Beach Guide: Small Swim Coves Between Portals Nous & Bendinat

Guide

Orientation & Who It’s For

Between Portals Nous and Bendinat you’ll find a string of local micro-coves: rocky shelves, ladder entries, and clear, sheltered water perfect for a quick dip or snorkel before lunch. There’s little to no sand and minimal facilities—ideal for adults and confident teens, villa renters, and anyone staying near Puerto Portals who asks, “Where do we actually swim nearby?”

📍 Location, Access & Maps

From Palma	~15–20 min via Ma-1 (exits for Portals Nous / Bendinat)
Best bases	Portals Nous village, Puerto Portals marina, Bendinat
Parking	Short-stay street bays; summer is tight—walk from your stay if you can
Access	Mostly steps/rocks; some coves have ladders; bring water shoes
Best time	Morning for calmer water and parking; late afternoon for softer light

Bugambilia (Portals Nous)

Bendinat Cove (Caleta de Bendinat)

Costa d’en Blanes Cove

🤿 Things to Do at These Coves

Swim & Snorkel

Expect clear water over rock and posidonia; on calm days you’ll see small bream and wrasse around the ladders and shelves. Stay close to shore and watch for boat traffic near Puerto Portals.

Sun on Rock Ledges

Bring a mat or thick towel; shade is limited. Many locals dip, dry on warm stone, then head for lunch in the village.

Short Seafront Wanders

Link a morning swim with a promenade stroll around Puerto Portals or a coffee run in Portals Nous—very easy, very local.

🏖️ Facilities & Beach Comfort

Amenity	Details
Lifeguards	Generally none at these micro-coves
Loungers/Parasols	Not provided
Showers/Toilets	Rare/none—treat as natural swim spots
Shade	Minimal; bring a compact umbrella if lingering
Accessibility	Steps/rocks; not stroller-friendly; choose Illetas/Comtessa for comfort

🍴 Where to Eat & Drink (Walkable Picks)

Portals Nous village: cafés, bakeries and easy lunch menus a short walk from Bugambilia.
Puerto Portals marina: seafront restaurants, tapas and gelato for a dressier post-swim.
Bendinat: low-key bars and hotel terraces for a cool drink with shade.

🛌 Where to Stay (Nearby Bases)

Hotels	Rentals	Luxury
Portals Nous and Bendinat hotels near the coast	Portals Nous / Costa d’en Blanes apartments and villas	Puerto Portals marina-side stays and Bendinat upscale hotels

Find Hotels

🗓️ Suggested Day Plan (From Palma)

Time	Plan
Morning	Drive to Portals Nous, swim at Bugambilia, quick snorkel.
Lunch	Walk up to Portals Nous village for a relaxed meal.
Afternoon	Second dip at Bendinat Cove; coffee/gelato at Puerto Portals.
Evening	Sunset stroll along the marina; back to Palma for dinner.

🦺 Safety & Seasonal Notes

Footing: Rocks can be slippery; wear water shoes.
Sea state: Avoid ladders and sharp shelves if there’s swell/surge.
Marine life: Watch for urchins; don’t stand on posidonia.
Crowds/parking: Summer afternoons fill fast—go early or on weekdays.

Check Live Beach Conditions (Platges de Balears) before you swim.

🪨 Did You Know?

These “between-the-headlands” pockets were once informal local swim spots used by residents before resorts grew up around Illetas and Puerto Portals. Their small size and rocky entries kept them low-key—still perfect for a quick dip like a local.

❓ FAQ

Are these coves suitable for children?

Only for confident older kids—entries are rocky, often via steps or ladders, with no lifeguard. For family sand and facilities, try Illetas or Cala Comtessa.

Can I bring a SUP or kayak?

It’s possible on very calm mornings, but launch space is tight and boat traffic is nearby. For easier access, use Cala Xinxell / Cala d’Oratori (Portals).