Beach Guide: Camp de Mar – Mallorca’s Iconic Footbridge & Turquoise Bay
Quick Orientation & Why People Love It
Southwest of Palma, Camp de Mar is a neat crescent of pale sand with clear, protected water and a photogenic wooden footbridge to the tiny islet café. It mixes family-friendly comforts (lifeguards, loungers, promenade cafés) with enough rocky edges for a little snorkel exploring — all ~25–30 minutes from the city.
Skim this first:
- Calm, gently shelving bay — great for families and easy swims.
- Iconic footbridge to the islet café for coffee or a sea-view lunch.
- Seasonal lifeguards, showers and parasol zones along the main strand.
- Simple access by car or bus; parking fills by late morning in July–August.
🧭 Getting There & Parking
- From Palma: ~25–30 min via Ma-1 → Camp de Mar turn-offs (signed after Andratx/Capdellà exits).
- Parking: Street bays and small public car parks near the promenade; expect blue-zone rules in season — arrive before 10:00 in summer.
- Bus (TIB): Regular services connect Palma with Camp de Mar and nearby towns; check same-day times and alight close to the beachfront stops.
📌 Quick Facts (At a Glance)
| Feature | Details |
| Distance from Palma | ~30 km (≈25–30 min drive) |
| Beach Type | Sandy bay, protected, rocky edges at both ends |
| Entry & Water | Gently shelving; usually calm and clear |
| Best For | Families, relaxed swims, easy half-day from Palma |
| Snorkelling | Rocky corners by the headlands on calm days |
| Iconic Feature | Wooden footbridge to the islet café |
| Season | Lifeguards/services in main months |
🏖️ Facilities & Beach Comfort
| Feature | Details |
| Lifeguards | Seasonal |
| Loungers/Parasols | Seasonal, zoned along the main strand |
| Showers/Foot-wash | Seasonal |
| Shade | Limited natural shade — bring a compact beach umbrella |
| Access | Flat promenade access; stroller-friendly (sand can be soft near the waterline) |
🌊 Swimming & Snorkelling Tips
- Calmest window: 09:00–11:30; set up near the lifeguard tower for wide swim zones.
- Snorkel: Work the rocky headlands at either end when winds are light; visibility drops with onshore chop. Reef-safe sunscreen only.
- Families: The central arc has the gentlest entry; agree a landmark (footbridge or tower) for an easy meet-up point.
🍽️ Where to Eat & Drink (Steps from the Sand)
- Islet café (via the wooden footbridge): scenic coffees, simple lunches with 360° bay views.
- Promenade cafés: salads, paella, bocadillos, kids’ menus; ice-cream and coffee kiosks behind the strand.
- Evening options: linger for sunset tapas before the short drive back to Palma.
🗺️ Map Pin (Start Here)
👣 Easy Add-Ons & Short Walks
- Footbridge & photo loop: Stroll the bridge to the islet café for classic bay shots.
- Headland wander: Gentle paths above the western headland give blue-water lookouts; wear sandals/trainers.
- Nearby coves: Pair Camp de Mar with Cala Fornells for rocky swims or a late-day snorkel.
🧳 What to Bring
- Compact umbrella/pop-up shade (midday sun is direct).
- Light water shoes for rocky corners (optional).
- 1.5–2 L water per adult in midsummer; hats and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Small dry bag if you plan bridge-to-islet selfies by the railings.
🧭 Simple Day Plan from Palma
| Time | Plan |
| Morning | Drive to Camp de Mar; set up near the lifeguard zone; easy swim while the bay is glassy. |
| Lunch | Walk the footbridge for a coffee or lunch on the islet; back to the sand for siesta. |
| Afternoon | Snorkel a rocky headland on calm days; gelato along the promenade; pack up before traffic. |
| Evening | Sunset lookouts on the headland or tapas in Port d’Andratx (short drive). |
🦺 Safety & Beach Etiquette
- Flags & buoys: Obey lifeguards; stay inside marked swim zones.
- Rock edges: Watch footing on polished slabs; keep kids in water-shoes if exploring.
- Heat management: July–August peak sun is 13:00–16:00; re-apply sunscreen, take shade breaks.
❓ FAQ
Is Camp de Mar good for small children?
Yes. The bay is sheltered with a gentle, sandy entry and seasonal lifeguards. Bring your own shade as natural shade is limited.
Can I snorkel here or should I go elsewhere?
You can — head for the rocky corners at either end on calm days. For more varied reefs, add Cala Fornells or Portals Vells to your trip.
What’s the parking situation in summer?
Street bays and small car parks are close to the promenade but fill by late morning in July–August. Aim for pre-10:00 arrival or come late afternoon.
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