S'Algar

S’Algar beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

S’Algar is a small, stony cove on the far western tip of Mallorca, a short walk from the village of Sant Elm in the municipality of Andratx. It feels remote in mood but is actually quite close to the village, which makes it a rewarding little escape if you are staying nearby. The shoreline is simple and rocky, with clear water, views toward Sa Dragonera and very few people compared with the main Sant Elm beach. Locals often come here for a quiet swim, some sun on the flat rocks and unhurried time by the sea. If you prefer natural rock coves to sandy resort beaches, this spot can fit your style.

• Beach type: Small rocky cove
• Ground: Stones and gravel
• Water entry: Rocky, medium slope
• Water feel: Clear and exposed
• Shade: Very limited
• Facilities: None on the cove
• Parking: In Sant Elm village
• Best for: Strong swimmers and snorkelers

The overall vibe

The overall vibe at S’Algar is peaceful, rugged and informal. This beach in Mallorca offers a short strip of shingle and rock shelves rather than a classic stretch of sand, framed by low cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation. It usually feels very quiet, with only a few people scattered along the rocks, more often locals or repeat visitors than day trippers. There are no loud bars or music directly on the cove, so the main sounds are waves and wind, especially when the sea is up. The scenery is striking, with open views toward the sea and Sa Dragonera island, which makes it a rewarding place for simple, natural photos.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The ground here is mainly a mix of stones, gravel and rough rock. You will not find soft sand, so plan footwear accordingly. Water entry is over rocks and stones that slope into the sea at a moderate angle. Many regular swimmers say that water shoes are very helpful, both to protect feet and to give better grip on the sometimes slippery rocks. Once in the water, the sea is usually very clear, and the rocky seabed provides interesting terrain for snorkeling. The cove is quite open to the sea and can be exposed to wind and waves; on breezy days, the chop can make entry and exit more challenging, so it is better suited to confident swimmers.

S’Algar is perfect for strong swimmers, snorkelers and those who enjoy quiet, rocky coves rather than sandy family beaches. It suits travelers who like to sit on warm rocks, slip into deep clear water and spend time watching the underwater life. It is not ideal for families with small children, people who need flat sand or those with reduced mobility, because the rocky terrain and steeper access can be demanding. If your idea of best beaches Mallorca is wide sandy bays with full facilities, you will likely prefer the main Sant Elm beach or nearby Camp de Mar.

Facilities and comfort

There are no direct facilities on S’Algar itself. You will not find sunbed or umbrella rentals, showers or toilets on the rocks. Any services you need are back in Sant Elm, where there are cafés, restaurants, small supermarkets and toilets. Because of this, you should come reasonably self sufficient. A thick towel or folding mat makes sitting on the rocks more comfortable, and a dry bag can help keep your belongings safe from splashes. Many visitors use S’Algar for a short swim and some sun before returning to the village for food and drinks rather than spending a full day here.

Getting there and parking

To reach S’Algar, you first drive or take a taxi to Sant Elm on the far west coast, following the road from Andratx and then the smaller access road down to the village. Rental cars are often the easiest way to reach beaches in Mallorca, and here they allow you to link Sant Elm, S’Algar and other western coves in one outing. Once in Sant Elm, you can park in the village streets or in designated parking areas and then walk toward the edge of town following signs or small paths leading to S’Algar. The last section is on foot over slightly uneven tracks and stone steps, so good sandals or trainers are better than very thin flip flops. 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, making it easier to park in Sant Elm and explore S’Algar together with other nearby coves and viewpoints.

The best spots along S’Algar

Because space is limited, the best spots are usually the flatter rock shelves where you can comfortably spread a towel and reach the water. For example, many visitors prefer the area slightly to one side of the main access, where the rocks are more even and there is a small gap for easier entry. Some of the edges of the cove offer better snorkeling, with more rocks and crevices for fish and marine life. It is often worth walking a short distance along the rocks to find a place that suits your comfort level and swimming confidence. Higher ledges can be pleasant for sitting and enjoying the view if you do not plan to swim.

What you can do nearby

• Enjoy the main sandy beach in Sant Elm for easier swimming and more facilities
• Take a boat trip from Sant Elm to Sa Dragonera island for hiking and viewpoints
• Walk the coastal paths around Sant Elm for sea views and photo stops
• Visit the town of Andratx and nearby Port d’Andratx for dining and an evening paseo
• Combine S’Algar with a drive to other west coast spots like Camp de Mar or Cala Banyalbufar

Best time to visit

Morning often brings calmer sea and softer light, making it a good time for a quiet swim and some snorkeling before the sun climbs higher. Around midday, the rocks heat up and the sun is intense, with almost no shade, so good protection is essential if you visit then. Late afternoon can be particularly atmospheric, with warm light over the cliffs and sea, though wind and waves may still be present depending on the day. If you are exploring several coastal stops on the west side of Mallorca, S’Algar works well as a shorter swim stop rather than an all day base, paired with more comfortable beaches nearby.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

The main safety considerations at S’Algar are the rocky terrain, slippery surfaces when wet and the potential for strong waves. Take your time when climbing down or moving around on the rocks, and avoid entering the water if waves are breaking heavily on the shore. Water shoes or sturdy sandals are very useful for both the approach and the water entry. Bring plenty of water, as there is no direct source on the cove itself, and pack snacks if you plan to stay more than a short while. A hat, sunglasses and reef safe sunscreen are essential, as there is virtually no natural shade. 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 savings of around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season make it easier to carry water, shoes and extra clothes so you can adapt quickly if conditions get too rough or the sun becomes uncomfortable.

Good to know

S’Algar is on the far west coast of Mallorca, close to the village of Sant Elm and looking out toward Sa Dragonera island. It is a rocky cove rather than a sandy bay, with a shoreline made up of stones, gravel and rock shelves backed by natural slopes and low vegetation. The surrounding area is a small, low rise resort and residential zone in Sant Elm, but S’Algar itself feels more natural and removed from the central beach. Knowing exactly where S’Algar sits helps you distinguish it from the main Sant Elm sandy beach and from other rocky spots along this Tramuntana coastline. This context is helpful when planning a day that mixes easier swimming in town with a more rugged, quiet cove experience on the west coast of Mallorca.