Es Trenc Mallorca: Car-Free Beach Guide
Es Trenc is often described as Mallorca’s most beautiful beach, and, having visited, it’s easy to see why. A long ribbon of pale sand stretches alongside translucent blue water, backed by low dunes. It’s wild, open and blissfully free from the rows of hotels you find on many beaches on the island.
What many visitors don’t realise is that you can get to Es Trenc easily without a car. I travelled to Es Trenc car-free and found it straightforward and more relaxing than queuing for parking in the heat. In this guide, I’ll take you through how to get to Es Trenc by public transport, where to stay nearby for the easiest access and the best ways to make the most of your time.
I’ll also share my tips for when to visit if you want a quieter, more peaceful version of the beach. If you’re planning a car-free Mallorca trip, or simply want a stress-free beach day, here’s all you need to know before setting off for Es Trenc.
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How to get to es Trenc beach without a car
You don’t need to hire a car to enjoy one of Mallorca’s most iconic beaches. I travelled to Es Trenc without a car and found it straightforward to get there.
The easiest option to get to Es Trenc is by taking the bus from Palma to Sa Ràpita. The bus leaves from the Estació Intermodal, to the north of Palma centre.
An alternative route is to go by bus from Palma to Colònia de Sant Jordi, with a change at La Verge.
Both routes are part of the TIB public transport network, and the journey takes just over an hour. I stayed in Colonia de Sant Jordi, so that I could visit other nearby beach spots like Cala des Moro and Platja es Carbo.
Pro tip: pay by card on the bus. It’s cheaper than paying with cash.
On the bus you need to tap in and out using the contactless readers by the doors. This makes sure you’re charged the correct fare, especially when transferring.
I enjoyed the walk from Colònia de Sant Jordi. It follows the coastline and along Platja Estanys to Es Trenc.
Taxis and Uber are available in Mallorca too, but they can be difficult to get during peak season and cost significantly more than the bus.
If you’re planning to visit Es Trenc more than once, I recommend staying in Colònia de Sant Jordi. It’s a lovely, laid-back coastal town with a wonderful boardwalk, perfect for evening strolls. It makes reaching Es Trenc beach without a car so easy.
What Es Trenc beach is like
Es Trenc is one of those beaches that lives up to the hype. It’s a long, pale-sand stretch that seems to go on for ever. Behind it are sand dunes and low, green vegetation. This makes the whole beach feel natural and wild.
There is no backdrop of sky rise hotels or big developments at Es Trenc, just open views, the sand and your own thoughts.
The sea at Es Trenc is beautifully clear, with shallow water near the shore. It’s ideal for swimming or just floating along on.
When I visited in May, in the late afternoon, I was surprised to find the beach almost completely empty. I had long sections all to myself, with just the sound of the sea for company.
The light was soft, the sea was still, and the walk along the sand was calming. It was a peaceful beach experience.
However, Es Trenc does get much busier during the day in peak summer. Time your visit for later in the day if you want a chance of a quieter, more serene version of the beach.
Are there any facilities at Es Trenc?
Es Trenc has more of a wild feel to it than many Mallorca beaches. That also means facilities are limited, especially in the central section.
There are beach kiosks towards either end of the beach, where you can get a cold drink or a snack. They’re useful if open, although opening hours vary outside peak season. At Ses Covetes you’ll find several options for food and umbrellas for rent on the beach.
In high summer, lifeguard stations should be in operation at Es Trenc.
If you’re looking for a proper restaurant at Es Trenc, you can visit the Es Trenc restaurant, just off the beach in the middle. However, prices are on the high side.
Is Es Trenc worth visiting?
Absolutely, Es Trenc is worth visiting. The wide, undeveloped sweep of the beach makes it one of Mallorca’s best beaches.
With no hotels lining the shore and a natural, open landscape, it offers a unique sense of space on a busy island.
I personally found Es Trenc far more relaxing than the Instagram-famous Caló des Moro. If you’re looking for room to stretch out, gorgeous blue water and soft sand, Es Trenc delivers.
It’s particularly lovely in the late afternoon or in shoulder season.
If you’re visiting in July or August, try to avoid the midday peak. Early morning or late afternoon will give you a better chance of a quieter version of the beach, and the light is better at that time for photos too.
Where to stay near Es Trenc
For a car-free trip to Es Trenc, Colònia de Sant Jordi is the best place to base yourself. It’s a small coastal town within walking distance of the beach and has good public transport connections and sea-view restaurants.
Universal Hotel Cabo Blanco
For an adults-only getaway with the sea just steps away, Universal Hotel Cabo Blanco is a great choice. You’ll find it right on the waterfront in Colònia de Sant Jordi, with the soft sands of Es Trenc and Es Carbó only a short walk along the coast in either direction.
If your idea of a perfect day doesn’t involve moving far, I found the pool area to be a peaceful highlight. From the loungers you get uninterrupted sea views, ideal for lazy afternoons with a book.
Inside, rooms are airy and contemporary, if a little on the small side. Most come with a balcony where you can watch the gorgeous light as it changes over the water.
Hotel Honucai
The Hotel Honucai offers stylish touches without straining the budget. Its location on Colònia de Sant Jordi’s seafront promenade means you can be on the beach in seconds or stroll a few minutes to the harbour for the boat trip to Cabrera Island.
There’s a rooftop pool for a cooling dip and panoramic views, perfect after a day exploring Mallorca.
What is there to do near Es Trenc?
If you must drag yourself away from the beauty of Es Trenc beach, you can visit the Salines de Es Trenc salt flats.
Located a half an hour walk inland from the beach, these salt pans are still used for traditional salt production and are also home to a cute café and gift shop.
A popular day trip nearby is to take a boat to Cabrera Island from Colònia de Sant Jordi’s harbour.
As a marine national park, Cabrera is a protected area, full of natural beauty. Boat trips take from three hours and give you time to explore before heading back. You might even see dolphins if you’re lucky.
For a self-directed adventure, walk the coastline south from Es Trenc to Platja es Carbó. This long, sandy beach feels even wilder and quieter, with fewer people and the same turquoise sea.
Colònia de Sant Jordi itself is worth a wander, especially if you fancy a meal in one of the seafront restaurants near the harbour.
If you’re happy to travel further, jump on a bus to other parts of the Mallorca coastline. Head to the traditional fishing village of La Figuera, or visit the natural rock arch of Es Pontàs near Cala Santanyí for some great photos.
Can you park at Es Trenc?
There are paid car parks at for Es Trenc located near Ses Covetes (Sa Barralina) and at Ses Salines. These all provide access points to different sections of the beach but still require a bit of a walk to actually get onto the sand.
Expect to pay €7 – €10 for parking at Es Trenc beach. Spaces fill up quickly, often by mid-morning, so if you’re planning to drive, it’s worth arriving early.
Be aware that the roads leading in and out of the parking areas can be narrow and sandy.
If you want a more relaxed way to reach the beach, arriving by bus and foot instead is an easy option. Alternatively, Uber operates in Mallorca so you could use that to get around.