8 of the most beautiful beaches on Mallorca, Spain

The Balearic Islands off the south coast of mainland Spain have long been popular destinations for those seeking long, hot and dry Mediterranean summers, a laid-back lifestyle, alfresco dining and, most importantly, miles of beautiful beaches.

The largest and most popular of the Balearics is the island of Mallorca (sometimes spelled as "Majorca"), which sees 10 million-plus visitors each year, with the majority coming from mainland Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom. While the island can be visited year-round, it is especially popular during the months of May to September when daily temperatures top 90 degrees Fahrenheit and Europeans flock south to escape the heat of their home cities.

There are 262 beaches dotted around this surprisingly large island. It will take you six hours to drive around the island's perimeter, so if you're short on time, just focus on one region of the island rather than trying to see the whole place in just a few days.

So many beaches spread out over such a large geographical area means there is plenty of space for everyone, especially if you know where to look.

With the first nonstop flights from the U.S. to Mallorca commencing this summer, Americans can now easily discover what makes this slice of the Mediterranean so magical.

Here are the eight most beautiful beaches on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

Es Trenc

You'll need a keen sense of adventure to make it to one of the most beautiful beaches on the southeast coast of the island. It's easiest to reach by car but the closest parking lot requires navigating a tricky, winding dirt road. You'll need to arrive early during summer or this already narrow parking lot entrance road becomes even narrower with cars flanking each side, which can be hair raising if you're driving a rental car you're unfamiliar with — especially when you invariably hit an unexpected pothole.

It's well worth the effort though. My jaw drops each time the scrub clears and I step out onto the soft, white sand beach that stretches for miles in either direction with shimmering aqua-blue water. It is my favorite beach in Mallorca. Tourists and locals alike flock here but there is so much space I've never found it crowded — finding a place to park is the hardest part of your day.

This beach is the definition of unspoiled, with no accommodations within walking distance and virtually no other conveniences on the beach besides the very occasional hut selling cold drinks and light snacks. It's best to pack enough supplies for the day as these huts are miles apart and may not have exactly what you are looking for.

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There's also very little shade (i.e. no swaying palm trees to rest under) and the sun gets hot in the middle of the day, so remember to bring your own umbrella or sun shade and sunscreen.

Cala Tuent

Near the Serra de Tramuntana mountain ranges on the western side of the island is a small, sheltered cove beach that's only about 300 feet wide. There's no sand here — instead the beach is covered with white pebbles and other rocks, so remember to wear sturdy shoes if you have sensitive feet. Expect this beach to be very quiet as it is more difficult to reach — the main tourist buses do not stop here — but its beauty rewards the journey.

Even by car, it's tricky to get to, as you'll need to navigate a series of snaking mountain roads to reach it. It's a slow journey, especially if you get stuck behind a bus.

In fact, the beach is best accessed by boat. There are no facilities here so, BYO everything. If you're happy to sit further back from the ocean there are plenty of pine trees for shade.

You may see some nudist bathers at Cala Tuent, enjoying the sunshine and the clothing-optional vibe in quieter periods.

Related: Ibiza, Mallorca or Menorca: How to choose the right Balearic Island for your vacation

Formentor

Though you're unlikely to see any palm trees on the island of Mallorca (you'll need to head to the Caribbean for that), Formentor Beach does give off a Caribbean feel thanks to its native Mallorcan pine trees swaying over the beach that provide shade and add to its picturesque appeal.

There's a thin strip of soft white sand almost 3,000 feet long, clear, shallow water that's great for small children and a buffet restaurant on-site. This beach also features the famous Hotel Formentor, which has welcomed famous guests including Audrey Hepburn and Charlie Chaplin.

Located around 8 miles from Puerto Pollensa (which also makes this list) on the very northern tip of Mallorca, this is an easy day out if you are staying near Pollensa (or Pollença). I loved the contrast between the aqua blue water near the shore and the stunningly deep royal blue water further out — it's a really beautiful bay to explore and enjoy.

Caló d’es Moro

The secret is out about this tiny yet heavenly beach on the southeast of the island. It's an Instagrammer's dream, leading to a surge in popularity. With only a limited amount of space, it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. It's not well marked with signs so you may want to just follow the crowds if you are struggling to find it.

The beach is sheltered from both waves and winds — but it will likely be so crowded you may not want to stay all day. Still, its beauty means it should be on your list, even if just for a perfect #takemeback photo opportunity.

During the pandemic, access was limited to ensure social distancing, and the beach was so popular people waited in line for hours to enter. This summer, restrictions have been loosened, so it should be back to full capacity.

Related: How the new Balearic Islands' sustainability laws could change your next holiday

Puerto Pollensa

On the northwest coast is one of the most charming, sleepy beachside villages you will find on Mallorca. The promenade is a lovely spot to meander with no set plans – you won't be hassled by storekeepers or restaurant staff trying to drag you into their stores and secure your business.

There are a handful of boutique hotels, some of which allocate small, privately owned sunbathing spaces for their guests on the beach. If you're not staying at one but like the look of a spot to catch some rays, you can always negotiate a rate to hire a lounge chair for the day.

I especially love the ability to enjoy a meal on some of the stone piers that stretch out into the water. This gives you a great view of both the water and beach behind you. Don't be in a hurry for a meal or drink here — it's quite a walk for the staff back to the kitchen.

The sand here is not the best on the island, but what makes this area great is the gentle balance between convenience and relaxation — it's easy to find a nice meal or an aperitif in the sunshine but equally easy to find a quiet spot to work on your tan or read a book.

Related: Beware of this common travel scam in Spain's Palma de Mallorca

Cala Pi

On the southern tip of Mallorca, within striking distance of the capital of Palma and around a 40-minute drive from the island's airport, is the narrow but deep cove of Cala Pi. It was the first human settlement on the island of Mallorca thanks to its natural protection from the elements. It remains quiet and peaceful, with a fine white sand beach nestled between two cliffs covered with Aleppo pine trees. This makes it ideal for families both on the sand and in the water.

There's free parking and a lifeguard on duty during summer periods. Because of its small size it is best to arrive well before midday to secure both a parking space and a prime position on this fairly small, sandy area.

You will need to climb down almost 150 steps to reach the beach, so it's not ideal for those with accessibility issues or with small children who aren't able to walk up or down that many stairs just yet.

Cala Modrago

On the southeast side of the island, this beach ticks lots of boxes. It's inside the Mondragó Natural Park — so protected from large-scale development — and there's soft, white sand and clear, light blue water.

There are two bars and restaurants here, providing just enough amenities without the space feeling overdeveloped. Kids can enjoy an on-site playground if they somehow get bored of playing on the beach or in the water that gently laps the shoreline. Keep an eye out for local hedgehogs in the pine forest behind the beach. There's parking, but be prepared for a bit of hike between the parking lot and the beach.

There are also some great hiking trails for those looking to burn off all that paella. The beauty of the trails is that the further you go, the more likely you are to find a private beach with no one else around.

Alcudia

Alcudia is a built-up area with lots of large-scale accommodation options, including the first all-inclusive resort I ever stayed in. It's not the most tranquil or unspoiled beach on this list but it makes the cut because it's both very convenient and very comfortable. Even with so many tourists staying nearby there is plenty of room for everyone won this wide and deep white sand beach.

You don't need to pack a full day's food and drinks with you at this beach since there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, as well as convenience stores for a cheap drink and snack or if you decide to upgrade your towel game. For those days when you can't be bothered exploring and just want everything within easy reach, Alcudia is a wise choice.

Related: Are Spanish all-inclusives really ditching limitless booze? Only if you go to these places…

How to get to Mallorca using points and miles

United will launch three times weekly flights between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) starting on June 3 with the following schedule:

• UA236 EWR 9:05 p.m. departure ⇒ PMI 11:10 a.m. arrival (Leaves Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, arrives the following morning on the island).
• UA237 PMI 12:55 p.m. departure ⇒ EWR 4:10 p.m. arrival (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday).

This will be the first and only nonstop flight between the U.S. and Mallorca and will add to United’s existing service to Madrid and Barcelona. Service will be operated by one of United’s “standard” Boeing 767-300ERs (as opposed to the premium “high-J” variant) that does not feature a Premium Plus premium economy cabin.

You can book this flight for 30,000 United MileagePlus miles in coach, or 60,000 miles in business class plus $5.60 in fees and taxes each way. There's good availability in coach but very limited availability in business class at this level, even though this is a brand new, seasonal route.

Related: 30 ways to earn miles with the United MileagePlus program

While many European airlines fly to Mallorca via their respective hubs, one of the easiest ways is to fly Iberia via Madrid. Iberia operates to Madrid from New York City, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Using Iberia Plus, you can book flights from the U.S. to Mallorca (via Madrid) on Iberia from as low as 21,000 Avios one-way in economy, 30,000 Avios in premium economy or 43,000 Avios in business class on off-peak dates plus under $150 in fees, taxes and surcharges.

Related: On which airlines can I use Avios?

You can also redeem American AAdvantage miles for Iberia flights to Mallorca via Madrid. You can book economy for 30,000 miles one-way (or 22,500 off-peak) and 57,500 in business class. While potentially more expensive than the same Iberia flights booked through Iberia Plus, it can be a good way to spend your American miles — especially in business class.

Bottom line

Mallorca is a Mediterranean jewel and has long been a popular summer destination for Europeans. Even with millions of tourists a year visiting, there's plenty of space to spread out with its 262 beautiful beaches, diverse accommodation and long, hot evenings when you can enjoy a sangria and some tapas as the sun sets. The beaches are some of the best in Europe, with soft, white sand and clear, beautiful, blue water for cooling off from the hot Spanish sun.

With direct service from the U.S. commencing in June, Americans are about to find out what makes Mallorca such a great Spanish beach destination.