Beach Guide: Cala Figuera (Formentor)
Overview & How This One Differs
There are two “Cala Figuera”s in Mallorca. This guide is for the rocky cove on the Formentor peninsula (near Pollença), not the fishing village in the southeast. Expect deep, ultra-clear water, a pebble/rock shore and zero facilities — pure Tramuntana scenery. From Palma Cathedral it’s ~70–80 minutes via Ma-13 → Pollença → Formentor road.
- Best for confident swimmers & snorkellers who like wild coves.
- No services: bring water, shade, reef-safe sunscreen and sturdy shoes.
- Check seasonal road restrictions to Cap de Formentor (summer shuttle periods).
🏖️ Beach at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Shoreline | Pebble/rock cove; quick step into deep water |
| Water | Exceptional clarity; blue drop-offs |
| Facilities | None (no lifeguards, no kiosks) |
| Shade | Some natural shade from pines (limited; moves with the sun) |
| Best Time | 08:30–11:00 for calm, clear conditions |
| Who It Suits | Strong swimmers, snorkellers, photographers, hikers |
🚗 Getting There from Palma
| Mode | Time | Notes |
| Drive | ~70–80 min | Ma-13 → Pollença → Ma-2210 (Formentor road). Summer access controls may apply near Cap de Formentor; plan for shuttle/bus windows and limited parking near trailheads. |
| Bus (seasonal) | Varies | Summer shuttle services operate along the Formentor road; check same-day timetables and stop names in Pollença/Port de Pollença. |
| Taxi | From Port de Pollença | Useful for early drop-offs; arrange a fixed pick-up time due to limited coverage at the cove. |
Parking & access: Small informal areas and roadside lay-bys can fill fast; arrive early. Wear grippy shoes for the final rocky approach.
🤿 Snorkelling & Swimming
- Entry points: Use the flattest rock shelves mid-cove; avoid slippery algae patches.
- Routes: Follow either headland for rocky drop-offs with bream, wrasse and occasional barracuda schools.
- Safety: No lifeguards; swell and boat traffic can vary. Fly a snorkel buoy if venturing out from the cove.
🥾 Short Walks & Viewpoints
- Cove Perimeter: A 10–15 min wander along the rocks gives big-blue photo angles back to the bay.
- Nearby Pins: Combine the beach with Mirador es Colomer or a coastal stop near Formentor Beach for a softer sand finish to the day.
🍽️ Food & Supplies (Plan Ahead)
No vendors at the cove. Stock up in Port de Pollença (bakeries, supermarkets) before the drive. A simple plan: early swim → picnic brunch in the pines → late-morning photo stop at a viewpoint.
🛏️ Where to Stay
| Base | Good For | Why It Works |
| Port de Pollença | Beach town vibe + early starts | Closest services, easy provisioning and cafés |
| Pollença Town | Character stays | Historic centre; quick hop to Formentor road |
| Alcúdia / Platja d’Alcúdia | Families, long sands | Wide beach days + north-coast access |
🎒 What to Bring
- Sturdy water shoes or sandals (rocky entry).
- Mask, snorkel, short fins; snorkel buoy recommended.
- Shade kit (compact umbrella) + plenty of water.
- Dry bag, basic first-aid/blister kit, and a rubbish bag (pack out everything).
🦺 Safety & Practicalities
- No lifeguards; assess conditions on arrival and avoid strong swell days.
- Sharp rocks/urchins: step carefully; don’t grab submerged rocks.
- Summer sun is fierce; plan early or late and avoid midday exposure.
- Respect the environment: stick to existing paths, leave no trace.
🗺️ Map
❓ FAQ
Is this the same as Cala Figuera (Santanyí)?
No. This is the Formentor peninsula cove in the north; the Santanyí village is in the southeast.
Sand or pebbles?
Mostly pebbles and rock shelves. Bring water shoes.
Family-friendly?
Only for water-confident families used to rocky entries and no facilities. For easier sand days, try Formentor Beach or Platja d’Alcúdia.
When does the Formentor road restriction apply?
Summer seasons typically use timed vehicle controls with shuttle services. Plan your logistics around these windows.
📢 Live Beach Conditions
Before you go, check flags, access notes and sea conditions via our Platges de Balears Guide (live conditions resource).
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