Cala Murta

We are going on an excursion to Cala Murta in the Formentor area, to enjoy one of the beautiful coves we have in Mallorca. You can do the excursion to Cala Murta both in summer and winter. In summer it is a good beach day plan, and in winter it is an easy and short hiking route. In both cases, the scenery and the nature are stunning; typical of the rugged north coast of Mallorca.

At click-mallorca we are local experts in Mallorca, we live on the island and we know it like the back of our hand. We have prepared this guide to visiting Cala Murta Beach so that you can plan to go to this cove with all the information. We are going to explain how to get to Cala Murta, what the beach is like and include some options for activities and places to visit in the surroundings.

Cala Murta Beach Information

Cala Murta Beach is beautiful. Small and intimate, it is wedged between two slopes, and the only trace of human presence is a chalet on the left side. This is a virgin cove in the protected area of Formentor, which is part of the UNESCO protected Serra de Tramuntana Mountain Range.

A few things about this beach:

First of all, we want to tell you that there are no beach services here, no beach bar, no sunbeds or parasols, no lifeguard… Cala Murta is a 100% virgin cove of Mallorca. Therefore, you must take your drink and food with you. There used to be picnic tables and benches, but since 2021 there are no longer any.

Secondly, we want to tell you that Cala Murta Beach is a pebble beach, not a sandy beach. The pebbles are medium-sized stones, and they don’t make it very uncomfortable for you to lie on the beach to sunbathe and relax. Obviously, carrying a beach mat is not a bad option to be more comfortable.

Thirdly, the seabed is also a mixture of stones and sand. It’s great for snorkelling, and it is a good idea to bring beach shoes that you can wear to walk on the rocky seabed; it will make your snorkelling experience more comfortable and enjoyable. The waters at Cala Murta are crystal clear, and a beautiful turquoise colour.

And finally, the possible “visitors” that you might share the beach with. Namely donkeys and goats. The latter are true experts in finding food, especially when you are bathing. You are warned.

Cala Murta is a cove that we absolutely LOVE, because it brings together many of those ingredients that make it special: clear and crystalline waters, few people, stunning landscape and tranquility. When you fly into Mallorca, your approach normally takes you down the island from north to south with the Tramuntana Mountain Range out the right side window. Well, when you make that approach to Mallorca and you start to see tiny coves with amazing-coloured patchy waters ranging from light turquoise to the deepest blue, you are almost certainly flying over Cala Murta and the Formentor area.

Things to do in Cala Murta

Snorkelling and swimming are obligatory in Cala Murta, thanks to the unbelievably clear water. But wonderful views abound in this area of Formentor and hiking and a visit to the viewpoint should also be high on your list of things to do.

Our first recommendation is not to miss this incredible viewpoint just a few minutes from the beach. On the right side of Cala Murta there is a path that runs along the coast, and in just 5 minutes takes you to the Es Castellet viewpoint. There are two stone benches, and beautiful views of the coast of Formentor and the bay of Alcudia with the mountains of the La Victoria peninsula and Cape Pinar.

Es Castellet is a small rock of calcareous rocks about 6 meters high. If you want views, don’t miss our post on the best viewpoints in Mallorca.

Another thing not to miss doing in Cala Murta is exploring the seabed, which is a mixture of stones and sand. It’s great for snorkelling, and you will be able to discover more varied marine life here than from other beaches in Mallorca. And the colour of the water will make your under-water photos look like postcards.

For those hikers looking for a new route in the Formentor area, we recommend the route that goes up to Fumat, down the old path of the Formentor lighthouse and descends to Cala Murta. The excursion lasts about 4 hours at an easy pace, and is about 9 kilometers.

How to get to Cala Murta

To get to Cala Murta you take the road that goes to the Formentor Lighthouse and, at the Cala Figuera bus stop, on the right side we find the path to Cala Figuera, and in just 25 minutes walking you reach Cala Murta. The path is about 2 kilometers and is relatively flat.

Sounds easy, right? It is, but you need to have two important things in mind if you want to visit Cala Murta:

1. Parking: there used to be a car park above the Cala Figuera bus stop, but now it is closed. To park you will have to find a space on the shoulder, without disturbing traffic or leaving part of the car on the road, since otherwise, you risk a fine.
2. Traffic Restrictions in the protected Formentor area: From June to September, traffic on the road from Formentor Beach to the Formentor Lighthouse is restricted to private vehicles from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. That is, you cannot drive your car to get to Cala Murta at this time. You must take the shuttle bus that goes from Formentor Beach to the Formentor Lighthouse, and has a stop along the road to get to Cala Murta.

The path to walk down to Cala Murta is a wide path. First it passes the Cala Murta camp, and descends towards the cove. The vegetation is a combination of shady oaks and pines and bushy palms, and the walk is very pleasant. Also, maybe you will be lucky and the donkeys that live on this farm, will make an appearance to you! They are not dangerous, and if you bring some carrots, they will surely be very happy.

Exploring Around Cala Murta

For a short and easy walking route, you can combine the visit to Cala Murta with the walk down to Cala Figuera, which is another spectacular cove. From the beginning of the path to Cala Murta, the path (in the opposite direction) goes down to Cala Figuera. It’s just 15-20 minutes.

And for those who prefer exploring the area by car, the option is to continue along the road and reach Cape Formentor. One of those magical places, and with views that take your breath away. Without a doubt, we could say that this is one of the best excursions in Mallorca that you can do.

Another spectacular viewpoint is from the Torre del Albercutx, close to the famous Es Colomer viewpoint, but with an even better view as, from the Torre del Albercutx, you are looking down over the Es Colomer viewpoint. You can drive up to this old, half dilapidated watchtower or you can park your car near the Es Colomer viewpoint and walk up the steep hill. The views from the Torre del Albercutx are best enjoyed at either sunrise or sunset (both are stunning, as you have amazing 360 panoramas, and you can see the sea to both the east and the west).

Cala Murta in Porto Cristo – don’t get mixed up!

As a sidenote, let us mention that in Mallorca there are two Cala Murta. In this article, we are talking about Cala Murta in Formentor! The other Cala Murta is located in Porto Cristo, just behind the entrance to the Caves of Drach and very close to Cala Anguila. It is a tiny cove, just 5-10 meters wide. From the back of the entrance to the Caves of Drach there is a path that takes you to the Cove. We leave you a photo:

Places to stay near Cala Murta

It is important to know that you cannot camp in Cala Murta. Camping is strictly regulated in Mallorca and there are many beaches where it is not allowed – this is one of them.

In the area near Cala Murta, you will find accommodation options that will allow you to enjoy the beauty of Formentor. One of the places to consider is Puerto Pollensa, which is a short drive away. Here, there is a wide range of hotels, from boutique options to luxury resorts, offering exceptional amenities and spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. We recommend some. All of the following are in Puerto Pollensa:

Hotel Eolo

The Eolo Hotel is located on the seafront and has privileged views of the sea and the harbour. The rooms are spacious and modern and it has a terrace on the top floor and a traditional trattoria on the Paseo de los Pinos.

Hotel Capri

The Capri Hotel, also on the seafront, has a small private dock exclusively for clients where you can eat or have a drink literally in the sea. It is a small and renovated hotel facing the beach, also with privileged views of the sea and the port.

Hoposa Uyal

If what you are looking for is a more exclusive experience, the Hotel Uyal is your hotel. It is a classic and luxurious building with spectacular interior spaces and a large terrace with sea views. It has several outdoor and indoor pools where you can relax in its wooden hammocks and Balinese beds, in addition to enjoying excellent service in an unbeatable environment.

Illa D’Or

The Illa d’Or is the classic luxury hotel par excellence in Puerto de Pollensa. It has a spa, sea views and a private dock where you can lie down in hammocks exclusive to clients or enjoy an excellent gastronomic offer.

You will also find villas and apartments for rent that provide a more intimate and flexible experience to enjoy your stay near Cala Murta. Furthermore, Puerto Pollensa has a charming gastronomic offer and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a convenient and attractive place to stay while exploring the natural wonders of the region.

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