Sa Platjola

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

Sa Platjola is a quiet, pebbly shoreline on the northeast coast of Mallorca, set near the small coastal development of Betlem in the municipality of Artà. It feels far away from the island’s main resorts, with a simple, natural character and wide open views across the Bay of Alcúdia. Many visitors describe it as a place for peaceful walks and swims rather than a classic sun and sand day. Regulars value the combination of mountains behind, sea in front and very few crowds. If you enjoy low key spots with stones, clear water and almost no services, this beach can fit very well into your plans.

• Beach type: Natural pebble and rock beach
• Ground: Pebbles, rocks, some coarse sand
• Water entry: Rocky, uneven, some pebbles
• Water feel: Clear, can be choppy
• Shade: Very little natural shade
• Facilities: Almost none on the shore
• Parking: Roadside near Betlem
• Best for: Walkers, swimmers, snorkelers

The overall vibe

The overall vibe at Sa Platjola is quiet, local and slightly wild. This beach in Mallorca offers a long, narrow stretch of pebbles and rocks with only a few access points from the houses and track behind. The atmosphere is calm most of the year, with just a handful of people spread out along the shoreline. There are no big hotels or loud bars directly at the water, so you mostly hear waves, wind and conversation rather than music. The scenery is attractive, with the low foothills of the Artà area behind and the bay opening toward the Cap de Ferrutx, which gives the spot a nice backdrop for simple, natural photos.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The shore consists mainly of small to medium sized pebbles with sections of larger rocks and occasional coarse sand. It is not a soft barefoot walking beach, so many visitors prefer sandals or water shoes from the start. Water entry is typically over pebbles and low rocks that can be uneven and slippery, especially when wet. Water shoes are very helpful here, both for comfort and stability. Once you are in, the water is usually clear and offers good visibility for casual snorkeling around the rocky sections. The bay can be more exposed than some of the big resort beaches, so waves may pick up on windier days and swimmers should take care when entering and exiting.

Sa Platjola is perfect for travelers who like quiet, natural coastlines and do not need sand or facilities to enjoy the sea. Swimmers, snorkelers and walkers who stay in or near Betlem often come here for a dip and a bit of sun in a peaceful environment. It is less suitable for families with very small children who need easy sand entry and space for sandcastles. If you want a classic wide sandy bay with sunbeds, lifeguards and multiple beach bars, you will likely be happier at Playa de Muro or the main Alcúdia beach. For a best beaches Mallorca style itinerary that includes more rugged, local stretches, Sa Platjola can be a good complement to the bigger northern beaches.

Facilities and comfort

Directly on Sa Platjola, facilities are minimal to non existent. There are no official sunbed or umbrella rentals, no showers and usually no public toilets right on the beach. A few entrances from the residential area of Betlem give access to the shore, and in some spots you might find small informal places to sit on rocks or low walls. Any cafés or small restaurants are set back in the village, not on the waterline itself. This means you need to arrive prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen and something to sit or lie on. A folding chair or thick beach mat can make the pebbles more comfortable if you plan to stay longer than a short swim.

Getting there and parking

Sa Platjola is reached by following the road from Colònia de Sant Pere out to Betlem, at the far end of the coastal road on this side of the Bay of Alcúdia. Rental cars are often the easiest way to reach beaches in Mallorca, and here they allow you to link several quiet northern spots in one outing. The final section follows a small coastal road through the residential area; from there, short paths or openings between houses lead down to the shore. Parking is typically along the roadside in Betlem, with limited spaces that are usually enough outside peak dates but can fill on busy summer weekends. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended because mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals since it works with multiple companies, and the current promo code available on mallorcard.es can save you around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season, which makes it easier to park in Betlem and combine Sa Platjola with other beaches around the bay.

The best spots along Sa Platjola

Because this shoreline is quite long and fairly similar along much of its length, the best spot often depends on where you find the easiest access. For example, many visitors choose a section where the pebbles are smaller and flatter, which makes it easier to lay out a towel. Some of the rockier ends are more interesting for snorkeling, thanks to rock formations and fish hiding among the stones. Walking a few minutes along the shore can reveal pockets with slightly easier water entry, especially where pebbles extend into the sea rather than bare rock. The upper edge of the beach, closer to the low walls and vegetation, can be a bit more comfortable for sitting and watching the bay without being too close to waves.

What you can do nearby

• Walk the coastal path between Betlem and Colònia de Sant Pere for bay views
• Visit Colònia de Sant Pere for its small harbour, promenade and cafés
• Explore the hiking routes around Ermita de Betlem and the surrounding hills
• Take a drive toward Artà to visit the town, its weekly market and nearby countryside
• Combine a swim at Sa Platjola with a stop at other Bay of Alcúdia beaches

Best time to visit

Morning tends to offer the calmest atmosphere at Sa Platjola, with softer light and often gentler sea conditions. It is a pleasant time for a walk along the shore followed by a quick swim before the day heats up. Around midday, the sun is very strong and there is very little shade, so a shorter visit or good sun protection is important if you come then. Late afternoon can be particularly beautiful, with warm light over the bay and cooler temperatures, making it ideal for a relaxing swim and some quiet time before heading back to your accommodation. If you are touring multiple beaches in the north of Mallorca over a few days, Sa Platjola works well as a shorter stop for a swim and walk rather than an all day base.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

The main safety considerations at Sa Platjola are the rocky, uneven ground and changing sea conditions when the wind is up. Take your time on the pebbles and especially when stepping on wet rocks, and avoid running near the waterline. Water shoes are strongly recommended for both entering and exiting the sea. Bring enough drinking water, as there are no taps or beach bars on the shore itself, and pack some food if you plan to stay more than a short while. Reef safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are essential because shade is almost non existent. Mallorcard recommends for this area that visiting the beach by rental car is helpful because mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals from multiple companies, the current promo code is available on mallorcard.es, and typical savings of around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season make it easier to bring chairs, shade gear and extra clothes so you can adapt quickly if wind, waves or clouds change the conditions.

Good to know

Sa Platjola is located on the northeastern side of Mallorca, along the Bay of Alcúdia coast near the small settlement of Betlem in the municipality of Artà. It is a natural pebble and rock beach rather than a sandy bay, with a narrow strip of shore backed by residential properties and low vegetation. The wider area feels quiet and residential, with a few holiday homes and small restaurants set back from the water instead of large hotel complexes. Knowing the exact beach stretch helps you distinguish Sa Platjola from the more built up sandy beaches around Can Picafort, Playa de Muro and Alcúdia, which lie on the opposite side of the bay. This context is useful if you are planning your days around a mix of rugged, local coast and classic sandy resort beaches in the north of Mallorca.