Beach Guide: Ses Covetes & Arenal de Sa Ràpita
Quick Take & Who It’s For
A classic locals’ day trip from Palma: two long, sandy bays with shallow, kid-friendly water, a handful of chiringuitos, and easier parking than the busiest Es Trenc stretch. Come for soft sand, space to paddle, and low-stress logistics—ideal for families, groups, and anyone who wants a straightforward beach day without a long hike-in.
🧭 Location & Getting There (from Palma)
- Drive: ~40–55 min via Ma-19 → Campos → Ses Salines / Sa Ràpita exits.
- Parking:
- Arenal de Sa Ràpita: paid lots and signed roadside zones by the seafront.
- Ses Covetes: smaller lots/blue zones; arrive before 10:00 in July–August.
- Public transport: Seasonal bus options to Sa Ràpita/Campos, then short walks.
- Accessibility: Flat promenade entries; stroller-friendly sand once on the beach.
🗺️ Map Pin (Start Here – Sa Ràpita Promenade)
🏖️ Facilities & Beach Comfort
| Item | Details |
| Lifeguards | Seasonal towers/zones |
| Loungers/Parasols | Seasonal concessions in parts of Sa Ràpita |
| Showers/WC | Seasonal along the promenade |
| Shade | Limited—bring a beach umbrella for midday cover |
| Access | Flat approaches from promenade; soft sand near dunes |
| Seabed | Sand with posidonia patches (protected) |
| Best Time | Morning for calm water & easier parking |
🌊 Things to Do at Ses Covetes / Sa Ràpita
Swim & Snorkel
Gentle, shallow entry that stays waist-deep for a good distance—great for kids. For light snorkelling, work the rockier edges and posidonia margins (don’t trample beds).
SUP & Easy Paddling
On calm mornings, this bay is SUP-friendly. Launch from the Sa Ràpita side where entry is simplest.
Dune Walks & Es Trenc Link-Up
Follow the shoreline to quieter sections toward Es Trenc. Stay on signed paths to protect the dunes.
🍴 Where to Eat & Drink (seafront picks)
- Ses Covetes chiringuitos – casual tapas, bocadillos, cold drinks right off the sand.
- Sa Ràpita promenade cafés – family menus, kids’ options, easy bathrooms.
- Cassai Beach House (Sa Ràpita) – stylish setting for long lunches/sundowners.
- S’Embat (Ses Covetes) – laid-back beach bar vibes and live-music evenings in season.
🛏️ Where to Stay
| Area / Base | Good For | Why it Works |
| Colònia de Sant Jordi | Families & walkers | Wide choice of stays, esplanade, boat trips |
| Ses Salines | Boutique & dining | Short drive to beaches; great restaurants |
| Campos | Budget & villas | Practical base for the Migjorn coast |
🗓️ Simple Day Plan from Palma
| Time | Plan |
| Morning | Drive Ma-19 → Sa Ràpita, park by the promenade, set up near a lifeguard tower, long swim. |
| Midday | Lunch at a seafront café; siesta under your umbrella. |
| Afternoon | SUP or shoreline walk toward quieter sections; gelato back on the promenade. |
| Evening | Golden hour photos; easy drive home via Campos. |
⚠️ Safety & Seasonal Notes
- Sun & heat: Little natural shade—bring umbrellas, extra water, and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Wind: Afternoon embat (sea breeze) can add chop; mornings are typically calmer.
- Posidonia: Sea-grass wrack may be present—protected and crucial for beach health.
- Dunes: Keep off fenced areas; use designated paths only.
- Parking controls: Blue zones and paid lots are enforced—check signs and hours.
🏺 History, Fun Facts & Did You Know?
Ses Covetes and Arenal de Sa Ràpita sit on the edge of the Migjorn coast, famed for caribbean-like shallows and posidonia meadows offshore. The Sa Ràpita sailing club and long promenade make this one of the easiest family setups south of Palma, while the dunes behind safeguard the bay from erosion.
❓ FAQ
Is the water shallow enough for small children?
Yes—this bay is known for a very gentle gradient. Always stay within signed swim zones and near lifeguard towers in season.
How early should I arrive for parking in summer?
Aim for before 10:00 in July–August, especially at Ses Covetes where spaces are fewer than Sa Ràpita.
Are there jellyfish here?
They can appear on some summer days across Mallorca. Check the lifeguard flags and ask on site—conditions change daily.
📡 Check Live Beach Conditions
Platges de Balears – Live Beach Conditions
📚 Related Guides
