Beach Guide: Cala Marmassen & Cala Fonoll (Port d’Andratx)

Guide

Why It’s Worth It

Two compact coves tucked into the headlands of Port d’Andratx, minutes from the waterfront. Cala Marmassen = rock platforms and deep, clear water; Cala Fonoll = small pebble pocket with rocky entries. No lifeguards, no sand — come for swims, snorkel shelves and low-key afternoons a short drive from Palma.

Closest base: Port d’Andratx promenade (cafés, sunset drinks)
Best for: confident swimmers, snorkellers, couples, low-key crews
Not ideal for: prams, shade-seekers, “build-a-castle” beach days

🚗 Getting There & Parking

From Palma: ~35–45 min via Ma-1 → Ma-1C to Port d’Andratx, then local streets.

Where to park

Cala Marmassen: Street parking on Carrer de Cala Marmassen / Carrer Malgrats; short downhill path and steps to the rock ledges. Arrive early in July–August.
Cala Fonoll: Street/blue-zone spots around Avinguda Gabriel Roca i Garcías and nearby lanes; signed footpath down to the cove.

Public transport: TIB buses to Port d’Andratx, then 10–20 minutes on foot depending on the cove.
Accessibility: Stepped/rocky approaches — not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

🧜‍♂️ Swim & Snorkel

Marmassen: Deep, clear water right off the slabs. Enter via natural steps; water shoes help. Best snorkel lines hug the right-hand headland (facing the sea): ledges, bream, wrasse and posidonia edges.

Fonoll: Pebble/rock entry with a quick drop-off. Snorkel either wall; visibility is best on still mornings.

Safety notes

No lifeguards; avoid in swell or strong onshores.
Cliff-jumping happens at Marmassen — inspect depth, avoid crowds, and never jump near snorkellers.
Bring a buoy if you drift further out; boat traffic increases on summer afternoons.

🧺 What to Bring

Water shoes, mask + snorkel, light mat/towel (no sand)
Sun protection (little to no natural shade)
Small cooler with water/snacks — there are no services on the rocks

🍽️ Where to Eat & Drink (nearby in Port d’Andratx)

Waterfront cafés for brunch or coffee pre-/post-swim
Seafood terraces along the promenade for late lunch or sunset dinners
Gelato/ice-cream stops within a 10–15 minute walk from both coves

🛏️ Where to Stay

Port d’Andratx — walkable dining, sunset vibe, short taxi hops to coves
Camp de Mar — family beach days plus a quick drive to Andratx coves
Palma — city base with easy day-trip flexibility

🧭 Day Plan from Palma

Morning: Drive to Port d’Andratx → Marmassen swim/snorkel (09:30–11:30)
Lunch: Waterfront terrace in the port
Afternoon: Short hop to Fonoll for a second dip; promenade stroll and sunset drink
Evening: Return to Palma or dine in the port

🗺️ Maps & Useful Pins

Cala Marmassen

Cala Fonoll

❓ FAQ

Is there any sand at Cala Marmassen or Cala Fonoll?

No. Both are rocky coves (Fonoll has pebbles). Bring water shoes and plan on slab/rock entries.

Are these coves suitable for families with small children?

Only if everyone is confident in the water and comfortable with rocky footing. For sand and lifeguards, choose Camp de Mar or Palmanova’s beaches nearby.