Es Barcares Beach Guide: Alcúdia’s Little Canal Village
Guide
Es Barcares is one of the most charming and unusual little corners of the Bay of Alcúdia, in the north of Mallorca. This tiny, traditional spot is famous for its cluster of old fishermen’s houses, each with its own small canal and slipway running down to the sea, which has earned it the affectionate nickname of a mini Venice. It is not a big sandy beach but a peaceful, picturesque place for a calm swim and a slice of old Mallorca.
If you love quiet, characterful corners away from the resort crowds, Es Barcares is a delightful find. Here is everything you need to know.
| Es Barcares | Detail |
| Where | Bay of Alcúdia, near Port d’Alcúdia, north Mallorca |
| From Palma | Around 1 hour by car |
| Setting | Old fishermen’s houses with canals and slipways |
| Swimming | Small, calm, shallow spots rather than a big beach |
| Facilities | Very limited, a quiet local corner |
| Good for | Calm swims, photography, a peaceful escape |
📌 Quick answer: is Es Barcares right for you?
- Go if you want a quiet, picturesque corner with calm water and bags of character.
- Think twice if you want a long sandy beach with sunbeds, bars and full facilities.
- Best for couples, photographers and anyone seeking a peaceful, traditional spot for a gentle swim.
🏖️ What to expect at Es Barcares
Es Barcares is not a conventional beach but a small, traditional waterside hamlet. Its signature sight is the row of old fishermen’s houses, each with a little channel and slipway leading to the sea, where boats were once hauled up out of the water. The effect is genuinely pretty and unusual, and it is a favourite spot for photographs, especially in the soft light of early morning or evening.
For swimming, there are small, calm and shallow spots among the rocks and slipways rather than a wide sweep of sand, so it suits a gentle dip more than a full beach day. The water is clear and the setting peaceful, with lovely views across the Bay of Alcúdia to the mountains beyond. It is a quiet, local place, so the atmosphere is relaxed and unspoiled. Part of the appeal of Es Barcares is that it has barely changed in decades. There are no high rise hotels or rows of sunbeds, just the old houses, the gently lapping water and the wide views over the bay. It rewards a slow, curious visit, wandering between the slipways, watching the light on the water and soaking up a quieter, more authentic side of the north coast.
🚗 Getting there and parking
Es Barcares lies on the Bay of Alcúdia, close to Port d’Alcúdia and the Bonaire and Mal Pas area, around an hour from Palma by car via the motorway towards Alcúdia. It is a little tucked away, which is part of its charm.
Parking is on the surrounding streets and is limited, in keeping with the small, residential feel of the place, so arrive early and park considerately. Because it is a quiet local corner rather than a resort beach, it is best treated as a peaceful stop to combine with the wider Alcúdia area rather than a full day destination on its own.
☀️ Best time to visit
Es Barcares is lovely from late spring to early autumn for a calm swim, and beautiful year round for a walk and a photograph. May, June, September and October offer warm water and a peaceful feel, while July and August are warmest but the spot stays quieter than the main resorts. Early morning and the golden hour before sunset are especially magical for the canalside houses.
For more on seasons and sea temperatures, see our guide to the best time to visit Mallorca.
🎒 What to bring
With very few facilities, it pays to come prepared for this quiet corner.
- Water and snacks, as there is little or nothing to buy on the spot.
- Water shoes, as swimming is among rocks and slipways rather than sand.
- A camera, as the canalside houses are wonderfully photogenic.
- Sun protection, as natural shade is limited.
- A bag for your rubbish to respect this quiet local place.
🗺️ Nearby beaches and things to do
Es Barcares is perfectly placed for exploring the Bay of Alcúdia. The long sandy beaches of Port d’Alcúdia stretch round the bay, while the quiet coves of Mal Pas, Sant Pere and Sant Joan lie nearby on the Victòria peninsula. Further round the bay you will find the natural beach of Son Bauló at Can Picafort.
The historic walled town of Alcúdia, with its Roman ruins, is well worth a visit, and our roundup of snorkelling in northeast Mallorca covers the clearest water nearby.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Where is Es Barcares?
Es Barcares is a small, traditional waterside hamlet on the Bay of Alcúdia, near Port d’Alcúdia in the north of Mallorca, around an hour from Palma by car.
Is Es Barcares a sandy beach?
Not really. It is a picturesque corner of old fishermen’s houses with canals and slipways, offering small, calm swimming spots among the rocks rather than a wide sandy beach.
Why is Es Barcares called a mini Venice?
Because of its row of old fishermen’s houses, each with a little canal and slipway leading down to the sea, which gives it an unusual, canalside look.
Are there facilities at Es Barcares?
Facilities are very limited, as it is a quiet, residential corner. Bring water, snacks and sun protection, and treat it as a peaceful stop rather than a full beach day.
When is the best time to visit Es Barcares?
Late spring to early autumn is best for swimming, while early morning and the golden hour before sunset are especially beautiful for photographing the canalside houses.
