Ses Caletes

Ses Caletes beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Ses Caletes is a tiny, very secluded pair of coves on the rugged north coast of Mallorca, tucked into the Cap des Pinar peninsula opposite the Bay of Alcúdia. Reached only from the sea or via restricted military land, this spot is more of a remote coastal feature than an everyday swimming beach. From a boat the little sandy inlets appear suddenly between pines and rock, with clear green blue water and steep slopes behind. People who know the area describe it as beautiful but clearly off the usual beach circuit, best appreciated as part of a boat outing. If you are looking for a classic drive and walk access beach, Ses Caletes is not a practical choice.

• Beach type: Tiny remote coves
• Ground: Fine sand and rocks
• Water entry: From boat onto sand
• Water feel: Clear, can be exposed
• Shade: Some from cliffs and pines
• Facilities: None at all
• Parking: No direct land access
• Best for: Boat stops and strong swimmers

The overall vibe

The overall vibe at Ses Caletes is wild, quiet and somewhat inaccessible. This beach in Mallorca consists of two small sandy pockets where the rocky coastline of Cap des Pinar opens briefly to form miniature bays, framed by pine woods and steep slopes. There are no buildings, paths or services visible from the water, only natural rock and forest. The atmosphere is silent apart from wind and waves, as there are no roads nearby and only occasional boats pass through. It is a place where you feel the raw north coast landscape rather than a social or family environment, and for many visitors the main appeal lies in the scenic contrast of white sand, dark pines and clear sea.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The shore in these coves is a short strip of fine sand that quickly transitions into pebbles and rock at the edges. Under the waterline the seabed alternates between sandy patches and rocky areas with sea grass. Water entry for visitors is usually from a boat anchored or held off at a safe distance, then wading or swimming in to the sand, as anchoring close to the coast is restricted and the area is protected. Water shoes can be helpful when you move from sand to rock, especially near the sides of the cove where stones and sea grass make the ground uneven. The water is generally very clear thanks to the isolated setting and lack of development, but this piece of coast is exposed to north and northwest winds, so waves and swell can build quickly and make swimming more demanding.

Who Ses Caletes is perfect for

Ses Caletes is perfect for experienced swimmers and nature lovers who are already on a boat trip around Cap des Pinar and want a brief, memorable swim in a remote setting. It suits people who enjoy jumping into deep clear water, swimming to a small sandy patch and appreciating the raw landscape for a short time. It is not suitable as a primary beach for families with small children, for anyone who needs easy and guaranteed land access, or for visitors who depend on lifeguards and facilities. If you are planning a best beaches Mallorca list with regular drive up bays, Ses Caletes is better thought of as a bonus viewpoint or boat stop rather than a stand alone beach day.

Facilities and comfort

There are no facilities whatsoever at Ses Caletes. You will not find sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, showers, bins or any kind of built structure on or above the sand. The nearest services are far away in Port d’Alcúdia or Alcúdia town, on the opposite side of the bay. This means any visit is entirely self sufficient, and in practice almost always part of a guided boat tour or a private boat outing where everything you need stays on board. The sand area is too small and remote to support a long, comfortable stay for most people; many simply swim in, enjoy a few minutes on the tiny beach, then return to the boat.

Getting there and parking

Because Ses Caletes lies inside a restricted military area on Cap des Pinar, land access is off limits for ordinary visitors, and there is no path or road leading to the coves. The only realistic way to reach the beach area is by sea, on a small boat, kayak or as part of an organized charter that knows where anchoring is permitted and how to respect local rules. There are specific restrictions on anchoring within a set distance from the coast to protect the seabed and because of the military zone, so skippers must follow updated regulations and often hold position slightly away from the sand. Rental cars are still often the easiest way to reach departure points like Alcúdia or Port d’Alcúdia, where you join a boat tour, but there is no direct driving route to Ses Caletes itself. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting the north coast 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 reach harbours at flexible times, park comfortably and then head out on a boat trip that may include Ses Caletes as one of several stops.

The best spots along Ses Caletes

Given the tiny size of these coves, the main “spot” is simply the strip of sand in the middle where you can stand and rest after swimming in from a boat. For example, many skippers aim to let passengers off close to the most central sandy patch so entry is straightforward and you avoid scraping against rocks. The corners of the cove near the rock faces provide slightly deeper water and more interesting terrain for snorkeling, with fish often visible around submerged stones and sea grass. Higher rock shelves above the sand might look tempting for sitting or for jumping, but extreme caution is needed because surfaces can be slippery and heights deceptive, so these are best treated as scenic backdrops rather than platforms.

What you can do nearby

• Join a coastal boat tour from Alcúdia or Port d’Alcúdia that explores Cap des Pinar and neighbouring coves
• Swim and snorkel in other accessible bays around the north coast, such as Es Caló or Na Clara, on different days
• Spend more conventional beach time on the wide sandy bay at Playa de Alcúdia or Playa de Muro
• Explore Alcúdia old town and its walls before or after your boat outing
• Visit viewpoints around the peninsula on permitted roads and paths for panoramic views over the bay

Best time to visit

Because access depends on sea conditions and boat tours, the best time to visit Ses Caletes is when the north coast of Mallorca is relatively calm and winds are light, which is often in the morning. Early departures give smoother rides and gentler swell around Cap des Pinar, making swimming at small, exposed coves more pleasant and safer. As the day goes on, thermal winds and local breezes can increase, raising waves and making small boats move more. Light quality is good for photography both in the morning and late afternoon, but operators will plan their routes according to safety first. If you are exploring multiple beaches in the north, treat Ses Caletes as a short, weather dependent highlight during a boat day and choose more accessible beaches ashore for flexible, time rich visits.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

The key safety points at Ses Caletes are the exposed location, lack of lifeguards and the need to coordinate with boat crews. Only strong swimmers should move far from the boat or deep into the cove, and always stay within clear visual contact of your skipper or guide. Check the sea conditions and forecast before booking, and do not push to enter the water if waves, swell or wind look stronger than you are comfortable with. Wear reef safe sunscreen that stays on in the water and consider a rash vest, as you will have full sun reflection from the sea and light sand. Water shoes can protect your feet from sharp rocks or sea urchins near the edges. Mallorcard recommends for this area that visiting departure ports for such trips 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 towels, dry clothes, snacks and extra water in the car so you can warm up and rehydrate comfortably after returning from an exposed, sun intense boat and swim day.

Good to know

Ses Caletes lies on the Cap des Pinar peninsula on the north coast of Mallorca, north of the Bay of Alcúdia and within a military zone that restricts land access. It is a pair of very small sandy and rocky coves cut into a largely rocky coastline backed by pine forest, with no development, roads or facilities anywhere nearby. The wider area around Cap des Pinar is mostly uninhabited and forms a natural, rugged counterpoint to the resort beaches that line the opposite side of the bay. Understanding this context helps you recognise Ses Caletes as a remote, boat access feature in a protected and partially restricted area of Mallorca, rather than a standard, drive up beach. This is important when planning north coast activities, so you can match your expectations and focus on accessible beaches for daily use while treating Ses Caletes as a special, occasional stop on suitable boat excursions.