Hike Mallorca’s wild northeast coast from Cala Estreta to S’Arenalet des Verger — a peaceful trail through pine forest, cliffs, and the island’s most remote and beautiful white-sand beaches.

Some hikes are about the summit — this one is about the sea.

The trail from Cala Estreta to S’Arenalet des Verger (tucked into Cala Roja bay) is one of the most beautiful coastal walks I’ve done on Mallorca. Think quiet pine forests, hidden coves, and long, golden views over the Mediterranean.

This hike is fairly easy—you can take your time, stop for a swim (or two), and soak in the silence of one of Mallorca’s wilder corners. The beach at the end, S’Arenalet, is a total dream and only reachable on foot, which means most people never make it there. All the more reason to go.

If you’re after a day that’s equal parts peaceful, wild, and wow — this one’s for you.

Cala Estreta to S’Arenalet des Verger Trail Details

Trail Overview

• Starting Point: Roadside parking on the access road to Cala Estreta (~2.5 km before the beach)
• End Point: S’Arenalet des Verger Beach (Cala Roja Bay)
• Trail Type: Out & back
• Total Distance: ~16 km (round trip, including approach from parking)
• Duration: 4 – 5 hours (with time for swims, photos, and breaks)
• Elevation Gain: ~300 meters
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – includes rocky stretches and sun exposure
• Waymarking: Unmarked – bring GPS or a downloaded track
• Best Time to Go: Spring or fall (avoid summer heat)
• Route Highlights: Remote coves, untouched coastline, Mediterranean forest, dramatic cliffs
• Parking Note: No access to Cala Estreta by car – parking further up the access road.
• Dog Friendly: Yes, though some rocky stretches can be rough on paws

Cala Estreta to S’Arenalet des Verger – Hiking Trail Map

Packing List

• Sturdy shoes or trail runners (some rocky sections)
• Swimsuit & towel
• Plenty of water (no shops or refill points on trail)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• Snacks or a packed lunch
• Offline map or GPS app (e.g. Wikiloc, AllTrails)
• Camera or phone for all the pretty things

Tips & What I Wish I Knew

🕖 Start early (and I mean early)

The sun gets intense by noon, and there’s not much shade once you reach the coast. Starting early means cooler air, softer light, and a better chance of having the beach (almost) to yourself.

🅿️ You can’t drive to the beach

There’s no parking at Cala Estreta itself — I had to leave the car further up the track, which added an extra 2+ km each way. It’s not hard, but it does stretch out the hike more than you might expect.

🧭 The walk feels long

I was a little surprised by how far it felt, especially the dusty inland track at the beginning — it seems to go on forever before you even see the sea. (To be fair, I had run 10k the day before, so maybe I was just feeling it!) But it’s not a tough walk — just a long one — and the swim at the end makes it all worth it.

🥵 Always bring more water

I pack light, and I always end up rationing water toward the end. There’s nowhere to refill along the trail, so bring more than you think you’ll need — especially on hot days.

🧺 Pack like you’re staying a while

I brought small yoghurts, muesli bars, fruit, and sandwiches — and stayed at the beach for over an hour, just eating, swimming, and lying in the sun. No shops, no noise, no rush.

🩱 A beach that lets you exhale

The vibe at S’Arenalet is calm, quiet, and gently free. I swam topless like the local women and felt totally comfortable — something I wouldn’t always feel brave enough to do at more crowded beaches. It’s peaceful here, and that feeling really stays with you.

🏖 Cala Estreta isn’t the goal

Don’t be fooled by the name of the trail — Cala Estreta is rocky and not much of a swim spot. S’Arenalet is the one you’re aiming for: wide, soft sand, clear turquoise water, and barely a soul around. Just the occasional boat anchoring for a dip.

Getting There

You can’t drive all the way to Cala Estreta – and honestly, that’s part of the charm. The last stretch is reserved for hikers, cyclists, and the occasional curious goat.

By Car

If you’re coming by car, head toward Cala Estreta via the Ma-3333, the scenic road that winds past Artà and into the natural park of Llevant. At some point, you’ll leave the paved road behind and continue on a narrow dirt track. Keep an eye out – there’s no official parking lot, but you’ll spot areas where others have parked along the roadside.

I parked about 2.5 kilometers from Cala Estreta, where the road is blocked for cars. From there, it’s a downhill walk to the coast – a beautiful warm-up before the real hike begins.

Tips:

• The earlier you arrive, the easier it is to find space to park.
• Avoid driving after heavy rain – the dirt road can get tricky.
• There’s no public transport directly to the trailhead, so a rental car or taxi is your best option.

By Bus from Palma

Getting there by bus takes a bit of time and a few transfers, but it’s very doable and a great option if you’re traveling car-free.

1. From Palma’s Estació Intermodal, take bus 401 (direction: Cala Millor)
2. Get off at Molí – Hospital 2 stop
3. Switch to bus 411 (direction: Cala Rajada)
4. Get off at Cala Agulla 1
5. Transfer to bus 422 (direction: Cala Mesquida)
6. Ride to the final stop: Cala Mesquida
7. From Cala Mesquida, it’s a 3.5 km walk to connect with the trail near Cala Estreta.

• 🕑 Total travel time from Palma: approx. 2.5–3 hours
• 📲 Check TIB’s website for up-to-date schedules and connections

This route adds a touch of adventure before you even start the hike – and you’ll be walking through one of the wildest corners of Mallorca right from the bus stop.

My Experience

Do you ever do a hike and realise — oh wow, this is exactly what I needed? That was me, lying on the soft, pale sand at S’Arenalet, staring up at the sky like it could answer something.

Sometimes it takes real effort to leave the city behind after a long week of work. When all you want is to melt into the sofa and rot with Netflix, it’s hard to believe that dragging yourself out of bed and into nature could be worth it. But then suddenly, you’re on a remote beach with no road access, and you can feel your nervous system physically slowing down. It’s like food for the soul. That moment of quiet, of being completely away from everything — that’s what keeps me going through the repetition of the week. Same job, same days, over and over. How do people do it? Because I haven’t figured it out yet.

Anyway. Back to the hike.

Sun Glitter On The Water

We parked as close to the trail as we could. There’s a big fat metal chain blocking the road, so we left the car there and started walking. The first stretch isn’t anything special — just a dirt path with trees on either side. Peaceful, but not exactly thrilling.

But when we got to Cala Estreta, the light hit the sea in this perfect way, and I stood there for a few minutes just staring. The sun was dancing on the water, and it felt like the start of something good. I was already taking photos, which usually means I’m into it.

Dead Jellyfish And An Old Cannon

The trail follows the coastline, winding through little coves and rocky patches. My second favourite beach along the way was probably Cala del Matzoc. There was a bunch of seaweed and some dead jellyfish when we passed (spring problems), but I imagine it’s gorgeous in peak summer.

We also passed Torre d’Albarca — a lookout tower from 1751 built to keep watch over the sea between Mallorca and Menorca, back when the Brits had taken over the neighboring island. Bit of history in the middle of all that nature. We climbed up to the top to get a better view. There’s an old cannon up there, just hanging out like it’s no big deal. The views were pretty unreal.

B L U E

From there, the trail splits — you can head inland or stay by the coast. We stayed by the water, which I’m glad we did. There were these incredible red rock formations, and the further we walked, the more intense and blue the sea became. I must’ve taken 200 photos. The water looked so good, I wanted to be it.

At some point, my boyfriend started getting hangry — fair, because it’s actually a decent walk — but we kept pushing. Eventually, S’Arenalet came into view. There’s a little refugi for hikers where you can stay overnight, but when I checked, it was fully booked (you need to be someone who plans ahead — I am absolutely not that person). Still, it looked nice and surprisingly well-equipped.

Sand And Silence

We made it to the beach, he ate, and I stripped down to my underwear and threw myself into the water. It was so clear and cool — the perfect payoff after sweating through the trail. We stayed there for ages, just lying in the sand, eating, swimming, and enjoying the silence.

The beach gave me Western Australia vibes — wild terrain, that contrast between the green hills and white sand, and the water looking like someone turned the saturation way up. It made me feel happy and sad at the same time — like when something is so beautiful, it kind of hurts. But mostly, I just felt lucky to be there.

Salty Magic

We’d hoped to hike up to Atalaia Cap Ferrutx after, but the area’s been turned into a natural reserve, so the trail is closed. We didn’t want to mess with that, so we turned around and headed all the way back to the car. It was long. We were wrecked. But still — it was such a good day.

A perfect sunny day in one of the most peaceful places in Mallorca. If you’re craving quiet and a bit of wild, salty magic — come here. Just… maybe don’t tell too many people.

What Else to Do in the Area

If you’ve made it all the way out here, don’t rush back just yet — the northeast corner of Mallorca has a totally different vibe than the busy south. Here are a few things worth sticking around for:

⛪ Explore Artà

This charming town is just a short drive away and makes a perfect post-hike stop. Wander its narrow streets, grab a cold drink in the square, or climb up to Sant Salvador Sanctuary for sweeping views over the countryside.

• ✨ Don’t miss: The Tuesday market if you’re around!

🏖 Chill at Cala Mesquida

If you’re craving a proper swim and a cold drink, head to Cala Mesquida — a wide sandy beach backed by dunes and pine forest. It’s more built-up than S’Arenalet, but still beautiful (and there’s an actual beach bar).

🚶‍♂️ More Hiking in Parc Natural de Llevant

If you’re not done walking, this natural park has loads of quiet trails and scenic lookouts. You can start from S’Alqueria Vella, just outside Artà, and hike loops through the mountains or down to other hidden coves.

🐙 Eat Local in Capdepera or Artà

Finish the day with fresh seafood or tapas at a local restaurant — Capdepera and Artà both have great little spots. Keep it simple: grilled fish, aioli, crusty bread, and a glass of cold local wine.

Other Amazing Hikes to Do in Mallorca

If one trail isn’t enough (it never is), here are a few more routes I’ve loved around the island — each with its own kind of magic:

🌅 Easy Coastal Hike Near Palma: Cala Vella

Explore the Cala Vella trail with sea views, cliff paths, and a peaceful swim spot — perfect for a half-day escape near Palma.

⛰️ Mallorca’s Ultimate Hiking Trail: The Three Thousands

Take on Mallorca’s most epic hike. The Three Thousands Trail covers three peaks over 1000m in a challenging mountain loop through the Tramuntana.

🏰 Castell d’Alaró Hike: Mallorca’s Legendary Castle Trail

Castell d’Alaró is for the hungry: a scenic hike with mountain views, Moorish ruins, and the island’s most iconic lamb lunch at Es Verger.

FAQ: Visiting Mallorca

When’s the best time to visit Mallorca for hiking and beaches?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–early November) are ideal. The weather’s warm but not scorching, the trails are quieter, and the sea is still swim-worthy. July and August can be beautiful too, but they’re peak season — hot, crowded, and more expensive.

Can I swim year-round in Mallorca?
Technically yes, but realistically, the sea’s only warm enough from May to October unless you’re into cold dips (which I am). In spring and autumn, it can be super refreshing after a hike though.

How do I get around the island without a car?
It’s doable! Mallorca’s bus network connects most towns and tourist spots, especially along the coast. Just be aware that remote trailheads like Cala Estreta often require longer travel times or a decent walk to reach.

Is Mallorca safe for solo travelers and hikers?
Absolutely. It’s one of the safest places I’ve traveled. The locals are kind, and the trails are well-marked. Just use common sense: let someone know where you’re going, bring enough water, and download offline maps in case you lose signal.

Do I need hiking boots for trails like this one?
Not really. I wore trail runners and was totally fine. The terrain is rocky in parts, but not intense. Just don’t wear flip-flops unless you want to hate your life by kilometer two.

Is nudity common on Mallorca beaches?
Yes, especially on more remote or non-touristy beaches. Topless sunbathing is totally normal, and full nudity is accepted on many coves. It’s all very relaxed — do what you’re comfortable with.

Is there phone signal on the trail?
Mostly yes, but some stretches get patchy. Download your maps before you set off, just in case — I use Maps.Me.

Can I camp on the trail or at the beach?
Wild camping isn’t technically allowed in most of Mallorca, especially in nature reserves. If you want to stay overnight near S’Arenalet, book a spot at the Refugi de s’Arenalet. It’s a basic but cozy mountain hut with beds, a kitchen, and crazy sea views.