Beach Guide: Caló des Moro & Cala s’Almunia – Instagram-Famous Coves with Tricky Access
Two Pocket Coves Worth the Walk — If You Plan Smart
On Mallorca’s southeast coast near Santanyí, Caló des Moro and Cala s’Almunia are two tiny, cliff-framed inlets with impossibly clear water. They’re beautiful, but space is minimal, access is steep, and there are no facilities. From Palma Cathedral it’s roughly 65–75 minutes by car via Ma-19 to Santanyí, then local lanes toward Es Llombards. Expect a walk (10–20 minutes) from where you park to the coves.
🏖️ Beach Profile
| Detail | Caló des Moro | Cala s’Almunia |
| Look & vibe | Small sandy pocket, white limestone walls, very busy in summer | Rock platforms & fishermen’s houses, ladders into deep water |
| Water & entry | Sandy lip with rocky sides; quick depth at the mouth | Ladder/rock entries; great for confident swimmers |
| Best for | Early-morning swims, photography, quick dips | Cliffside sunning, swims, careful snorkel laps |
| Facilities | None (no WC, no rentals, no bar) | None (no WC, no rentals, no bar) |
| Shade & wind | Limited natural shade; morning is calmest | Little shade; afternoon breeze common |
🎯 Things to Do
🏊 Early Swims at Caló des Moro
Arrive for opening light and slip in from the sandy center before crowds and sea breeze build. Mornings offer the clearest, flattest water.
🤿 Snorkel the Rock Shoulders
Both coves have rocky edges over Posidonia meadows. Enter from sand (Caló) or ladders (s’Almunia), stay inside swim buoys, and avoid any boat access points.
📷 Photo Ridges & Waterlines
The cliff path above Caló des Moro frames that famous turquoise bowl. At s’Almunia, the old boat houses, wooden doors, and teal water make gorgeous texture shots — best in late afternoon.
🔁 Cova-to-Cove Hop
Use the footpath between the two inlets for a change of scene: sand-and-bowl at Caló, rock-and-ladders at s’Almunia. Pack light; hands free for steps.
🧘 Shoulder-Season Bliss
If your dates are flexible, April–June and late September–October give the same color with fewer people. Still arrive early for space.
🍴 Eat & Drink
No services at either cove. Bring water, snacks, and shade. For lunch or a sunset meal, head to Santanyí, Cala d’Or, or Portopetro.
🛏 Where to Stay
| Stay Type | Why Choose It | Best Base |
| Harbor & low-key | Waterside evenings, easy dining | Portopetro |
| Beach-resort area | Family facilities, short drives to coves | Cala d’Or |
| Rural fincas | Quiet pools + day trips to calas | Inland around Santanyí / Felanitx |
🚗 Getting There from Palma
- Drive (Ma-19 → Santanyí → Es Llombards): ~65–75 min. Final approach is on narrow lanes; follow posted parking guidance.
- Bus: Palma → Santanyí (then local taxi). Journey time and connections vary; not ideal with beach gear.
- Taxi from Palma: ~€100–120 one-way. Practical for groups; secure a pickup time in high season.
🅿️ Parking & Access Reality Check
- Street parking near the coves is highly restricted; fines are enforced. Use signed parking zones further back and walk.
- Paths are steep, uneven, and dusty. Wear trainers for the descent/ascent; flip-flops struggle on the steps.
- Space on the sand/platforms is extremely limited. Expect a “dip-and-go” rhythm rather than a full-day beach lounge.
- No lifeguards, no shade structures, no toilets. Pack light, bring water, and plan exits before dark.
🦺 Safety & Practicalities
Depth drops quickly; supervise weaker swimmers and avoid surge at the cove mouths.
Cliff jumping is risky — only on flat seas after personally checking depth/rocks (at your own risk).
Jellyfish can drift in with onshore winds. Carry a soft bag, water shoes for rock entries, and a small trash bag to pack out everything you bring.
❓ FAQ – Caló des Moro & Cala s’Almunia
Are these coves good for families?
Only for confident swimmers/teens. Steep paths, no shade, and no facilities make them challenging with toddlers or buggies.
How long is the walk?
10–20 minutes depending on where you park and your pace; the final section is steep and uneven.
Any sunbeds, parasols, or toilets?
Best time to visit?
Early morning for water clarity and space; late afternoon is pretty but paths are trickier in low light.
Can I spend a full beach day here?
Realistically it’s a short-stay swim and photo stop. For full-day comfort, try Cala Llombards or Cala Sa Nau nearby.
🔎 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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