Caló des Moro: Mallorca’s Most Hyped Beach

Few beaches in Mallorca are as hyped as Es Caló des Moro. It is undeniably beautiful, no doubt about it. However, it has become so overcrowded that recommending it becomes questionable. Thanks to unpaid advertising on Instagram, numerous magazines, and across continents, this small bay is swarmed with visitors during summer. We live nearby and witness the hustle and bustle during the summer, but also enjoy the tranquility and solitude in the winter. And we understand why everyone wants to visit Caló des Moro.

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As soon as you step off the plane, Caló des Moro catches your eye. A massive poster of the beach hangs at the Palma Airport on the way to the baggage claim. However, please note that this photo is slightly outdated, showing the beach before 2019 when a storm washed away all the sand into the sea. Nature, it seems, is fighting back. During the winter of 2020/2021, some sand was returned by the sea, but now rocks and stones dominate the landscape. Additionally, the sea level has risen.

Consequently, there is less and less space and more people at Caló des Moro. I don’t have the authority to dissuade anyone from visiting Caló des Moro, but I want to prepare you so that you don’t arrive with high expectations and end up disappointed. Parking has been a particularly tense issue in recent years. The parking lot remains partially closed, and fines are being handed out regularly. Furthermore, free parking in the town of Cala Llombards is increasingly restricted. To avoid getting a ticket, be sure to read my tips below.

No parking problems:
Take a boat tour to Caló des Moro.

Adventure seekers:
Jet ski to Caló des Moro.

Calo des Moró: Mallorca’s Most Famous Natural Beach

No matter who I talk to, most vacationers are already familiar with Caló des Moro and want to go there. I often advise against it. For several years now, there has been a large parking lot at the entrance of Cala Llombards, where those wishing to visit the small bay used to park. It can accommodate over a hundred cars. In the past, there was space for perhaps twenty towels on the beach.

Too crowded? Find truly virgin and secluded beaches on Mallorca here.

Well, those times are over. As a small countermeasure to the overused nature, a storm in early 2019 washed away all the sand and left most of it in the sea. Since then, the beach has become predominantly rocky. In recent months, there has also been a higher sea level. So, on the one hand, Caló des Moro has become much narrower, and on the other hand, it is rocky and stony. No matter which photo of the bay you have seen when you decided to explore it further, it was most likely not current.

Parking at Caló des Moro in 2023

Folks, this is challenging! Until April, you have many parking options, even close to the beach. However, from May onwards, most roads are closed. The large parking lot, which was built just a few years ago, has been closed due to a lawsuit by the municipal opposition party.

Since August 2022, at least half of the parking lot is open. It helps a little, but not much. The parking lot is often full and closed by municipal staff as early as 10 a.m. This is already a sign that there is insufficient space for more visitors at the beach.

That doesn’t bother most beach goers, though. They look for parking spaces in the side streets. The access roads to Caló des Moro and Cala s’Almunia are designated as ACIRE zones during the summer months. This means that only residents with the corresponding permit are allowed to enter. You can recognize this restriction by a one-way traffic sign.

This ACIRE zone also applies to approximately 20 streets in the adjacent Cala Llombards. This means, in practical terms, that there are hardly any legal parking spaces in proximity. But where can you park without getting a parking ticket? To be honest, there are nowhere near enough parking spaces near Caló des Moro to accommodate the same number of visitors as in previous years.

The solution for you is to take the bus. During the summer, the Line 517 operates from Santanyí via Cala Llombards to Colonia de Sant Jordi and Campos. The bus stop is located directly at the former parking lot. From there, it’s about a 15-minute ride to Caló des Moro.

Is a visit to Caló des Moro worth it?

Yes! Despite everything, the bay remains one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It’s just unfortunately hopelessly overcrowded. During the summer months, especially in July and August, the path to the bay resembles a pilgrimage route. Many young people even stay overnight, although it is technically prohibited. So, it doesn’t really help to come early, late in the day, or at odd hours. There always seems to be someone there. We avoid Caló des Moro during the summer months.

However, please keep in mind that Caló des Moro is currently no longer a large sandy beach. Unlike touristy beaches, no sand is artificially replenished here. However, it still captivates with its natural charm. But you have to appreciate that particular charm.

Is Caló des Moro a private beach?

No, it is not!

I often come across posts claiming that Caló des Moro is a private beach and that the owners kindly allow access. That is not true. All beaches in Spain, including the coastline, are public areas and accessible to everyone according to the Spanish Coastal Protection Law.

However, the area between Caló des Moro and Cala S’Almunia bay is private. Access is granted by the owners, and it is important to behave accordingly. The use of drones is not welcome. It should be clear that neither on the private nor on the public part should any litter be left behind.

For further reading, we recommend visiting the website of Amics d’Es Caló des Moro. This association, founded by the owners, is responsible for the landscaping of the area and shares information about their work.

How To Get to Es Caló des Moro:

Please note: The parking lot at the entrance of Cala Llombards is currently partially closed due to legal uncertainties. Residents and the municipality are hoping for clarification. Read the section above for parking options and alternatives.

At the entrance of Cala Llombards, you will find a large and well-signposted parking lot. From there, it is approximately a 1.5-kilometer walk to the bay. There are two access points. One follows the paved road until reaching a staircase, which leads first to Cala s’Almunia and then to Caló des Moro.

The second option follows along the coast. There, you will find a slightly rocky but well-maintained path. Although it may be a bit more challenging, it offers better photo opportunities of the beach.

In both cases, the most difficult part is the final section: the steep descent to the bay, which involves navigating through rugged, slippery sandstone. This can be particularly risky during periods of high foot traffic.

Excursions to Caló des Moro

We personally avoid the beach during the summer, but not the bay itself. Even though it can get crowded in the water too, we often visit Caló des Moro by taking the water route. Our favorite mode of transportation for this is stand-up paddleboarding.

Alternatively, you also have the option to visit the bay by jetski or as part of a boat excursion. The boat tour departs from Cala Figuera. For more information about the jetski excursion, you can find details here.

Caló des Moro: A Smoke-Free Beach

Since 2019, Caló des Moro has been part of the Platges sense Fum initiative, which promotes smoke-free beaches. Smoking is no longer allowed here. This decision was made not only to create a healthier environment, but also in light of the fact that a discarded cigarette likely caused a severe fire several years ago, which destroyed a significant portion of the vegetation. It should be common sense, but let’s reiterate: litter and cigarette waste should never be left on any beach.

Who Shows Up At The Beach?

Mainly, it attracts young people who visit the bay for a few hours. In the past, the beach was also frequented by older individuals and families, but that is no longer the case. Unfortunately, in recent years, it has transformed into an Instagram hotspot, bustling with styled bathers wielding selfie sticks.

In general, the beach is also suitable for families with slightly older children. However, it should be noted that there is no sandy area for playing, and seating options are limited to rocks, most of which are not large enough to accommodate an entire family.

Furthermore, it is not the place to spend a relaxed beach day during the summer. It is better suited for a short excursion with a swimming break, weather permitting. Walking, climbing, and even a bit of hiking can be enjoyed between Caló des Moro and the neighboring bay of Cala S’Almunia. The fishermen’s huts in S’Almunia make for a picturesque photo opportunity, and swimming is also possible there.

Regardless of which group you belong to, summer is the least favorable time to visit Es Caló des Moro unless you enjoy the feeling of being crowded and the background noise of a football stadium. The small Mallorcan coves have excellent acoustics.

Cala S’Almunia: The Little Sister

Photo Spot: Everything about Cala s’Almunia

While I can understand why many people want to visit Caló des Moro, I fail to comprehend how the neighboring beach is often overlooked. Cala S’Almunia captivates with its small bay featuring boat garages and a small rocky beach that transitions into a wild stream.

On both sides, smaller exploratory tours are worthwhile. Firstly, you can venture up the two hills from where you can admire Caló des Moro. Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to explore these two small mountains as access has been blocked. In my opinion, this is not quite legal since it concerns public terrain.

On the other side of Cala S’Almunia, the hike to Cala Marmols begins. It leads to another truly untouched cove. However, be prepared to walk for two hours before reaching it.

In Short

Beach type: Natural beach.

Parking: There is a large parking lot at the entrance of Cala Llombards. From there, it’s approximately a 15-minute walk. Currently, the parking lot is partially closed.

Bus: Line 517 from Santanyí, passing through Cala Llombards, to Colonia de Sant Jordi and Campos.

Strollers: Not suitable. There is an asphalted path from the parking lot to the entrance of the bay, but not to the beach itself.

Services: None. There are no toilets or bars. Occasionally, refreshments are sold at a small stand.

Nearby beaches and coves: Cala S’Almunia, Cala Llombards, Cala Santanyí, Es Pontàs.

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