A Road Trip Guide To Sa Calobra In Mallorca
Are you ready for the road trip of a life time? One which takes you through the hills of Mallorca, has incredible views over mountain roads, and ends in a beach that will take you a little by surprise? Well, here’s your road trip guide to visiting Sa Calobra in Mallorca, one of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca.
Read More: A Stay At Bikini Island And Mountain Hotel In Port de Soller
Road Route: Port de Soller to Sa Calobra
Starting off in the coastal town of Port de Soller, you’ll take the M11 out of town to reach the M10. Here you’ll begin an undulating drive into the Traumunta mountains of Mallorca. Winding through the forests of the hills, and more than likely encountering a few cyclists along the way, shady roads and green hills will eventually start to give way to pale grey rocky hills dotted with patches of green vegetation.
It’s towards the end of the M10 where you’ll first enjoy the dramatic views on this road trip to Sa Calobra…
The Torrent du Gorg Blau, and the Gorg Blau reservoir, was named a natural monument by the Balearic Islands Government in 2003. And when you drive past it, you’ll soon see why. Stop off at one of the viewing points to drink in the landscape. Or if you want to stretch your legs, there are some walking trails around here. But I promise, the best is yet to come.
Drive directly through a tunnel in the mountains and shortly after, you’ll see a road sign for to MA 2141 and Sa Calobra on the left – taking you to the first switch back of many along this route.
You’ll start the climb up hill and the trees will drop away to reveal open vistas across the rugged valleys. At the peak, you’ll loop over the road – the nudo de corbata (tie’s knot). This marks the start of your journey downhill onto the windiest part of the drive.
Definitely pull up here if you can to take a stroll on the rocks! You’ll get a great idea of the road you’re about to drive down…
This is where the adventure begins. The steep and twisting journey down to an incredible beach and you’ll want to take it slow. Not only to navigate the sharp turns, and leave room for the intrepid cyclists that tackles these roads, but to also appreciate the views – all changing dramatically as you descend 720 metres to sea level.
After 8 miles, you’ll reach Sa Calobra. If you think the views were impressive on the drive, just wait until you see the beach.
Park your car in the main car park on the right. You’ll need cash for this and it is quite pricey. We were there just under 4 hours and paid around 13 euros. Then take the walk down to the beach.
You’ll go through a slightly underwhelming port at first – the beach looks gorgeous but the surrounding restaurants and shops lack a little of that Mallorcan charm. But turn right – and walk along to coastal path for a few hundred metres. You’ll pass the bluest of blue seas, take a dark and narrow walk through the mountain tunnels – be careful as these can be slightly slippy if they’re wet – and come across little port holes in the rock that give you a glimpse of what awaits.
Eventually, the tunnel opens into the mouth of a gorge. Small pebbles lead to a vast open space. Follow this inland to the right, and to the coast on the left.
Sa Calobra is nestled in between 2 steep cliffs making for quite the dramatic and narrow beach-day setting.
Just be warned that the beach can be crowded. But, if you don’t mind not being directly by the water, you’ll find a space easily to relax.
With the super blue water, you can see why boat trippers make their way here for the afternoon. Brave rock climbers also enjoy a clamber on the cliffs, and walkers can meander through the valley. Both are a great way to explore the nature that hides behind the coastline.
Or alternatively, chill out after the drive in the sun and take a dip in the sea!
It’s a beautiful place to visit for the day and if you plan well, you can even squeeze in visits to Fornalutx and Escorsa along the way!
Top Tips For Your Road Trip To Sa Calobra
Take cash for the parking. You pay on your way out either via a machine in the car park or at the ticket booth as you drive out. Make the process quicker by paying at the machine for a quick exit on to the road!
Take your own food. Most of the eateries in Sa Calobra looked like a self-serve job. The food might be good, I don’t know, but make the most of your beautiful surroundings by taking a little picnic for when you get peckish!
The beach is pebble nearer the water so if you have sensitive feet, take some water shoes so you can take full advantage of the cooling water.
Stop as much as possible. Each view point offers its own unique perspective on the drive.
Take it slow. The twisting roads are pretty stomach churning, especially if you suffer from travel sickness. Put it this way, I’m glad we were in a car and not on a coach that was a few vehicles in front of us. It meant we could take it as steady as needed and the travel sickness didn’t affect us as much.
Have you been on a road trip to Sa Calobra in Mallorca before? Is it something you’d love to do?
Hey, I’m Emma!
