The beach of Camp de Mar is located idyllically in the southwest, nestled between green hills at the foot of the mountain range Cap de Andritxol. The village with the same name was created with the onset of tourism and is purely a holiday destination. Without tourists, it wouldn’t exist, and that would be a bit of a shame. Because beyond the characteristic bridge that leads to the small island with a restaurant, there is much more to discover and experience around Camp de Mar.
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Camp de Mar is a popular travel destination for tourists. Families, in particular, appreciate the tranquility and idyllic nature of the small resort town. In addition to the clean sandy beach and clear turquoise water, the modern golf course also attracts many visitors. There are numerous restaurants and shops, as well as some easy hiking trails to more remote areas. Those who are willing to put in a bit more effort can even reach secluded coves. In this post, I will reveal how and where to find all of this.
The Beach of Camp de Mar
At first glance, Camp de Mar may seem somewhat artificial and sterile. Everything here is truly geared towards tourists. However, unlike other tourist hotspots, the town has managed to maintain a familial and somewhat chic ambiance. So much so that in the summer, even celebrities are spotted here, who appreciate the tranquility and privacy, just like many vacationers. However, the holiday resort remains somewhat impersonal, but is located in a charming natural setting.
As a family beach, Camp de Mar leaves little to be desired. The sand is fine and clean, with showers and toilets available. Multiple parking lots are within walking distance, and all of them are free of charge. Numerous restaurants and bars provide food and refreshments. In the summer, lifeguards ensure safety, and water sports are also widely offered. Additionally, the beach is wheelchair accessible, and there is a nice playground. It is perfectly located in the sand, with a view of the sea but shaded by pine trees.
The eye-catcher and probably the most famous photo motif of Camp de Mar is the small island that can be reached from the beach via a wooden walkway. The renowned Illeta restaurant is located there. You will find people there who just want to take the obligatory photo for the Gram, as well as those who want to taste the highly praised paella. It’s said to be excellent there.
If the hustle and bustle in front of the wooden walkway becomes too much, you can head west. There you will find the beach Playa de Ses Dones. Unlike the main beach, this one is unfortunately not sandy, but there are several boat jetties that make it relatively easy to get into the sea. Wearing water shoes is definitely advisable. This stretch of coastline is particularly suitable for snorkeling.
Activities in Camp de Mar
Relaxing, sunbathing, and golfing – that’s pretty much all you can do directly in Camp de Mar. Generally, this is enough for most vacationers. However, you won’t find any historical sights in Camp de Mar. The oldest buildings were constructed around 1930. Nature lovers, on the other hand, will certainly get their money’s worth. And there are also numerous excursion opportunities on the water.
Dolphin Sightseeing Tours in the Morning
From Paguera: Get your tickets here.
There are many opportunities to observe dolphins in their natural habitat around Mallorca. One of these tours departs not far from Camp de Mar, at the port of Paguera, or alternatively, Santa Ponça.
The tour departs in the morning and lasts about three hours. The catamaran takes you along the coast to areas where dolphins are usually spotted. There are two bars on board where you can buy drinks and snacks. A snorkeling break is also included on the way back. You can book the dolphin tour here.
Snorkeling Tour on a Private Boat
Get your seats: Make a reservation here.
If you prefer a more intimate experience, you can rent this small boat with a captain for a day. The private tour starts in Andratx and takes you to the most beautiful coves on the West Coast. Snorkeling breaks and detours will be taken as they arise.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a typical paella for lunch at one of the best restaurants in Sant Elm. On board, you will be offered ice cream and drinks, and snorkeling equipment will also be provided. You can reserve the private boat here.
Excursion to the Dinosaur Park and Caves
Transfer & entrance: Reserve your spot here.
Slightly further away, but definitely worth the trip, is Mallorca’s only dinosaur park. Dinosaurland is located outside of Porto Cristo, right next to the well-known Cuevas del Hams caves. Both attractions can be enjoyed as part of an organized tour starting in Camp de Mar.
The full-day excursion starts with a visit to the caves. Afterward, you have plenty of time to explore the dinosaur park and admire the life-size dinosaurs. To finish off the day, you will have some free time in Porto Cristo, which you can use to swim at the nearby beach or take a stroll through the harbor. You can book this excursion here.
Boat trips to Dragonera Island
Sa Dragonera, also known as the Dragon Island, is an offshore island in the west of Mallorca and an important nature reserve. It is home to the endemic Balearic lizard, which can sometimes sneak into a backpack if you’re not careful. On site, you can hike one of the signposted trails, swim in the small bay, or simply observe the funny lizards.
Although most trips to the island of Dragonera depart from Andratx and Sant Elm, there are also some providers that offer pick-ups from Camp de Mar. The trip is very suitable for children. Just remember to bring enough food and good sun protection.
Hiking to the Watchtower at Cap de Andritxol
If you look up at the mountains to the east from the beach, you might spot it: the watchtower at the Cap de Andritxol, which used to warn of pirate attacks. The hike to get there is a bit rocky, but doable even with smaller children.
There is also a signposted hiking trail from Camp de Mar that takes you up to the pirate tower over 1.5 kilometers and 110 meters in altitude in about half an hour. Part of the route goes through wooded areas, but in some parts there is no shade.
Other Beaches Nearby
I also mentioned hidden coves earlier, so let’s take a look at them. In most cases, they can be reached by bus. However, for some of them, you will definitely need a rental car.
Caló d’en Monjo
The beach of Caló d’en Monjo is great for snorkeling. Formerly, the small cove was considered a hidden gem for nude beaches in Mallorca. Nowadays, proponents of naturism are in the minority and tend to retreat to secluded corners of the cove.
The beach itself is not too small, but also not too big. There are two bathing areas. One is at the actual beach and the other is on the opposite side at a boathouse. Both spots are rocky, even in the water.
To reach Caló d’en Monjo, you will need to walk for about ten minutes. The parking lot in Cala Fornells is well signposted but a bit rugged. The path to the beach itself is easy to walk on the wide forest path. You can also reach Cala Fornells by bus.
Beaches in Cala Fornells
If you don’t want to walk too far and value service near the beach, then the main beach of Cala Fornells is your destination. The town itself is also touristy, but the coves are smaller and sandy.
Both bathing areas are wooded. Cala Fornells itself also has some concrete platforms where you can lie down. Large parts of the bay are dominated by the hotel of the same name. However, like all beaches in Mallorca, the beach is open to everyone.
Cala Blanca
Slightly west of Camp de Mar, there is a small cove that, in addition to being a secret bathing spot, is also one of the few official dog beaches in Mallorca. Although Cala Blanca is not far off, it is only accessible by foot or by car.
There is a small parking lot, from which the washed-out riverbed leads to the sea. This can be somewhat slippery in parts, so be sure to wear sturdy footwear. The beach itself is rocky and good for snorkeling. There are some shady seating areas, but no services available.
How to get to Camp de Mar
Camp de Mar can be easily reached from Palma via the Ma-1. The exit is clearly marked. There is a large parking area right at the entrance of the town, next to the golf course. The bus stop for the public bus is also located there. Additional parking spaces can be found just a few meters further inside the town. The differences in distance are minimal.
You can reach Camp de Mar by bus, among other options, using bus line 101. It runs regularly between Palma and Port d’Andratx. Bus line 122 connects Costa de la Calma with Port d’Andratx and also stops in Santa Ponça and Peguera, among other places.
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