Beach Guide: Coll Baix — Alcúdia’s Wild Hike-In Cove
Coll Baix (Platja des Coll Baix) is an untamed pocket of the Alcúdia peninsula: teal water, pebble-sand underfoot, cliffs on both sides, and no facilities. From Palma Cathedral it’s roughly 60 minutes by car (≈62 km via Ma-13) to the trailhead above the cove; from there, a 25–40 minute hike (downhill out, uphill back) delivers you to one of North Mallorca’s most rewarding swims. Bring water, shade, and good footwear — there’s nothing for sale once you leave the car.
🏖️ Beach Snapshot
Small, crescent-shaped cove with coarse sand and pebbles; steep, scenic backdrop; typically clear water with excellent visibility for snorkeling. No lifeguard, no services, and limited natural shade until late afternoon. Expect a wilder vibe than Alcúdia’s long family beaches or Playa de Muro.
📍 Location & Getting There
| From Palma | Time | Notes |
| Drive (Ma-13 → Alcúdia → Ermita/Coll Baix track) | ~60 min | Paved most of the way; final lane is narrow/rutted. Park at “Área Recreativa del Coll Baix” and hike. |
| Hike to beach | 25–40 min | Rocky, uneven path; moderate fitness; uphill return is sweaty in summer. |
| Taxi (to trailhead) | ~€85–95 one-way | Arrange a pickup time; no coverage at beach. |
| Boat/Kayak (from Port d’Alcúdia) | 15–30 min | Stunning approach; watch swell and anchoring zones. |
Nearby: Alcúdia, Port d’Alcúdia, Pollença, Cap de Formentor
🏛️ Things to Do at Coll Baix
🏊 Long, Clear-Water Swims
Set an easy shoreline loop or cross-cove swim on calm mornings. Visibility is often superb until the afternoon breeze lifts a chop.
🤿 Snorkel the Rocky Shoulders
Both sides hold boulders and Posidonia meadows that attract fish. Stay inside swim buoys and away from occasional boat approaches.
🧗 Mini-Scramble & Lookouts
Short scrambles on stable rock (away from edges) deliver dramatic views back over the beach — best for photos in late light.
🧘 Shade-Chasing Lounge
There’s little natural shade; use the cliff’s afternoon shadow and a small beach tent. Pebbles are comfy with a mat; water shoes help.
🛶 Boat-In Picnic
Arriving by small boat or kayak from Port d’Alcúdia turns the day into a mini-adventure. Land well clear of swimmers and seagrass.
🍴 Eat & Drink
Nothing on the beach. Pack plenty of water (minimum 1.5–2 L per person in summer) and a picnic. For post-swim meals or supplies, head to Alcúdia or Port d’Alcúdia.
🛏️ Where to Stay
| Stay Type | Good For | Base Area |
| Beach Resorts/Apartments | Families & convenience | Port d’Alcúdia, Playa de Muro |
| Boutique Town Hotels | Historic charm + dining | Alcúdia old town |
| Nature Stays/Agroturismos | Quiet pools & countryside | Inland around Pollença |
🧭 Suggested Half-Day Plan
| Time | Plan |
| 08:30 | Drive Palma → Coll Baix trailhead; park and gear up |
| 09:15 | Hike down; first swim before wind picks up |
| 11:00 | Snorkel the right-hand rocks; picnic in emerging shade |
| 12:30 | Hike out before peak heat |
| 13:15 | Lunch/gelato in Alcúdia or Port d’Alcúdia |
🚗 Getting There from Palma (Practical Notes)
- Ma-13 motorway to Alcúdia; follow signs toward the La Victoria/Coll Baix area.
- Final approach is a narrow rural lane with some ruts; drive slowly.
- Park at the recreational area; do not block forest tracks or turning circles.
- Mobile coverage is patchy; download maps beforehand.
🦺 Safety & Practicalities
- Surf/Surge: Swell can reflect off cliffs — assess before swimming.
- Footing: Rocky, uneven path; grippy shoes are essential.
- Sun/Heat: No services; bring shade, water, and electrolytes in summer.
- Kids: Confident swimmers only; pebbles and drop-offs require close supervision.
- Waste: Pack everything out; this is a protected, pristine corner.
🗺️ Map
🔎 Check Live Beach Conditions
For water quality, jellyfish alerts, accessibility and safety flags, use the official Platges de Balears app/tool before you go. See Platges de Balears Guide.
❓ FAQ – Coll Baix
Is there any shade?
Limited. Afternoon cliff shade creeps across parts of the beach; bring your own sun shelter.
How long is the hike?
25–40 minutes downhill to the beach; the return climb is hot and slower in summer.
Sand or stones?
Pebble-sand mix. Water shoes make entries more comfortable.
Lifeguards or services?
None — no lifeguard, no rentals, no toilets. Come prepared.
Best time to visit?
Mornings for lighter winds and clearer water; shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and easier parking.
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