Beach guide: Port des Canonge – A Quiet Fishermen’s Cove Between Esporles & Banyalbufar
From the heart of Palma to the soul of Mallorca. We come to Port des Canonge for its simple charms: a string of old boathouses, polished pebbles, and teal water spreading under pine-clad slopes. It’s a calm, local-feeling alternative to headline west-coast spots.
From Palma Cathedral, plan roughly 40 minutes by car (≈28 km) via Esporles and the Ma-10, then a steep, narrow descent to the hamlet. Compared with city beaches in Palma, this is wilder, quieter, and wonderfully low-key.
🧭 Getting There from Palma
| From Palma | Time | Notes |
| Drive (Ma-1040/1120 → Esporles → Ma-10) | ~40 min | Final road is steep and narrow with tight bends. Limited waterfront parking; arrive early on weekends. |
| Bus + Taxi | ~60–75 min | Buses reach Esporles/Banyalbufar; no direct bus to the cove. Short taxi descent for the last stretch. |
| Boat (private/charter) | Varies | Calm-day approach only. Stay clear of swimmers and boathouse ramps. |
| Nearby | — | Banyalbufar (10 min) • Esporles (20 min) • Serra de Tramuntana |
🗺️ Beach Character
A compact arc of rounded stones and cobbles with a quick drop-off to clear, cool water. No sunbed grids or loud bars — just slipways, pine shade patches at the back, and fishermen coming and going. Water shoes help; mornings are calmest for swims and SUP before the west-coast breeze arrives.
🎯 Things to Do at Port des Canonge
🏊 Unhurried, Clear-Water Swims
Glide parallel to the shore between the boathouse ramps and the cove mouth. Mornings are glassy; on swell days, keep away from rock faces.
🤿 Snorkel the Boulder Fields
The rocky shoulders and scattered boulders host schools of wrasse and bream over Posidonia. Work the edges inside the buoys and avoid boat channels.
📷 Boathouse & Pine-Edge Photos
The mix of honeyed stone, wooden doors, and teal water makes easy wins. Late afternoon brings warm light across the slipways.
🪨 Short Coast Scramble (Calm Days Only)
Explore the rocky shoreline for tiny pocket coves. Conditions change quickly on the west coast—turn back if surge builds.
🌅 Slow Sunset Session
Stay for golden hour when day-trippers thin out. The cliffs flame orange; bring a light layer as the breeze cools.
🍴 Where to Eat & Drink
Count on simple, seasonal spots beside the slipway (grilled fish, pa amb oli, cold drinks). For broader choice before or after your swim, we dine in Banyalbufar or Esporles.
🛏️ Where to Stay
| Stay Type | Good For | Base |
| Seaside village stays | Slow mornings, sunset walks | Banyalbufar |
| Boutique mountain hotels | Hiking, artful dinners | Deià / Valldemossa |
| City convenience | Culture, late dining, day trips | Palma |
🗓️ Suggested Half-Day Plan
| Time | Plan |
| 09:00 | Drive Palma → Esporles → Port des Canonge; park high if the waterfront is full |
| 10:00 | Long swim along the cove; snorkel a rocky shoulder |
| 11:30 | Boathouse photos and picnic under the pines |
| 12:30 | Coffee/lunch in Banyalbufar before the scenic Ma-10 return |
🦺 Safety & Practicalities
- Stone & cobble footing: expect rolling stones underfoot; water shoes make entries steadier.
- Slipway algae: ramps can be very slick — avoid running and don’t sit where boats launch.
- Sea urchins & shelves: around the rocky corners; watch handholds/step-downs when snorkelling.
- Quick depth & surge: the bottom drops fast; on mistral/swell days, a shore-break can form — keep back from rock faces.
- Limited shade & bins: patchy pine shade only; pack sun cover and take all rubbish out.
- Road & parking etiquette: one-lane bends with passing places; never block boathouse doors or resident access.
- Mobile signal: can be patchy in the cove; agree meet points before splitting up.
🗺️ Map
❓ FAQ – Port des Canonge
Is it good for families?
Best for confident swimmers; pebbles and quick depth can challenge toddlers. Bring shade and water shoes.
Are there sunbeds or umbrellas?
No. It’s a natural cove without rentals—pack what you need.
How crowded does it get?
Quieter than headline west-coast beaches, but weekends see a midday spike. Early or late is best.
Can I snorkel or SUP here?
Yes. Snorkel the rocky edges; launch SUP early before the breeze. Stay inside swim buoys.
What about parking?
Very limited by the water. Arrive early or park higher and walk down. Respect turning areas.
Are there restaurants?
A couple of simple seaside places; more variety in Banyalbufar and Esporles.
🔎 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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