A strip of white sand between Colònia de Sant Jordi and Mallorca's southern tip, reached on foot or by boat. The water is clear enough to see the seabed a long way out — a good reason for the walk.
Platja des Carbó
Platja des Carbó in 30 seconds
The essentials at a glance
- Worth visiting for
- A short visit
- Best for
- You are happy to walk for around half an hour or longer
- Best months
- March–June, September–November
- Time to allow
- Half a day including the walk
- Without a car
- Hire car needed
- Parking
- Park in Colònia de Sant Jordi and continue on foot
- Keep in mind
- You have small children and lots to carry
- Access
- Pushchairs: Not suitable · Wheelchairs: Not suitable
Get a feel for Mallorca. Find your kind of place.
The dark band is seagrass. It helps protect the sand and belongs here.
Pines reach the back of the sand, offering the beach's limited shade.
The water shelves gently. For families, the walk is the main practical challenge.
Getting to know Platja des Carbó
Does Platja des Carbó suit your plans?
What to expect and what to know before you visit.
Who it suits
- You are happy to walk for around half an hour or longer
- You want very clear, gently shelving water
- You enjoy snorkelling
- You like a beach without facilities
Things to bear in mind
- You have small children and lots to carry
- You need shade and services close by
- You plan to walk at midday in high summer
- You have difficulty walking
Drive from the airport
50 minutes
50 km
Bus connections
Connections to Colònia de Sant Jordi
Region
Migjorn
Nearest beach
Colònia de Sant Jordi
2 km
Elevation
0 m
above sea level
A glimpse of Platja des Carbó
Season guide for Platja des Carbó
November Worth a visit
Very quiet Open
Worth visiting in March, April, May, June, September, October and November.
Location
Location of Platja des Carbó
- Region
- Migjorn
- Municipality
- Ses Salines
- Elevation
- 0 m above sea level
- Airport
- 50 km , around 50 minutes
- Hire car
- needed
- Worth visiting for
- a brief stop
- Coordinates
- 39.3066,3.0160
What is Platja des Carbó?
An undeveloped sandy bay on the south coast, between Colònia de Sant Jordi and Cap de ses Salines. White sand, pines behind it and water clear enough to see the bottom a long way out — with no road leading to the beach.
Getting here
There is no road access. The alternatives are on foot or by sea.
On foot: park in Colònia de Sant Jordi and follow the coastal route. Depending on where you start, allow twenty to forty minutes or more over sandy and rocky paths, with little shade.
By boat: ask at Colònia de Sant Jordi’s harbour about seasonal water taxis and coastal trips. Es Carbó is only a short boat journey away. Operators may also serve Platja des Dolç or Es Trenc, on other parts of the coast; routes and stops depend on the service.
A boat can be a better option for families with children, avoiding a hot walk back. Departures depend on weather and season, so ask directly at the harbour.
The beach
A strip of very white sand, pines behind it and clear water revealing the seabed well offshore.
There are no loungers, bar, showers or lifeguards, and no shade apart from the pines.
Offshore seagrass meadows help stabilise the seabed and keep the water clear. Posidonia washed onto the shore is part of the beach’s natural protection, not litter.
Where it lies
The bay sits along the coast between Colònia de Sant Jordi and the southern tip, close to the protected salt-pan landscape. Further east lies Platja des Caragol, also without road access. The longer coastal route continues towards the lighthouse at Cap de ses Salines; allow plenty of time if walking that far.
In clear air, the Cabrera archipelago forms a low silhouette on the horizon.
What to bring
Water, sun protection and sturdy shoes. The walk is exposed — don’t underestimate a July midday start.
When to go
May and October offer more comfortable walking conditions and fewer people. Water temperature varies; May can still feel fresh.
In winter, you may have the bay almost to yourself, though it is too cold for most swimmers.
Photographs
Platja des Carbó in Mallorca
How much time do you have?
Things to do in Platja des Carbó
Three hours
Walk there, swim, snorkel and walk back. That fills three hours easily.
Half a day
Add time at Platja des Dolç or explore further along Es Carbó.
A full day
Combine it with Colònia de Sant Jordi, the salt pans and Cap de ses Salines, allowing for the walking and driving involved.
On a rainy day
Not a useful wet-weather outing.
Practical details
- Parking
- Park in Colònia de Sant Jordi and continue on foot
- Public transport
- Connections to Colònia de Sant Jordi
- Time to allow
- Half a day including the walk
- Good to know
- No loungers, bar, showers or shade at the water's edge. Pines behind the sand provide limited shade. Bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes.
- Bus
- Connections to Colònia de Sant Jordi, followed by a walk
- Access
- Sandy coastal paths, with soft and rocky sections · Pushchairs: Not suitable · Wheelchairs: Not suitable · Dogs: Check protected-area rules before bringing a dog
- What you will not find
- Road access · Loungers, a bar or showers · Shade beside the water · Lifeguards
- Coordinates
- 39.3066,3.0160 Google Maps Apple Maps
Within reach
Places to visit
Nearby
Around 170 hectares of salt pans between Campos and the coast produce roughly ten thousand tonnes of sea salt each …
Mallorca’s southernmost point has a lighthouse built in 1863, flat coastal rocks and open sea, with the …
A freestanding rock arch in the sea, one of the south-east coast’s best-known views. The viewpoint lies between …
A small 15th-century sanctuary on a 205-metre hill near S'Alqueria Blanca, rarely busy and with views over the …
Distances without a driving time are measured in a straight line. The road journey can be much longer; known driving times are shown alongside.
Where to swim nearby
Beaches and swimming nearby
A former fishing harbour in southern Mallorca, now a holiday resort with several beaches close by. Boats leave for …
Pale sand, dunes and turquoise water: Es Trenc lies on Mallorca’s south coast between Ses Covetes and Colònia de …
A small coastal settlement at the western end of Es Trenc, giving access to the natural beach. The unfinished …
Around 110 steep steps lead down to fishermen's cottages, boathouses, rock and a tiny strip of sand. Cala …
Explore from here
Your questions answered
Your questions about Platja des Carbó
How do I reach Platja des Carbó?
There is no road to the beach. Park in Colònia de Sant Jordi and follow sandy coastal paths, allowing roughly twenty to forty minutes or more depending on where you start and your pace. Seasonal boat options may also be available from the harbour.
What should I bring?
Water, sun protection and sturdy shoes. There are no loungers, bars, showers or lifeguards, and shade is limited to pines behind the sand.
Is the walk worthwhile?
If you like clear water, yes. The sand is very pale, the beach shelves gently and you can see the seabed well offshore. Having to walk is one reason it stays less crowded.
Can I park closer?
You cannot drive to the sand. Use a legal public parking area and an established coastal route; don't assume tracks through surrounding land offer public access.
Practical questions
When is the best time to visit Platja des Carbó?
Recommended months: March, April, May, June, September, October, November. Comfortable walking weather; the water is still cold.
Is Platja des Carbó worth visiting in July and August?
July: worth considering with some reservations. Usually lively. The walk has little shade. Don't underestimate it at midday. August: worth considering with some reservations. Usually lively.
How far is Platja des Carbó from Palma airport?
About 50 km from Palma airport. Allow roughly 50 minutes by car. Drive to Colònia de Sant Jordi, then follow the coastal walking route over sand and rocky paths. Allow roughly twenty to forty minutes or more depending on the starting point and pace. There is no road to the beach.
Do I need a hire car for Platja des Carbó?
A car is needed Connections to Colònia de Sant Jordi, followed by a walk
Where can I park in Platja des Carbó?
Park in Colònia de Sant Jordi and continue on foot
Can you swim at Platja des Carbó?
Platja des Carbó is a swimming cove. See the beach and access information above.
Can I visit Platja des Carbó with a pushchair or wheelchair?
Sandy coastal paths, with soft and rocky sections Pushchairs: Not suitable Wheelchairs: Not suitable
Are dogs allowed at Platja des Carbó?
Check protected-area rules before bringing a dog
Platja des Carbó features in our Mallorca highlights
Words and photographs: Friedhelm Fischer. Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.