Balearic Islands, Spain

S'Horta Beaches

Overview

S'Horta offers a different kind of Mallorcan beach holiday. Instead of a bustling resort, it’s a quiet, traditional village nestled slightly inland. This provides an authentic, peaceful base just a short drive from the island's stunning southeast coast. The area is renowned for its 'calas'—picturesque coves with fine white sand and famously clear, turquoise waters. Renting a car is essential to hop from one beautiful bay to another, but the freedom to explore is what makes a stay here so rewarding.

The coastline near S'Horta is dotted with some of Mallorca's most celebrated beaches. For a classic, full-service beach day, Platja de Cala Marçal is a popular choice. Families often head to Cala Gran, the largest and most convenient beach in the vibrant resort of Cala d'Or. For a more rugged and natural experience, Cala Mondragó is a pristine beach set within a beautiful nature park. And no visit is complete without seeing the breathtaking, Instagram-famous cove of Caló des Moro, though its beauty draws significant crowds.

Beyond the main highlights, the closest beach to the village is the stunning Cala Sa Nau, a beautiful cove known for its vibrant atmosphere. While some beaches are perfect for a quiet escape, others are lively hubs, ensuring there is a stretch of sand for every mood. Each cove has its own unique character, from trendy spots to serene natural settings. For a complete look at all the nearby options, from the most popular shores to more hidden gems, be sure to explore our full list of the best beaches in the area.

FAQ

Is S'Horta a good base for a beach holiday?

S'Horta is an excellent base if you prefer staying in a quiet, traditional village rather than a busy resort. While the village itself isn't on the coast, it's just a short 5-10 minute drive from some of Mallorca's most beautiful coves, including Cala Sa Nau and the beaches around Cala d'Or. It offers an authentic experience with easy access to stunning beaches.

Do you need to rent a car to visit the beaches from S'Horta?

Yes, renting a car is highly recommended when staying in S'Horta. The village is not directly on the coast, and a car gives you the freedom to explore the many different coves and beaches in the area, from Cala Sa Nau to the Mondragó Natural Park. Public transport is limited, and taxis can be expensive.

Which is the closest beach to S'Horta?

The closest and most famous beach to S'Horta is Cala Sa Nau, a picturesque cove located about 3.5 to 4.5 kilometers away, which is roughly a 5-10 minute drive.

Is it difficult to park at the beaches near S'Horta?

Parking can be challenging, especially in July and August. Popular beaches like Cala Sa Nau have a dedicated car park that fills up quickly. It's best to arrive early in the morning (before 10 AM) to secure a spot. For some beaches, you may need to park along the road and walk a considerable distance.

Are there accommodation options with direct beach access near S'Horta?

Not in S'Horta itself, as the village is inland. However, the nearby resort of Cala d'Or offers numerous hotels and apartments with direct access or very short walks to its several coves. If you stay in S'Horta, you'll be staying in a finca or village house and will need to drive to the beach.

Are the beaches near S'Horta good for families with young children?

Yes, many beaches are suitable, but some are better than others. The coves in the nearby resort of Cala d'Or, like Cala Gran, often have calmer, shallower waters and more amenities, making them ideal for families. The beaches in Mondragó Natural Park, like S'Amarador, are also great family options with shallow entry. While beautiful, Cala Sa Nau's water gets deep relatively quickly.

Can you walk from S'Horta to any beaches?

While technically possible, it's not a common or recommended walk. The journey to the nearest beach, Cala Sa Nau, is over 3 kilometers along roads that may not have dedicated footpaths for the entire route. It is much more practical and safer to drive or take a taxi.

What's the water like for swimming at the beaches near S'Horta?

The water in the coves (calas) near S'Horta is typically crystal clear, calm, and a stunning turquoise color, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beaches are situated in sheltered bays, which protects them from large waves. Water temperatures are generally pleasant from late May to October.

People Also Ask

Should I stay in S'Horta or Cala d'Or for a beach holiday?

Choose S'Horta for a quiet, authentic Mallorcan experience in a rural village, likely staying in a traditional finca or townhouse, while being a short drive from the beaches. Choose Cala d'Or if you want to be in a lively resort town with many restaurants, bars, and several beaches within walking distance of your hotel or apartment.

Are there beaches near S'Horta with beach bars and restaurants?

Yes, several beaches have popular 'chiringuitos' (beach bars). Cala Sa Nau is famous for its trendy beach bar that often has a DJ and serves food and cocktails. The larger beaches in the nearby resort of Cala d'Or, like Cala Gran and Cala Ferrera, also have a wide selection of restaurants and bars right by the sand.

Are the beaches near S'Horta sandy or pebbly?

The vast majority of the popular coves near S'Horta, including Cala Sa Nau, Cala Mitjana, and the beaches in Cala d'Or and Mondragó Natural Park, are fine white sand beaches.

How crowded are the beaches near S'Horta in the summer?

The beaches can get extremely crowded, especially in July and August. Because they are small coves, they fill up very quickly. To avoid the biggest crowds, it's best to visit in the shoulder seasons (May, June, September, or October) or arrive very early in the morning during peak season.

Are there any hidden or less crowded beaches near S'Horta?

While most beaches get busy, Cala Mitjana is often slightly less crowded than its famous neighbour Cala Sa Nau, as it requires a 20-minute walk from the same car park. For a truly quieter experience, you might explore smaller, less-known coves along the coast, though access can be more difficult and they often lack facilities.

How do you get to Mondragó Natural Park from S'Horta?

It's an easy and popular trip. Mondragó Natural Park, with its beautiful beaches like S'Amarador and Cala Mondragó, is only about a 15-minute drive from S'Horta. It's a must-do for its stunning natural scenery and beautiful walking trails between the beaches.

Is it better to visit Cala Sa Nau or the beaches in Mondragó Park?

It depends on what you're looking for. Visit Cala Sa Nau for a trendy, vibrant atmosphere with a popular beach bar and stunning scenery in a single, compact cove. Visit Mondragó Natural Park for a more natural experience with two larger beaches connected by a scenic coastal path, ideal for walking and enjoying unspoiled nature.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

S'Horta: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
Today looks like a decent beach day in S'Horta. The air temperature will reach a high of 27.9 °C. The sea is inviting at 26.8 °C, with gentle waves. Expect some clouds in the sky. The wind might pick up at times. The UV index will be high at 7.2, so make sure to apply sunscreen.
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Air

Low / High17.7°C/27.9°C
Feels Like (High)28.4°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature26.8 °C
Wave Height0.6 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:41/21:05
Sunshine Hours13.1 hrs
UV Index7.2
Cloud Cover43%
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Wind

Speed17.6 km/h
Gusts35.3 km/h
DirectionNW

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