Petra Beaches

Overview

Petra, an inland town in the heart of Mallorca, offers a unique Balearic experience. While not a coastal town itself, Petra serves as a charming base for exploring the island's renowned beaches, most of which are a 20 to 30-minute drive away. This makes it a great option for visitors who appreciate a quieter, more traditional Mallorcan atmosphere while still having easy access to the sea for day trips. The waters at the nearby beaches are generally clear and ideal for swimming.

From Petra, you can easily reach some of Mallorca's most celebrated stretches of sand. Among our editor's picks, Playa de Muro stands out as Mallorca's longest sandy beach, particularly favored by families. For breathtaking natural scenery, Cala Agulla offers pine-covered hills and clear turquoise waters. If you're seeking an iconic, unspoiled beach experience, Es Trenc is a vast expanse of white sand within a protected natural park. The bustling main beach of Playa de Can Picafort provides a lively atmosphere with full amenities.

Beyond our top selections, many other beautiful beaches are within reach. For instance, Cala Mondragó, nestled within a natural park, is frequently highlighted for its beauty and is a popular choice for a day trip. Whether you prefer expansive, lively beaches or more secluded coves, Petra's central location allows for diverse coastal exploration. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal gems accessible from Petra, be sure to check out our longer list of beaches in this guide.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Petra a good place for a beach holiday?

Petra is an inland town in the center of Mallorca, so it's not directly on the coast. However, it can be a good base for exploring the island, and several beautiful beaches are within a 20-30 minute drive. If your priority is to be right by the sea, Petra might not be the best choice, but if you prefer a quieter, more traditional Mallorcan town experience with the option of beach day trips, it could be suitable.

How far is Petra from the nearest beaches?

The nearest beaches to Petra are generally on the east and northeast coasts of Mallorca. For example, the Bay of Alcúdia, which includes popular beaches like Playa de Muro, is about a 20-minute drive away. Other beaches such as those in Porto Cristo, Cala Millor, Sa Coma, and s'Illot are also within a short drive. Son Serra de Marina is also about a 20-minute drive.

Playa de Muro

Playa de Cala Millor

Playa de Sa Coma

Playa Son Serra de Marina

What are the best beaches to visit on a day trip from Petra?

Some of the best beaches for a day trip from Petra include Playa de Muro, known for being one of the longest and most child-friendly beaches on the island. Cala Millor is another large, popular beach. For something more unspoiled, Cala Varques is an option, though it requires a bit of a walk. Cala Mondragó, located within a natural park, is also highly recommended. Playa de Son Bauló and Playa Son Serra de Marina are also good options.

Can you swim in the sea near Petra?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at the various beaches accessible from Petra. The waters of Mallorca are generally known for being clear and suitable for swimming, especially during the warmer months. Specific conditions can vary by beach and day.

Are there accommodations in Petra that are good for beach day trips?

Yes, Petra offers various accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals (fincas). Many of these can serve as a comfortable base for beach day trips, especially if they offer parking or are located with easy access to the main roads leading to the coast. Some rural properties (agroturismos) outside the town might offer a tranquil setting with good access for driving to beaches.

What's the best way to get to the beaches from Petra?

The best way to get to the beaches from Petra is by car. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring different coastal areas. While Petra has a train station with connections to Palma and Manacor, public transport to specific beaches can be less direct and more time-consuming.

Is Petra a good base for families wanting a beach holiday?

Petra can be a good base for families who want a mix of a traditional Mallorcan town experience and beach days. While not directly on the coast, several family-friendly beaches like Playa de Muro are a relatively short drive away. Petra itself offers a quieter atmosphere than bustling coastal resorts. However, if easy, daily walking access to the beach is a priority, a coastal town might be more suitable.

Playa de Muro

What is the water like at the beaches near Petra?

The beaches accessible from Petra, such as those on the northeast and east coasts of Mallorca, generally feature clear, turquoise waters, especially during good weather. Many have fine sand. Some coves might have rockier areas. Water temperature is warmest in the summer months.

Are there any quiet or hidden beaches accessible from Petra?

Yes, while some of the closest beaches are popular and can be busy, you can find quieter coves and more secluded spots if you're willing to explore a bit further or walk from parking areas. For example, Cala Varques is known for being more unspoiled, and exploring the coastline around Mondragó Natural Park might reveal less crowded spots. Some smaller coves (calas) along the east coast can also offer a more tranquil experience.

Cala Varques

Is it better to stay in Petra or a coastal town like Alcúdia for beaches?

Choosing between Petra and a coastal town like Alcúdia depends on your holiday priorities. If your main goal is to spend most of your time on the beach and have easy, walkable access to the sea, then Alcúdia or another coastal resort would be better. If you prefer a more authentic, quieter Mallorcan village experience, enjoy cycling or exploring the interior, and are happy to drive to the beaches for day trips, then Petra offers a unique charm and good road connections.

What's the atmosphere like in Petra compared to the coastal beach resorts?

Petra has a more traditional, tranquil, and authentic Mallorcan village atmosphere. It's known for its historical connections, local life, and surrounding agricultural landscape. Coastal beach resorts, especially larger ones, are generally more tourist-focused, with a livelier, bustling atmosphere centered around beach activities, international restaurants, and nightlife.

When is the best time to visit Petra for beach weather?

The best time for beach weather in Mallorca, and thus for day trips from Petra, is typically from late May to September. During these months, you'll experience warm, sunny days and pleasant sea temperatures ideal for swimming and sunbathing. July and August are the hottest and busiest months.