Cala Varques (also known as Cala Barques) is a quiet, untouched beach about 12 km south of Porto Cristo, on the east coast of Majorca. This beach continues to grow in popularity, with more visitors now than ever before. Despite the summer crowds and 15 minutes’ walk to get there, this beach is well worth your visit.
Cala Varques Beach, East Mallorca
Picture-perfect, unspoilt, and tranquil beach on the east coast of Mallorca
Around 90 metres in length and 60 metres deep, this Mallorquin ‘virgin cove’ is comprised of a small sea inlet surrounded by luscious pine forest and rocks, as well as being blessed with white, fine sand. Here is a beach on which to disconnect and relax… and you’ll often find nudists doing just that.
Being a natural hideaway, there are no bars, restaurants or beach clubs located here, so ensure you bring your own provisions, and enough water for Mallorca’s scorching summer temperatures! Do note there are also no showers, toilets, or designated parking.
Setting & Location
With a real sense of wilderness, Cala Varques is a welcome relief from the built-up resorts you find further up the east coast of Mallorca. Being one of the quietest beaches along the eastern coast, its isolated location is great for independent travellers and adventurous types, but not so good for families. Unless you come by boat, access involves a 15-minute walk from road-side parking, advisably in trainers rather than your normal flip flops or sandals. There are no public services available here, so bring a picnic and something soft to lounge on.
Water Safety & Clarity
With a lengthy shallow descent into the water from the soft white / golden sand, a wonderful crystal-clear and turquoise sea fills this bay. Waves can often funnel through the cove, but no lifeguards are on watch here, so swimming and bathing is all at your own risk.
Beach Quality
The wild and golden sands of Cala Varques remain undeveloped and unblemished from tourist recreation, ensuring this beach remains an outstanding natural habitat and giving you the very best of Mallorca’s natural terrain.
Watersports Nearby
It’s vital that you bring your snorkelling gear because with numerous fish and marine fauna, this beach offers a perfect environment and conditions for sub aqua exploration.
Low cliffs and interesting rock formations lie to the beach’s south and the surrounding cliffs and rocky coves are very popular with climbers. You’ll sometimes spot some hardy chaps attempting to climb the rugged rock archway to the beach’s north; known as ‘deep water soloing’ or ‘psicobloc’, these climbers prefer not use safety ropes and risk falling directly into the sea… Without medical assistance close to hand, this type of sport along with cliff jumping are now strictly prohibited, so make sure you refrain from absentmindedly joining them.
Directions
Whilst not being the easiest to access, it’s certainly worth the extra effort.
When driving, take the road from Porto Colom to Porto Cristo. Once you’ve passed the turn off for Manacor, take a right-hand turn signed towards Cala Falco. Park along a fence on the right-hand side, and from here you take a 15-minute walk to the beach on foot. If you fancy a bit more of a hike, you can also follow a stone marked trail from Cala Romantica which takes approximately 1 hour.
Given its isolated location, if you’re lucky enough to travel by boat, the best and most scenic way to approach is from the sea.
Villas nearby
Villas in Mallorca
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L'Hort de Son Grua
Nestled in the heart of the coveted Vall d'en March valley, just 10 minutes away from the charming old town of Pollensa, lies the magnificent L'Hort de Son Grua.
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Villa Esquina
Located in the highly sought-after area of La Font, at the foot of the stunning UNESCO-listed Tramuntana mountains in Pollença, Villa Esquina is just a 15-minute walk from the beautiful historic town centre and a ten-minute drive from Port de Pollença and the surrounding beaches, making it ideal for large families or two families with children. This stunning family holiday home has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, three balconies with amazing views of the surrounding area, and a large heated saltwater pool (fifteen metres long).
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Can Gelat Baix Villa
With every attention to the utmost details, the property has a beautiful harmony of Mallorcan architecture and Dutch interior designed with exquisite taste, this stylish and modern villa in Moscari exudes class and good taste.
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Sa Punta de S'Aguila Villa
Spacious five-bedroom villa with private heated pool, classic Mallorcan features, and a wealth of thoughtful facilities.
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La Font 64
Retreat to the exquisite Villa La Font 64, a stunning three-bedroom Mallorcan villa located in the leafy and exclusive La Font suburb of Pollensa. Positioned in one of the most sought-after residential areas in La Font, this villa is just a stone's throw away from the historic Pollensa old town.
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Sa Terra Rotja Villa
This elegant villa, set within the private Son Bunyola Estate, combines modern comforts with a serene atmosphere to ensure a truly relaxing holiday in Mallorca.
Hotels nearby
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Son Bunyola Hotel
Historic manor house set within Mallorca’s stunning natural beauty
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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Finca Son Jorbo Hotel
Charming rural estate offering tranquillity, natural beauty and authentic Mallorcan hospitality
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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Santa Clara Urban Spa & Hotel
Stylish urban retreat offering prime location, contemporary design, and stunning rooftop terrace views
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.
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Ca's Xorc - A Country Hideaway
Luxury retreat nestled in an idyllic mountain setting
Ca's Xorc is the place to stay if you're looking for somewhere rich in history with all the modern amenities. Breathtaking views, gourmet cuisine and a tranquil setting make it the ideal base for a peaceful stay in one of Mallorca's most beautiful corners.
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Feliz Boutique Hotel
Relaxed city stay with rooftop views, sociable spaces and a welcoming, home-from-home atmosphere
Located in the vibrant city of Palma de Mallorca, Feliz Hotel offers a laid-back, sociable stay with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted in the hotel’s “welcome room” with a glass of cava, setting the tone for a relaxed and personal experience where everything is taken care of for you.
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INNSiDE Calvia Beach
Modern beach hotel with rooftop pools and central Calvià location
Located at Momentum Plaza in Calvià, INNSiDE Calviá Beach is a modern hotel just a short walk from the beach. It has a central location close to shops, restaurants and the coastline, making it a convenient base for exploring the Bay of Palma.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Mallorca
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Motor Boat Trip (Hanse 495)
Private sailing boat trip with swimming and snorkelling in Mallorca
Full-day or half-day sailing trip aboard Vesper of Sóller.
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Coasteering
Guided coasteering in various locations across Mallorca
Coasteering combines adventure swimming, abseiling, climbing and rock scrambling to explore some incredible locations in Mallorca.
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Marine Reserve Snorkelling Boat Trip
Motor boat trip to Malgrats with swimming and snorkelling
Discover the beauty of Mallorca’s underwater world on a snorkelling boat trip to the Malgrats Marine Reserve, home to a wide variety of marine wildlife and crystal-clear waters. This experience is suitable for the whole family and offers an easy, enjoyable way to explore the sea.
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Motor Yacht REHAB – Balearic Islands Weekly Yacht Charter
Luxury private yacht trip in Mallorca for up to twelve people
Take a trip on board this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza, to any destination of your choosing.
Read more about Motor Yacht REHAB – Balearic Islands Weekly Yacht Charter
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Scooter & Motorbike Hire
Rent a Vespa, moped, or motorbike in Palma, right opposite the Marina, and explore the island
Conveniently located opposite the marina, next to the auditorium, this shop offers a fantastic selection of Vespa and Piaggio scooters, as well as motorbikes like Moto Guzzi, Ducati and Harley Davidson. Whether you're cruising along the coast or winding through the mountains, renting a scooter or motorbike is the best way to experience Mallorca at your own pace.
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Cycling
Explore Mallorca on two wheels with mountain or road biking adventures
Ride through hidden backroads, coastal routes and mountain trails as you discover the beauty of Mallorca by bike, all year round.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Mallorca
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La Pappa Restaurant
Authentic Italian restaurant in Cala d'Or, offering traditional dishes in a cosy setting
Enjoy the taste of Italy at La Pappa. They serve delicious homemade pasta and Neapolitan pizzas, crafted with care and tradition. Their Italian desserts and ice creams are also made in-house, offering a true taste of Italy.
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Barretes Restaurant at Ca's Xorc
Mediterranean restaurant with stunning views and a rural retreat in Mallorca
Barretes at Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat is built around local, seasonal produce interpreted through a modern Mediterranean lens. The menu features vegetables, herbs, seasonal fruits, cereals and the hotel's own olive oil, with most meat and dairy sourced directly from the farm on site.
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La Bodega Restaurant
Fantastic tapas and service on the main square with a great wine selection
This traditional Spanish restaurant is situated within the heart of Cala d'Or and has a phenomenal reputation for providing fantastic food, service and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
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Noir Mallorca Café
Trendy café and bar open all day, on the southeast coast of Mallorca
Welcome to Noir, your go to food bar in the heart of Cala D'or, Mallorca. They offer all-day breakfast, brunch, and a great selection of coffee, tea and wine.
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SoY Asian Kitchen and Bar
Your destination for delicious Asian delights and diverse flavours
The little Asia of Mallorca, where the spices of Asia meet the local products of the nearby surroundings.
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Diferent Restaurant
Fantastic original restaurant with a variety of cuisines and great service
Located in the heart of Cala d'Or, Restaurant Diferent is housed in one of the town's oldest buildings, an old mill, which allows an authentic Mallorcan, yet intimate and exclusive setting for your gathering. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with unique, vintage decorations that bring a fresh charm. It truly stands out beyond its eccentric and fun decor, offering a vast international menu, a wide selection of wines, cocktails and fantastic, friendly service.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Mallorca
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Lola Bar
Lola is your go to for the ultimate DJ bar experience with great music and atmosphere
Lola is a DJ bar in the heart of Cala d'Or, open from daytime sessions through to late in the evening. The bar hosts resident and guest DJs playing a mix of genres, keeping the dancefloor busy throughout the night.
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La Cabana Poolbar & Lounge
Stylish poolside bar and lounge at Portals Hills with cocktails, Mediterranean dining, and sunset views
La Cabana Poolbar & Lounge at Portals Hills is a dreamy and unforgettable destination for drinks, dining, and relaxation in Mallorca. Situated in front of the infinity swimming pool and framed by impressive large windows, the bar offers stunning views that perfectly complement its stylish setting.
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Purobeach Illetas Beach Club
Seafront Mediterranean bliss with dining, wellness, and unforgettable sunsets
Purobeach Illetas Beach Club offers a quintessential Mediterranean escape in the heart of Mallorca’s Illetas resort. Opened in May 2017, this stylish beach club combines natural beauty, elegant design, and the signature Puro spirit to create an unforgettable seafront experience. With direct access to the crystal-clear waters, sun-soaked terraces, and panoramic views of the Bay of Palma, every moment here celebrates the very best of the island.
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Mikel & Pintxo Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Seafront Palma restaurant offering tapas, pintxos, paella, and a curated drinks selection
Mikel & Pintxo Tapas Bar & Restaurant is a vibrant seaside dining spot located just below the Garonda Hotel on the seafront promenade opposite Playa de Palma. Specialising in Spanish cuisine, tapas, and wine, it’s an ideal destination for sharing great food and drinks with friends or family.
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De Tokio a Lima Bar
Rooftop bar serving expertly crafted cocktails and local wines
De Tokio a Lima Bar in Palma offers a relaxed rooftop experience with a focus on exceptional cocktails. Located above the iconic Paseo del Borne, the bar combines city views with a menu of drinks designed to impress. Each cocktail is carefully prepared using quality spirits, fresh ingredients, and inventive combinations that highlight flavour and balance.
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Hostal Cuba Bar and Restaurant
Sky bar, restaurant and nightclub in the cool and trendy Santa Catalina area
Housed in a striking colonial-style building at the edge of Palma’s trendy Santa Catalina district, this is a long-standing local favourite that blends good food, great views and a vibrant social scene. Having made its mark in recent years as one of the more sophisticated venues within the hip city district, its Sky Bar is undoubtedly a great choice in which to start your night. Just a few blocks from the island’s best-known food market, the kitchen makes the most of fresh, seasonal produce, creating a menu of healthy, flavourful dishes served from breakfast through to late dinner.
Sights nearby
Sights in Mallorca
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Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves)
Large cave system on the east coast, near Porto Cristo
Dark and cool, these limestone caves on the edge of Porto Cristo have become one of Mallorca's top tourist sights. Groups walk along 1200m of smooth paths exploring the magnificent stalactite formations within.
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Cuevas dels Hams
Impressive cave system and event venue
You cannot miss these caves as you drive from Manacor to Porto Cristo. Most people only want to visit one set of caves during their time on Mallorca and the giant billboards and flags at the entrance are an attempt to ensure that this is the one. In fact you are better off continuing to the 'Cuevas del Drach' or up the coast to the 'Coves d'Arta'.
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Sanctuary de Sant Salvador, Felanitx
Old monastery on top of hill with wonderful views
This old hermitage, 509m above sea level at the highest point of the Serra de Llevant near the town of Felanitx, was the senior house of Mallorca's monastic order and the last to lose its monks in 1992.
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Manacor Museum of History
Museum of the history of Manacor and the eastern area of Mallorca
Originally the Archaeological museum of Manacor, it has changed its philosophy over the years due to the variety of its collections. The museum is now a true historical museum and showcases many different periods throughout the areas history.
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Santueri Castle, Felanitx
Dramatic clifftop castle in Mallorca overlooking the east coast
Santueri Castle sits on top of a rocky outcrop some 475 metres above sea level. It is a stunning, well preserved castle with remarkable views of the south east of Mallorca and the Cabrera Islands on a clear day. The present walls date from the 14th century but a fortification has existed here since Roman times.
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Rafa Nadal Sport-Xperience Museum
An immersive experience in the world of sports
This recently renovated museum has opened its doors for a second year with a renewed image and many new developments.
Golf-clubs nearby
Golf Courses in Mallorca
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Real Bendinat Golf Course
18-hole golf course just to the west of Palma, Mallorca
The Bendinat Royal Golf Course is magnificently situated 7 kilometres west of Palma, in an extensive wooded valley and in the heart of the Bendinat Housing Estate.
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Pula Golf Course
European Tour golf course in Mallorca, in the north-east
This golf club was opened in 1995, originally designed by D.Santiago Sota. Between 2004-2006, the course was redesigned by Jose Maria Olazabal to prepare it for use on the International Pro-Tour.
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Par 72 Jamie Knight Golf Coaching
Improve your golf in style with a PGA Golf Professional
Par72 offers luxury golf experiences in Mallorca hosted by British PGA Professional Jamie Knight.
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Alcanada Golf Course
Rated 18-hole golf course in Mallorca - beautiful coastal situation
Looking to play golf by the sea, then Alcanada might be the course for you. It's situated in the north of Mallorca on the peninsula of Alcudia. The golf course opened in 2003 and was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
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Son Muntaner Golf Course
Exclusive and challenging 18-hole golf course close to Palma
The Son Muntaner golf course forms part of the Arabella golf complex in Son Vida, to the north west of Palma de Mallorca. Created in 2000 by Kurt Rossknecht, the course is considered one of the more challenging on Majorca. The fairways and the greens have carefully placed bunkers and some water hazards that require the golfer to place their shot as accurately as possible.
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Son Termes Golf Course
Challenging 18-hole golf course close to Palma
This golf course lies 10 km north of Palma de Mallorca. Designed by Harris Group & Josè Rodriguez, the course opened in 1998.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Mallorca
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Porto Colom 
Porto Colom
Traditional beach resort on the east coast of Majorca
This fishing village, once the port for Felanitx, was named in honour of Christopher Columbus, who is said - without much evidence - to have been born here. Popular with Mallorcan and Spanish visitors and set inside a deep natural harbour, Portocolom still has the feel of a small fishing port, with boats around the quay and pastel-coloured houses lining the waterfront, each with its own landing-stage.
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Porto Cristo 
Porto Cristo
Traditional beach resort on the east coast of Mallorca
Porto Cristo – also known as Portocristo – is a charming fishing village on Mallorca’s east coast, nestled at the end of a long, sheltered bay. With its Blue Flag sandy beach and clear turquoise waters, it has become a relaxed, family-friendly resort that makes the most of its idyllic setting.
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Manacor 
Manacor
Industrial centre and Mallorca's second city
Mallorca’s second city, Manacor, sits around 10km from the eastern coastline. It used to be an agricultural town but, with the help of the railway line that was opened in 1879, it became the industrial and commercial centre of the area.
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Felanitx 
Felanitx
Traditional rural town in the south east of Majorca
Felanitx is a small town in the southeast corner of Mallorca. It lies inland from its closest seaport of Porto Colom and is the administrative centre for the area.
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Cala d'Or 
Cala d'Or
Holiday beach resort in the east of Majorca
Cala d'Or or ‘Golden Bay’ in English is the name given to a widely popular, family-friendly tourist resort in the east of the island. Its name could be related to the fact that you are guaranteed the greatest number of sunshine hours on this eastern coastline, being furthest away from the disruptive Serra de Tramuntana mountains, and its proximity to some of the island's best beaches.
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Cala Millor 
Cala Millor
Holiday beach resort in the east of Majorca
A purpose-built holiday resort, Cala Millor is a major family holiday destination on Mallorca’s east coast. Its main attraction is the fine sandy beaches met by turquoise shallow waters, behind which you will find a promenade lined with hotels.
