Cala Agulla - heavenly bay with fine sand beach

In the middle of Llevant Peninsula natural park you will find the idyllic bay of Cala Agulla on Mallorca’s northeast coast. The largely undeveloped landscape behind the sandy beach consists of mountains, dunes, flat rocks and pine forests. The shimmering water ranges from turquoise to azure in the bright sunshine. The almost Caribbean-like atmosphere of Cala Algulla beach is a major draw for both tourists and locals alike.

Location of Cala Agulla

Cala Agulla is located on the edge of the popular resort of Cala Ratjada on the northeast coast of Mallorca. The south east side of the bay is the only part that is developed and is home to an array of hotels and restaurants, which merges into Cala Ratjada. Carrer de l'Agulla is a road that starts in the historic centre of Cala Ratjada and connects the village port with Cala Agulla. Here in the summer, beach lovers wander from their hotels in the heart of the tourist resort to the bay’s sandy beach. For those not spending their holidays in Cala Ratjada, Cala Agulla is easily reached by rental car or bus.

Arrival to the bay

To the hinterland of the coast is Capdepera, a small town famous for its large medieval fortress, Castell de Capdepera. From here follow the signs to Cala Ratjada and continue to the signs for Cala Agulla. After you have crossed a pine forest, you reach a large pay car park. This is the point to leave your hire car and from here take one of the many paths to the beach. The Cala Agulla is also a popular mooring spot. In summer, the white hulls of sailboats and motor yachts bob up and down on the turquoise waters. If you plan to travel by boat, do not navigate too close to the beach. There are some unexpected rocks just below the water surface near the beach. Manoeuvring can be difficult in these waters, so it's better to anchor in the deeper waters off the beach.

Facilities at Cala Agulla

Visitors to Cala Agulla can expect first-class tourist amenities. There is a restaurant near the beach and several small beach bars selling chilled drinks, ice cream, snacks and baguettes. Fresh water showers are available as well as the standard sanitary facilities.

In high season you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. As it can get quite crowded in July and August, you will need to get there early if you wish to get one of the much sought-after umbrellas. Alternatively, spread your towels in the soft sand and put up your own beach umbrella. If you don’t have one, you can buy one as well as air mattresses, swimwear and beach toys for the little ones in Cala Ratjada.

Lifeguards watch over the beach and the water. The blue flag at this beach indicates that the water on this stretch of coast is of excellent quality most of the year. Due to the location on the island’s north east coast, it can also be windy in the main season. Then higher waves build up off the coast, which can affect swimming and snorkelling.

Cala Agulla has flags of different colours to show how safe the water is on a given day. Generally, the beach is very flatbut, in some places, the sandy ground is interspersed with rocks. In the northern part of the beach, pine trees provide shade with their huge over-head crowns. From here you have a first-class view of the crocodile-shaped rocky landscape, which is called "El cocodrilo" by locals.

Activities in the bay

At Cala Agulla there are various water sports offered in addition to just lounging on the beach and swimming. In the middle of the 520 m long sandy beach is a kayak rental station. There you can rent a paddle boat or pedalo and idle around the picturesque bay. Banana boat riding is also popular at Cala Agulla. The two beach volleyball courts are popular among younger beach visitors. Snorkellers tend to prefer the quieter beach in the northern part of Cala Agulla. The calm waters around the cliffs make for perfect conditions for snorkelling and taking in the underwater life. Cala Ratjada is undoubtedly a very special experience. During the high season dolphin watching tours are available, where you can get really close to the grey marine mammals.

Hike to Cala Mesquida

On the north-western end of Cala Agulla beach is the start of the hiking trail that leads through a magical dune landscape to the neighbouring bay of Cala Mesquida. This trail along the coast line is a nature lover’s paradise as you walk alongside the 350 m long sandy beach. As you walk over the wooden paths that lead through the dunes, you reach the beach with its crystal-clear water that shimmers turquoise, azure or emerald green depending on the sunlight. A snack bar and a restaurant are at your disposal. The dunes beyond the beach give way to pine forest. Today holiday makers spread their towels where smugglers once unloaded coffee and tobacco from their boats.

Cala Agulla with its turquoise waters on the northeast coast of Mallorca is a charming 500 m long sandy beach, with beautiful dunes and pine groves.