Mallorca has more than 200 beaches, ranging from long and wide sandy beaches like Playa di Palma to tiny private coves and small rocky beaches in little bays.
For a full list and detailed description of all Mallorcan beaches go to the beach section of the Digame or See Mallorca websites
As a starter, here is one ‘top 5’ taken from the travel section of the British Daily Telgraph newspaper
Cala Llombards (1) – On the southeast coast, this cove is a long, thin strip of white sand framed by pine trees, with rickety boatsheds perched on the rocks.
Who goes Locals and people staying in nearby villas. The shallow water makes it a good choice for families with small children.
What is there to do? Just bask in the utter idyll of it all. You could while away an hour so snorkelling in the clear water, or walk around the coast towards the small resort of Cala Santanyí to see Es Pontas, an arch-shaped rock in the sea that looks like a man-made bridge.
Bars and bites The Tropical beach bar is likely to put a big grin on your face with its fabulous fish, endless supply of cold beers and laidback music.
Getting there Take the MA-6100 out of Santanyí, and at the roundabout take the exit to Cala Llombards.
Cala Tuent (2)- Sheltered by pine trees and the Puig Major peak on the dramatic northwest coast, the cove is a mix of sand and pebbles overlooked by the tiny Sant Llorenç chapel.
Who goes? Anyone willing to brave the rather hairy drive down. Coach excursions stop at the adjacent Sa Calobra, but fortunately don’t usually let the passengers off at this beach.
What is there to do? Imagine you are in an Agatha Christie novel and keep an eye out for suspicious characters with murderous intent lurking in the rocks. Or just swim and snorkel in the crystalline water.
Bars and bites The rather splendid Es Vergeret is on the rocky hillside above the cove. It is definitely a notch or two up from your usual beachside restaurant, so allow a good couple of hours for a paella on the terrace (Carretera Cala Tuent; 971 517105; www.esvergeret.com)
Getting there From Sóller, take the winding MA-10 north for 22 km (13.6 miles), then turn onto the MA-2141 towards Sa Calobra and wiggle down a road of neverending hairpin bends for 15 km( 9 miles).
Get there early for a chance of finding a parking space.
Cala Deià, near Sóller (3) – Even though it is tiny and shingly, this cove on the steep northwest coast has fantastically clear water and magical light. Rocky cliffs curve around the bay, making it feel like a secret hidden paradise. Locals, people who see the advantage of pebbles over sand, and a surprising number of well-known faces – Deià is one of the chicest places on Majorca. Robert Graves used to come down for a dip every day when he lived in the village.
What is there to do? Swimming and snorkelling in the sapphire sea – and trying to see if there’s anyone famous on that yacht moored by the jetty. A path leads around to the Sa Pedrissa watchtower if you can muster the enthusiasm to shift yourself from the beach or the bar.
Bars and bites There are a couple of lively restaurants right on the beach, C’as Patró and Can Lluc, that are nigh on perfect for fish, salad and lots of the surprisingly good Majorcan wine – or for just drinking cold beers all day. It’s quite a happening scene down there, at any time of day.
Getting there Drive through Deià towards Sóller. Just outside the village, look out for a turning to the left and drive carefully down the winding lane. You have to walk the last 600 or so feet.
Who goes? Local families and tourists of all nationalities.
What is there to do? You can wade out quite a long way in the clear water before getting out of your depth, so this is a great option if you have small children. You can hire a pedalo, try all sorts of watersports or take a boat trip. It’s often a bit breezy, so good for kiting too. If you need a bit of peace and quiet, paths lead to the Albufera nature reserve, which is the largest wetland area on the island.
Bars and bites There is no shortage of bars and restaurants, whether you want paella, patatas bravas or pizza. If you walk along far enough, there are quieter parts of the beach with picnic areas in the shade of the trees by the dunes.
Getting there From Alcudia, drive along the bay, past the S’Albufera Natural Park. There are lots of free places to park. You can also get there by bus.
Cala Torta, near Artà (5) – In the northeast of the island, Torta is an idyllic bay with fine white sand and turquoise water.
Who goes? A surprisingly trendy mix of locals and tourists – and rather a lot of them at times. Although some choose to go naked, it is not officially a nudist beach, so wear as much or as little as you like.
What is there to do? It can get a bit windy, which means conditions are sometimes better for surfing than sunbathing. The clear, deep water is good for snorkelling. You can walk around a path to Cala Mitjana beach.
Bars and bites The Cala Torta beach bar looks very laidback but the food is much better than you might expect – with higher prices too. Fabulous grilled fish. They don’t take bookings (or credit cards) and tables fill quickly.
Getting there The beach is signposted on the road from Artà to Capdepera. Look for the turning after 9 km (5.6 miles). You have to drive down a rough track, then leave the car and walk through the dunes. Bit of an adventure but worth it.
