Alaró Beaches

Overview

Alaró, a charming inland town in the Balearic Islands, Spain, offers a unique Mallorcan experience at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains. While Alaró itself doesn't have beaches, its central location makes it a good starting point for exploring the diverse coastline of Mallorca, provided you have a car. Many visitors wonder if an inland town like Alaró can be a base for a beach holiday, and the answer is yes, for those who appreciate combining authentic village life with day trips to the sea. The nearest sandy beaches are typically a 30-minute drive away.

From Alaró, you can reach a variety of stunning beaches. For iconic, Caribbean-like white sands, Es Trenc on the southern coast is a famous choice, though it requires a longer drive. Closer and offering breathtaking scenery with pine-fringed shores is Platja de Formentor in the north. If convenience is key, Playa de Port de Sóller is a well-equipped town beach on the west coast, easily accessible from Alaró. For those seeking a highly photogenic and popular cove, the Insta-famous Caló des Moro on the southeast coast, with its stunning turquoise waters, is a must-see, though it can get crowded.

Beyond these editor's picks, Mallorca boasts numerous other beautiful coastal spots. For instance, Cala Deià, a small, rugged cove on the west coast, offers a more secluded experience and is relatively close to Alaró. Whether you prefer expansive sandy stretches or intimate coves, our longer list of beaches in this guide provides many more options to explore during your stay in Alaró. A car is generally recommended to make the most of beach excursions from this tranquil mountain town.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Alaró a good base for a beach holiday?

Alaró is a charming inland town nestled at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains, offering a more authentic Mallorcan experience away from the main tourist crowds. While it doesn't have its own beaches, it can serve as a base for exploring various beaches around the island if you have a car. The nearest developed sandy beaches with amenities are about a 30-minute drive away.

How far is Alaró from the nearest beach and how do I get there?

Alaró is an inland town, so you'll need to travel to reach the coast. Developed sandy beaches like those in Port de Sóller, Peguera, Santa Ponça, or Alcúdia are approximately a 30-minute drive away. For smaller, virgin coves, you can head towards the coastal areas of Banyalbufar, Valldemossa, Deià, and Estellencs, also reachable by car. Renting a car is the most common and convenient way to access beaches from Alaró.

What are the closest beaches to Alaró?

The closest beaches to Alaró require a drive. Playa de Port de Sóller is about 12.6 km away. Other relatively close options include Cala Deià, a small cove, and larger sandy beaches in Palma like Playa Ca'n Pere Antoni (around 19.5 km) or Cala Major (around 23.3 km). For more rugged, smaller coves, the coastline near Deià and Valldemossa offers choices like Cala Banyalbufar.

Playa de Port de Sóller

Playa Ca'n Pere Antoni

Cala Major

Cala Banyalbufar

Is Alaró suitable for a family holiday if we want some beach time?

Alaró itself offers a tranquil, authentic Mallorcan atmosphere and is popular with families looking for a quieter base. While not on the coast, family-friendly beaches with amenities like Playa de Muro, Alcúdia, or Sa Coma are accessible by car (typically 30-45 minutes). Staying in Alaró allows for a mix of mountain scenery, town life, and day trips to the beach.

Playa de Muro

What's the best way to combine hiking in Alaró with beach visits?

Alaró is an excellent base for hiking in the Tramuntana mountains, with famous routes like the one to Castell d'Alaró. Many visitors combine morning hikes with afternoon trips to the coast. You could hike near Alaró or Orient in the morning, then drive to a beach like Port de Sóller or one of the coves on the west coast (e.g., Cala Deià) for the afternoon. A car is essential for this flexibility.

Are there quiet, less crowded beaches accessible from Alaró?

Yes, if you're willing to drive, you can find quieter coves. The coastal areas near Deià, Banyalbufar, and Estellencs offer smaller, more secluded 'calas' (coves) which are generally less crowded than the large sandy beaches. Examples include Cala Deià and Cala Banyalbufar. Some may require a bit of a walk from parking areas.

Cala Banyalbufar

Can I easily get to beaches from Alaró using public transport?

Reaching beaches from Alaró using only public transport can be challenging and time-consuming due to its inland location and the need for connections. While you can take a train from the Consell/Alaró station to Palma, and then buses to Palma's beaches, accessing other coastal areas or more remote coves would be difficult. Renting a car is highly recommended for beach excursions from Alaró.

What is the water like at the beaches near Alaró for swimming?

The beaches accessible from Alaró, such as those in Port de Sóller, Alcúdia, or the various calas, generally offer clear Mediterranean waters, ideal for swimming, especially during the warmer months from June to September. Water conditions can vary by specific beach and day, with sandy beaches often having gentler entries and rocky coves offering good snorkeling.

When is the best time to visit Alaró for a holiday that includes beach days?

The best time for a holiday in Alaró that includes beach days is from June to September. During these summer months, the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities. Sea temperatures are ideal for swimming. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (October) can also be pleasant, with fewer crowds, though the sea will be cooler.

Are there any nudist beaches reasonably accessible from Alaró?

While Alaró is inland, some nudist beaches in Mallorca can be reached by car. Playa de Muro and Es Trenc are larger beaches with designated nudist areas, though they are a more considerable drive (Es Trenc is about 43.5km away, Playa de Muro around 30.4km). Smaller, more remote coves might also be clothing-optional, but it's best to check local customs.

Playa de Muro

Es Trenc

If I'm staying in Alaró, is it better to visit beaches on the north or south coast of Mallorca?

From Alaró, you have relatively good access to beaches in several directions. The north coast (e.g., Port de Pollença, Playa de Muro, Alcúdia) offers long sandy beaches, typically a 30-45 minute drive. The west coast has Port de Sóller and smaller coves like Cala Deià (around 30 minutes). Beaches around Palma (south) like Playa de Palma or Illetas are also within a similar driving distance. The choice depends on whether you prefer large, amenity-rich beaches or smaller, more scenic coves.

Playa de Muro

Playa de Palma

What should I pack for a day trip to the beach from Alaró?

Since Alaró is inland, for a beach day trip remember to pack essentials like swimwear, towels, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. It's also a good idea to bring water and snacks, especially if heading to more remote coves with fewer facilities. A beach umbrella can be useful as natural shade might be limited on some beaches.