Platja es Carbó, Mallorca (es Carbo Beach): Essential Guide
If you thought Mallorca was only about big resorts and packed beaches, Platja es Carbó might just change your mind. I discovered this peaceful stretch of coastline whilst travelling around the island without a car on a short break.
I’ve spent years seeking out Europe’s quieter beaches, and this one easily earns its spot among the best I’ve found. I was searching for quieter, more natural spots in Mallorca, and es Carbó beach turned out to be a real find.
Tucked away on the opposite end of the coast from the main tourist drag of Magaluf, there are no sunbeds, no music, and no bars. At Platja es Carbo all you’ll find is soft white sand, clear turquoise water and the soothing sound of the sea.
You’ll need to walk to get there, but that’s all part of the attraction. In this guide, I’ll share exactly how to visit Platja es Carbó, what to expect when you arrive, and whether it’s worth the effort, especially if you’re travelling car-free.
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How to get to Platja es Carbó without a car
Bus from Palma to es Carbó beach
I travel without a car and based myself in the small town of Colònia de Sant Jordi to get to Platja es Carbó (also written as Platja d’es Carbó or Playa es Carbó).
If you’re not staying overnight in Colònia de Sant Jordi it’s easy to reach by bus from Palma.
Take a big yellow and red bus from the Intermodal station in Palma to La Verge (e.g. #510). The intermodal station is large, but I found it easy to use. Head down to the lower level and check the departure screens to find the bay number.
At La Verge, change buses and take bus #517 to Colònia de Sant Jordi. Journey time is one hour and 15 minutes.
Bus tickets cost from €4.50 from Palma to Colònia de Sant Jordi. Check the Mallorca bus website for timetables.
Pro tip: pay by card on the buses in Mallorca. If you pay in cash the fare is a lot higher. I use a Monzo card, to avoid transaction fees.
By foot from Colònia de Sant Jordi
Once you’re in Colònia de Sant Jordi, it’s a pretty flat coastal walk, heading east away from the town. It took me 30 minutes from the port.
Walk along the different beach sections, passing the odd fishing hut and sand dune and you’ll be at es Carbó in no time.
I walked in flipflops which wasn’t a problem. There are one or two small rocky sections, but they weren’t difficult to do in flipflops.
Remember that once you leave the first beach section next to Colònia de Sant Jordi, there are no more food and drink outlets.
If you’re wondering about how to get around Mallorca, check out my guide to using Uber and getting around the island.
What’s it like at Platja es Carbó
I visited Platja es Carbó in early May on a ‘changeable’ weather day (Mallorca in May can be unpredictable).
Despite the clouds, the beauty of the beach immediately struck me. This is a place to come if you like your beaches wild and unspoilt.
There were only a handful of people strolling along the beach and one or two who’d chosen to set up camp on the sands. This was in huge contrast to my experience of nearby Caló des Moro beach, which is overrun with people.
Entrance to bathe in the sea at es Carbó is easy, as the water is shallow for quite a distance. Soft sand slips through your toes as you slide into the sublime turquoise waters.
However, in early May the water was not warm. In fact, it was pretty blooming freezing.
I saw some hardy people swimming for a long time, but I have to confess my own dip was brief. I stuck to wandering along long stretches of the beach with just my toes in the water.
Seaweed is left lying naturally on this beach, rather than being taken away, so don’t expect it to be totally pristine.
Facilities
The main attraction of es Carbó is that, unlike social media hot spots like Caló des Moro, the beach is quiet and peaceful.
The beach consists of nothing more than a long stretch of soft sand, backed by dunes and low vegetation.
There are no facilities here, no sunbeds, shops, toilets, or lifeguards. So come prepared with plenty of water and anything else you need.
You’ll struggle to find shade at Platja es Carbó. Leaving you with the enticing option of having to take a swim in the gorgeous blue sea to cool off.
Is Platja es Carbó worth visiting?
Yes, Platja es Carbó is absolutely worth visiting. It’s ideal for you if you:
- Want a peaceful beach day.
- Enjoy long beach walks.
- Want to avoid the crowds.
- Prefer wild, undeveloped beaches.
- Are happy to bring your own supplies.
Es Carbó might not suit you if you:
- Want beach bars and cafes.
- Need facilities, like toilets, or easy access.
- Prefer beaches with a buzzy vibe and music.
- Like to try out water activities.
- Want to visit a beach club.
Things to do near es Carbó beach
You might just want to spend all your time at gorgeous es Carbó beach. However, if you do want to drag yourself away, here are some other top things to do nearby.
- Es Trenc beach – another stretch of white sand, the other side of Colònia de Sant Jordi.
- Colònia de Sant Jordi – the local town that provides access to es Carbó beach.
- Boat trip to Isla de Cabrera – a protected marine national park you can reach on trips from Colònia de Sant Jordi.
- Cala Figuera – a picturesque traditional fishing village.
- Cala Santanyí – a large beach with plenty of sand and facilities.
- Es Pontàs – a picturesque rock arch near Cala Santanyí.
- Cala Llombards – a big stretch of sandy beach, to the east.
- Ses Salines – natural park and restaurant.
Where to stay near es Carbó beach
Universal Hotel Cabo Blanco, Colònia de Sant Jordi
Looking for a quiet, adults-only escape by the sea? Universal Hotel Cabo Blanco ticks all the right boxes. Set directly on the waterfront in Colònia de Sant Jordi, it’s ideal for beach lovers, just a short stroll and your toes are in the sands of es Trenc and es Carbó.
Prefer less effort? The immaculate pool has panoramic sea views that are hard to beat. I loved gazing out across the sea from the poolside loungers. Inside, rooms are sleek and light-filled, with many offering balconies overlooking the water – perfect for a relaxed start or end to your day in Mallorca.
Hotel Honucai, Colònia de Sant Jordi
If you’re after boutique style without blowing the budget, Hotel Honucai is a great choice. Right on the seafront promenade in Colònia de Sant Jordi, it puts you within easy reach of the beach, local restaurants, and the port.
The rooftop pool is ideal for a dip with a view, and if you’re planning on a boat trip, the small port is just across the road, so it couldn’t be easier.
More beach resources
Love a gorgeous European beach? Check out these articles:
5 Best Beaches in Chania, Crete (Includes Balos Beach)
Antipaxos Greece: Best Beaches Guide
Best Beaches in Folegandros, Greece – a Secret Paradise