Balearic Islands, Spain

Cala Santanyí Beaches

Overview

Cala Santanyí, on the southeastern coast of Mallorca, offers a delightful beach experience with its fine white sand and clear, calm waters, making it a popular choice for families and those looking to relax. The area is known for its laid-back and family-friendly atmosphere, providing a quieter alternative to some of Mallorca's larger resorts. Visitors often wonder about the swimming conditions, and indeed, the bay's clear, shallow waters are excellent for swimming and snorkeling. While it can get busy, especially in peak season, the main beach is quite spacious.

Among the highlights in the area is the main beach, Cala Santanyí itself, which is easily accessible and well-equipped. For breathtaking scenery, Caló des Moro is a famously picturesque cove, perfect for those Instagrammable moments. If you're seeking an expansive, Caribbean-like beach experience, a day trip to Es Trenc is highly recommended for its stunning white sands and turquoise waters. Another beautiful spot favored by locals and visitors alike is Cala Llombards, known for its clear waters and scenic setting.

Beyond these editor's picks, the coastline around Cala Santanyí is dotted with numerous other beautiful coves and beaches, including some within the nearby Mondragó Natural Park, ensuring plenty of options for exploration. Whether you're looking for a vibrant beach day or a more secluded spot, the Cala Santanyí area caters to a variety of preferences. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal gems, be sure to check out our longer list of beaches in this guide.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Cala Santanyí good for a family holiday?

Yes, Cala Santanyí is considered a family-friendly resort. The main beach has fine, white sand and the waters are clear, calm, and shallow, making it suitable for children. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. Many accommodations in the area cater to families, offering amenities like pools and kids' activities.

Can you swim and snorkel at Cala Santanyí?

Yes, the water at Cala Santanyí is clear and calm, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The rocky cliffs surrounding the cove and small nearby caves offer good visibility and a variety of small fish to observe. Diving is also popular, with a local dive school offering tours.

What are the beach facilities like at Cala Santanyí?

Cala Santanyí is a Blue Flag beach, indicating high standards of cleanliness and facilities. You can rent sunbeds and parasols. Showers and toilets are available on-site. There are also several restaurants and beach bars nearby, and a small supermarket for snacks and drinks.

How crowded does Cala Santanyí get?

Cala Santanyí can get crowded, especially during the peak summer months (July and August), as it's popular with both tourists and locals. However, the beach is relatively spacious (around 130 meters long and 80 meters wide), so it can generally accommodate the visitors. Some sources suggest it's less crowded than some other major Mallorcan beaches, but arriving earlier in the day is recommended during high season to secure a good spot.

Are there hotels directly on Cala Santanyí beach?

Yes, there are several small to medium-sized hotels and apartment rentals located directly on or very close to Cala Santanyí beach, offering easy access to the sea. Some of these accommodations provide amenities like pools and restaurants with beach views.

What's the best time of year to visit Cala Santanyí for a beach holiday?

For the warmest sea temperatures, August is typically best, with water reaching around 26°C. July generally offers the most sunshine. However, to balance good weather with fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October are often recommended. During these times, the weather is still warm and sunny, but the area is less crowded, and accommodation prices may be more affordable.

How do I get to Cala Santanyí from Palma airport?

Cala Santanyí is approximately 50-60 km from Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). The easiest way to get there is by car, either a rental or a taxi, which takes about 40-50 minutes. Public bus options are available but will likely involve a transfer in Santanyí town or another nearby hub and will take longer.

Is there parking available at Cala Santanyí beach?

Yes, there is a large paid parking lot right at the entrance to the beach. Street parking is also available in nearby streets, though it can be busy, especially in peak season. Some accommodations may offer private parking.

What is Cala Santanyí like compared to Cala d'Or?

Cala Santanyí is generally considered a more laid-back and smaller resort compared to the larger and often livelier Cala d'Or. While both offer beautiful beaches, Cala Santanyí is often described as quieter and perhaps more family-oriented, with fewer large hotel complexes. Cala d'Or has a wider array of shops, restaurants, and nightlife options. Cala Santanyí beach is noted for being quite spacious despite its popularity.

Are there other nice beaches near Cala Santanyí worth visiting?

Yes, the southeast coast of Mallorca has many beautiful coves. Near Cala Santanyí, you can easily visit Cala Llombards (a short drive or a 30-40 minute walk), and the famous (though often crowded and harder to access) Caló des Moro and Cala S'Almunia. Mondragó Natural Park, with its stunning beaches like S'Amarador and Cala Mondragó, is also relatively close by.

What kind of vibe does Cala Santanyí have?

Cala Santanyí has a laid-back, relaxed, and family-friendly vibe. It's a relatively small and somewhat unspoiled holiday resort, popular with German visitors and Spanish families. While it has amenities and can be busy in summer, it generally offers a quieter atmosphere compared to some of Mallorca's larger, more bustling tourist hubs.

Can you do watersports at Cala Santanyí?

Yes, you can rent paddle boats (pedalos) and canoes at Cala Santanyí. The calm waters make it suitable for these activities. Scuba diving is also popular, with a diving center located in Cala Santanyí that offers courses and excursions.

Is Cala Santanyí accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, Cala Santanyí beach is accessible for wheelchairs and people with disabilities. There is a paved walkway leading to the beach, and facilities like accessible toilets are available.

Are there shops and restaurants in Cala Santanyí village?

Cala Santanyí has a few beach bars and restaurants offering family-friendly fare, tapas, and grilled fish. There's also a small supermarket for essentials. For a wider selection of shops, boutiques, and more diverse dining options, the nearby town of Santanyí (about 6-10 km inland) is recommended, especially on market days (Wednesdays and Saturdays).

What is Es Pontàs and can I see it from Cala Santanyí?

Es Pontàs is a famous natural rock arch standing in the sea. While not directly visible from the main swimming area of Cala Santanyí beach, you can reach a viewpoint for Es Pontàs via a short walk along a coastal path from the beach. It's a popular photo spot and a unique geological formation. You can also see it by taking a paddle boat or canoe out from the beach.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Cala Santanyí: Weather Today

📅 Monday, June 9, 2025
Today looks like a very pleasant beach day in Cala Santanyí! Expect a warm day with a maximum air temperature of 25.3 °C. The sun will be strong, so make sure to apply sunscreen, as the UV index will reach 8.05. There will be very few clouds in the sky. The sea temperature is a comfortable 23.0 °C, with small waves. The wind will be light, so it should be a relaxing day at the beach.
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Air

Low / High19.8°C/25.3°C
Feels Like (High)29.1°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature23.0 °C
Wave Height0.6 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:20/21:13
Sunshine Hours13.6 hrs
UV Index8.05
Cloud Cover7%
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Wind

Speed12.8 km/h
Gusts22.7 km/h
DirectionE

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