If you’re into chasing hidden gems and don’t mind a bit of chaos to get there, Sa Calobra is that beach. It’s easily one of the most dramatic and remote spots on the island. Sa Calobra isn’t your typical “walk from the hotel and dip your toes in” kind of place. It’s wild, rugged, and hands down one of the most scenic beaches in Mallorca. And getting there? That’s part of the fun.
Tucked away in the northwest of the island, this tiny cove sits between towering cliffs in the Tramuntana Mountains. The road to reach it is famous—and for good reason. It’s one of the most twisted in Europe. Literally. The drive snakes down the mountain with hairpin bends, sheer drops, and spiral loops. It’s intense—but delivers some of the best coastal views in Mallorca.
The name Sa Calobra means “the snake” in Mallorquín. And trust me, you’ll understand why before you even catch a glimpse of the sea. But once you do, it’s all worth it: crystal-clear water, dramatic rock formations, and a beach that’s easily one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in Europe.
This isn’t the easiest beach to reach in Mallorca—but if you’re up for the ride (or the boat trip), Sa Calobra is one of the most rewarding beach day adventures on the island. It’s rugged, raw, and ridiculously beautiful.
HOW TO GET TO SA CALOBRA
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Sa Calobra—and around Mallorca in general—is by renting a car. You’ll have full freedom to explore the island at your own pace, which is exactly what you want for a place like this. Click HERE to book your car rental.
While the road to Sa Calobra has a bit of a reputation, it’s honestly not as terrifying as people make it out to be. It’s steep, it’s winding, and yes—there are plenty of sharp bends—but if you drive slowly and stay focused, you’ll be absolutely fine. There are a few scenic stops along the way, and it’s worth pulling over to stretch your legs and soak in the views.
The road itself isn’t narrow, but it can get busy, especially with large tour buses making their way down. Go early in the morning to beat the traffic and enjoy a much calmer drive. If you’d rather skip the road altogether, you can also get to Sa Calobra by boat from Port de Sóller or join an organised bus tour. But if you’re up for the ride, driving is hands-down the best way to experience it.
DAY TOURS AND BOAT TRIPS TO SA CALOBRA
If you’re not feeling confident about tackling the mountain road—or you simply fancy a chilled-out day on the water—I’ve got you. There are some epic day trips that take you straight to Sa Calobra, with no stress and all the views. Whether it’s by boat, a full island tour, or a combo of train, tram, and sea, here are some of the best ways to experience this iconic beach without getting behind the wheel.
- Full day on a private boat sailing the Tramuntana Coast
- Van Tour experience to Cala Tuent and Sa Calobra
- Group boat tour to Sa Calobra, Torrent de Pareis and cala Tuent
- Torrent de Pareis hiking adventure
- Full day exploring Northwest Mallorca including boat trip and vintage tram ride
PARKING AT SA CALOBRA
Parking at Sa Calobra is simple and well-organised. There’s a spacious car park close to the beach area, and while it can fill up in peak summer, you’ll usually find a spot—especially if you arrive earlier in the day. The rate is around €2.50 per hour, which is pretty reasonable given the location. It’s super convenient and puts you just a short walk away from the beaches and walking paths.
ARRIVING AT SA CALOBRA
About five minutes down from the car park, you’ll reach the first beach at Sa Calobra—a small cala tucked between cliffs. It’s not huge, but it’s seriously beautiful. The water here is unbelievably clear, and it’s the perfect spot to pause for a quick dip before heading deeper into the area. You’ll notice a few restaurants and cafés nearby, but honestly, I’d skip them.
They look more like tourist pit stops than proper places to eat, and prices are steep—think €5 for a can of Coke. Instead, pack your own lunch, bring plenty of water, and enjoy a relaxed beach picnic. Just remember to take all your rubbish with you. Most travellers here are just passing through for the views, not staying for a full beach day—so you’ll get the best experience by avoiding the crowds and doing your own thing. If you’re craving a proper meal, wait until you’re back in Sóller or at your next stop on the island.
TORRENT DE PAREIS
A short walk through two tunnels leads you to Torrent de Pareis, a dramatic gorge that opens out onto a wide pebble beach. This spot was shaped over thousands of years by water flowing down from the mountains, carving its way through the limestone to meet the sea. The result is one of the most unique coastal landscapes in Mallorca—towering cliffs on either side, crystal-clear water, and a peaceful, almost hidden feel. It’s a great place to swim, explore the rocky edges, or just sit and take it all in. The terrain is rugged, so bring decent shoes if you want to wander a bit. It’s not your typical beach, but that’s exactly what makes it worth the visit.
The famous cliff‑side stair walk along the Torrent de Pareis gorge—often seen all over Instagram reels—is now closed to the public. The narrow pathway was fenced off after gaining popularity, and attempting to cross it could land you a fine. According to a local guide, the narrow path led to several risky situations, with people diving into shallow water and requiring emergency rescue. As disappointing as it is—especially for those epic photo ops—it’s been fenced off for everyone’s safety.
Hiking Through Torrent de Pareis (For the Adventurous)
If you’re into hiking and don’t mind a bit of challenge, Torrent de Pareis is actually one of the most epic hikes in Mallorca. It’s not just a beach—it’s the endpoint of a wild canyon trek that starts in Escorca and winds down through the gorge for about six hours. This route isn’t for beginners, though. It’s unmarked in places, full of boulders, narrow sections, and steep scrambles—best done with a local guide or if you’re experienced and prepared. But it’s easily one of the most rewarding hikes on the island, ending right at the beach.
What to Bring to Sa Calobra
This isn’t your average beach day, so pack smart. You’ll want:
- Sturdy shoes or sandals – for walking between beaches or exploring rocky spots
- Swimwear & towel – even if you’re just dipping in and out
- Plenty of water – especially in summer when it gets very hot
- Snacks or a packed lunch – the restaurants here aren’t great, and the prices are steep
- Sunscreen & a hat – there’s not much shade
- Cash or card – for parking or the occasional drink/ice cream
Spend Time, Not Just Take Photos
A lot of travellers visit Sa Calobra just to tick it off the list—arrive, snap a few photos of the gorge, grab a drink, and go. But if you’ve made the effort to get here, it’s 100% worth slowing down. Swim, walk, have lunch on the beach, or just lie back and soak in the cliffs. The crowds tend to come and go quickly, so if you stay a bit longer, you’ll catch those quieter moments that make this place feel properly special!
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