Camp de Mar beach, Mallorca

Camp de Mar beach is located in Es Camp de Mar on Mallorca’s southwest coast. It is a well-equipped sandy beach in the municipality of Andratx, with an unmistakable feature just a few steps offshore: the small island of s’Illeta with its restaurant, reached via a narrow wooden footbridge. The sheltered bay, fine sand and usually calm water make the beach particularly pleasant for families. At the same time, Camp de Mar is not a secluded natural spot. Hotels, apartments and restaurants frame the beach and shape its clientele.

At 180 metres long and 60 metres wide, Camp de Mar offers more space than the compact bay initially suggests. According to the Balearic Islands beach catalogue, occupancy is high during the season. In return, you get facilities that are often missing from smaller coves: showers, toilets, lifeguards, ramps, and paid sunloungers and parasols. Beyond the polished resort setting, part of the coastal landscape remains visible: rocky headlands, snorkelling spots and the path to the historic watchtower at Cap Andritxol. Camp de Mar is therefore a good choice if you are looking for comfort without giving up a distinctive bay.

Where is Camp de Mar beach, and what is it like?

Camp de Mar lies in the municipality of Andratx on Mallorca’s southwest coast, between Port d’Andratx and Peguera. The Balearic Islands beach catalogue places the beach 3.2 kilometres from Andratx, while the municipality of Andratx states around four kilometres. For orientation, it is enough to know that Camp de Mar’s coast is only a few kilometres from Andratx.

The bay lies between rocky headlands. The municipality of Andratx describes it as U-shaped and identifies Cap Andritxol and Platja de ses Dones as notable neighbouring landmarks. The Balearic Islands beach catalogue lists Camp de Mar as a natural beach with fine sand and also gives it the designation “protected natural area: yes”. Nevertheless, the immediate setting is clearly tourist-oriented: hotels and apartments surround the sand, and according to the Balearic Islands beach catalogue, their guests account for a large proportion of beachgoers.

The key details at a glance:

The defining landmark is s’Illeta, a small island immediately offshore. Sandy ground has formed between the island and the coast, and a fixed footbridge connects the two sides. There is a restaurant on s’Illeta. The municipality describes the connection as a narrow wooden footbridge and also identifies it as a landing point for excursion boats heading towards Sa Dragonera.

Camp de Mar is therefore neither a secluded cala nor a large urban beach. Come here if you are looking for a manageable bay with full facilities, short distances and an unusual island backdrop.

How do you get to Camp de Mar beach?

Camp de Mar is easy to reach by car or public bus. From Palma or the airport, the road route follows the Ma-20 and then the Ma-1 towards Andratx. After Peguera, take the signposted turn-off to Camp de Mar; the Balearic Islands beach catalogue expressly describes the route as easy and well signposted.

Local descriptions give a journey time of approximately 25 to 30 minutes from Palma. The actual duration depends on traffic and your starting point. From the airport, the journey via Ma-20 and Ma-1 is also stated to take around 30 minutes.

The beach is also accessible without a hire car. The Balearic Islands beach catalogue lists a bus stop very close to the beach. For travel from the airport to Camp de Mar, line A11 towards Peguera is specified. The journey is said to take approximately 60 to 70 minutes, followed by just a few minutes on foot from the stop into the resort. As timetables and routes may change seasonally, check the current connection before departure.

Note: Set your navigation destination to “Playa de Camp de Mar” rather than just the name of the resort. The holiday resort extends around the bay, while the access points to the sandy beach are closer to the coast.

Where can you park in Camp de Mar?

There are free parking options near the beach in Camp de Mar. Both the Balearic Islands beach catalogue and the municipality of Andratx list free parking or a free car park close to the beach.

How easily you find a free space depends on the time of year and time of day. The access roads and area around the beach are characterised by hotels, apartments and homes. At the same time, the Balearic Islands beach catalogue classifies occupancy during the season as high. Arriving early is therefore advisable, especially on busy summer days.

Some hotels have their own parking spaces for guests. These are not the same as public parking facilities. As a day visitor, do not rely on hotel car parks and pay attention to local signs.

Caution: Information about parking varies. The Balearic Islands beach catalogue and the municipality of Andratx list free spaces, while other beach descriptions mention possible seasonal charges. Before leaving your car, check the signs and any road markings on site.

The distances from the nearest car park or access points to the beach are short. Ramps are available for people with reduced mobility. If you depend on a particularly suitable parking space, it is worth arriving early, as parking can fill quickly on busy days.

What are the sand, water and swimming conditions like?

Camp de Mar has predominantly fine sand and usually calm water. The municipality of Andratx describes the beach as fine-sanded and the water as calm. The Balearic Islands beach catalogue also emphasises the protection from wind, which reaches the coast here only infrequently.

The sand does not extend evenly into the water everywhere. In some areas, the seabed is rockier. Water shoes are not essential, but they can be comfortable if you enter the water at the rocky edges of the bay. These transitions between sand and rock are particularly suitable for snorkelling. Recommended areas include the foot of the cliffs and the waters around s’Illeta.

The calm water is particularly appealing for families. The municipality of Andratx expressly recommends Camp de Mar for children, and the beach is also described as family-friendly. Calm water does not, however, mean that you should neglect supervision. Lifeguards are present, although their specific working hours may depend on the season and time of day.

The Balearic Islands beach catalogue also rates the water and underwater conditions as suitable for anchoring. North of s’Illeta, depths of four to five metres over sand, rocks and seaweed are stated. Southerly, southeasterly and southwesterly winds are considered unfavourable for boats. The passage between the island and the coast is only suitable for boats with a draught of less than one metre.

Caution: The wooden footbridge and the area around s’Illeta are also used as a landing point in summer. When swimming nearby, watch for boat movements and follow the lifeguards’ instructions.

What facilities are available at the beach?

Camp de Mar has showers, toilets, lifeguards, accessible entrances, and sunlounger and parasol hire. The municipality of Andratx expressly lists these facilities; sunloungers and parasols are available for a fee.

Behind the beach and in its immediate surroundings, you will find several restaurants and bars. There is also the restaurant on s’Illeta, reached via the narrow wooden footbridge. The footbridge is part of the bay’s characteristic appearance, but it is not purely decorative: it also serves as a landing point for excursion boats.

Pedal boats are available for seasonal hire. Snorkelling is possible, particularly along the rocky sides of the bay and around the small island. Santa Ponça, Magaluf and Palmanova are more commonly suggested for sportier water activities. Camp de Mar itself focuses more on swimming, leisurely pedal-boat trips and boat excursions.

According to the Balearic Islands beach catalogue, the beach is accessible and has ramps. The municipality of Andratx also lists amphibious chairs for people with reduced mobility. You should ask the lifeguard service on site whether they are available on a particular day and when assistance is provided.

Facilities therefore include:

• public showers and toilets,
• lifeguards,
• ramps and accessible entrances,
• amphibious chairs for people with reduced mobility,
• paid sunloungers and parasols,
• restaurants and bars nearby,
• the restaurant on s’Illeta,
• seasonal pedal-boat hire,
• excursion boats with a landing point at the footbridge.

Note: Seasonal services may be limited or closed outside the main swimming season. This particularly applies to lifeguard services, rentals and boat excursions.

When is the best time to visit, and how crowded does Camp de Mar get?

For a quieter beach day, visit Camp de Mar outside the busy summer holidays or early in the day. The Balearic Islands beach catalogue classifies seasonal occupancy as high and refers to large numbers of tourists. Many beachgoers come from the hotels and apartments around the bay.

Although the 60-metre-wide sandy area provides more room than very narrow calas, both the beach and parking facilities fill up when occupancy is high. If a spot near the water or a short walk from the car matters to you, arriving early is the more reliable choice.

Despite its tourist-oriented surroundings, Camp de Mar is not focused on loud beach bars. Dining is concentrated in the restaurants behind the beach and on s’Illeta. Port d’Andratx is mentioned as a nearby option for livelier evening entertainment.

Outside the swimming season, the atmosphere may be quieter, but not all services may be available. Pedal boats are expressly described as a seasonal offering. You should also not assume that lifeguards, sunloungers, parasols and boat excursions operate at full capacity all year round.

According to the municipality of Andratx, dogs are allowed on the beach outside the main swimming season, specifically from 1 November to 1 April. During the swimming season from 1 April to 31 October, pets and horses are prohibited on the beach and in the water. Approved assistance dogs accompanied by their authorised users are exempt. Around the 1 April cut-off date, pay attention to the signs on site.

Is Camp de Mar suitable for children and people with reduced mobility?

Camp de Mar is well suited to families and is accessible according to the Balearic Islands beach catalogue. The municipality of Andratx expressly recommends the beach for children and lists calm water, lifeguards, ramps and amphibious chairs as relevant facilities.

For parents, the short distances between the beach, toilets and restaurants are practical. The calm water makes swimming easier for young children. However, there are rocks in the water or on the seabed in some places. If your children want to snorkel or climb around the edges of the bay, particular attention is required.

Do not expect reliable natural shade directly at every place on the beach. Parasols can be hired for a fee, and their availability depends on the season and demand. Bringing your own sun protection is particularly sensible for families.

People with reduced mobility can reach the beach via ramps. The municipality lists amphibious chairs, but their number, collection times and available assistance may vary depending on the day and season. Ask the lifeguard service about their use before relying on this option.

Note: Accessibility does not automatically mean that every point by the water can be reached without assistance. Sand, occupancy and the availability of an amphibious chair may affect access.

What can you do near Camp de Mar?

From Camp de Mar, you can walk to the historic watchtower at Cap Andritxol or take a boat excursion towards Sa Dragonera. According to the Balearic Islands beach catalogue, the route to Torre des Cap Andritxol is approximately two kilometres long and passes through a landscape shaped by drought and heat.

According to the municipality of Andratx, the tower was once used to defend against or monitor pirate attacks. From the natural viewing terrace at Cap Andritxol, you can look across the bays of Camp de Mar and Platja de sa Bella Dona. The route is therefore a suitable addition if you want to combine a beach day with a coastal walk.

Because of the dry and hot surroundings, you should not underestimate the walk. Take water and sun protection, and on warm days choose a cooler time of day if possible. Treat it as a short but exposed coastal hike rather than a shady promenade walk.

The wooden footbridge to s’Illeta is also a departure point or landing stage for excursion boats to Sa Dragonera, an uninhabited island and nature reserve. Trips are described for the summer months; timetables and operations may vary seasonally.

Golfers will find Golf de Andratx near Camp de Mar. The municipality lists an 18-hole course that is considered a year-round attraction. Port d’Andratx is also a good option for restaurants and evening entertainment. Nearby beach alternatives include Platja de ses Dones and Platja de sa Bella Dona; the latter can also be seen from Cap Andritxol.

What should you know before visiting Camp de Mar?

Plan for Camp de Mar as a comfortable, busy resort beach rather than a secluded natural cove. You will find good access, sanitary facilities, restaurants and lifeguards here, but during the season you should expect plenty of visitors and busier parking areas.

These points are particularly helpful for your beach day:

• Arrive early on busy summer days if a parking space and a good spot on the sand are important to you.
• Bring sun protection, as natural shade is not reliably available everywhere on the beach.
• Expect rocky ground around the edges of the bay and in parts of the water.
• For snorkelling, preferably use the areas by the cliffs and around s’Illeta, but watch for boats there.
• Check seasonal services such as pedal boats, sunloungers, lifeguards and excursion trips on the day of your visit.
• Observe the ban on animals during the swimming season from 1 April to 31 October.
• Ask the lifeguard service about the availability of an amphibious chair if you depend on one.
• Take water and sun protection for the walk to Cap Andritxol.

The Balearic Islands beach catalogue lists the nearest harbour facilities at Club Nàutic Santa Ponça, 2.4 nautical miles away. Recreational skippers should also be aware that southerly, southeasterly and southwesterly winds should be avoided in the bay. The best described anchoring area lies north of s’Illeta in water four to five metres deep.

Camp de Mar is at its best when you want to combine an easy beach day with a restaurant visit, snorkelling or a short coastal excursion. Those seeking complete seclusion, however, will clearly notice the backdrop of hotels and apartments.