This September, Salty Supply ventured on a brief trip to Mallorca for a taste of what the island has to offer. Over five days, we explored Mallorca from its northern most points to the southern tips, uncovering both well-known and hidden gems along the way. We visited popular beaches, often touted as must-see destinations, and compared them with quieter, lesser-known spots.

Is it really worth squeezing onto a crowded beach just because it’s ranked No. 11 in Europe? Or would you rather relax in a serene setting, enjoying freshly made to order sandwiches and juicy, ripe pineapple? We know our preference.

In this mini travel journal, we’ll share our honest impressions and insights from our Short n Sweet trip, helping you decide where your next beach day in Mallorca should be spent.

Cala Illetes - popular destination in the southwest of Palma de Mallorca

Starting off strong with Cala Illetes beach, located just 30 minutes from Palma Airport. We came here on our final day, as we had an evening flight, we were determined to make the most of it by squeezing in a last beach day and boy, it was a good one.

Cala Illetes is stunning, and I highly recommend it. The water is as blue and clear as you’d hope for. The bay is lined with sun loungers for those who prefer not to sit directly on the sand. Some people relaxed in hammocks strung between the trees, while others chose the rocks. We opted for a spot on the beach, close to the water, since it was a scorcher.

One thing about Mallorca, though—it's a popular destination, so expect crowds. We did feel a bit like sardines to be honest but we didn’t mind. We got used to it, considering how busy the island is.

When the sun dips behind the trees at 4pm, we headed up the steps to the beach bar for a surprisingly affordable and cheerful meal, given the prime location.

Parking was a bit of a challenge, but we got lucky, and parking fees in Mallorca are rarely an issue. Overall, I loved this beach and would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Palma.

Our next stop was Caló des Moro, ranked No. 11 in Europe. Based on the stunning images I had seen on Instagram, Google, and TikTok, I could understand why it earned such a high ranking. However, reality didn't quite live up to the hype for a few reasons:

Firstly, it was extremely crowded—so much so that we couldn’t even get down to the beach because there was a queue. Personally, no beach is worth that kind of wait for me. Secondly, it was overcast so this may of been dampening our moods more than the beach itself.

If you're staying nearby, it might be worth heading there early for some quieter beach time. But if, like us, you're traveling from farther away, I’d recommend skipping Caló des Moro and heading to another beach instead, as we are spoilt for choice really. I’d head to our next stop…

After our experience at Caló des Moro, we were ready for something a bit more spacious, so we drove 30 minutes north to Parc Natural de Mondragó, a stunning National Park. This beach was exactly what we needed—ample space, beautiful landscapes, sandy shores, and crystal-clear blue waters.

We were thrilled to find freshly made sandwiches & fresh juicy pineapple. The sun finally came out, and we spent the entire afternoon basking in the sun, cooling off in the water, and then repeating the cycle. Mondragó had everything we were looking for, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the day.

There was paid parking close by but we opt’d to walk a little further for free parking.

We chose to stay in the historic town of Alcúdia, considered one of the most beautiful spots in Mallorca. Nestled within the old town, Alcúdia is a maze of idyllic streets that are perfect for getting pleasantly lost. The area is brimming with restaurants, boutique shops, and a bustling market on weekends.

Our Airbnb was a gem, featuring charming stone walls and terracotta tiles that added a unique touch to our stay.

A must-visit for dining in the old town is ‘Osteria El Patio.’ The food was incredible, with delicious pasta and pizza at very reasonable prices. The service was excellent—friendly and welcoming—and we even found ourselves at the local pool bar as the staff at the end of the night.

If, like us, you enjoy exploring and traveling around the island, I highly recommend renting a car from the airport. It’s convenient for both pick-up and drop-off, and it also serves as your luggage storage.

If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, Alcúdia might not be the best choice. In that case, I’d suggest staying closer to Palma, where the city’s nightlife is more vibrant.

Mallorca, Islas Baleares

Lanzarote, Islas Canarias

Corfu, Greek Islands