Sa Cánova

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

Sa Cánova is a long, wild dune beach on Mallorca’s northeast coast, between Son Serra de Marina and s’Estanyol, where soft golden sand meets shallow turquoise water and pine forest. It feels far from resort strips, with big skies, open views across the bay of Alcúdia and very little built directly on the shore. Many visitors who love quiet, natural coastlines say this is where they come for long walks, peaceful swims and a more local rhythm. If you prefer space, nature and simplicity over sunbeds and beach bars, this shoreline can be one of your most rewarding north coast days.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type long natural sandy beach
• Ground soft sand, some stones and sea grass
• Water entry shallow and gradual
• Water feel clear, sometimes with sea grass
• Shade almost none, some behind dunes
• Facilities none on the sand
• Parking free near Son Serra de Marina
• Best for walkers, naturists, quiet beach lovers

The overall vibe

Sa Cánova is a beach in Mallorca that offers a broad, unspoilt sand and dune landscape rather than a compact cove or urban bay. The beach runs for around 1.7 to 2 kilometres, with deep sand and protected dunes backed by pines and low scrub, so you always have room to spread out. It usually feels relaxed and low density, even in summer, because access involves a short walk and there are no bars or hotels right on the beach. Many regulars describe a sense of freedom here, with people reading, walking dogs outside summer, swimming in shallow water and some choosing the naturist sections further from the main entrances. The scenery is wide open rather than dramatic, with long views along the shoreline and up toward the hills of the Llevant peninsula.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

Most of Sa Cánova is soft, fine sand that is comfortable underfoot for walking and playing, though the width and depth of the sand band vary along the length of the beach. Close to the waterline you will often find natural sea grass deposits and occasional pebbles or stones, especially after storms, which is normal for this protected stretch. The water entry is generally shallow and gradual, with sand underfoot for many metres before it deepens, which many swimmers and families appreciate. In some areas, especially near the Son Serra de Marina side, there can be sea grass in the shallows for the first part of the swim, but beyond that the water often turns very clear. Water shoes are optional but can make walking through sea grass or small stones more comfortable if you are sensitive.

Who Sa Cánova is perfect for

Sa Cánova suits travelers who actively look for natural, quieter beaches and do not mind the lack of services. It is ideal for couples, solo visitors and groups of friends who enjoy long shoreline walks, reading in peace and swimming in wide open, shallow water. Parts of the beach, especially further from the main access points, are known as naturist friendly, so it also appeals to visitors who feel comfortable in clothing optional environments with plenty of space. It is less ideal for families with very young children who need immediate facilities, anyone wanting sunbeds, lifeguards and restaurants on the sand, or travelers who prefer short walks from car to towel. If your personal best beaches Mallorca list focuses on wild, open sand rather than resort style shores, Sa Cánova fits very well.

Facilities and comfort

There are no built in facilities directly on the beach at Sa Cánova. You will not find toilets, showers, lifeguards, sunbeds, umbrellas or a beach bar on the sand. All services are concentrated in nearby Son Serra de Marina and Colònia de Sant Pere, where cafés, restaurants and small shops provide what you need before or after your beach time. Dune areas behind the sand are protected, with ropes and wooden walkways guiding you to allowed crossing points; these paths also help you reach slightly more sheltered spots where bushes and pines can offer minimal shade. For comfort, most visitors bring everything themselves: plenty of water, food, a good towel or blanket, a strong umbrella or beach tent, and perhaps chairs if they plan to stay for many hours.

Getting there and parking

Sa Cánova lies at the northeastern end of the bay of Alcúdia, closest to Son Serra de Marina and within the municipality of Artà. The most common approach is from Son Serra de Marina: you follow the Ma‑12 main road, turn off into the village, then continue through to the seafront and park near the eastern end of town where the built up area stops. From there, a short walk along the local beach brings you onto the more natural Sa Cánova stretch. Another access option is from the Colònia de Sant Pere and s’Estanyol side via a coastal path, which takes longer but suits walkers. Parking in Son Serra de Marina is generally free along the streets near the sea, but on sunny summer days it can get busy, so arriving earlier gives you a shorter walk. 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 find the forest or village access points, carry supplies and combine Sa Cánova with other north coast beaches without relying on limited bus schedules.

The best spots along Sa Cánova

The section closest to Son Serra de Marina tends to attract a mixed crowd and is convenient if you want a shorter walk and quick return to village cafés. For example, many families who still prefer a natural setting gravitate to this part, as it balances space and relative proximity to services. If you walk further along the beach toward s’Estanyol, you reach quieter stretches where people spread out more and naturist use becomes more common, especially behind the main dune bands. Walkers often enjoy continuing all the way along the sand and then looping back via the marked trails behind the dunes, using the wooden steps to cross without damaging vegetation. For photos, slight rises near the dune edge give a lovely perspective over the beach and across the bay toward the distant mountains, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

What you can do nearby

• Walk the coastal route between Son Serra de Marina, Sa Cánova and s’Estanyol
• Have a relaxed meal or drink in Son Serra de Marina’s seafront cafés
• Visit Colònia de Sant Pere and its small harbour and promenade
• Explore hiking routes in the nearby Llevant Natural Park area
• Combine with other north coast beaches such as Son Real or Can Picafort

Best time to visit

Morning is often the calmest and coolest time at Sa Cánova, with fewer people, softer light and long shadows across the dunes, making it perfect for walkers and those who prefer quieter swims. By late morning and midday, the sun becomes strong and constant, with almost no natural shade on the open sand, so good shade equipment and plenty of water are essential. Late afternoon brings warmer light and a slightly more social feel as some locals arrive for end of day walks and swims, while the heat eases a little. On days with stronger wind, especially from the north or northeast, the beach can feel wilder with more waves, which some visitors enjoy for playing in the surf while others may find less comfortable. If you are touring several beaches in Mallorca, Sa Cánova is well suited to a half day of walking and relaxing on a day with mild wind and clear skies.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Because Sa Cánova is so exposed, sun protection is especially important here. Bring reef safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a reliable shade solution such as a strong umbrella or tent, as you may spend many hours in direct light. Carry more water than you think you will need and enough snacks or a picnic to avoid having to walk back to the village earlier than planned. Comfortable walking sandals or trainers help with the access paths and dune walkways, while optional water shoes can make moving through sea grass and small stones in the shallows more pleasant. Respect the dune protection zones and use the designated walkways, both to protect the environment and to 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 adapt your plans if wind or conditions change and to continue to another nearby beach or village later in the day.

Good to know

Sa Cánova is located in the northeast of Mallorca on the bay of Alcúdia, in the Artà municipality, between Son Serra de Marina and s’Estanyol. The coastline here is a long, natural sandy beach known as S’Arenal de Sa Cánova, backed by protected dunes and pine forest rather than by promenades or hotels. The wider area is largely natural and rural, with low key residential zones in the nearby villages but no direct construction on the beach itself. This protected status helps preserve the wild character of the shoreline and keeps the number of visitors relatively moderate, even in busy months. When you look at this stretch of coast on the map, it clearly shows how Sa Cánova forms one continuous band of sand between the river mouth of Na Borges and the rocky point near s’Estanyol, making it a key reference for understanding the natural beach system of northern Mallorca.