Cala Sant Vicenç Beaches

Overview

Cala Sant Vicenç, a tranquil former fishing village nestled on Mallorca's rugged northern coast, offers a serene escape with its collection of picturesque coves rather than one single beach. This charming resort is ideal for both families and couples seeking a quieter holiday amidst dramatic cliffs and the stunning backdrop of the Tramuntana mountains. The area is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, though it can be exposed to northerly winds, which may occasionally lead to strong waves.

The main coves, each with its own character, include Platja de Cala Barques, the largest and a central hub with a nod to the area's fishing past, and Cala Molins, a popular sandy stretch perfect for families and snorkeling. For those seeking a more secluded and unspoilt experience, Cala Carbó offers a quiet pebble beach retreat. While not in Cala Sant Vicenç itself, the iconic Platja de Formentor is a renowned Mallorcan beach, easily reachable for a day trip and celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and pine-fringed shores.

Visitors will find that the most popular coves like Cala Barques and Cala Molins are well-equipped for a comfortable day by the sea. The clear waters across the coves are inviting for swimming and snorkeling, with scuba diving also being a popular activity in the region. For a wider selection of beaches or when local conditions are rough, nearby Port de Pollença offers calmer alternatives. Our guide provides more details on these and other beautiful beaches waiting to be discovered in and around Cala Sant Vicenç.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Cala Sant Vicenç a good holiday destination for families or couples?

Cala Sant Vicenç is a tranquil seaside village ideal for both families and couples seeking a quieter, picturesque holiday. Its small sandy coves, like Cala Barques with its soft sand and shallow waters, are perfect for families. The serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery also make it a great escape for couples. The area offers a sense of escape from bustling tourist hubs.

Platja de Cala Barques

What are the beaches like in Cala Sant Vicenç?

Cala Sant Vicenç is not a single beach but a resort area with four main coves: Cala Barques, Cala Clara, Cala Molins, and Cala Carbó. These coves feature crystal-clear waters and are surrounded by cliffs. Cala Barques and Cala Molins are the largest and most popular, offering fine sand. Cala Clara is smaller and can be stony/pebbly, while Cala Carbó is more secluded and pebbly, offering a more unspoilt experience.

Platja de Cala Clara

Cala Molins

Cala Carbó

Can you swim in Cala Sant Vicenç and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the coves of Cala Sant Vicenç. The water is known for being crystal clear and turquoise. However, the area can be exposed to winds from the north, which can cause strong waves, making swimming forbidden at times. Lifeguards are on duty at Cala Molins and Cala Barques, and they will indicate when it's unsafe to swim. The water temperature is most comfortable for swimming from June to September.

Cala Molins

Platja de Cala Barques

When is the best time to visit Cala Sant Vicenç for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Cala Sant Vicenç is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and the sea is inviting for swimming and sunbathing. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are also good times to visit, offering milder temperatures, quieter beaches, and pleasant conditions for hiking and exploring.

Are there any hotels with direct beach access in Cala Sant Vicenç?

Yes, there are hotels in Cala Sant Vicenç that offer very close or direct access to the beaches. For example, Grupotel Molins is located on the beachfront of Cala Molins. Hotel El Vicenç de la Mar is also just a minute from Cala Molins. Some accommodations are built very close to Cala Clara as well.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Cala Molins

Platja de Cala Clara

Are there jellyfish in Cala Sant Vicenç?

Yes, the presence of jellyfish can be frequent in the coves of Cala Sant Vicenç, particularly during the summer. There have been instances of 'velella velella' (By-the-wind sailor) jellyfish washing ashore, especially in spring. Lifeguards will typically provide warnings if jellyfish are present in significant numbers. It's advisable to be aware of any posted warnings.

Which is the best beach in Cala Sant Vicenç?

The 'best' beach depends on your preferences. Cala Molins is the largest and often considered the best known, popular for sunbathing and has good services. Cala Barques is also popular, especially with families, due to its size and facilities. Cala Clara is smaller and can be stony, but good for snorkeling. Cala Carbó is the most secluded and unspoilt, with pebbles and rocks, ideal for those seeking tranquility.

Cala Molins

Platja de Cala Barques

Platja de Cala Clara

Cala Carbó

Is it windy at the beaches in Cala Sant Vicenç?

Yes, the beaches in Cala Sant Vicenç can be exposed to winds, particularly from the north and north-east. When the wind is strong, it can create high waves, and swimming may be prohibited for safety reasons. It's always best to check the conditions and heed lifeguard warnings.

People Also Ask

How do you get to Cala Sant Vicenç beaches?

Cala Sant Vicenç is accessible by car, and it's about a 7km drive from Pollença. Follow signs to Port de Pollença along the Ma-2220, then turn onto the Ma-2203 towards Cala Sant Vicenç. There are free car parks near the beaches and street parking in the residential area. You can also reach Cala Sant Vicenç by public transport; bus line 322 (or 321 according to another source) connects it with Pollença and Port de Pollença, with a stop near Cala Barques.

Platja de Cala Barques

Are the beaches in Cala Sant Vicenç suitable for snorkelling or diving?

Yes, the clear waters and rocky surroundings of the coves in Cala Sant Vicenç make them suitable for snorkelling. Cala Molins and Cala Clara are often mentioned as good spots. Scuba diving is also popular in the area due to underwater rock formations, with many excursions available, often departing from nearby Port de Pollença.

Cala Molins

Platja de Cala Clara

Are there sunbeds and umbrellas for rent at Cala Sant Vicenç beaches?

Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent at the main beaches like Cala Barques and Cala Molins. Cala Clara, being smaller, generally does not have these services, and Cala Carbó is an unspoilt beach without tourist facilities.

Platja de Cala Barques

Cala Molins

Cala Carbó

What is the atmosphere like in Cala Sant Vicenç?

Cala Sant Vicenç is known for its tranquility and serene atmosphere, offering an escape from more crowded tourist resorts in Mallorca. It was originally a fishing village and retains some of that charm, set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. The vibe is generally relaxed and peaceful.

Are there restaurants and facilities near the beaches in Cala Sant Vicenç?

Yes, there are restaurants, bars, and shops in the village of Cala Sant Vicenç, particularly near the more popular coves like Cala Barques and Cala Molins. You can find beachside restaurants offering local cuisine, including fresh seafood and paella. Cala Molins and Cala Barques also have facilities like toilets, showers, and lifeguard services.

Cala Molins

Is Cala Sant Vicenç a good base for exploring other parts of North Mallorca?

Yes, Cala Sant Vicenç can be a good base for exploring North Mallorca, especially if you prefer a quieter location. It's relatively close to Pollença town (approx. 7km) and Port de Pollença. The surrounding Tramuntana mountains also offer excellent hiking opportunities. However, as it's a smaller resort, for more extensive nightlife or a wider range of activities, you might need to travel to nearby larger towns.

If the sea is rough in Cala Sant Vicenç, are there alternative beaches nearby?

Yes, if the Tramuntana wind makes the sea too rough for swimming in Cala Sant Vicenç, it's recommended to consider visiting the beaches in Port de Pollença. The sea in Port de Pollença is often less turbulent when Cala Sant Vicenç is experiencing strong northerly winds.