Beach Guide: Cala Sant Vicenç – Three Coves on Pollença’s Wild Coast
Cala Sant Vicenç – Four Little Coves, One Big View
Cala Sant Vicenç (CSV) is a compact resort north of Pollença with a dramatic mountain backdrop and ridiculously clear water. The coastline splits into small coves—Cala Barques, Cala Molins, Cala Clara and rocky Cala Carbó—each with its own mood. From Palma Cathedral it’s around 70–80 minutes by car (≈64–68 km) via Ma-13 to Pollença and the short hop through Port de Pollença to CSV. We treat it as a base for lazy swims, snorkelling along rocky edges and late-afternoon photos when the cliffs glow.
🧭 Getting There from Palma
| From Palma | Time | Notes |
| Drive (Ma-13 → Pollença → Port de Pollença → CSV) | ~70–80 min | Street/lot parking around each cove; fills late morning in July–August. |
| Bus (via Pollença/Port de Pollença) | ~1 hr 50–2 hr 10 | Connections vary by season; confirm same-day timings. |
| Nearby | — | Port de Pollença (10–15 min) • Pollença (15–20 min) • Mirador es Colomer (15–20 min) • Formentor Beach (30–35 min) |
🏖️ Cove-by-Cove Snapshot
| Cove | Vibe | Best For | Notes |
| Cala Barques | Old-school, scenic | First dips, photos | Mixed pebble/sand, rocky edges for snorkel. |
| Cala Molins | Deep turquoise | Longer swims | Sandy entry, often best clarity; seasonal rentals. |
| Cala Clara | Tiny & quiet | Quick cool-offs | Small, shallow; limited space. |
| Cala Carbó (rocky) | Raw & wild | Sunbathing slabs | No sand; superb snorkel on calm days. |
🎯 What to Do Around Cala Sant Vicenç
🏊 String Together a Three-Cove Swim
Start at Cala Molins for the easiest sandy entry, then amble to Cala Barques and finish with a quick plunge at petite Cala Clara. Early mornings bring the clearest water.
🤿 Snorkel the Rocky Shoulders
All coves have fishy corners over Posidonia and rock shelves. Hug the edges, stay inside buoys and avoid boat channels. Calm days = best visibility.
🧘 Pine-Shade Basecamp
Where trees reach the shore (especially near Barques), shift your towel with the moving shade. Bring a light mat and plenty of water.
📸 Golden-Hour Cliffs
The Tramuntana backdrop fires up late afternoon. Pair a CSV swim with viewpoint stops like Mirador es Colomer for blue-on-blue panoramas.
🚶 Cove Strolls & Café Breaks
Slip between coves on the promenade, punctuating swims with coffee or an ice cream. For a bigger dining scene, head to Port de Pollença after your last dip.
🍴 Where to Eat & Drink
You’ll find casual cafés and seaside restaurants right behind the coves—easy for coffee runs, paella lunches and gelato. For more variety, harbourside dining in Port de Pollença is 10–15 minutes away; evening tapas in Pollença town makes a lovely add-on after beachtime.
🛏️ Where to Stay
| Stay Type | Good For | Base |
| Seafront apartments | Roll-out-of-bed swims | Cala Sant Vicenç |
| Promenade hotels | Sunset walks, family access | Port de Pollença |
| Townhouse stays | Character evenings, markets | Pollença |
| Resort strip | Long sandy walks, kids’ clubs | Platja d’Alcúdia |
🗓️ A Simple CSV Day Plan
| Time | Plan |
| 09:15 | Park by Cala Molins; first swim |
| 10:45 | Snorkel Molins’ rocky edge; coffee stop |
| 12:15 | Move to Cala Barques for shade and lunch |
| 15:00 | Quick dip at Cala Clara; dry in the breeze |
| 16:30 | Drive to Mirador es Colomer for photos |
| 18:00 | Early dinner on Port de Pollença promenade |
🦺 Safety & Practicalities
- Mixed seabeds (sand/pebble/rock): water shoes are helpful.
- Depth varies quickly in places; supervise kids closely.
- No large sandy expanses—space can be tight at peak.
- Respect swim zones and vessels at cove mouths.
- Summer jellyfish days happen—scan the shoreline before committing to a spot.
- Pack out all rubbish; winds funnel down the valleys in the afternoon.
❓ FAQ – Cala Sant Vicenç
Which cove is best for families?
Cala Molins has the easiest sandy entry and most space; Barques is fine with water shoes.
Are there sunbeds and parasols?
Seasonal rentals appear at Molins; bring backup shade for Barques/Clara.
Is snorkelling good here?
Yes—rocky shoulders at all coves, best on calm mornings.
How busy does it get?
Peak 11:00–16:00 in July–August. Arrive early or plan a late-day swim.
Can I walk between coves?
Yes—promenade links them in minutes; bring flip-flops for hot paving.
🔎 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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