Playa de Formentor, Mallorca - Image 1
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Playa de Formentor

4.4
·10k reviews·, Spain

A breathtaking crescent bay with Caribbean-like turquoise waters, fringed by shady pine trees. Famous for its scenic drive and stunning natural beauty...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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Playa de Formentor, Mallorca - Image 1

Playa de Formentor

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking crescent bay with Caribbean-like turquoise waters, fringed by shady pine trees. Famous for its scenic drive and stunning natural beauty.

4.4
(10k reviews)

"One of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen, Caribbean-like."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is limited and expensive (€0.08/min). Aim to arrive before 10:30 AM to secure a spot. :car:

🌳 Utilize Natural Shade

Bring a blanket or towel to enjoy the free shade from the pine trees instead of costly sunbeds. :palm_tree:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Caribbean-like Waters

Caribbean-like Waters

Crescent Bay

Experience stunning turquoise waters with beautiful shades of blue and a gradual entry, perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Shady Pine Forest

Shady Pine Forest

Beachfront

Find natural respite from the sun under the dense pine trees that fringe the beach, offering a cooler alternative to rented loungers.

Scenic Drive

Scenic Drive

Road to Formentor

Enjoy a breathtaking drive with panoramic views, including a must-stop photo opportunity with local goats.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Parking Chaos

Playa de Formentor gets packed, especially in peak season. Arrive early (before 10:30 AM) to snag a spot in the limited parking areas, which can be pricey (around €0.08/minute). Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid weekend rushes. Reddit

Embrace the Natural Shade

While sunbeds and umbrellas are available and expensive, the pine trees lining the crescent bay offer ample natural shade. Bring a blanket or towel to claim your spot under the trees for a more budget-friendly experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, fewer families
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Hot tip for every newbie: Cap de Formentor

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is limited and expensive (€0.08/min). Aim to arrive before 10:30 AM to secure a spot. Reddit :car:

🌳 Utilize Natural Shade

Bring a blanket or towel to enjoy the free shade from the pine trees instead of costly sunbeds. Reddit :palm_tree:

reddit.com

Beach tips.

reddit.com

Starting my Mallorca trip tomorrow

💰 Pack Snacks & Water

Food and drinks at the beach restaurants are pricey. Bring your own to save money. :moneybag:

📸 Stop at Viewpoints

The drive to the beach offers stunning vistas. Don't miss the photo stops, especially the one with goats! Reddit :camera:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is limited and expensive (€0.08/min). Aim to arrive before 10:30 AM to secure a spot. Reddit :car:

🌳 Utilize Natural Shade

Bring a blanket or towel to enjoy the free shade from the pine trees instead of costly sunbeds. Reddit :palm_tree:

💰 Pack Snacks & Water

Food and drinks at the beach restaurants are pricey. Bring your own to save money. :moneybag:

📸 Stop at Viewpoints

The drive to the beach offers stunning vistas. Don't miss the photo stops, especially the one with goats! Reddit :camera:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The parking areas can be uneven and rocky. Comfortable footwear is recommended. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Playa de Formentor is lauded for its stunning, Caribbean-like turquoise waters and abundant natural shade from pine trees, making it a picturesque destination. However, visitors frequently cite chaotic and expensive parking, along with crowded conditions and high prices for amenities like sunbeds and food, as significant drawbacks. Reddit

"one of the most beautiful beach I've ever seen,Caribbean like. But the parking is very chaotic and you must to be lucky to find one. for 2 hours we've paid 11 €. We were at Friday around 2.pm.. very busy. Almost half an hour to find a small spot where you can safely leave your stuff and go into the water. And the Four Seasons Hotel owns half of the beach."

Szilard Szoke

"There are actually two parts of this beach, a longer one (on the left, when facing the sea) and a shorter one on the right. The left part has more natural shade, maybe more place for your umbrella. It can be crowded, but the water is so wonderful, with the most beautiful shades of blue, a nice and gradual entry into the water, but there is also deep water. A big complaint is that a large part of the beach is occupied by overpriced umbrellas and sunbeds for rent. Service in restaurants is quite expensive. Also, parking is expensive, near left part of the beach I came across two parking lots, one with a price of 0.08 cents per minute, the other a bit cheaper. The beach is driven up a steep road, and it is quite far if you are located on the other side of the island, but it is worth the detour."

Ognjen Slovic

"A very busy beach in August. Due to the narrowness of the beach and almost no tidal ebb, it feels crowded. There are EXTREMELY expensive sunbed and parasols but the pine trees give plenty of shade for those with blankets. Kids enjoyed
We arrived at 10.30am, one of the last spots in the free parking area and the beach was already jam packed. That being said, it is a beautiful spot. There are free toilets available and a couple of spots to get food."

Mel Southin

What People Like

Beautiful turquoise waters
Natural pine shade
Scenic drive

What People Dislike

Expensive parking
Crowded conditions
High amenity prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Playa de Formentor is by car. The drive itself is scenic, with several viewpoints along the way. Be prepared for a steep road and potentially chaotic parking. Reddit Alternatively, you can take a bus from Alcudia or Pollença, which can be a more relaxed option if you want to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Yes, parking is available, but it is very limited and can be expensive, often costing around €0.08 per minute. Reddit Arriving early, ideally before 10:30 AM, is crucial to find a spot. The parking areas can be uneven and rocky. Reddit

Yes, public buses operate to Playa de Formentor from nearby towns like Alcudia and Pollença. This is a good alternative if you prefer not to drive and deal with parking. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

The drive is renowned for its stunning scenic beauty, offering panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding landscape. There are designated photo stops, including one where you might encounter local goats. Reddit

Yes, the beach has a gradual entry into the water, making it suitable for young children. The pine trees also provide much-needed shade. However, it can get very crowded, which might be a consideration with very young kids. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entrance fee to access Playa de Formentor itself. However, parking is charged, and sunbed/umbrella rentals are also available at a significant cost. Reddit

Playa de Formentor is a public beach and is generally accessible at all times. However, parking facilities may have specific operating hours. Reddit

While not strictly necessary, booking sunbeds in advance might be advisable during peak season due to high demand. However, many visitors opt to use their own blankets and towels to take advantage of the free shade from the pine trees. Reddit

During peak season, access by car might be restricted at certain times to manage traffic and overcrowding. It's advisable to check local regulations or consider public transport. Reddit

Parking is charged by the minute, typically around €0.08 per minute. This can add up quickly, so factor this into your budget. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The crescent bay itself offers stunning shots with its clear blue waters. Don't miss the viewpoints along the scenic drive to the beach, especially the one with the goats. The pine trees also create beautiful framing for your photos. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more golden hue. Midday can be harsh, and the beach is often very crowded. Reddit

Drone regulations can vary and are subject to change. It's essential to check the latest local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the bay and the surrounding landscape. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water. Instagram

The Four Seasons Hotel occupies a portion of the beach. While you can see the hotel, it's part of the resort area and may not be the primary focus for most visitors seeking natural beauty shots. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are restaurants and cafes located near the beach. However, reviews suggest that service and prices can be quite expensive. Reddit

Dining options typically include beachside cafes and restaurants offering a range of meals. Be prepared for higher prices compared to other locations on the island. Reddit

Many visitors find the restaurants to be overpriced. It's often recommended to pack your own snacks and drinks to save money, or dine in nearby towns before or after your visit. Reddit

Yes, there are spots to purchase food and drinks, but they are generally more expensive than you would find in a supermarket or in town. Reddit

Absolutely! Bringing your own picnic is a popular and budget-friendly option. There are plenty of spots under the pine trees where you can enjoy your meal. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

Playa de Formentor is a good choice for families with young children due to its gradual entry into the water and the availability of natural shade from the pine trees. Reddit However, the beach can get very crowded, which might be a challenge with little ones. Arriving early is key to finding a good spot and managing the crowds. Reddit Consider bringing plenty of snacks and drinks, as on-site options are expensive. The scenic drive to the beach also offers opportunities for short, engaging stops. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Playa de Formentor requires some strategic planning. The main expenses are parking (around €0.08/minute) and the costly sunbed/umbrella rentals. Reddit To save money, focus on utilizing the free natural shade from the pine trees and bring your own picnic, snacks, and water. Reddit Opting for public transport instead of driving can also cut down on costs. Visiting on a weekday and arriving early can help avoid peak pricing and crowds. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The scenic drive to Playa de Formentor is a photographer's dream, with numerous viewpoints offering stunning coastal panoramas. Reddit The beach itself, with its clear turquoise waters and the backdrop of pine trees, provides ample opportunities for beautiful shots. Reddit Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Don't forget to capture the unique charm of the photo stop with the local goats! Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Parking and Access

Getting to Playa de Formentor can be an adventure in itself, primarily due to parking challenges. The road leading to the beach is steep and winding, offering spectacular views but requiring careful driving. Reddit Upon arrival, parking is limited and can be quite expensive, with rates often charged by the minute (around €0.08/minute). Reddit Many visitors recommend arriving very early, ideally before 10:30 AM, to have a chance at securing a spot. The parking areas themselves can be uneven and rocky, so comfortable footwear is a good idea. Reddit

For those looking to avoid the parking stress, public buses are available from nearby towns like Alcudia and Pollença. This can be a more relaxed way to experience the beach, especially during peak season when car access might even be restricted to manage traffic. Reddit Regardless of your chosen method, the scenic drive is a highlight, with several designated photo stops offering breathtaking vistas of the coastline. Reddit

Maximizing Your Beach Experience

Playa de Formentor is celebrated for its beautiful, Caribbean-like waters with stunning shades of blue and a gentle slope into the sea, making it ideal for swimming and families. Reddit A significant draw is the natural shade provided by the dense pine forest that lines the crescent bay. This offers a welcome respite from the sun, especially for those who prefer not to rent expensive sunbeds and umbrellas. Reddit Bringing a blanket or towel is highly recommended to claim your spot under the trees. Reddit

While the beach is undeniably beautiful, it can become extremely crowded, particularly during August. The narrowness of the beach can amplify this feeling. Reddit To make the most of your visit, consider packing your own snacks and drinks, as on-site food and beverage options are known to be pricey. Reddit The combination of natural beauty and the need for strategic planning makes Playa de Formentor a unique, albeit sometimes challenging, beach destination.