A narrow inlet reaches roughly 400 metres inland, ending in a small sandy beach. Old boathouses line the water, while a watchtower built in 1663 stands above the cliffs. A steep flight of 147 steps leads down to the sand.
Cala Pi
Cala Pi in 30 seconds
The essentials at a glance
- Worth visiting for
- A short visit
- Best for
- A distinctive narrow cove rather than a broad beach
- Best months
- March–May, September–October
- Time to allow
- Two to three hours
- With children
- The sandy shallows can suit children in calm conditions; the steep access is harder
- Without a car
- Hire car needed
- Parking
- Free street spaces above the bay, taken early in summer
- Getting into the water
- Gently shelving in the centre, with rocks at the sides
- Keep in mind
- Difficulty walking or carrying heavy beach equipment
- Access
- Pushchairs: Not suitable for the beach access · Wheelchairs: The beach is inaccessible by the steps; views from above are an alternative, subject to the route
Get a feel for Mallorca. Find your kind of place.
The boathouses sit right at the water's edge, providing storage for small boats ashore.
Torre de Cala Pi was built in 1663 to guard the coast against corsair raids.
From above, the length and narrow shape of the inlet become clear.
Getting to know Cala Pi
Does Cala Pi suit your plans?
What to expect and what to know before you visit.
Who it suits
- A distinctive narrow cove rather than a broad beach
- Visitors comfortable with a steep flight of steps
- Arriving early to enjoy the morning light
- Snorkelling beside the rocky shores in calm conditions
Things to bear in mind
- Difficulty walking or carrying heavy beach equipment
- Bringing a pushchair to the sand
- Arriving late in the morning in July or August
- Expecting beach services at the bottom
Drive from the airport
35 minutes
30 km
Bus connections
Limited connections from Llucmajor and s'Arenal
Region
Migjorn
Nearest beach
S'Estanyol de Migjorn
7 km
Elevation
30 m
above sea level
Season guide for Cala Pi
November Worth considering
Very quiet Some places closed
Worth visiting in March, April, May, September and October.
Location
Location of Cala Pi
- Region
- Migjorn
- Municipality
- Llucmajor
- Elevation
- 30 m above sea level
- Airport
- 30 km , around 35 minutes
- Hire car
- needed
- Worth visiting for
- a brief stop
- Coordinates
- 39.3639,2.8361
A narrow inlet in the south-coast cliffs
Cala Pi cuts into the coast of Llucmajor for roughly 420 metres, with a width of up to around 100 metres. At its inland end lies a sandy beach about 50 metres across, enclosed by high rocky walls and greenery.
Old boathouses stand along the western waterline. Above the bay is Torre de Cala Pi, built in 1663 to guard against North African corsair raids. The round tower is around ten metres high.
Getting down to the beach
A steep flight of steps leads down from the streets above. There is no vehicle access to the sand.
Take everything you need with you. There is no kiosk, toilet or drinking-water supply on the beach, and shade changes through the day. The climb back up in July can feel much harder than the descent.
Walking to the tower
The watchtower is a short walk from the development above the bay. From there, the view opens along the rocky coast. It is a worthwhile part of the visit even if you don’t plan to swim.
When to come
April and October are good choices. In September, the sea retains its summer warmth and there is usually more room than in peak season. During July and August, arrive early before the small beach fills and the climb becomes hot.
In winter, many holiday businesses are quiet or closed. The tower and view from above still make a pleasant short outing in suitable weather.
Photographs
Cala Pi in Mallorca
How much time do you have?
Things to do in Cala Pi
Three hours
Walk down for a swim, climb back up, then visit the watchtower for a wider view along the cliffs.
Half a day
Add s'Estanyol, Sa Ràpita or the inland town of Llucmajor.
A full day
Combine Cala Pi with Es Trenc or Cap Blanc for a fuller day exploring the south coast.
On a rainy day
There is little to do here in wet weather; the appeal is the coastal setting.
The beach at a glance
- Underfoot
- Fine pale sand
- Getting into the water
- Gently shelving in the centre, with rocks at the sides
- Length
- Around 50 metres at the end of the inlet
- Shade
- Shade varies with the cliff shadows; bring your own sun protection
- Wind
- The high sides offer shelter, but waves can still enter the inlet
- With children
- The sandy shallows can suit children in calm conditions; the steep access is harder
- Facilities
- No sunlounger or parasol hire · No kiosk or toilet on the beach · Restaurants and shops in the development above
Practical details
- Parking
- Free street spaces above the bay, taken early in summer
- Public transport
- Limited connections from Llucmajor and s'Arenal
- Time to allow
- Two to three hours
- Good to know
- A steep, sometimes uneven flight of 147 steps leads down to the beach. Bring everything you need, including drinking water, as there are no supplies at the bottom.
- Bus
- Limited connections from Llucmajor and s'Arenal; check the current timetable
- Shops and services
- Supermarkets: In the development above the bay · Pharmacy: In Llucmajor · Medical care: In Llucmajor · Cash machines: In the development · Fuel: Along the route towards Llucmajor
- Access
- Steep flight of 147 steps to the beach; tarmac streets above · Pushchairs: Not suitable for the beach access · Wheelchairs: The beach is inaccessible by the steps; views from above are an alternative, subject to the route · Dogs: Not permitted on the beach during the season
- What you will not find
- Step-free beach access · A beach bar or kiosk · Toilets on the beach · Sunlounger and parasol hire · Dependable shade throughout the day
- Coordinates
- 39.3639,2.8361 Google Maps Apple Maps
Within reach
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Explore from here
Your questions answered
Your questions about Cala Pi
How do you reach Cala Pi beach?
A steep flight of 147 steps leads down from the development into the inlet. There is no vehicle access. Bring water, food and anything else you need, as there is no kiosk or toilet on the sand.
Is Cala Pi suitable for children?
The sheltered sandy shallows can suit children when the sea is calm, but the approach is difficult with little ones and beach equipment. The steep steps are unsuitable for pushchairs, and the climb back is hard work in summer heat.
What is the tower above Cala Pi?
Torre de Cala Pi was built in 1663 to guard against raids by North African corsairs. The round tower stands around ten metres high above the cliffs and is a short walk from the development, with views along the coast.
When is Cala Pi quietest?
April and October are usually quieter than summer. In high season, arrive early, as the sandy strip is only around 50 metres across and fills during the morning.
Why are there boathouses in the inlet?
The inlet provided a naturally sheltered place for small boats. Old boathouses with green doors stand along the western shore, where boats could be stored ashore. They remain a distinctive part of the bay.
Practical questions
When is the best time to visit Cala Pi?
Recommended months: March, April, May, September, October.
Is Cala Pi worth visiting in July and August?
July: worth considering with some reservations. Usually busy. The small sandy area fills during the morning, and the climb back becomes hot. August: worth considering with some reservations. Usually busy.
How far is Cala Pi from Palma airport?
About 30 km from Palma airport. Allow roughly 35 minutes by car. Turn from the Ma-6014 into the Cala Pi development. Park on the streets above the bay, where spaces fill early in high season.
Do I need a hire car for Cala Pi?
A car is needed Limited connections from Llucmajor and s'Arenal; check the current timetable
Where can I park in Cala Pi?
Free street spaces above the bay, taken early in summer
Can you swim at Cala Pi?
Yes. Fine pale sand Gently shelving in the centre, with rocks at the sides Around 50 metres at the end of the inlet Shade varies with the cliff shadows; bring your own sun protection The sandy shallows can suit children in calm conditions; the steep access is harder
Can I visit Cala Pi with a pushchair or wheelchair?
Steep flight of 147 steps to the beach; tarmac streets above Pushchairs: Not suitable for the beach access Wheelchairs: The beach is inaccessible by the steps; views from above are an alternative, subject to the route
Are dogs allowed at Cala Pi?
Not permitted on the beach during the season
Cala Pi features in our Mallorca highlights
Words and photographs: Friedhelm Fischer. Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.