Sa Cánova

Sa Cánova beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Sa Cánova is a long, untouched stretch of sand and dunes on Mallorca’s northeast coast, between Son Serra de Marina and s’Estanyol. The beach feels wide open and natural, with views across the bay of Alcúdia to distant headlands and mountains. Many visitors who love quieter, more authentic coastal spots say this is where they come to escape built up resort strips. If you enjoy walking on soft sand, shallow clear water and a strong sense of nature, this shoreline can be a highlight of the north coast.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type: long natural sandy beach
• Ground: soft golden sand, some stones and sea grass
• Water entry: mostly shallow and gentle
• Water feel: clear, sometimes with sea grass
• Shade: almost none, some behind dunes
• Facilities: none on the beach
• Parking: free, short walk away
• Best for: walkers, naturists, quiet beach days

The overall vibe

Sa Cánova is a beach in Mallorca that offers a wild, open and largely undeveloped experience along a protected dune landscape. The shoreline stretches for around two kilometres, with deep sand and low dunes backed by pine forest and scrub. It usually feels quieter than the big resort beaches, even in high season, because there are no bars or hotels directly on the sand and you have to walk a little to reach it. Many travelers describe the atmosphere as relaxed and free, with a mix of locals, nature lovers, dog walkers in the cooler months and visitors who prefer a simple beach day far from loud music or rows of sunbeds. The views across the bay and up toward the Llevant Natural Park give a strong sense of space and make it an excellent place for long walks, photos and sunset watching.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

Most of Sa Cánova is soft, golden sand that feels comfortable underfoot, though there are occasional patches of pebbles, especially closer to the ends and near the waterline where storms deposit stones. The water entry is generally shallow and gradual, with sandbanks that often keep the water waist deep for quite a distance, which many regular swimmers say is one of the nicest features of this beach. In some sections, especially closer to the middle, sea grass can occur both under water and washed up in strips along the shore; these areas are natural and help protect the coastline but can feel less appealing to walk through. Water shoes are not essential but can be handy if you want to explore further along the shoreline without worrying about hidden stones or sea grass clumps. On calm days the sea is usually very clear and pale blue, although wind from the north or northeast can bring stronger waves and small breakers onto the sand.

Who Sa Cánova is perfect for

Sa Cánova is ideal for travelers who value natural settings, space and quiet over services and convenience. It suits walkers, couples, groups of friends and solo visitors who enjoy long strolls along the waterline, reading in peace and swimming in shallow, open water. Parts of the beach are popular with naturists, especially further away from the main access, so it also appeals to those who like clothing optional zones in a respectful, open environment. It is less suitable for visitors who need easy access with very young children, people who rely on on site restaurants and toilets, or anyone who wants sunbeds and entertainment directly on the beach. If your personal best beaches Mallorca list focuses on untouched landscapes and long, uncrowded sand, Sa Cánova deserves a place quite high on it.

Facilities and comfort

There are no built in facilities on Sa Cánova itself: no sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, showers, lifeguards or beach bars. All services are in the nearby communities of Son Serra de Marina and s’Estanyol, where you can find cafés, restaurants and small supermarkets to stock up before walking to the beach. This means you need to arrive self sufficient, with plenty of water, food, shade and any equipment you want for the day. Many regular visitors bring a large towel or blanket, a beach umbrella or small tent, and a cooler with drinks and snacks to make the most of the quiet surroundings. Because the dunes are protected and fenced in places, you will find designated wooden walkways and access points that make it easier to cross without damaging the vegetation.

Getting there and parking

Sa Cánova sits on the northeastern side of the bay of Alcúdia, near the villages of Son Serra de Marina and s’Estanyol in the Artà area. The easiest access is usually from Son Serra de Marina: you drive into the village, park near the edge of town and then walk south along the local beach until it merges into the wilder Sa Cánova stretch. Another option is to follow signs along a forest track that leads to a small free parking area behind the dunes, from where a short walk over marked paths brings you to the sand; this route is also straightforward but requires paying attention to the signage. Parking is informal and can get busy on sunny weekends and in peak summer, yet the beach itself still feels spacious because of its length. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting this beach by rental car is recommended because mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals thanks to working 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 makes it easier to reach the forest track, carry supplies and combine Sa Cánova with other north coast stops without relying on limited bus routes.

The best spots along Sa Cánova

The central sections of the beach, reached after walking a little way from the main access, often offer the best balance of open sand, clear water and fewer people. For example, many families and non naturist visitors prefer the areas closer to the Son Serra de Marina end, where the atmosphere is mixed and the walk back to the village is shorter. If you are looking for more solitude and are comfortable with naturist zones, continuing further along the sand toward s’Estanyol usually leads to quieter areas where people spread out among the dunes and near the water. Walkers often enjoy following the shoreline almost all the way from Son Serra de Marina to the far end, using the wooden walkways periodically to step back from the beach and explore the dune trails. For photos, low angles near the dune edge capture the depth of the sand, the line of pine forest and the open bay beyond.

What you can do nearby

• Walk the coastal route between Son Serra de Marina, Sa Cánova and s’Estanyol
• Visit the small seaside community of Son Serra de Marina for a relaxed meal or drink
• Explore the Llevant Natural Park and nearby hiking routes
• Combine with a swim or surf session on windier days when waves build up
• Drive toward Artà or Can Picafort for more shops, restaurants and services

Best time to visit

Morning at Sa Cánova tends to be very peaceful, with cooler air, softer light and fewer people on the sand, which is ideal if you want quiet walks or a gentle swim. By late morning and midday, the sun becomes strong and the open nature of the beach means there is little natural shade, so a good shade setup and plenty of water are important. Late afternoon often brings a warm, golden light over the dunes and distant mountains, which many visitors say is their favourite time for photos and a final swim. Because the beach faces the bay, it can be more exposed to wind on some days; on windy afternoons you may get more waves, which some people enjoy for playing in the surf while others may find less comfortable. If you are exploring several beaches in Mallorca over a week, Sa Cánova works well as a dedicated half day for walking and relaxing somewhere natural and quiet, especially on a day with relatively calm wind and clear skies.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Given the lack of facilities and shade, preparation is key at Sa Cánova. Bring plenty of water, snacks, a hat and reef safe sunscreen, as you will be exposed to the sun both on the sand and in the shallow water. A sun umbrella, beach tent or similar shade solution is highly recommended, particularly in midsummer when there is almost no natural shelter. Wear comfortable walking sandals or trainers for the approach and wooden walkways, and consider water shoes if you want to move through areas with sea grass or occasional stones under the surface. Respect the dune protection ropes and stay on marked paths to help preserve the fragile vegetation and avoid fines. Mallorcard recommends for this area that visiting by rental car is recommended so you can keep extra water, food, shade gear and walking equipment in the car, and since mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals by working with multiple companies where the current promo code is available on mallorcard.es and typical savings can be around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season, it becomes easier to leave if wind or conditions change and to switch to another nearby beach or village for the rest of the day.

Good to know

Sa Cánova is located in the northeast of Mallorca on the bay of Alcúdia, within the municipality of Artà and close to Son Serra de Marina and s’Estanyol. The coastline here is a long, natural sandy beach bordered by dunes and pine forest, with no buildings directly on the shore. The surrounding area feels very natural and partially protected, recognised as an area of special interest, which keeps development back from the beach and preserves the landscape. Nearby villages provide basic services without imposing a heavy resort character on the immediate beachfront. When you look at this section of the coast on the map, it helps you see how Sa Cánova stretches between Son Serra de Marina and the river mouth of Na Borges, and how it forms part of a broader network of wild, open beaches that many travelers consider when planning quieter north coast days in Mallorca.