
Cala Estellencs; nice cove between cliffs
Services and Features
Weather in Cala Estellencs
Description
Cala Estellencs is a small rock and stone cove nestled between red clay cliffs under the town of the same name, in the Sierra de Tramuntana. The area for bathers is about 80 m long and about 15 wide, all made of stones and boulders from the surrounding cliff.
The stream of Son Fortuny flows into the cove, which, if it carries water, produces a small waterfall that can be used as a fresh water shower
As in all rocky coves, the use of rubber sandals is recommended, since boulders alternate with still pointed rocks. You can go with children, but taking precautions, as there is no lifeguard service.
Like all the coves of the Sierra de Tramuntana, Cala Estellencs surprises with its particular beauty
Around the cove we can see how the slope of the pine-covered mountain sinks into the sea, leaving the cove itself as a large notch crowned by the pines on the cliffs.
Originally the cove was used as a refuge for local fishermen
That is why there is a boathouse on its left side and practically half a cove is occupied by fishermen’s houses. The rest of the cove is crossed by an elevated walk used as a viewpoint.
Being a rock cove is not particularly comfortable, so it is not very busy. Only in the strongest summer months can there be a certain agglomeration in a timely manner.
Keep in mind that if the wind blows from the west or from the northwest, the cove is very exposed, so you must exercise caution when swimming in it
Nor is it a suitable cove for anchoring boats, considering these winds and rocks very close to the surface.
Finally it should be noted that there are several underwater caves on the cliffs that flank Cala Estellencs
These places, together with the great cleaning of its waters, make this cove a very attractive place for diving, both free and scuba diving.
How to get to Cala Estellencs
Estellencs is only 17 km from Andratx. If we stay there, the only route is through the winding Ma-10 road, which runs through the entire Sierra de Tramuntana.
If we want to get to Estellencs from Palma
We have two options of similar duration (one hour): through Andratx or Banyalbufar.
- To get to Andratx we will take the Ma-20 freeway, Via de Cintura in the direction of Andratx, or the Paseo Marítimo. In both cases we will arrive at the junction with the Ma-1 freeway, which will take us directly to Andratx, 20 km away. We will take the Ma-1B road up to Son Prim street. From there we will follow the indications towards the Ma-10 road, which will take us directly to Estellencs.
- If we want to go on the side of Banyalbufar, from Palma we will take the Ma-1110 towards Valldemossa. After passing the campus of the UIB we will arrive at a traffic circle where we will take the exit towards the Ma-1120 in the direction of Esporles. We cross Esporles following the signs towards Banyalbufar. After about 4 Km we will arrive at a crossroads where we will continue along the Ma-10 towards Banyalbufar, which is about 7 Km away. When we arrive at Banyalbufar we will not leave this road, which will lead us to Estellencs, located another 7 Km away.
In Estellencs there is a parking where we can leave the car
Next to the cove there is a parking but very small, with capacity for 8 or 10 cars.
If we want to go to Estellencs by public transport
From Palma we have line 200, which leaves from the center of Palma. The stop leaves us just under 1.2 km from the cove.
Services
Although Cala Estellencs cannot be said to be virgin, since there is a boathouse, fishermen’s huts and a promenade, but they are very integrated into the environment
Otherwise, there are no lifeguard services, toilets or showers (except for the waterfall that can form the Son Fortuny torrent).
At the right end of the cove, next to the small parking lot, there is a small bar called Sa Punteta, built on the same cliff
Where we can refresh ourselves, have a combined plate or savor simple dishes of Balearic cuisine such as pa amb oli or trampó.
Activities
The main activity that we can do in Cala Estellencs is to cool off in its crystalline waters and then lie in the sun
Although better if we bring some type of armchair, it is difficult to find a comfortable place to extend the towel. For the rest, there is no facility to rent sports equipment, if we want to carry out any activity we will have to bring it with us.
We have already commented that the cleanliness of its waters and the existence of several underwater caves make this cove a perfect place for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Estellencs is also the starting point or transit of a good number of mountain routes in the Sierra de Tramuntana
Two very typical excursions are:
- the ascent to the Puig de Galatzó, of 1027 m
- and to the Mola de s’Esclop, of 926 m
Estellencs is also on the so-called Ruta de la Pedra in Sec (GR-221)
A tour of the Sierra de Tramuntana from Puerto de Andratx to Pollensa. Specifically it is the end of the first stage from La Trapa (not yet fully marked), and the beginning of the second stage, from Estellencs to Esporles, through Banyalbufar.
Lodging
Estellencs is a small town, in fact it is the least populated in Mallorca with just 300 inhabitants, and its hotel offer is scarce. Even so, for those who seek tranquility in a unique place there are several three and four star hotels in the same town, and several rural farms nearby.
In the nearby Banyalbufar and, above all, Andratx, there is a greater and more varied offer.