make it much easier to move confidently over rocky and seagrass covered ground. This is a place for confident swimmers who are comfortable with natural, variable entries, not for those needing a smooth, sandy slope.

Who Punta des Tords is perfect for

This stretch is best for walkers, nature lovers and strong swimmers who actively look for more rugged coast and do not need classic beach comforts. It can work for couples or small groups who want to combine a coastal walk with a short swim in less crowded surroundings. It is not suitable for families with small children who need sand play space and easy paddling, for anyone with mobility issues, or for visitors expecting loungers, toilets and a lifeguard. If your best beaches Mallorca list focuses on long, serviced sands like Es Trenc or Cala Millor, think of Punta des Tords as a side excursion rather than your main destination. For those who enjoy photographing or simply experiencing natural shoreline textures, it can be an interesting section of the south coast.

Facilities and comfort

At Punta des Tords itself there are no significant facilities: no sunbeds, umbrellas, bars, toilets or showers on the rocks. Any services you use will be back at Colònia de Sant Jordi, la Ràpita or the more established entries to Platja dels Estanys and Es Trenc. That means you need to arrive self sufficient with water, snacks, sun protection, and something to sit on if you plan to rest on the rocks for a while. The rocks can be hard and uneven, so a foldable mat or thicker towel helps. Shade is almost non existent right at the shoreline, so hats, sunglasses and high factor reef safe sunscreen are essential if you stay more than a short time.

Getting there and parking

Punta des Tords lies on the south coast in the Ses Salines area, on the stretch between Colònia de Sant Jordi and the long sands of Estanys and Es Trenc. Access is usually by car to one of the nearby parking zones behind Platja dels Estanys or via Colònia de Sant Jordi, followed by a walk along the coast or tracks toward the rocky point. Rental cars are often the easiest way to reach beaches in Mallorca, and here they let you combine a short stop at this rugged section with more comfortable time on the main sandy beaches the same day. You will generally park where official access and parking are allowed for the neighbouring beaches, then walk; there is no formal car park directly at the rocky point. Many travellers treat this segment as a waypoint on a longer coastal walk from Colònia de Sant Jordi toward Es Trenc or vice versa.

The best spots along Punta des Tords

As you move along this shoreline, the most useful places are the occasional small sandy inlets and flat rock ledges that offer easier sea access. For example, many walkers keep an eye out for lighter coloured patches at the waterline where sand and fewer stones make the entry gentler. Flat rock shelves slightly above the waterline make practical places to sit, put down a towel and watch the sea without being splashed by every wave. If you want to swim, take a moment to watch the water and choose a spot where you can see the seabed clearly and where waves are not breaking directly onto sharp rocks. For photos, the contrast between the rocks, the strips of sand, the sea grass and the wide open bay gives interesting compositions that feel different from classic postcard beaches.

What you can do nearby

• Walk the coastal path between Colònia de Sant Jordi and the beginnings of Es Trenc, passing Punta des Tords
• Use one of the sandy stretches near Platja dels Estanys or Es Trenc for more comfortable longer swims and sunbathing
• Visit Colònia de Sant Jordi for cafés, restaurants and the small harbour after your coastal walk
• Extend your walk toward Cap de ses Salines if you enjoy long, exposed coastline routes
• Combine a short rocky stop here with a full beach day at Es Caragol, Es Dolç or Es Trenc on different days

Best time to visit

Morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times to experience Punta des Tords. In the morning, temperatures are lower, light is softer and the exposed rocks and paths are less demanding to walk on. Midday in summer can feel very intense, with strong sun on both rock and sea and virtually no shade, so if you come then, keep the stop short and use it as part of a walk rather than staying still too long. Late afternoon often brings gentler light and more pleasant temperatures, making it a good moment for a final stop on a south coast walk before heading back to a village for dinner. Because this is part of a larger coastal system, it is best planned into a day that also includes more classic sandy sections where you can rest comfortably.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Think of Punta des Tords as a rugged coastal stop and prepare accordingly. Wear sturdy walking shoes or sandals with good grip for moving over rocks and along paths, and bring separate water shoes if you plan to go into the sea. Always carry enough water, as there are no taps or kiosks on this shoreline, and take salty snacks or light food if you will walk for more than an hour or two. Check the sea before swimming; if waves are breaking hard on the rocks or the water looks too choppy, it is safer to limit yourself to paddling or to wait until you reach one of the nearby sandy beaches. With the strong sun and wind exposure typical of this part of Mallorca, good sun protection, a hat and sunglasses are just as important as solid footwear.