The hidden beach of Sa Calobra in Mallorca is one of the most beautiful places on the island.
Below is my guide on how to visit:
- Coll dels Reis and Sa Calobra road,
- The walk, cala, Sa Calobra beach and Torrent de Pareis,
- Tips about parking, restaurants, timing…
- And other things to do in the area.
Before all my tips + photos, let me share my best-of to plan your Mallorca trip:
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Mallorca:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Mallorca: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: dolphin watching from Alcudia
My favorite excursion from Palma: Port de Soller and Valldemossa
My favorite places to stay:
- Palma de Mallorca: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Posada Terra Santa
- Port d’Alcudia: see best rated hotels – e.g. Bonavida apartments
- Cala d’or: see best rated hotels – e.g. Casa Ceiba Maria
- In a Finca in the heart of the island – I suggest Finca Cas Sant
Why visit Sa Calobra in Mallorca?
Is Sa Calobra worth a visit?
Yes. Absolutely. It is one of the most unique places on Mallorca island.
It is an entire adventure from:
- The drive down the Tramuntana mountains,
- The walk along the cliffs and inside tunnels,
- The hidden coves with a narrow beach,
- The deep valley of Torrent de Pareis.
Don’t forget it on your itinerary!
About the name & history
Sa Calobra means “snake” in Catalan. It is just the name of the village.
Until 1932, the village was difficult to access, but in 1933 the road was built with tourists in mind to discover this natural gem.
Torrent de Parreis, means river of the twins. It is because it is the junction of Torrent de Lluc and Torrent de Gorg Blau.
In 2003, it was declared a national monument.
More photos after the planning tips.
Planning Tips & Map – Sa Calobra, Mallorca
Where is Sa Calobra in Mallorca located? Map
- On the West Coast of Mallorca island,
- In the Tramuntana Mountain Reserve area,
- Palma de Mallorca to Sa Calobra = 1h30 drive (65km)
- Port de Soller to Sa Calobra = 1h drive (39km)
- Alcudia to Sa Calobra = 1h20 drive (54km)
- Below is a map to help you get oriented:
Map – Sa Calobra and Coll dels Reis in Mallorca
All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, maps and tips) in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Mallorca road trip:
Plan your dream trip in Mallorca thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 140+ pre-selected locations
- GPS + tips to make the most of your time
- Planning tips
- 270+ original photos to help you choose
How to get to Sa Calobra
- by car – The best option is to rent a car and visit at your own rhythm to enjoy the road, the walk and the beach
- by bike – This is one of the most famous road to bike on the island
- by excursion – if you don’t want to drive, you can find group tours either by road or by boat – see options or book at your closest holiday town
- by ferry from Port de Soller – a boat runs a ferry between Port de Soller, Cala Truent and Sa Calobra. The duration is about 1h. Frequency depends on the period. However, that means you will not enjoy the crazy road – learn more
Need to rent a car in Mallorca? My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose your car and company (prefer a smaller car for the narrow roads)
- Consider their full coverage option (I recommend it because of the narrow roads)
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Need to rent a car in Mallorca?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t choose a car too large, since some roads are very narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Best time to visit Sa Calobra
The best time to visit Sa Calobra is 1 to 2h after the sunrise.
For 3 main reasons:
- The sun is up but with a great orientation to look at the beach and cliffs (However you will be facing it when looking at the valley)
- It is not yet crowded, you can find a parking spot and enjoy the area quietly
- You can enjoy the hairpins in the road without too many vehicles
The busiest times are from 1pm to 3pm. As you can see on the sign at the top of the road, this is when the buses do the tours in Summer.
Also note that in July every year, there is an outdoor concert at Torrent de Pareis.
How long to visit Sa Calobra?
You should plan at least half a day to enjoy the Sa Calobra area
- Drive down – from the main Tramuntana road (Ma10) – it takes 25min to drive down to Sa Calobra if there is no traffic
- You can include a 10min stop at Coll de Reis to admire the road and the views
- Walk to the village – it is a 5min walk from the carpark to the village
- Walk to the beach – it is a 5 to 10min flat walk from the village to the hidden beach
- Enjoy the beach area – plan 30min to 1h to explore the beach and the beginning of the valley
Port de Sa Calobra Map
On the map below you can see:
- The Sa Calobra parking area
- The restaurants in the village (numbers)
- The pier for the ferry from Port de Soller
- The start of the walk to Torrent de Pareis where the beach is
Prices and hours
- Sa Calobra is free to access
- However, you have to pay for the carpark
- Sa Calobra is open 24h / 7 days (unless roadwork is necessary…)
Sa Calobra carpark
- There is a carpark at the bottom of the road
- It is not a large one, so if you are visiting later in the day during peak season, be ready to wait for a space to be available
- You have to take a ticket and display – price depends on the time you stay – If you plan on staying all day, the maximum is 15 euros
- There is no other parking option
- As in any touristic place, don’t leave any valuable in your car and if you have a choice, park near the entrance
Where to stay
The area is quite isolated, there are not many options in the area.
- At the next cove, Cala Tuent you can find a couple of rentals such as the Holiday Home Cala Tuent – see photos and availability
Where to stay in Mallorca?
My favorites:
- Choice of restaurants + main town: see best-rated options in Palma
- Beach + practical location to explore: see best-rated options in Port d’Alcudia
- Party area – see best-rated options in S’Arenal
- Quiet in the mountains – see best-rated options in Valldemossa
- Quiet, charming seaside place – see best-rated options in Canyamel
- Access to the best calas – see best-rated options in Cala d’or
- Families – see best-rated options in Cala Millor or in Colonia Sant Jordi
Sa Calobra by car – The Snake Road via Coll dels Reis
Let’s start by the amazing road down to Sa Calobra.
Is the Sa Calobra road difficult?
I would say the drive down to Sa Calobra is of medium difficulty.
The road is in good condition and not too narrow (except a few areas). If you don’t feel comfortable, avoid peak hours and take it slow.
Café Escorca
You arrive at the area from the magnificent Road Ma10 that goes through the Tramuntana Mountains.
The turn is clearly indicated and there is a café there: Café Escorca. I think the cyclist love stopping here at the end of the climb when returning…
The Spiral Bridge: Tie-knot (“Nus de Corbata”)
As you approach Coll dels Reis, you can enjoy a rare road feature: a 270° spiral bridge. It is also called the tie-knot.
Coll dels Reis
The Coll dels Reis Pass is at an elevation of 682 meters (2,238ft).
Here you can stop at the small carpark.
There is a small café with toilets (for a fee).
From there, you can go walk on the rocks to admire the valley and the Sa Calobra road meandering in the middle.
Engineer Antoni Paretti designed the road which was built by hand.
Drive down – hairpin bends
And then the drive starts…
The 12 hairpin bends and other less drastic bends are really not that bad.
The road is wide enough, in good conditions and with protection on the side.
You just have to take your time and not be afraid to drive slowly.
However, when you are crossing path with a bus, it might be slightly more scary. So, always look in the distance to be able to stop where there is more space.
It is a stunning drive down from the mountain pass to the village.
There are beautiful rock formations to admire (if you are not the one driving…).
Narrow “tunnel”
There is one more difficult part. At one point in the road, the road cuts through the cliff and there is only one lane.
You don’t have priority when vehicles are traveling in opposite direction.
Here is a picture on the way down:
And here is a picture on the way up:
Other dangers
Apart from the narrow section, the other dangers to be aware of on this route are:
- The cyclists – This is a famous cycling road on a famous cycling island… there are many of them
- The animals – you can find farm and wild animals along the road.
Cycling Sa Calobra – climb & numbers
As I wrote, Sa Calobra is a famous cycling road.
From the Port de Sa Calobra the climb covers:
- Distance – 9.5km (6 miles)
- Elevation gain – 670m (2198ft)
- Average gradient – 6.8% with some sections at 10 – 11%
- From Ma-10 to Coll dels Reis 2.5km at 6.4%
- 26 hairpin bends
- The last 3km are the steepest and most exposed
- Be careful, it is a touristic road and there can be heavy traffic
- How long – the record is around 25min – depending on your level plan 30min to 1h to climb.
During peak cycling season, photographers are on the side of the road. You can later go on their website and buy a picture of you!
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
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Port de Sa Calobra and first beach
From the carpark, it is a short road downhill to the small port and the restaurants.
This road is not open to tourists’ vehicles. Only to locals.
Port de Sa Calobra and Platja de Sa Calobra
At Port de Sa Calobra, you can find mostly restaurants, one hotel, the first aid area and the pier for the ferry.
I know you want to head to the hidden beach, but don’t forget to enjoy the view from here too.
Here is also the first beach, the “Sa Calobra beach” even if this name is normally used for the other.
This one is 30m long with a mix of small pebbles and sand.
Sa Calobra Restaurants
There are several restaurants and bars around the port with inside and outside seating areas.
Just know that none of them have raving reviews…
But, since you are far away from everything, it could be a good idea to grab something to eat.
Walk and Tunnels
As you are facing the sea, the path starts on the right.
You can follow the sign “Torrent de Pareis”.
How difficult is the walk to Sa Calobra?
The walk is very easy.
There is a flat, well-maintained path to reach the torrent.
However, the get aligned and view the opening between the cliffs, you then have to walk a little on soft gravel / sand.
Cala de Sa Calobra
As you walk, you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea and the cliffs. There are benches to seat and relax.
Enjoy the waves crashing on the rock formations.
Before entering the narrower section of the path, you will find toilets and showers for a fee.
Sa Calobra First Tunnel
Then you turn towards the cliffs and can guess the narrow opening in the cliffs.
You will enter the first tunnel.
There is light inside, and it is not that long.
I did not feel any claustrophobia.
Be careful if wet, as it can be slippery.
What helps with this tunnel is the beautiful window in the middle. Enjoy the view!
Sa Calobra Second Tunnel
I found the second tunnel less enjoyable. The lighting was not as good and it felt less comfortable.
But it is not that long.
I recommend bringing a flashlight to feel better in it.
And the reveal
And at the end of the tunnel you discover the bottom of the valley with the Mallorca hidden beach!
In this area, there are no facilities at all.
Make sure to bring back all your rubbish with you!
Plan your trip to Mallorca:
Sa Calobra beach at Torrent de Pareis
You can then go explore the circus, Mallorca’s hidden beach, one of the most scenic beaches in Mallorca.
The ground is a mix of small pebbles.
People with balance difficulties will have issues.
You need to walk a 100m to be in alignment with the beautiful cut in the cliffs.
This beach is actually called Torrent de Pareis. But most people call it Sa Calobra beach.
It is really squeezed between towering cliffs, which is what makes it famous. It is 100m long and with a mix of small pebbles and sand.
The river Torrent de Pareis, reach all the way to the sea. It is its estuary.
Sa Calobra beach facts
- The beach is quite narrow and not ideal with children.
- There are rocks and no shallow areas.
- There are no watersports.
- No lifeguards on duty
Reflections
If there is no wind and the light is good, you can find calm water area for unbelievable reflections!
It is paradise for photographers…
Torrent de Pareis – view and hike
As I wrote earlier, this is the mouth of the river Torrent de Pareis.
You can turn around and look East to see the impressive gorge where it meanders.
To go explore, you will have to cross small sections of water.
Torrent de Pareis hike
For those who enjoy hiking, Torrent de Pareis is one of the most famous on the island.
Here are a few things to know:
- It is a river bed and it can be hiked only during the dry months (meaning the hottest months)
- Always check the weather forecast as the area can have flash floods
- You can start the hike at the top, at Café Escorca (on Ma-10) and walk down
- Or you can start at the bottom and hike up
- It is a difficult hike with large boulders, tight squeezes, vertigo inducing area and steep sections
- Ropes are required on this hike
- There is hardly any cell signal
- Plan a full day
- You can book a guided hike to be safer – see options
Cala Tuent – the sister cove
Most people just stop there. They drive straight back up.
However, I recommend taking a side road to visit Cala Tuent, the neighbour cove.
It is a short detour and far less crowded.
View from Ermita Sant Llorenç
As you drive up from Sa Calobra parking, you will notice a road going to the right (West) with a sign for Cala Tuent.
It is not a difficult road.
On the way there is a parking area where you can see a small hermitage and enjoy views over Cala Tuent.
Cala Tuent beach
As you drive down, you will find the Cala Tuent beach and the pier where the ferry stops.
I love the views of the beach with the Tramuntana summits in the background. Puig Major is the tallest peak on Mallorca at 1445m.
There are not many parking spaces, but not many people either…
Restaurant Es Vergeret
Because the restaurants at Sa Calobra did not have good reviews, I took my parents to the restaurant at Cal Tuent: Es Vergeret.
It is uphill on the other side of the cove.
The terrace is stunning with great views.
However, you should book as many groups come here for lunch.
Things to do near Sa Calobra
Since I recommend half a day to visit Sa Calobra, you could combine with other attractions in the area such as:
Lluc Monastery
The Lluc Monastery is only 15min drive from the top of the Sa Calobra road (at Escorca café).
This pilgrimage site is surrounded by mountains.
It was founded in the 13th century after a shepherd found a statue of the Virgin Marie.
Need to rent a car in Mallorca?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t choose a car too large, since some roads are very narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Es Camell
The Lluc Monastery is very famous.
But my preference goes to the incredible rock formations around it.
You can see some from the Ma-10 road. But if walking 10min from the Monastery you can hike around some of them.
A 20min extra walk leads you Es Camell, a giant rock with 2 bumps.
Sadly, my pictures don’t do them justice.
The closest town: Pollença
Pollença is 35min drive from the top of the Sa Calobra road (at Escorca café).
Its old center is stunning with narrow streets, and historical buildings.
Pollença is most famous for its staircase up to the Calvary. It offers splendid views of the town and mountains.
The town is also home to an old Roman Bridge.
The beautiful road Ma-10 through the Tramuntana Mountains
Finally, if you are short in time, just enjoy the beautiful drive along Ma-10. It is the road that takes you through the Tramuntana mountains from Pollença to Andratx.
The views are some of the best on the island.
Want to see more of Mallorca?
- 40 most beautiful landscapes in Mallorca (with pictures) – read article
- 7 Best Mallorca caves – read article
- 10 best calas in Mallorca (coves) – read article
- 12 Mallorca hidden gems, off the beaten path – read article
- 21 most beautiful views in Mallorca – read article
- Mallorca travel tips – read article
- Driving in Mallorca – read article
- Cap de Formentor (road, beach, lighthouse…) – see article
- Things to do in Alcudia, Mallorca – see article
Planning a trip to Mallorca?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Mallorca thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 140+ pre-selected locations
- GPS + tips to make the most of your time
- Planning tips
- 270+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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