© Anita Gait
© Anita Gait
© Anita Gait
© Anita Gait
© Anita Gait
© Anita Gait
Almost deserted stretch of rugged coastline popular with nudists
There is a 5km patch of isolated coast between Playa Son Baulo and Son Serra de Marina in North Mallorca that is known as Playa de Son Real. It is a rough stretch of coastline that is mostly made up of pebbly inlets and rocky outcrops, but interspersed with them is a scattering of the holy grail of beaches – tiny perfect white sandy coves with easy access to the turquoise sea.
As a result of this the beach stays almost deserted through even the peak of summer, which gives a wonderful level of privacy to any one willing to walk for it, and as such most of the people who head there tend to be nudists. Nakedness aside, this area is perfectly designed for a tranquil day away from the mad crowds of the resort areas, busy hotel pools and sun lounger filled main beaches. Several kilometres of protected nature reserve separates the coast from the highway and there are no amenities to speak of, no lifeguards, toilets, shops, cafés or water sport rental stations. Serenity is the nature of this place.
That being the case you must remember to take with you everything you need for the day, but since you do have to carry it all on your own backs, try to pack light - leave the chairs and the windbreaks at home. Take a towel, a book, plenty of water and a picnic and you’ll be just fine. Maybe stretch to a snorkelling mask too as the craggy coastline and rocky seabed makes for some great fish watching.
Apart from the sandy coves, the main draw of Playa de Son Real is it’s isolation, it's completely inaccessible by road and the only way to reach it is on the 6 km hiking trail which connects Son Baulo to Son Serra de Marina or by hiking through the Finca Publica de Son Real.
All this isolation does come at a price though; this area is almost inaccessible for anyone needing special assistance. Walkers and cyclists can access the hiking trail, which is easy enough, although the terrain is rough in places; mainly soft sand rather than firm ground. Some people do bring children on bikes and in carriers but I would advise against trying to bring a pushchair or wheelchair along here. If you come through Finca Publica de Son Real just off the main Ma12 highway, you can park there and hike or cycle through to the beach. This trail is gravelled and well maintained however to reach the beach you need to hike nearly an hour, and once you reach the coast the terrain is rough once more - this is not the easiest to get to or most family friendly area.
The water there is more prone to seaweed and the beach is often covered in mounds of dried sea grass.
The sandy little coves and rocky beaches are backed by dunes and indigenous plant life and trees. The Son Baulo end has most of the sandy coves whilst the Marina end has the longest stretch of beach.
The entire hiking trail between the two towns takes 90 minutes, so you have plenty of time to wander along the full 5 km of Playa de Son Real and pick your favourite spot to set up camp. Head to Playa Son Real if you’re not afraid to put in a little bit of effort for a tranquil and deserted if slightly rugged beach.
If you want to give it a go, if you fancy connecting with your inner nudist (optional) and paying a visit, you can find Son Baulo or Son Serra de Marina easily by car, following the signs from Alcudia and there is free street parking in each town. Buses run to Ca’n Picafort from Alcudia regularly and Son Baulo is the last stop on their route also a small bus runs four times a day between Son Baulo and Son Serra de Marina.
This villa is situated in the rural countryside within an easy drive of both Pollensa town and the Port of Pollensa.
Perched atop the scenic hills of Mallorca, Villa Mitrana offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and natural beauty. This exquisite retreat provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the verdant landscapes that define the island's charm. Designed to accommodate up to six guests, it is the epitome of sophisticated comfort.
Located in the highly sought-after area of La Font, at the foot of the stunning UNESCO Tramuntana mountains in Pollensa, Villa Esquina is just a 15-minute walk from the beautiful historic town of Pollenca and a 10-minute drive from the Port of Pollenca and surrounding beaches, making it ideal for large families or two families with children. This stunning family holiday home has 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 3 balconies with amazing views of the surrounding area and a large heated saltwater pool (15 metres long).
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.
Located outside the town of Alcudia, this villa is big and spacious which is perfect for large families or groups travelling together.
Historic four-bedroom villa with a unique bedroom set in a turret, private heated pool, and stunning coastline views.
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.
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.
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.
Son Bunyola Hotel offers an intimate stay, providing the perfect base to explore Mallorca’s vineyards, olive groves, and charming countryside.
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.
The hotel Sant Salvador in Arta is a special place for all kinds of people. Whether they would like to play golf (there are four golf courses within less than 15min) or for people who are looking for a peaceful place to stay.
Enjoy a fun full-day or half-day boat trip aboard this luxurious Pardo 43 motor yacht.
Enjoy a fun full-day or half-day boat trip aboard this spacious Regal 3300 motor boat.
Sail from Alcudia’s Port of Bonaire to one of the most beautiful bays in northern Mallorca.
This company offers guided hikes and trail runs for all levels. Discover mountain paths, coastal trails, and hidden spots with expert local guides.
Step away from the crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of an unforgettable sailing adventure.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat is home to an abundance of delicious fresh and local food that the chef interprets into incredible local, Mediterranean cuisine in a modern and creative manner. The restaurant offers fresh and simple Mediterranean-inspired cuisine using vegetables, herbs, seasonal fruits, cereals and homemade olive oil. All produce is local, fresh, natural and organic. What's more, most of the meat and dairy in the dishes come from the hotel farm.
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.
The little Asia of Mallorca, where the spices of Asia meet the local products of the nearby surroundings.
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.
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.
This award-winning restaurant offers creative, fresh-from-the-market cuisine.
Welcome to Lola, your ultimate summer hotspot in the heart of Cala d'Or, Mallorca! They're all about creating incredible experiences under the sun during the day and stars in the evening.
La Cafetería by La Goleta, located on the ground level of La Goleta Hotel in Mallorca, offers a relaxed and welcoming space right on the maritime promenade. It’s the perfect spot to start the day with a healthy breakfast or a leisurely brunch, with fresh, homemade options designed to satisfy both early risers and those who like to take their time.
Beatnik Bar and Restaurant, located in the heart of Palma at Purohotel, offers a globally inspired dining experience with a playful, adventurous edge. The menu blends bright Mediterranean flavours with exotic spices from Asia and Latin America, creating a fusion that is both fresh and exciting.
If you are looking for a bar on the beach-front with fantastic view that can be enjoyed with a delicious cocktail, look no further.
This stylish modern poolside bar is situated within the Portals Hills Boutique Hotel.
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.
Situated within the Son Real public estate, the necropolis is still an active archaeological site. Acquired by the Balearic Islands Government in 2002 with the aim of preserving its natural and ethnological wealth and, in particular, the archaeological sites.
The Ermita de Betlem was founded in 1805 by the monks of Saint Honoratus, Randa and the Holy Trinity of Valldemossa. The church has a solar clock and a rose window, and lies at the end of a cypress tree-lined driveway.
Just off the coast road 5km south of Port d'Alcudia in the north west of Mallorca, the S'Albufera wetlands make a welcome relief from long stretches of crowded beach.
This eclectic mixture of art and sculpture, set in beautiful parkland in the north of Mallorca is one to put on your list of things to do.
The Llevant Peninsula is found on the north east of Mallorca. This hilly terrain could almost pass for the Scottish highlands (on a good day!), with its covering of heathers and shrubs at the higher altitudes.
Much of this 4000 square metres complex has been restored so that you can now see the remnants of the medieval fortress that it once was.
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.
The 18-hole course at Son Quint was created by James Arnold in 2009 and probably counts as the youngest course on the island. It has been landscaped using the native plants of Mallorca - featuring olive, carob and pine trees. Leyland cypresses provide a lateral protection to one side of the course. Throughout the 6,780 meters length of the course, stone walls typical to Mallorca, oleander bushes and lantana flowers complete a challenging, but fun, short golf course. The course was designed so to make best use of the views down towards the city of Palma and the Bay area.
This is a private, family-run, members' golf club, set in 156 hectares of beautiful Mediterranean landscape. Recently included in the new Rolex World’s Top 1,000 Golf Courses Guide, Son Gual is also Rafa Nadal’s favourite course on the island. It's a challenging course, even for the most seasoned golfers, making it one of the most talked about courses in Mallorca.
The golf course in Andratx was designed by the famous Gleneagles resort in Scotland and opened in 2000. The 18-hole championship course is well known as one of the most difficult and challenging in Mallorca.
This golf course lies 10 km north of Palma de Mallorca. Designed by Harris Group & Josè Rodriguez, the course opened in 1998.
Maioris Golf Club is located 15 minutes west of Palma de Mallorca on the south coast of Mallorca. The course was created in 2006 by Dieter Cabus and is of a championship standard.
Set within the municipality of Arta, Colònia de Sant Pere is a small, unpretentious fishing village located on the northeast. It's one of few villages on Mallorca’s coastline to resist succumbing to tourism, which means that, even in the peak summertime, the most common language you will hear on its beach is Spanish.
On the north coast of Mallorca lies the Bay of Alcudia, a gorgeous coastline comprising of turquoise shallow waters and long, soft golden sandy beaches. It is therefore not much of a surprise to find Majorca's biggest beach resort here. From Port d'Alcudia, in the west, to Can Picafort 10km down the coast, you will find a strip of apartment blocks and resort style hotels that offer everything from budget self-catering to luxurious five-star accommodation.
Artà is a picturesque town just a few kilometres inland from the north-east coast of Mallorca. Tucked in a valley, it is surrounded by the mountains of the Llevant Natural Park along with some of the island's most beautiful rural plains.
This small town between Inca and the S'Albufera marshes is a sleepy little place, a typical rural Mallorcan town.
The medieval town of Alcúdia is the main hub for visitors in the north of the island. Set on a peninsula between the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia, it offers a lovely mix of historic charm and genuine local character. Its beautifully preserved old town and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular spot throughout the year.
Sa Pobla, 4km north of Muro, is known as Mallorca's vegetable basket. This fertile area of marshes reclaimed as farmland is referred to as 'the land of a thousand windmills', and there is a decent autumn fair that showcases their local agricultural produce in November. Some of these wetlands have been protected as part of s'Albufera Natural Park.
Find out all about what is happening in Mallorca and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see, and experience on the island.
See allLatest News & ReviewsThe island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.
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