Looking for a secret beach in Mallorca? Here’s how to reach Coll Baix – a wild, crowd-free cove near Alcúdia, only accessible by foot or boat.

Tucked away in the cliffs just outside Alcúdia, Coll Baix Beach is only accessible by foot, or boat. No beach bars, no sunbeds, and usually no crowds. Just turquoise water, goat trails and the kind of silence you crave on a busy holiday island.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to get to Coll Baix beach, what to expect when you arrive, and why it’s one of the best beaches in Mallorca.

Coll Baix Beach Trail Details

Trail Overview

• Starting point: Parking area near Refugi del Coll Baix (gravel road access from Alcúdia)
• Distance: ~2.5 km each way
• Duration: 30–45 min down, perhaps a bit more on the way back
• Difficulty: Moderate – easy start through pine forest, steep rocky descent at the end
• Trail surface: Dirt path, some loose stones, and a short scramble over rocks
• Footwear: Sturdy shoes or hiking sandals (leave the flip-flops at home)
• Shade: Mostly shaded on the way down, but the beach itself has zero shade
• Facilities: None – no toilets, no kiosks, no lifeguards
• Phone signal: Patchy to non-existent once you’re closer to the beach
• Crowds: Light to very light, even in summer (goats outnumber people most days)
• Kids: Possible, if they’re used to hiking – not stroller friendly

Coll Baix Beach Hiking Trail Map

Getting There

By Car

Driving is by far the easiest way to get close to the trailhead. From Alcúdia, it’s about a 20-minute drive. Plug Refugi del Coll Baix into Google Maps and follow the road as far as it’ll take you. The last bit is gravel and bumpy but manageable. You’ll park near the start of the trail –  don’t be surprised if you share the parking area with a few curious goats. If you reach a locked gate, you’re in the right spot. Walk past it – the trail continues on foot.

• 📍 Google Maps tip: Search for “Refugi Coll Baix”
• 🚗 Road conditions: Last stretch is gravel – go slow
• 🅿️ Parking: Free

By Bus

It’s possible to get fairly close by public transport, but it takes some planning. You can take a bus 302 to Alcúdia or Port d’Alcúdia, then grab a taxi from there to the trailhead.

If you have all the time in the world — and the stamina — you can walk. But it takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Alcúdia to the trailhead.

• 🚌 Nearest bus stop: Alcúdia Old Town or Port d’Alcúdia
• 🚕 From there: Taxi to Refugi Coll Baix trailhead (~15–20 min)
• 💡 Tip: Check the latest bus schedules, routes and fares on TIB’s website.

By Boat

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can join a boat tour from Port d’Alcúdia, many of which include a swim stop at Coll Baix. Some tours drop anchor offshore; others bring you right to the beach (if there’s wind or swell, boats might not be able to land directly on the beach, so check in advance).

Some trips include snorkel gear and snacks; others are more DIY. You can also arrange a water taxi if you’re looking for a more direct route with zero hiking involved.

• 🛥️ Departure point: Port d’Alcúdia
• ⏱️ Trip time: 30–60 minutes depending on the tour
• 💸 Cost: €20–€40 depending on the tour type
• 💡 Tip: Book your tour on GetYourGuide for the best deals!

What to Expect at the Beach

This isn’t a soft-sand, ice-cream-vendor type of beach like a lot of the rest are in Alcúdia. Coll Baix is all pebble stone, cliff and clear, cold water. It’s wild and beautiful. No music, no bars, no sunbeds.

It feels remote in a way that’s hard to find in Mallorca during the touristy season. You probably won’t spend the whole day there, but for a couple of hours, it’s magic.

What to Bring

Not to sound like your mum, but: bring enough water.
Here’s what I’d pack:

• Lots of water (especially if you’re hiking — there’s no refill spot)
• Snacks or a packed lunch
• Sturdy shoes (you’ll thank yourself later)
• Swimwear (or not — it’s a bit of a “you do you” vibe out there)
• Towel or sarong
• Sunscreen + hat
• Something for shade (no natural cover unless you snuggle up to a cliff)
• Optional: snorkel gear, camera, and a little trash bag to carry out what you bring in

Best Time to Go

Mornings are best. The trail’s cooler, the light’s better, and you’re more likely to have the beach to yourself. I’d aim to be leaving again before the sun hits full blast – there’s no shade once you’re down there.

As for seasons: spring and autumn are perfect. Summer can be hot, but still worth it if you start early. Winter is peaceful, but the water’s cold and the trail can get muddy.

Photo Spots

A few places you’ll definitely want to pull out your camera:

• The last viewpoint before the final descent – beach, cliffs, turquoise sea = postcard moment
• In the water looking back at the shore
• Goat sightings – they’re not shy, and they pose like pros

My Experience

I have a confession to make. I hiked to Coll Baix Beach in my €4 pink knockoff Crocs that I bought in Lidl last summer. I hadn’t planned to go on a short beach hike that day – hence the questionable footwear. Did I slip, fall, or hurt myself? Nope. I was a bit more cautious going down compared to when I wear trail runners, but on the way back up I was full-on mountain goat mode, like usual.

Some German ladies scuffed at me on the way when they saw my shoes, and all I could do was laugh internally – because let’s be real: I was moving about a thousand times more athletically than them, even in pink Crocs.

I’m not saying you should do this — you totally shouldn’t — I’m just saying that if you’re reading this guide from the car and you’re already wearing sandals, you’ll probably be okay. (But don’t take my word for it.)

So. The day.

I hadn’t been to Alcúdia before, and I kind of loved the whole British holiday vibe — mostly because I knew I wasn’t staying. My boyfriend and I had gone to see an old colleague at the marina, and one thing led to another, and suddenly we were off to a beach none of us had been to.

We drove a short 20 minutes from Port d’Alcúdia. The road turned from paved to gravel and bendy in true Mallorca fashion. We kept going as far as we could until we reached the biggest parking spot along the road. There had been a few others earlier, but this one was the last and the largest. Even though there were quite a few cars, we didn’t struggle to find a space. I have a hard time imagining it ever gets completely full.

We grabbed our backpacks and set off. The first stretch up to Refugi de Coll Baix is easy – just a gravel road. From the hut, the path turns into a proper hiking trail. A bit more rocky, but still totally doable without much effort. There are a few gorgeous viewpoints of the beach, sea, and boats along the way, and I of course stopped to take it all in – both with my eyes and my camera.

Then the path heads downhill and gets a bit more technical. Some loose rocks, a bit more concentration needed (especially in pink Crocs). But the trail is easy to follow – you can’t really go wrong here. And if you’re unsure, just check your map. I use Maps.me for offline navigation.

We emerged from the forest onto the cliffs, where it gets a tiny bit trickier since you have to navigate across large rocks. But if you keep your tongue straight in your mouth (this is a Danish saying, it probably doesn’t translate well), you’ll be fine.

And then: the beach.

The pebbles were lava-hot, so we kept our shoes on until we claimed a spot. Towels down, shoes off, and I went straight into the water. It gets deep fast — after a few steps, I couldn’t touch the bottom (granted, I’m only 1.60 m). The water was insanely clear, like swimming in a giant fish tank.

There were plenty of boats out enjoying the day, a few groups on the beach – and we even had a goat come by and say hi. But all in all, it felt super peaceful compared to the more accessible beaches. I’ll definitely be coming back to this one.

Other Amazing Hikes to Do in Mallorca

If you loved the raw, remote feel of Coll Baix, you’ll probably enjoy these other hikes around the island too — all with views, vibes, and a splash of saltwater.

🥾 The Beach Hike to Cala Estreta & S’Arenalet

Wild, empty beaches and turquoise water after a long walk through the Llevant Peninsula. One of my favourite beach hikes on the island – and barely a soul around.

🏔 Hiking Puig de Galatzó – One of Mallorca’s Best Trails

Sweeping mountain views, a real summit feel, and a proper leg workout. A classic route that delivers on every front.

🌊 La Trapa – The Epic Coastal Hike

Dramatic cliffs, abandoned ruins, and a straight-up cinematic coastline. This trail is all about the views (and maybe a goat or two).

FAQ: Visiting Mallorca

When is the best time to visit Mallorca?

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal. Warm weather, fewer crowds, and perfect hiking conditions. July and August are hot and busy — but great if you’re here for the beach life.

Can I get around without a car?

Yes, but… it depends on what you want to do. Public transport works fine between towns and main beaches, but for hiking, hidden coves, and early morning starts, renting a car makes everything way easier.

Is Mallorca safe for solo travellers and hikers?

Totally. I’ve hiked solo here many times. Just use common sense: check the weather, bring water, tell someone your route, and don’t go off trail.

Do I need hiking gear for Mallorca?

Not unless you’re planning something high up in the Tramuntana. Most trails — like Coll Baix — can be done in sneakers or trail runners.

Can you swim year-round?

Best swim months are May through October. The sea’s chilly from November to April unless you’re a cold-water hero or viking like me (I actually swam all through winter and loved it!).

How many days do I need to explore Mallorca properly?

You’ll fall in love and want more, but I’d say 5–7 days is great for a taste: a couple hikes, beach time, mountain villages, and a lazy café morning or two.

Is it true there are goats everywhere?

Yes. They’re the real locals. And they will steal your food if you leave it unattended on the beach.