A broad stretch of pale sand with protected dunes behind it and a wooden boardwalk crossing them. Cala Mesquida faces north, so waves and currents can be strong. Check the beach flags before swimming.
Cala Mesquida
Cala Mesquida in 30 seconds
The essentials at a glance
- Worth visiting for
- A short visit
- Best for
- A wide sandy beach with an open coastal setting
- Best months
- March–June, September–October
- Time to allow
- Half a day
- With children
- Suitable in calm conditions, not during strong surf
- Without a car
- Hire car recommended
- Parking
- Spaces near the edge of the development, scarce by mid-morning in high season
- Getting into the water
- Gently shelving, but with waves and sometimes strong currents
- Keep in mind
- Swimming with small children when there are waves or strong currents
- Access
- Pushchairs: Manageable on the boardwalk, difficult on the sand · Wheelchairs: The boardwalk provides access towards the beach edge; check current accessible facilities
Get a feel for Mallorca. Find your kind of place.
The boardwalk lets you cross the dune landscape without trampling it.
The protected dunes form a natural backdrop to much of the beach.
A broad stretch of pale sand between the bay's rocky sides.
Getting to know Cala Mesquida
Does Cala Mesquida suit your plans?
What to expect and what to know before you visit.
Who it suits
- A wide sandy beach with an open coastal setting
- Dunes behind the sand rather than a continuous line of hotels
- Birdwatching and coastal walks
- A beach accessible by road and seasonal public transport
Things to bear in mind
- Swimming with small children when there are waves or strong currents
- Expecting still, sheltered water every day
- Plenty of space in high summer
- Needing natural shade on the beach
Drive from the airport
85 minutes
82 km
Bus connections
Check seasonal services from Cala Ratjada and Capdepera
Region
Llevant
Nearest beach
Cala Moltó
2 km
Elevation
3 m
above sea level
Season guide for Cala Mesquida
November Worth considering
Very quiet Mostly closed
Worth visiting in March, April, May, June, September and October. Less suitable in August. Mostly closed in January, February, March, November and December.
Location
Location of Cala Mesquida
- Region
- Llevant
- Municipality
- Capdepera
- Elevation
- 3 m above sea level
- Airport
- 82 km , around 85 minutes
- Hire car
- recommended
- Worth visiting for
- a brief stop
- Coordinates
- 39.7431,3.4333
Sand and dunes
Cala Mesquida has roughly 300 metres of fine, pale sand between low rocky sides. Behind it lies a protected dune system, crossed by a wooden boardwalk. Buildings occupy one side of the bay rather than forming an uninterrupted line behind the beach.
There is little natural shade on the open sand, so plan for sun protection.
Waves and currents
The bay faces north. Northerly winds can bring strong waves and currents, making swimming dangerous even for people who are confident in the water.
Lifeguards and warning flags operate during the season. Follow the flags and their advice; do not treat the presence of other swimmers as proof that conditions are safe. With children, choose calm conditions. If you head elsewhere, check the flags at that beach too.
Birds along the coast
The protected coastal landscape towards Cala Agulla supports seabird colonies. Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching, and look from the marked paths without approaching nesting areas.
The climb to Son Jaumell
A steep path climbs from Cala Mesquida towards Torre de Son Jaumell, the old watchtower high above the coast. Allow around an hour uphill, depending on your pace and the conditions.
The approach from Cala Agulla is longer but less steep. Whichever route you choose, wear suitable shoes, bring water and avoid the hottest part of the day.
When to visit
May and October are good months. In July and August, the convenient access brings large numbers of visitors, so arrive early if you want a choice of spot.
In winter, many seasonal businesses close but the beach remains accessible. Rough seas make a dramatic view, best watched from a safe distance.
Photographs
Cala Mesquida in Mallorca
How much time do you have?
Things to do in Cala Mesquida
Three hours
Follow the boardwalk to the beach, spend time by the water and enjoy the view across the bay from the marked route on your way back.
Half a day
Combine the beach with the steep walk to Torre de Son Jaumell, around an hour uphill. Choose a cool part of the day for the climb.
A full day
Visit the beach in the morning, then head to Capdepera's castle or Cala Ratjada's harbour.
On a rainy day
Try Capdepera or the Coves d'Artà instead.
The beach at a glance
- Underfoot
- Fine, very pale sand
- Getting into the water
- Gently shelving, but with waves and sometimes strong currents
- Length
- Roughly 300 metres between low rocky sides
- Shade
- No natural shade on the open beach; parasols are available to hire
- Wind
- The bay faces northerly winds, which can bring strong surf and dangerous swimming conditions
- With children
- Suitable in calm conditions, not during strong surf
- Facilities
- Sunloungers and parasols for hire · Bars and restaurants nearby · Seasonal lifeguards and warning flags · Wooden boardwalk through the dunes
Practical details
- Parking
- Spaces near the edge of the development, scarce by mid-morning in high season
- Public transport
- Check connections from Cala Ratjada and Capdepera
- Time to allow
- Half a day
- Good to know
- Keep to the boardwalk and marked paths to protect the dunes. Follow the lifeguards' flags and advice before entering the water.
- Bus
- Check seasonal services from Cala Ratjada and Capdepera
- Shops and services
- Supermarkets: Small seasonal shop in the development above the beach · Pharmacy: In Capdepera or Cala Ratjada · Medical care: In Capdepera · Cash machines: Limited availability in the development · Fuel: In Capdepera
- Access
- Wooden boardwalk towards the beach edge, then sand · Pushchairs: Manageable on the boardwalk, difficult on the sand · Wheelchairs: The boardwalk provides access towards the beach edge; check current accessible facilities · Dogs: Not permitted during the season
- What you will not find
- Natural shade on the open beach · Dependably calm water in northerly winds · A continuous hotel frontage directly behind the sand · Full visitor services all year
- Coordinates
- 39.7431,3.4333 Google Maps Apple Maps
Within reach
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Other beaches to consider
Beaches and swimming nearby
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Explore from here
Your questions answered
Your questions about Cala Mesquida
Can swimming at Cala Mesquida be dangerous?
Yes. The bay faces north, and northerly winds can create strong waves and currents that challenge even experienced swimmers. Seasonal lifeguards display warning flags. Follow them and any instructions given on the beach.
How do you reach Cala Mesquida beach?
Park near the edge of the development above the bay, then follow the designated access towards the sand. A wooden boardwalk crosses the protected dunes. Check seasonal bus connections from Cala Ratjada and Capdepera if you prefer not to drive.
Why are Cala Mesquida's dunes protected?
The dune system is an important coastal habitat. Boardwalks let visitors pass through without damaging the vegetation and sand formations. The coast towards Cala Agulla also supports seabird colonies.
Is Cala Mesquida suitable for children?
In calm conditions, the fine sand and shallow entry can suit families, with lifeguards during the season. Do not take small children into strong surf. If you try another beach, check its own flags and conditions too.
Is there shade at Cala Mesquida?
There is no dependable natural shade on the open beach. Hire a parasol in season or bring suitable sun protection.
Practical questions
When is the best time to visit Cala Mesquida?
Recommended months: March, April, May, June, September, October. Access and opening are limited in January, February, March, November, December. See the visiting advice on this page. Pleasant conditions for exploring the dunes and walking routes.
Is Cala Mesquida worth visiting in July and August?
July: worth considering with some reservations. Usually very crowded. Easy access makes this a busy beach. Arrive early for a choice of spot. August: another month may suit you better. Usually very crowded.
How far is Cala Mesquida from Palma airport?
About 82 km from Palma airport. Allow roughly 85 minutes by car. Drive through the development above the bay and look for parking near its edge. Boardwalk access leads across the protected dunes towards the beach.
Do I need a hire car for Cala Mesquida?
A car is useful Check seasonal services from Cala Ratjada and Capdepera
Where can I park in Cala Mesquida?
Spaces near the edge of the development, scarce by mid-morning in high season
Can you swim at Cala Mesquida?
Yes. Fine, very pale sand Gently shelving, but with waves and sometimes strong currents Roughly 300 metres between low rocky sides No natural shade on the open beach; parasols are available to hire Suitable in calm conditions, not during strong surf
Can I visit Cala Mesquida with a pushchair or wheelchair?
Wooden boardwalk towards the beach edge, then sand Pushchairs: Manageable on the boardwalk, difficult on the sand Wheelchairs: The boardwalk provides access towards the beach edge; check current accessible facilities
Are dogs allowed at Cala Mesquida?
Not permitted during the season
Cala Mesquida features in our Mallorca highlights
Words and photographs: Friedhelm Fischer. Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.