Beach Guide: Formentor Beach (Platja de Formentor) – Pine Shade & Turquoise Water
Formentor’s Pine-Fringed Bay – Clear, Calm & Family-Friendly
Formentor Beach is the north’s showpiece: silky, pale sand, glassy turquoise water, and fragrant pines that throw natural shade right onto the shoreline. It feels far-flung yet accessible—about 70–80 minutes by car from Palma Cathedral (≈68 km) via the Ma-13 to Pollença and the scenic peninsula road toward Cap de Formentor. We treat it as a full beach day or pair it with viewpoints like Mirador es Colomer.
🧭 Getting There from Palma
| From Palma | Time | Notes |
| Drive (Ma-13 → Pollença → Port de Pollença → Formentor) | ~70–80 min | Paid parking near the beach; spaces limited in peak hours. Seasonal traffic controls may apply—arrive early. |
| Bus (via Pollença / Port de Pollença) | ~1 hr 45–2 hr | Summer shuttle services often run toward Formentor; check same-day schedules. |
| Nearby | — | Port de Pollença (15–20 min) • Mirador es Colomer (10–15 min) • Cap de Formentor (Lighthouse farther along) |
🏝️ Beach at a Glance
Formentor is long and beautifully segmented by pine groves and small jetties. The seabed is a gentle mix of sand with some seagrass patches—great for snorkelling edges, mellow for kids (when seas are calm). Sunbeds/parasols are limited and seasonal; many regulars bring a light mat, umbrella and a cool bag. Expect crowds late morning in July–August.
🎯 What to Do at Formentor Beach
🏊 Family Swims in Sheltered Water
Shallow, sandy entry with generally calm conditions—perfect for unhurried laps and splash time. Early mornings offer the clearest, quietest water.
🤿 Snorkel the Piney Shoulders
Work the rocky ends and over Posidonia meadows to spot bream and wrasse. Best visibility sits nearer the cove mouths—stay well inside swim buoys.
🏄 SUP at First Light
Launch before the sea breeze builds. Glide along the tree-lined shore toward the quieter ends of the beach; give wide berth to swimmers and boat moorings.
🌲 Pine-Needle Picnics & Shade-Hopping
Natural shade is Formentor’s superpower. Shift your towel with the moving shade rather than renting a parasol. Mind roots and signed protected areas.
📸 Viewpoints Combo
Pair the beach with Mirador es Colomer for cliff panoramas, or time a late drive toward Cap de Formentor for golden-hour photos. For lighthouse details, see Formentor Lighthouse and Cap de Formentor.
🍴 Where to Eat & Drink
On the sand you’ll find seasonal kiosks and simple beachfront spots (hours vary by month). For a wider choice—harbourfront tapas, seafood and gelato—pop to Port de Pollença. We often cool off with a last swim, then head there for an early dinner.
🛏️ Where to Stay (Best Bases)
| Stay Type | Good For | Base |
| Seafront hotels & apartments | Beach-first holidays, sunset strolls | Port de Pollença |
| Historic townhouse stays | Evening plazas, dining variety | Pollença |
| Resort convenience | Long sandy walks, family facilities | Platja d’Alcúdia |
| City culture | Museums, restaurants, day trips | Palma |
🗓️ Easy Day Plan from Palma
| Time | Plan |
| 08:30 | Drive Palma → Port de Pollença → Formentor; park early |
| 09:45 | First swim & shade set-up under the pines |
| 11:15 | Snorkel the rocky edge; SUP session if you brought one |
| 13:00 | Picnic in the shade; siesta |
| 15:30 | Final swim then drive to Mirador es Colomer for photos |
| 17:30 | Early dinner on the promenade in Port de Pollença; return to Palma |
🦺 Safety & Practicalities (specific to Formentor)
- Seasonal controls: Road/parking restrictions can apply in summer—arrive early and follow local signage.
- Shade smart: Pine roots and cones are natural trip hazards; place towels carefully.
- Seabed mix: Mostly sand with some Posidonia patches; water shoes optional but handy near rocks.
- Swim zones: Stay inside buoys and clear of boat moorings and jetties.
- Facilities: Sunbeds/parasols limited; bring water, snacks and a small rubbish bag—pack everything out.
- Jellyfish days: Occasionally present; scan the shoreline and ask lifeguards when on duty.
❓ FAQ – Formentor Beach
Is it good for families?
Yes—gentle, sandy entry and natural shade. Supervise kids: it can deepen in sections and gets busy in peak summer.
Are there sunbeds and a beach bar?
Limited seasonal rentals and simple kiosks. Bring backup shade and water.
How crowded does it get?
High in July–August from late morning. Aim for 08:30–10:30 arrivals or late-day swims after 16:30.
Can I snorkel or paddleboard here?
Yes—snorkel the rocky ends; launch SUP early before breeze/chop.
What about parking?
Paid and limited near the beach; fills fast. Consider arriving early or using summer shuttle options via Port de Pollença.
🔎 Live Beach & Water Conditions
For water quality, jellyfish alerts, accessibility and safety flags, use the official Platges de Balears app/tool before you go. Check our Platges de Balears Guide.
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