Cala Boquer Beach, North Mallorca
Head through the hills to find this hidden gem of an unspoilt bay
Situated at the end of a 40-minute hike north of Puerto Pollença, Cala Boquer (also known as Vall de Boquer or Boquer Valley) is a beautiful secluded rocky bay with clear, refreshing water and abundant sea life. A wonderful snorkellers paradise.
This stunning 300-metre deep bay ends at a small pebbled beach that is surrounded by limestone cliffs, some as high as 360 metres. The bay is one of the best anchorages in the coastline from Cap Formentor to Cala Tuent, making it popular for yachts.
There are no facilities available at the beach. The closest stop for supplies is back in Port de Pollença, so make sure you bring with you all that you need for the day. Do remember that you have to carry it and, please, take it home with you again, to maintain this beach in the unspoiled state in which we found it.
Hotels Nearby
The nearest accommodation is in the family friendly resort of Port de Pollença 2.7km away. From traditional stone villas and modernistic glass fronted cubes, to apart-hotels, boutique hotels and more luxurious options, there is plenty to choose from in this port-side town.
Restaurants Nearby
For a well-deserved lunch after the hike up from Cala Boquer, head to Port de Pollença. You will find restaurants serving fresh seafood, authentic Mediterranean cuisine and traditional tapas.
Setting & Location
Enclosed on two sides by high mountain ridges and backed by a deserted valley, Cala Boquer feels very far away from civilisation, yet is only 2.7 kilometres away from Port de Pollença. Despite the pleasure crafts floating out at sea, this cove is one of the quietest you’ll come across in the north especially in peak summer as the walk will put off most people in the summer heat. If you are going to attempt it, be sure to take plenty of water with you and be aware that there is very little shade available along the walk in the valley.
Water Safety & Clarity
The best thing about this bay is its water. In the peak of summer, due to the shape of Pollença Bay, the sea soaks up the heat all day every day and retains it, making what should be a refreshing dip in the water feel like an immersion into a warm bath. Not what you need on these hot days of summer! However, in Cala Boquer, located on the north side of the Cap Formentor point, the water is beautifully cold and as refreshing as a dip in the ocean should be, and it’s crystal clear as well. There is no lifeguard station here.
Beach Quality
The beach is very rocky and there is no sand to speak of. Where you emerge from the trail is the most beach-like area with smaller pebbles making up the ground, the further you walk around in either direction, the bigger the rocks get. Your best bet is to find the largest flattest one to set up camp on and then spend all day in the water. The beach is scattered with rocks and huge chunks of driftwood but miraculously free of plastic bottles, picnic rubbish and beer bottles. It seems the people willing to walk to this beach are people willing to clean up after themselves and here’s hoping that it stays that way.
Watersports Nearby
Here the clear, deep water and rocky sea bed makes for very rewarding snorkelling. Crab catchers can also do a decent days work collecting sizeable and varied crustaceans along the rocky front line.
Favoured by sailing fans, this bay is often host to a school of yachts and powerboats which head here from nearby Cala Sant Vicenç or make the trip all the way around Cap Formentor to drop anchor in this sheltered spot. These nautical folk can be seen leaping and splashing into the sea, floating out in the azure depths and lazily lunching aboard their crafts. They rarely head into the coast, leaving the beach free and clear for beachgoers who are willing to walk through the dusty mountains to reach this beautiful spot. In the nearby resort of Port de Pollença you will find a lot more watersports on offer, from kayaking to stand up paddle boarding, and diving.
Directions
The trail leading to the beach starts from the last but one roundabout on the Ma2210 road to Formentor and is well signposted from there. Parking is available at the start of the trail, or it is an easy walk from the centre of Port de Pollença. The 1.5-kilometre walk takes around 40 minutes and is fairly easy. However, the terrain is rough in places and steep near the beach which, whilst fine for children, is not suitable for bikes, pushchairs or wheelchairs.
The path weaves through a valley between two large ridges of the Tramuntana Mountains, which makes for dramatic scenery on either side of you as you walk through the scrub and spiky brush covered valley populated only by wandering mountain goats. The outward journey is a slow incline to 91 metres where you’ll be afforded a stunning view of the bay below you. From there, it's a short descent down stony paths (steep in places) to the beach below. Unfortunately, this does mean that the walk home consists of an immediate and fairly steep ascent, which is cruel as it will leave you longing to be back in the sparkling water below.
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Mallorca
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Son Julia Country House Hotel
If you're looking for a perfect hideaway from your usual routine, then this lovely 15th century Mallorcan manor is the place to escape to.
Price: €3,744
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Santa Clara Urban Spa & Hotel
This charming hotel is located in the historical old town, in the very heart of Palma de Mallorca. It is within easy walking distance of attractions such as the 10th century Arab baths and Palma's breathtaking gothic Cathedral.
Price: €2,507
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Son Bunyola Hotel
Son Bunyola Hotel offers an intimate stay, providing the perfect base to explore Mallorca’s vineyards, olive groves, and charming countryside.
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Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat
Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat is the place to stay if you're looking for somewhere that's rich in history but with all the modern amneties. Breathtaking views, gourmet cuisine and a relaxing environment, the ideal place for a peaceful stay in a beautiful location.
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Finca Son Jorbo Hotel, Porreres
Run by a German couple and set in a rural location in central Mallorca with views over the local countryside and mountains, Finca Son Jorbo offers style and comfort in a restored 17th century country house. With the convenience of bed and breakfast and the added benefit of fully equipped self-catered apartments, Finca Son Jorbo is the perfect combination.
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S'Hort de Son Caulelles Agroturisme Hotel
Situated within a 20 minute walk to the town centre of Marratxi, it features an outdoor pool and a tour desk, as well as spa facilities.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Port de Pollenca (Puerto Pollensa)
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Private boat trip
Step away from the crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of an unforgettable sailing adventure.
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Shared boat trip
Step away from the crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of an unforgettable sailing adventure.
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Sunset boat trip
Shared or private sunset sailing trip with swimming and snorkelling.
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Kayaking & snorkelling
Discover Mallorca’s stunning coastline from two unique angles - glide past cliffs and caves by kayak or dive below the surface on a guided snorkelling tour. These separate activities offer different ways to connect with the island’s wild beauty.
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Motor Yacht Trip (Princess S62)
Enjoy a fun full-day or half-day boat trip aboard this stunning Princess S62 motor yacht.
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Motor Yacht Trip (Fjord 39 XL)
Enjoy a fun full-day or half-day boat trip aboard this sophisticated Fjord 39 XL motor yacht.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Port de Pollenca (Puerto Pollensa)
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La Cafetería by La Goleta Bar and Restaurant
Open throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks.
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Swing Restaurant
Open from breakfast until evening for drinks and food, with a privileged location just in front of the bay in Port de Pollença.
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Stay Restaurant
This restaurant has arguably one of the best views of the bay of Pollensa, being situated right on the water.
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Ambrosia Restaurant
This restaurant serves a mix of Mediterranean and International dishes from sirloin steaks and seafood to wok-fried dishes and pancakes.
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Amazo Restaurant
Enjoy a creative, upmarket fusion menu and a jungle themed interior in this family friendly port.
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Tiberi Food Lovers
For something a little bit different check out Tiberi, a relaxed and friendly restaurant serving an eclectic mix of tapas, burgers, meat and fish dishes, stir-fries and crepes all hinting at a fusion mentality and dotted with Asian flavours.