Discover the South
The south of Mallorca is the least developed coastal region of the island — and that's exactly what makes it so special. While resorts line the east and west coasts, endless natural beaches, flat salt lagoons, and a hinterland of dry steppes and pine forests reminiscent of North Africa dominate here.
The center of the region is the municipality of Ses Salines with its eponymous salt pans, which have been producing salt since Roman times. Right next to it stretches the Es Trenc, Mallorca's most famous natural beach: over 3 kilometers of white sand, turquoise water, no hotel fortresses. In the small port town of Colònia de Sant Jordi, boats depart for the Cabrera Archipelago — a national park with crystal-clear water that can only be visited with permission.
In contrast, the north of the region features the Playa de Palma, a 6-kilometer-long beach promenade stretching from the elegant old town of Palma to the notorious S'Arenal. Here, the tourist heart of Mallorca beats — Ballermann included. But even here, there are quieter sections worth visiting.
In the southwest, hidden bays like Cala Pi surprise with dramatic cliffs and turquoise water, which are not overcrowded even in high summer. The south is ideal for those who prefer natural beaches, bird watching, and maritime adventures to an organized resort life.
Plan at least 3–4 days for the south. A rental car is essential here — the best beaches and bays are hardly accessible by bus. The distances are manageable: Palma–Es Trenc about 50 minutes, Palma–Colònia de Sant Jordi about 55 minutes.
💡 Tipp
The south is the perfect region for a rental car day trip from Palma. Leave early in the morning (before 9 a.m.) to still get a parking spot at Es Trenc. In the afternoon, head to Colònia de Sant Jordi for fish, and return in the evening via the Ma-6014 with a stop at Cala Pi.