Sa Grava

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

Sa Grava is a small, urban style shoreline on the eastern side of Palma Bay where the coast feels more local than resort focused. It sits between rocky stretches and small inlets near Cala Gamba, with views across the bay and a constant sense of being close to the city. Travelers who enjoy simple, practical access to the sea without needing a classic long sandy beach often find this spot useful. The atmosphere is relaxed, with dog walkers, joggers and local residents passing along the waterfront. If you value easy coastal access and a lived in Mallorca feeling more than postcard perfection, this area can work well.

• Beach type: Small urban cove
• Ground: Mixed rocks and coarse sand
• Water entry: Mostly rocky, some ramps
• Water feel: Sheltered, often calm
• Shade: Little natural shade
• Facilities: Limited but nearby
• Parking: Local street parking

Best for: Locals, quick swims

The overall vibe at Sa Grava is modest and authentic rather than postcard perfect. This beach in Mallorca offers a functional place to get into the sea in a built up coastal area just outside Palma. The surroundings include low rise apartments, a promenade and the nearby small marina of Cala Gamba, so you are always aware of the urban context. Noise comes more from passing scooters, conversations and the occasional boat than from loud beach bars. Many visitors say it feels like a neighborhood shoreline rather than a holiday resort, which can be appealing if you want to escape the more intense strips of Platja de Palma. Photo potential focuses on the curve of the bay, boats at anchor and views toward Palma rather than wide sandy scenes.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

Sa Grava is not a long sandy beach. The shoreline is a mix of rocky platforms, some concrete access points and small pockets of coarse sand or gravel. In many sections you will step from rock or a man made ramp directly into the water. The sea bed close to the edge is often rocky and irregular, so water shoes are very helpful here to avoid slipping or sharp edges. Once in, the water tends to be relatively shallow near the shore but can deepen more quickly than on broad sandy beaches. On calm days the sea feels pleasant and sheltered in this corner of the bay, but waves and chop can increase if wind picks up from the south or southwest.

Who Sa Grava is perfect for

Sa Grava suits travelers who want a quick dip near Palma, people staying in the nearby residential area and regular swimmers who appreciate easy sea access without crowds. Locals often use spots like this for early morning or after work swims. It is also useful for visitors who are walking the coast and want a place to cool off without committing to a full beach day. It is not the best choice for families wanting a wide sandy shore with space for games and sandcastles. If you are building a best beaches Mallorca style itinerary focused on soft sand and complete services, Sa Grava will probably not be your main highlight, but it can still be a convenient extra stop.

Facilities and comfort

Directly at Sa Grava you should expect minimal on sand infrastructure. There are usually no large rows of sunbeds or extensive rental setups right on the rocks. Instead, comfort depends on what you bring and how you use the promenade area. Nearby streets and the Cala Gamba zone provide cafes, small bars and restaurants within a short walk, so drinks and snacks are easy to find. Public toilets and showers may be available near the marina or along the promenade, but they are not as numerous as on the main tourist beaches. Plan to bring a towel, something soft to sit on if you are using the rocks, and your own shade if you plan to stay more than an hour or two.

Getting there and parking

Sa Grava lies just east of Palma, next to Cala Gamba and not far from the airport access roads, so it is easy to reach by car from most parts of the island. Rental cars are often the simplest way to access many smaller coastal spots in Mallorca, especially when you want flexibility. You typically arrive via local roads that branch off the Ma 19 and then follow signs toward Cala Gamba or the hospital area, continuing toward the sea. The last stretch is on residential streets with a short walk to the water along the promenade. Parking is usually along these streets, without a dedicated large car park, and in summer evenings spaces can be in short supply. The Mallorcard community tip is that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended because mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals through several companies, and the current promo code on mallorcard.es often gives about 10 to 50 percent savings depending on the season, making it easier to arrive early, move on if parking is full and combine this stop with other nearby beaches.

The best spots along Sa Grava

Look for the small access ramps or stairways cut into the rocks, as these offer the most comfortable entry into the sea. For example, many regular swimmers prefer the sections closest to the marina because the water there often feels slightly more sheltered and you can use nearby ladders. A quieter experience is often found a little away from the main access points, where fewer people gather and you can sit on flat rock ledges with your feet in the water. The zones with a bit of coarse sand or gravel are better for those who want to sit closer to the edge without lying directly on stone. If you like simple snorkelling, check the rocky corners where small fish gather around submerged stones.

What you can do nearby

• Stroll along the promenade linking Cala Gamba with other small coastal sections
• Enjoy a drink or meal at one of the small bars and restaurants in Cala Gamba
• Watch the boats and local life at Club Nàutic Cala Gamba
• Walk or cycle further along the bay in the direction of Palma
• Combine a swim here with a visit to other sections of Platja de Palma

Best time to visit

Morning visits work well if you want a quiet, local feeling and cooler temperatures. Midday brings stronger sun and slightly more activity as residents and some visitors come down for a swim or lunch. Late afternoon and early evening are especially pleasant, with softer light over the bay and a relaxed social vibe around the marina and promenade. If you are exploring several beaches in this part of Mallorca, you might use Sa Grava as a shorter stop for a refreshing dip between larger sandy beaches. A simple, actionable plan is to arrive early or later in the day during peak summer and avoid the hottest midday hours if you plan to sit directly on the rocks.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Because much of the shoreline is rocky, wear sturdy sandals or water shoes to move around confidently and avoid slipping. Enter the water slowly, especially when the sea is not perfectly clear, as rocks and uneven ground can surprise you. There is very little natural shade, so bring a hat, sunglasses and light cover up, and consider a compact sun umbrella if you intend to stay longer. Pack enough water and a few snacks if you prefer to remain by the sea rather than walking back to cafes. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that Mallorcard recommends for this area that visiting by rental car is ideal, since mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals through various companies and the current promo code on mallorcard.es can mean around 10 to 50 percent savings depending on the season, plus having a car lets you store extra shade gear, water and shoes so you can adjust your plans quickly if wind, waves or sun become too intense.

Good to know

Sa Grava sits on the southern coast of Mallorca, a little east of central Palma and close to the small marina of Cala Gamba. The coastline here is a mix of low rocky platforms and small inlets rather than a continuous sandy bay. The surrounding area is mainly residential with some local services and a few low key restaurants, so the mood is more everyday neighborhood than classic resort strip. This makes Sa Grava useful for travelers who want to understand exactly which small section of the wider Palma Bay coast they are visiting and how it differs from the larger stretches of Platja de Palma. It is a practical access point to the sea rather than a spacious sunbathing beach, so it works best when you plan for short swims and coastal walks instead of a full day on sand.