Beach profile · North-east

Cala Mesquida

Last checked: September 2026

Impressively wide sandy beach set in a protected dune landscape with a large gull colony.

The belt of dunes behind the beach is protected and may only be entered on the wooden boardwalks.

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Quick answer

Why Cala Mesquida?

Spectacular dune scenery, fine sand and exciting waves in the north-east.

Who is it suitable for?

Families
Wave lovers
Dune walkers

Less suitable for

Nervous swimmers when it is windy

Character of the beach

Cala Mesquida lies in the municipality of Capdepera in the north-east of the island and is one of the few large sandy coves whose hinterland has not been built up. Behind the beach begins the nature reserve with the Ses Dunes dune belt, one of the best-preserved dune systems in Mallorca: you may only walk on the boardwalks provided, as the vegetation holds the sand in place and is correspondingly fragile. The resort itself consists of a few hotel complexes and apartments above the cove, and the buildings are low-rise. The beach is serviced, with sun loungers, showers and lifeguards in season. Because the cove is open to the north-east, waves roll in when the wind is in that direction – for children, this means paying attention to the flag system. A red flag means swimming is prohibited, yellow means restricted swimming. It is precisely these waves that make the beach interesting for bodyboarders and beginner surfers, which is rare on the island's calm sandy beaches.

Beach and water

Surface: fine sand, length approx. 300 m, beach depth approx. 130 m. Water entry: gentle entry, waves often rough in north-easterly winds. Typical crowds: busy. Best time of day: morning.

Facilities

Food and drink: chiringuito (beach bar). Toilets: seasonal. Showers: seasonal. Sun loungers: available. Changing rooms: not available. Shade: parasols. Lifeguards: seasonal.

Getting there and parking

Parking: free car park. On foot: approx. 5 minutes. Parking situation: moderate. There is a seasonal bus service; check timetables in advance.

Families and accessibility

The water entry is suitable for families with children. Accessibility: limited. Dogs: no. Nudism: tolerated.

Snorkelling and water sports

Snorkelling is worthwhile along the rocky edges. Diving is possible. Available on site: pedalo.

Food and drink at the beach

At the beach access and on the road above it there are several beach restaurants, cafés and supermarkets with the usual fare – bocadillos, salads, fish and pizza. Little is open all year round; outside the season, Capdepera or Cala Ratjada is the better choice, both around ten minutes away by car.

Safety and particular risks

Currents when the wind is onshore. Strictly follow the lifeguards' flag signals!

Take particular note: dangerous undertow when there are waves.

Beach facts

Region: North-east
Municipality: Capdepera
Nearest town: Cala Ratjada / Capdepera
Surface: Fine sand
Length: approx. 300 m
Water entry: gentle entry
Waves: rough depending on the wind
Shade: Parasols
Food and drink: Chiringuito (beach bar)
Parking: free car park
Walk: 5 minutes
Bus: seasonal
Lifeguards: seasonal
Accessibility: limited
Coordinates: 39.7436, 3.4339

Location of Cala Mesquida in Mallorca.

Practical tip

A wooden boardwalk leads across the protected dune landscape, protecting it.

Nearby beaches

Back to the beach finder →

Nearby restaurants

Bistro Senzill by Andreu Genestra · Capdepera
Rö Sushi Nikkei · Cala Ratjada
El Gaucho del Mar · Cala Ratjada
Mama Pizza · Cala Ratjada

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Region

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Frequently asked questions about Cala Mesquida

Is Cala Mesquida suitable for families?

Yes. The sand is fine, the water shelves gently, and in season there are lifeguards, showers and sun loungers. The limiting factor is the wind: an onshore north-easterly creates waves, and then the flag system applies – red means swimming is prohibited, yellow means restricted swimming.

How much does parking at Cala Mesquida cost?

There is a large car park at the beach as well as parking spaces along the access roads; parking is mostly free of charge. In high season the spaces are taken by late morning; if you arrive after 11:00, you will have to park further up in the village.

Can you get to Cala Mesquida by bus?

Yes, TIB line 422 connects Cala Ratjada and Capdepera with Cala Mesquida. Timetables change with the seasons and should be checked before you travel.

Are you allowed to walk on the dunes?

No. The Ses Dunes dune belt is protected and may only be crossed on the boardwalks provided. The vegetation holds the sand in place and recovers only very slowly.

Can you surf at Cala Mesquida?

An onshore wind produces waves suitable for bodyboarding and beginner surfing – but you cannot plan for this, as there is no reliable swell season. On windless days the cove is calm.

Are dogs allowed? Is there nudism?

Dogs: no. Nudism: tolerated.

Is there shade?

Shade: parasols.

Route

Image credits: Cala Mesquida beach in the north-east: Photo dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons