Cala Mesquida is a large natural beach in Capdepera, on the north-east coast of Mallorca. Fine, stone-free sand runs from a line of dunes into turquoise water that deepens slowly from the shore. A wooden boardwalk crosses the dunes on the right-hand side of the bay. The beach has sunbed and umbrella hire, showers, toilets and a lifeguard tower, and its open position means it is often windy, with waves.
Cala Mesquida
Wide dune-backed beach of fine white sand and turquoise water on Mallorca's north-east coast
- Entrance
- Free; there is no ticket. Sunbeds and umbrellas are hired separately.
- Accessibility
- A separate walkway takes wheelchairs, but there is no lift from the upper level down to the beach. Free public toilets nearby.
- Parking
- Free and paid car parks plus street parking, the nearest about 300 m away; full by midday in August.
- Difficulty
- Easy: a gentle path leads down from the parking to the sand.
- Transport
- Bus stop Cala Mesquida, about 470 m from the beach in a straight line.
- Advance booking
- Not needed for the beach. In August, arrive before noon if you want a sunbed.
- Hours
- Open at any time.
- Address
- 07589 Capdepera, Balearic Islands, Spain
What makes it special
The sand carries on under the water. There are no stones underfoot on the beach or in the sea, and the turquoise shallows deepen slowly from the shore, which matters more to anyone with children than the colour does.
Behind the beach the dunes are still standing, and a wooden boardwalk threads through them on the right-hand side of the bay. Walk it. The views open up along the way, and you see the whole sweep of the sand with the dunes at your back.
The bay is wide and open to the sea, so the wind often brings waves rolling in. Good for watching from the sand. On those days, the calm float you may have come for is not on offer.
Good to know
- The car parks fill by midday in August, and the next place to park can be a 15-minute walk from the sand.
- Sunbeds and umbrellas are limited and all taken by noon on August days, so arrive early or bring your own shade.
- There is one shower block, with two showers, up the slope from the beach, and it gets crowded at peak times.
- Free public toilets stand near the beach, but there is no drinking fountain close by, so bring water.
- Wind and waves are common here; on rough days the swimming is anything but calm.
Getting there
Car parks sit around 300 m from the beach in a straight line, and there is street parking on the approach as well. In August they are full by midday, and the next option can leave you with a 15-minute walk to the sand.
The Cala Mesquida bus stop is about 470 m away in a straight line.
From the parking, an easy path leads down the slope to the beach, and a separate walkway serves wheelchairs. The showers are at the top of the slope, so you pass them on the way back up.
Best time to visit
Best: mornings on a calm day, and in summer before noon, while there is still parking and a sunbed to be had.
Avoid: August from late morning onwards, and windy days if you want easy swimming.
The bay is open to the sea, so wind drives waves straight in, and in high summer the car parks and sunbeds are gone by midday.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
Similar Places
Featured in our guides
Cala Mesquida on the map
The open bay often takes wind-driven waves, and they can turn dangerous. On rough days swim only where the lifeguards can see you, and stay out when the sea is up.
Get directions
Your whole travel map in one place
Get inspired by new places around the world and find the ones worth the journey
Frequently asked questions
Is Cala Mesquida good for children?
On calm days, yes: the sand has no stones and the water deepens slowly from the shore. When the wind is up, waves come in, so keep children close.Is there parking at Cala Mesquida?
Yes, free and paid car parks and street parking, the nearest about 300 m from the beach. In August they fill by midday; arrive early or expect a walk of up to 15 minutes.Can you hire sunbeds and umbrellas?
Yes, but supply is limited, and on August days they are all taken by noon.Is the beach wheelchair accessible?
A separate walkway takes wheelchairs, but there is no lift down from the upper level to the beach.Can you get to Cala Mesquida by bus?
There is a Cala Mesquida bus stop about 470 m from the beach in a straight line.