Playa de Formentor Beach Review
One of the most stunning and accessible beaches in all of Mallorca
With its crystal clear waters in an almost unbelievable blue and its soft white sand Playa de Formentor also known as Calla Pi is absolutely breathtaking in the way that is usually reserved for the most unspoilt secret spots.
However due to its location on the dramatic coastline of Cap de Formentor this beach is top of the tourist lists and as such is packed full of amenities, easily accessible and with daily beach cleaning has clearly been very well maintained.
Well sign posted along the Cap Formentor road you couldn’t miss this beach if you tried, it has a large car park just off the main road rather extortionately priced at €9 regardless of your length of stay but there is also limited free parking along the road which you can snag if you get there early. The local bus service 353, which runs to Cap Formentor from Puerto Pollenca also stops here.
The sandy strip of beach is narrow but long stretching in a beautiful crescent bay, pine trees over hang the beach in places providing shade and there is a grassy area back from the beach, which is a perfect shady picnic area. The water is perfectly clear and shallow and sandy of entry, it’s rocky in places with jutting out crags that make great spots for snorkeling and if you’re feeling adventurous there’s the little island of Illot de Formentor which lures out swimmers and snorkellers to explore its rocky shores.
One thing to be aware of is that the powers that be have split this beach into three sections indiscernible to the naked eye but you will find an astonishing price difference between sun beds in one section to another. For 2 sun loungers and a parasol Zona L’Espiga will charge you a moderate €13.50 per day, Zona La Veranda €21.00 and Zona Platjamar, an incredible €50.00 per day, there are signs that will point the zones out to you so be warned and be sure to check out where you are before you make camp.
Class system aside, this blue flag beach has all the amenities you could need including toilets, showers, disabled access including all terrain wheelchairs and wooden walkways, drinking water stations, tourist information points, cafés, and shops. You can rent pedaloes on the beach here at €15 an hour and also there is a spot at the end of the beach where you rent a jet ski. Lifeguards are on duty 10.30am until 6.30 pm in high season, and 11am until 5pm in mid-season, the beach is not patrolled in low season mid October to mid May.
If you fancy a little shopping there are a couple of stalls as you reach the beach selling typical souvenirs and beach necessities such as towels, snorkels and fishing nets but there is no supermarket or food shop here so if you don’t want to pay for café food you need to bring a picnic.
If you don’t mind eating out you have two options, cheap and easy L’Espigo beach bar, with cafeteria style self service and limited outdoor seating where a coffee or soft drink will cost you €2.50 a beer €3, and you can get pre packed sandwiches or salads for around €5 or a hot meal for €10. Alternatively if you wander down the beach you will find more up market La Varanda restaurant which although set in a beautiful spot with shady terrace and blue water view has a limited and uninspiring lunch menu consisting of starters, pizzas, and a few pasta options, non of which had much imagination or anything unique to recommend them for the price of €17-€25.
Another way to experience Playa Formentor is by boat or kayak tour, get to tourist information and pick a trip where you can float through beautiful waters and see this beautiful beach and dramatic coastline from a whole new angle. Or if you love it and want to set up camp here, check out one of Mallorca’s most luxurious hotels and a haunt of the rich and famous, the Hotel Formentor, set back from the beach and renowned for its restaurants and exclusive clientele.
Head to Playa de Formentor for a stunning beach with a feeling of seclusion and exclusivity but easily accessible and full of facilities.
