Beach Guide: Cala Torta & Cala Mitjana (Artà)
Cala Torta & Cala Mitjana – Artà’s Wild Twin Coves
On Mallorca’s northeast tip, the Artà coastline keeps its edges rugged and quiet. Cala Torta is the headline cove: a broad scoop of pale sand with luminous blue water. A coastal path leads round to smaller Cala Mitjana — more secluded, with rock shelves perfect for a mask-and-snorkel morning.
From Palma Cathedral it’s roughly 1 hr 20 min by car (≈82 km) via Ma-15 to Artà, then the Ma-3333 country road and a final rough track. Shade is scarce, services are minimal, and the sea feels gloriously big.
🌊 Why People Love It
| Detail | Cala Torta & Cala Mitjana |
| Setting | Low, scrubby hills, pine pockets, and open sea — nothing overbuilt |
| Sand & Water | Torta: wide sandy apron, gentle underfoot; Mitjana: smaller cove with sandy pocket and rocky fringes |
| Vibe | Wild-but-accessible; early swimmers, hikers, snorkellers, photographers |
| Facilities | Usually none (no fixed sunbeds); bring everything you need |
| Best Light | Calm, clear mornings; late-afternoon tones on rock and scrub |
| Good For | Hike-in beach day, drift swims, snorkeling the shoulders, quiet picnics |
🎯 Things to Do at Cala Torta & Cala Mitjana
🏊 Open-Water Drifts at Cala Torta
Pick a relaxed line parallel to the shore inside the buoys. Mornings are glassy; by early afternoon a sea breeze can lift chop. Always swim to conditions.
🤿 Snorkel the Rocky Mouths
Both coves have clear, fishy corners near their mouths. Enter from sand, then skirt rock shelves to spot wrasse, bream and shy octopus holes. Stay well inside buoyed areas.
🚶 Coast Path to Cala Mitjana (and Estreta)
From the right-hand side of Cala Torta, a coastal path (≈20–25 min) winds to Cala Mitjana; another short hop reaches Cala Estreta. Good shoes help over uneven limestone.
🧘 Find Your Own Patch of Shade
Low pines cast little islands of shadow behind the beach. Mobile shade (umbrella or tarp) makes midsummer hours far easier.
📷 Wild-Edge Photography
This coastline is all texture: pale dunes, juniper, stone shelves and that impossible blue. Early or late light keeps glare low and colours rich.
🍴 Eat & Drink
There are no reliable services on the sand. Pack a cool bag, plenty of water and easy picnic food; carry out everything you carry in. For a sit-down meal before or after the beach, aim for Artà, Cala Ratjada, Cala Mesquida Beach, or Canyamel, — each has casual seafood, tapas and bakeries.
🛏 Where to Stay
| Stay Type | Why Choose It | Base |
| Agroturismos & rural fincas | Quiet pools, country views, easy Artà access | Artà |
| Beach hotels & family resorts | On-site pools, restaurants, kids’ clubs | Cala Mesquida / Cala Ratjada |
| Boutique village stays | Evening strolls to dinner, heritage streets | Artà / Capdepera |
🚗 Getting There from Palma
| From Palma | Time | Notes |
| Drive (Ma-15 → Artà → Ma-3333) | ~1 hr 20 min | Final stretch is a rough track; standard cars are fine if you go slow. Park on the dirt by Cala Torta, then walk 5–10 min to the sand. |
| Walk to Cala Mitjana | +20–25 min | Coastal path starts at the right-hand side of Cala Torta; uneven limestone, sturdy footwear recommended. |
| Public transport | Not practical | Buses reach Artà; from there you’d need a taxi. Self-drive is best. |
Nearby: Artà • Cala Ratjada • Cala Mesquida • Cala Agulla • Colònia de Sant Pere • Betlem
🦺 Safety & Practicalities
This is an exposed coastline. On north/east wind days, shore break and currents can build quickly — if in doubt, don’t go out. No regular lifeguard presence. Phone signal can be patchy behind the dunes; tell someone your plan. Limited natural shade; hats and high-SPF are your friends. Rock shelves can be sharp — water shoes help. Nudism is casually accepted on quieter corners, especially near Mitjana/Estreta. Pack extra water and a small first-aid pouch.
🗺️ Map
❓ FAQ – Cala Torta & Cala Mitjana
Is this suitable for families?
With older, confident swimmers — yes. Small kids may struggle with chop and the walk-in. Shade and water are essential.
Are there sunbeds, showers or a beach bar?
No fixed services. Treat it as a natural beach day and bring everything you need.
How long is the walk to Cala Mitjana?
Around 20–25 minutes from Cala Torta along an uneven coastal path; allow longer in heat.
What’s parking like?
Dirt parking near Cala Torta fills by late morning in July–August. Early arrival or late-day sessions help.
Can I snorkel here?
Absolutely — the clearest water hugs the rocky shoulders. Enter from sand, stay well inside buoy lines and avoid boat channels.
🔎 Live Beach Conditions
For water quality, jellyfish alerts, accessibility and safety flags, use the official Platges de Balears app/tool before you go. See our Platges de Balears Guide.
📚 Related Guides (good companions for your trip)
- Artà, Mallorca
- Cala Mesquida Beach Guide
- Cala Agulla Beach Guide
- Cala Ratjada, Mallorca
- Colònia de Sant Pere, Mallorca
- Betlem, Mallorca
- The Best Beaches of Mallorca
- Hidden Beaches of Mallorca – 12 Secret Calas
From the heart of Palma to the soul of Mallorca.
