The best coves near Santanyí: turquoise water 10 minutes away

If there's one reason to choose Santanyí as your base for a holiday in Mallorca, it's the coves. The southeast of the island is home to some of the most turquoise water and prettiest sandy beaches in the Mediterranean, and from Santanyí Penthouse almost all of them are about fifteen minutes away by car. These are our favourites.

Cala del Moro

The most photographed cove in Mallorca, and deservedly so. A small strip of white sand tucked between cliffs and pine trees, with water of an almost unreal turquoise. It's small and very popular, so the advice is clear: arrive early (before 10:00 in summer) or go late in the afternoon. You park at the top and walk down a few minutes. It's about a 10-minute drive.

Cala Llombards

The perfect option if you're travelling with family. It's an unspoilt cove but with amenities: it has parking, a beach bar and a shore of fine sand that shelves gently, ideal for little ones. The surrounding pine forest gives natural shade early in the day. Also about 10 minutes away.

Cala Santanyí

The most convenient if you want full services: sun loungers, umbrellas, restaurants and water sports. This is also where you'll find Es Pontàs, the famous natural rock arch over the sea that appears on every postcard of the area. About 12 minutes away.

S'Amarador beach and Mondragó

Inside the Mondragó Natural Park, S'Amarador is a wide stretch of golden sand surrounded by pines and protected dunes. Next to it is the small Caló des Burgit, far less crowded. It's a beautiful protected setting for a full day out. About 15 minutes away.

One last tip

In July and August the smaller coves fill up early. Get up early, bring water and shoes for the rocks, and have a plan B: if Cala del Moro is packed, Llombards or S'Amarador almost always have space. And the best part of having the penthouse in the village is that, after your swim, you come back to eat in the shade of Santanyí's square.