Hidden Coves of Southwest Mallorca — A Sailor's Guide

Why Southwest Mallorca Is Different

While the rest of Mallorca has been mapped, reviewed, and crowded by millions of tourists, the southwest coast between Port d'Andratx and Sant Elm remains remarkably untouched. The reason is simple: there are no roads. The Serra de Tramuntana mountains plunge directly into the sea here, creating a dramatic coastline of towering cliffs, sea caves, and hidden coves that can only be reached by boat.

This is the coastline we sail every day at Alegria Sailing, and after years of exploring these waters, we've put together this insider's guide to the best hidden coves you'll discover on a sailing trip from Port d'Andratx.

Cala Llamp — The Closest Secret

Just ten minutes from Port d'Andratx lies Cala Llamp, a deep, sheltered bay surrounded by pine-covered cliffs. While a small part is accessible by a steep path from the Gran Folies beach club above, the best spots — the rocky platforms on the north side and the crystal-clear deep water in the centre — are only comfortably reached by boat.

The water here is a stunning deep turquoise, and the rocky bottom means visibility often exceeds 15 metres. It's our favourite first stop on a half-day sailing trip because the shelter from the cliffs makes it perfect even on days with a light breeze.

Best time to visit: Morning, when the sun illuminates the water from above and the cove is still empty.

Cala Marmassen — The Hidden Beach

Tucked between the headlands south of Sant Elm, Cala Marmassen is a narrow pebble beach backed by wild olive trees and fragrant rosemary bushes. There is a hiking trail from Sant Elm, but it's rough and unmarked, meaning that on most days we anchor here and have the entire cove to ourselves.

The seabed is a mix of sand and posidonia grass, creating that characteristic striped pattern of light and dark that photographs so well. Snorkelling along the rocky edges reveals octopus, sea stars, and schools of ornate wrasse.

Cala en Basset — The Wild One

This is the cove that makes people gasp. Cala en Basset sits at the foot of a medieval watchtower, surrounded by 200-metre cliffs on three sides. The approach by sea is dramatic — you sail past the rocky islets of Es Malgrats and round a headland, and suddenly this narrow inlet opens up in front of you.

There's no beach here, just smooth rocks and impossibly clear water. The depth drops from two metres at the edges to ten metres in the centre within a few boat lengths. Jumping from the rocks into the deep blue is an experience our guests never forget.

Tip: The afternoon light here is extraordinary — the cliffs glow golden around 17:00 in summer.

Cala Egos — The Family Favourite

A little further south towards Cala Fornells, Cala Egos offers something different: a sandy seabed in shallow, warm water, perfect for families with children. The cove is wide enough to anchor comfortably and the surrounding rocks provide natural windbreaks.

We often recommend this stop on our Alegria Sailing full-day trips because the calm water is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and simply floating. The pine forest above provides a beautiful green backdrop that contrasts with the blue water.

Cala Ortigues and Es Camp de Mar — The Secret Pair

Between Cala Egos and Camp de Mar lie two tiny coves that don't appear in most guidebooks. Cala Ortigues is barely 20 metres wide, accessible only by swimming or dinghy from an anchored yacht. Es Camp de Mar (not to be confused with the resort) is a rocky inlet where the water is so clear it looks like the boat is floating in air.

These are the spots we share only with guests who book a full-day trip — they reward patience and a willingness to explore beyond the obvious.

How to Explore These Coves

The best way to experience these hidden coves is aboard a private sailing yacht. Unlike motorboat excursions that rush from point to point, a sailing trip lets you feel the wind, hear the silence, and take your time at each stop.

Our Alegria Sailing trips depart daily from Port d'Andratx and visit two to four of these coves depending on the itinerary. Your skipper knows these waters intimately and will choose the best stops based on conditions, wind direction, and your preferences.

• Half-day trip (4h): Two to three coves, swimming, snorkelling, drinks and snacks included
• Full-day trip (8h): Four or more coves, lunch aboard, full exploration of the coastline
• Sunset trip (3h): One cove plus sailing towards Dragonera for golden hour

Every trip is private — just you, your group, and the Mediterranean. No crowds, no schedule, no strangers. Book your sailing trip and discover the Mallorca that most visitors never see.