Cala Portals Vells is a group of sandy coves in Calvià, on the south-west coast of Mallorca, south of Magaluf. The main beach is backed by pine forest and opens onto clear water used for swimming, snorkelling and diving. Caves in the surrounding rock were once a quarry, later a hideaway and a religious retreat, and still carry carvings in the stone. The coves draw local families as well as yachts and dive boats, and part of the beach is used by naturists.
Cala Portals Vells
Pine-backed sandy cove south of Magaluf, with clear water for snorkelling and old quarry caves in the rock.
- Entrance
- Free; it is an open beach with no ticket.
- Parking
- Two car parks about 190 m and 270 m away in a straight line; the one at about 270 m is free. Roadside parking is also possible. Spaces fill early.
- Difficulty
- No hike: a walk from the car park, about 190–270 m in a straight line, down to the sand.
- Transport
- Nearest bus stop: Sol de Mallorca, about 860 m away in a straight line.
- Advance booking
- Not needed.
- Hours
- Open at any time.
What makes it special
The colour hits first. Seen from a distance, the water in the coves is a clear turquoise against the pines, and it looks its best from there: down on the sand the beach is busy, with families, towels and loungers close together.
The reason to stay is in the water and the rock. Snorkelling along the edges of the bay takes you over reefs, and the coastline runs on in sandy coves and cliffs with sea caves cut into them. The caves by the beach have a longer story. They were a quarry, then a hideaway, then a religious retreat, and the stone still carries unusual carvings. Yachts, boat parties and dive groups come into the bays, and the beach is a favourite with locals.
Good to know
- Arrive early: the car parks fill, and so do the sun loungers. Come late and it is a towel on the sand.
- There are no public toilets and no drinking-water taps nearby, so bring water with you.
- Part of the beach is used by naturists.
- Bring a mask and snorkel: the reefs and sea caves along the rocky edges are the best of the place.
- Yachts and boat parties anchor in the bays in season, so the water is not always quiet.
Getting there
Most people come by car. Two car parks sit about 190 m and 270 m away in a straight line, and there is also room to park along the road. From there the last stretch is on foot down to the sand.
The nearest bus stop, Sol de Mallorca, is about 860 m away in a straight line, so arriving by bus leaves a longer walk at the end. With a beach bag and snorkelling gear, driving is the simpler option.
Best time to visit
Best: early morning, before the car parks and loungers fill.
Avoid: the middle of the day in July and August.
The beach is busy through the summer, and an early start is what secures both a parking space and a place on the sand; outside the peak months the coves are calmer for snorkelling and the walk along the coast.
Sun & daylight
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Cala Portals Vells on the map
The rocks and cliffs around the coves are unfenced and slippery where the sea reaches them; keep back from the edges. Boats come into the bays, so snorkellers should stay close to the shore.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you reach Cala Portals Vells by bus?
The nearest bus stop is Sol de Mallorca, about 860 m away in a straight line, so the bus leaves a walk at the end. Driving is the simpler option.Is there parking at Cala Portals Vells?
Yes. Two car parks lie about 190 m and 270 m away in a straight line, and there is room along the road. They fill up, so come early.Is Cala Portals Vells a nudist beach?
Part of the beach is used by naturists. The rest is a busy family beach.What is there to do apart from swimming?
Snorkelling and diving over the reefs, exploring the sea caves along the coast, and visiting the caves by the beach, a former quarry, hideaway and religious retreat with carvings in the rock.What facilities are there?
Sun loungers are available on the sand, but there are no public toilets or drinking-water taps nearby.