Beach Guide: Cala Anguila, Cala Mendia & Cala Romàntica (East Coast Trio)
Three East-Coast Coves Near Porto Cristo – Anguila, Mendia & Romàntica
On Mallorca’s east coast just south of Porto Cristo, three neighbouring coves line up like shells on a string. Cala Anguila is the smallest and most intimate. Cala Mendia sits in the middle with a broad, family-friendly arc of sand. Cala Romàntica (S’Estany d’en Mas) is the largest, with a resort backdrop and the easiest services.
From Palma Cathedral, it’s about 60–65 minutes by car (≈63–68 km) on the Ma-15, making these calas simple for a beach day with options.
🏖️ Beach Overview
| Detail | Anguila | Mendia | Romàntica |
| Look & vibe | Pocket-size cove, cliffs close in; calm mornings | Wide sandy bay; lively but not crowded off-peak | Biggest bay; classic beach-day setup |
| Sand & entry | Fine sand, quick access | Soft sand, gentle slope | Soft sand, easiest wade-in |
| Best for | Early swims, snorkeling the rocks | Families, day-long lounging | Facilities, stroller-friendlier access |
| Shade & wind | Limited shade, sheltered early | Some natural shade morning/late | Open; bring shade in summer |
| Food & services | Seasonal kiosk nearby | Seasonal chiringuito & rentals (in season) | Multiple options along the promenade |
🎯 Things to Do Around the Trio
🏊 Cove-to-Cove Swims
Pick the calmest bay (usually mornings) and trace the inside line along the cliffs. Stay well within the buoyed swim zone.
🤿 Snorkel the Rocky Shoulders
Each cove has rocky mouths with clear water and fish life. Enter from sand, then skirt the edges for the best visibility.
🚶 Short Coastal Walks
Footpaths on the headlands link Anguila ↔ Mendia ↔ Romàntica. Expect light ups-and-downs, trainers recommended in summer heat.
🧺 Picnic & Beach-Hop
Rotate coves as the wind shifts: start at Anguila for serenity, move to Mendia for space, end at Romàntica for an easy post-swim drink.
📷 Cliff & Water-Colour Shots
Mid-morning brings peak turquoise. Late afternoon adds warm tones to the limestone ledges — great for portraits and detail shots.
🍴 Eat & Drink
You’ll find seasonal beach spots at Cala Romàntica and Cala Mendia, plus cafés and bakeries in Porto Cristo. For a bigger post-beach meal, Manacor is close enough for a detour on the Ma-15.
🛏 Where to Stay
| Stay Type | Why Choose It | Best Base |
| Beach hotels & apartments | Walk-to-sand convenience, family rooms | Cala Romàntica / Cala Mendia |
| Boutique & agroturismo | Quiet pools, countryside calm | Manacor hinterland |
| Harbour-town stays | Evening strolls, dining variety | Porto Cristo |
How busy does it get?
High in July–August, especially 11:00–16:00. Mornings and late afternoons are quieter.
Any shade on the sand?
Little natural shade. Bring an umbrella or canopy, especially for Anguila/Romàntica.
🚗 Getting There from Palma
| From Palma | Time | Notes |
| Drive (Ma-15 → Porto Cristo area) | ~60–65 min | Signposted turns to each cove; limited street/lot parking — arrive early in summer. |
| Bus | ~2 hr+ | Buses reach Porto Cristo, Mallorca, then local taxi to your chosen cala. |
| Taxi from Palma | ~€80–90 one-way | Cost-effective for groups; confirm return pickup in high season. |
Nearby: Caves of Drach • Cala Varques Beach Guide • Porto Cristo
🦺 Safety & Practicalities
Lifeguard cover is seasonal and varies by cove. Swell and chop build with afternoon sea breezes — plan swims for mornings. Jellyfish can appear after onshore winds; check conditions before you go. Rock shelves are sharp in places; water shoes help if you like to explore. Parking is limited in July–August; early arrival (before 10:00) pays off.
🗺️ Map
Which cove is best for families?
Cala Mendia and Cala Romàntica have the gentlest entries and most space; Mendia feels a touch calmer.
Can I rent sunbeds or a pedalò?
In season, yes at Mendia/Romàntica (limited and first-come). Anguila is more low-key.
Is snorkeling good here?
Yes — best at the rocky edges of each cove. Enter from the sand and stay inside buoy lines.
🔎 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.
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