Cala Marsal; wide semi-urban sandbank with clean and calm waters
Services and features
Length 90 m / Width 110 m
Access by car
Sunbed / umbrella rental
Family friendly
Showers
Residential environment
Access for the handicapped
Life guard
Ideal for snorkelling
Ideal for anchoring
High occupancy
Beach bar
Restaurants
Hiking routes
WCThe weather in Cala Marsal
Description
Cala Marsal is a semi-urban beach just south of the town of Portocolom, in the municipality of Felanitx, on the east coast of Mallorca. It is a wide sandbank 90 m long and 110 m wide.
Its right bank is completely urbanized, with an elevated promenade running along the cliff that flanks the cove
In its back part we still find a small pine forest, as well as on the cliff that rises to the left of the beach. It is protected from all winds except from the east, to which the mouth of this deep cove opens.
The hotels and apartment blocks built next to Cala Marsal are a very popular destination for both families and groups of young people, and not so young
The beach is spacious enough to accommodate a good number of visitors. It has access enabled for people with reduced mobility.
It is very practical to go with children since the slope is gentle and you have to walk quite a few meters before losing your footing
In addition, water sports are somewhat limited, so bathers can enjoy the water quite calmly.
It is also a good cove to approach by boat, given the protection it offers and the sandy bottom.
How to get to Cala Marsal
Access to Cala Marsal is very simple, both by land and by sea.
How to get to Cala Marsal by car
- From Palma we will take the Ma-19 in the direction of Llucmajor/Campos/Felanitx. Once in Felanitx we will continue towards Portocolom, and at the roundabout at the entrance to the town we will take the second exit, where the path to Cala Marsal is already indicated.
- From Pollensa, Alcudia or Can Picafort we will follow the Ma-12 in the direction of Artá, until we find the signs for Manacor. From there we will head to Felanitx, and then to Portocolom and Cala Marsal
- From Cala Ratjada, Cala Millor or Porto Cristo we will look for the Ma-4014. In Porto Cristo we can now follow the signs to Portocolom, and then to Cala Marsal
100 m from the beach there are several small parking areas. If the area is not very crowded, we can even park in the nearby streets.
How to get to Cala Marsal by public transport
In Cala Marsal there is no longer a bus stop, the closest one is in Portocolom (in Plaza del Corso), about 600 m from Cala Marsal beach. Line 512 arrives here, linking Portocolom with Felanitx.
- From Palma and Manacor: line 501 that connects these two cities stops at Felanitx
- From Cala d’Or: line 514 leaves us in Felanitx
How to get to Cala Marsal by boat
Cala Marsal is a good place to anchor due to the protection offered by the cliffs. At 200 m from the shore the bottom is 4 m deep. It is sandy in the central part and rocky near the sides.
The closest marina is Portocolom, just one mile away by boat, and the most sheltered on the east coast of Mallorca.
Services
Cala Marsal beach has all the services that can be expected in such a coveted tourist destination
There is a rental service for hammocks and umbrellas, showers and toilets, and a lifeguard service.
There are also pedal boat rentals with slides, and near the beach it is possible to rent sports equipment for water sports (paddle surfing, diving, etc.). In the back there is a playground.
There is a beach bar where we can eat or buy takeaway food, and another restaurant between the beach and the hotels. On the promenade that runs along the right side of the cove there are many bars, restaurants and shops.
Activities
The waters of Cala Marsal are very clean, like the sand of the beach itself, and they are calm. For several meters you can walk, making it an ideal place for families with small children, as well as for people with mobility problems. You can swim calmly and then lie in the sun on its fine sand, or comfortably lie down in a hammock.
Snorkelers will find something further from the shore, and especially near the rocky sides, a beautiful underwater panorama.
Schools of colorful fish are frequent, and even the presence of octopuses in the rocky areas. For lovers of diving, it is a good place from which to go out comfortably. Both in Cala Marsal and in the neighboring town of Portocolom there are facilities for renting equipment or hiring guided excursions.
Its calm waters are also ideal for paddle surfing. We can also go to sea in our kayak (or we can rent it in Portocolom) and visit nearby coves.
Cala Marsal also offers good opportunities for walking or cycling tours
- Route 1: excursion to the nearby Cala Sa Nau and Cala Brafi, 3.5 km of moderate difficulty along coastal paths
- Route 2: somewhat longer route to Cala Mitjana, about 10 km, also along the coast, with spectacular views
- Route 3: round trip to the Portocolom lighthouse, hike of moderate difficulty and time, 15 km
For cyclists there are also many opportunities for fun
- Route 1: this route departing from Portopetro passes through Cala Marsal and other nearby coves; 25 km on mountain bike
- Route 2: departure and return in Portocolom, next to Cala Marsal, to reach Cala Mondragó; 42 km in total
- Route 3: round trip from Felanitx alternating inland and coastal paths to visit various towns and coves near Cala Marsal, 52 km in total
Another easy walk can take us to the Closos de Can Gaià site, located next to the access road to Portocolom. It is estimated that this village of navetas was inhabited between 1800 and 750 BC, in the Bronze Age. Some of the navetas are in a good state of preservation, while others can hardly be guessed where they stood.
In the urbanization next to the cove there are a good number of shops where you can buy souvenirs, local handicrafts, or simply things that we need for our stay, the town is well stocked
To regain strength, Cala Marsal offers us a wide range of options. We will be able to choose between different specialties, from a brasserie to an organic restaurant, passing through typical Majorcan or Italian cuisine, among others. There are also a good number of bars, cafes, pubs, lounge cafes, etc.
Lodging
In Cala Marsal itself there are several three and four star establishments, as well as tourist apartments and vacation rentals. In Portocolom there is even more on offer, from one and two star hostels, to three and four star hotels. If we prefer something further away from beach tourism, there are several inland hotels near S’Horta.
