Son Moll

Son Moll beach Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Son Moll is the main town beach of Cala Ratjada on Mallorca’s northeast coast, a compact bay of fine sand backed by a lively promenade. The sea here often shines in bright turquoise tones, framed by low rocks and a line of seafront hotels and cafés. It is very easy to reach, and the shallow, clear water makes it popular with swimmers and families who like to stay close to services. Many visitors describe it as a classic, sociable holiday beach where there is always something going on along the waterfront. If you want a convenient base with restaurants, bars and shops a few steps from your towel, Son Moll will feel like a good fit.

• Beach type: Urban sandy bay
• Ground: Fine white sand
• Water entry: Gentle, mostly sandy
• Water feel: Usually calm, clear
• Shade: Hired parasols, some trees
• Facilities: Full services in season
• Parking: Limited nearby streets
• Best for: Families and resort stays

The overall vibe

Son Moll is a beach in Mallorca that offers a bright, upbeat seaside experience right at the edge of Cala Ratjada. The bay itself is not huge, but it feels open thanks to the clear water and the green of the trees behind the sand. In summer the beach is busy and energetic, with sunbeds in neat rows, music drifting from beach bars and a steady flow of people along the promenade. The crowd is a mix of families, couples and groups of friends, many of them staying in nearby hotels, so it has a social but generally relaxed mood rather than a club scene. The combination of soft sand, clear water and the town directly behind makes it a strong choice if you like to combine beach time with easy access to cafés, shopping and evening walks.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The shoreline at Son Moll is covered in fine, light sand that feels soft underfoot and is comfortable for lying directly on a towel. The water entry in the central section is very gentle, over a sandy seabed that deepens gradually, which regular swimmers say feels safe and inviting. This makes it particularly attractive for children and less confident swimmers who appreciate being able to stand in the water quite far out. Toward one side of the bay there are rocky areas and a small islet close to shore, where the seabed becomes rockier and more interesting for snorkeling. Here, water shoes can be helpful to protect your feet when getting in and out or exploring around the rocks. On most summer days the sea is calm with only small waves, but occasional swells can build when the wind direction changes, so it is worth checking flags and following lifeguard guidance.

Who Son Moll is perfect for

Son Moll is ideal for travelers who want a straightforward, comfortable beach right in the middle of a holiday town. Families appreciate the shallow water, lifeguard presence and nearby facilities, which make full days on the sand easy to manage. Couples who like to mix time in the sun with café stops, spa visits and walks along the promenade will also be happy here. It is less well suited to visitors searching for quiet, untouched nature or long coastal hikes, since the beach is framed by hotels and restaurants and can be crowded in high season. If your own best beaches Mallorca list leans toward rugged coves and remote stretches of sand, Son Moll may be more of a convenient base for a night or two than your main goal.

Facilities and comfort

Son Moll is well equipped with everything you would expect from a central resort beach. In season you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas across much of the sand, and there are showers, toilets and changing cabins close by. A lifeguard service usually operates during core hours, which regular visitors say adds a reassuring layer of safety, especially for families. Directly behind the beach, the promenade offers a choice of beach bars, ice cream stands and restaurants, from casual snacks to sit down meals with sea views. Small supermarkets, souvenir shops and pharmacies are all within a short walk, so you can easily pick up drinks, snacks or any forgotten essentials. Because of the convenience, you can afford to travel lighter than you would to a remote cove, but packing your preferred sunscreen, hats and perhaps a light extra shade option is still sensible in peak summer.

Getting there and parking

Son Moll sits on the seafront of Cala Ratjada in the municipality of Capdepera, on Mallorca’s far northeast corner. Arriving by road usually means following signs to Cala Ratjada and then continuing downhill through town toward the waterfront, where Son Moll is one of the first main beaches you reach. Visiting by rental car is often the most flexible option, especially if you plan to explore other nearby coves like Cala Agulla or Cala Gat during your stay. Parking near the beach is mostly on surrounding streets and in small public areas; these spaces are limited and can fill quickly from late morning in summer, so arriving early is wise if you are driving in for the day. Once parked, you access the beach directly from the promenade via steps and ramps, making it straightforward for pushchairs and most visitors.

The best spots along Son Moll

The central strip of sand offers the most balanced mix of sunbeds, lifeguard visibility and easy access to facilities, which many families choose for convenience. For example, many visitors with children gravitate toward the area in front of the main access, where the slope into the sea is perfectly gentle and cafés are just a few steps away. If you prefer slightly more space, walking toward the edges of the bay can help, although the beach remains fairly busy in July and August. Snorkelers often head to the side with rocks and the small islet, where the seabed is more varied and fish tend to gather around the stones. For photos, the promenade and nearby hotel terraces give attractive elevated views over the whole bay, especially at sunrise and during the warm evening light.

What you can do nearby

• Stroll along the Cala Ratjada seafront promenade and harbour area
• Walk or take a short drive to Cala Agulla for a more natural sandy bay
• Visit Cala Gat for a smaller, more intimate cove within walking distance
• Explore the streets of Cala Ratjada for shopping, bars and evening dining

Best time to visit

Early morning is often the calmest and most pleasant time at Son Moll, with fewer people on the sand and softer light on the sea. By late morning and through the afternoon, especially in high season, the beach fills quickly with hotel guests and day trippers, and the atmosphere becomes lively and busy. Late afternoon can bring a nicer balance again, with some visitors leaving and the sun dropping to a more comfortable angle, ideal for a final swim followed by dinner along the promenade. If you are spending several days in Cala Ratjada, it can work well to enjoy Son Moll in the early hours or late in the day and use midday for exploring other parts of the area or resting in the shade. In peak summer, aiming to arrive on the sand before about 10 in the morning or after 4 in the afternoon usually results in a more relaxed experience.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Because Son Moll can get crowded, keep a close eye on belongings and choose a clear meeting point if you are visiting with children or a group. The sea is usually calm, but it is still important to observe flags and instructions from lifeguards, especially on days when waves build or there is more activity from small boats just outside the swimming zone. Shade in the middle rows depends mainly on rented umbrellas, so bring hats, reef safe sunscreen and plenty of water, particularly if you arrive later when rental parasols may be taken. Light sandals or flip flops help with walking on the hot promenade and steps during the middle of the day. Even though everything you need is close by, packing a small bag with water, snacks and perhaps a thin cover up will make it easier to stay comfortable from morning through evening.

Good to know

Son Moll lies on the east facing shoreline of northeast Mallorca, looking out over open sea just south of Cala Ratjada’s harbour. The coastline here is a gently curved sandy bay edged by low rocky outcrops and backed by a dense line of hotels and apartments, though trees and landscaped areas soften the view. The wider area is strongly resort focused, with a busy nightlife and restaurant scene a short walk away, yet the beach itself retains a clear, simple structure that makes it easy to navigate. Understanding exactly where Son Moll sits in Cala Ratjada helps you plan how to move between this central beach, the harbour and other nearby coves on foot. Within this cluster of beaches, Son Moll is the most accessible, fully serviced option, making it a natural starting point for many visitors exploring this corner of Mallorca.