Finding a hidden cove in Mallorca is an experience like no other. Turquoise waters, pine-covered cliffs, and absolute silence: the Mediterranean at its purest. But parking close to these idyllic spots can be a little tricky, especially in high season.

If you’re travelling by car, we at ROIG have put together this guide to help you discover where to park for free near Mallorca’s secret coves, including the best areas and the tricks that will help you find a spot.

And if you don’t yet have a vehicle, ROIG makes things easy. We offer a car hire service in Mallorca with a modern fleet, so you can rent a car, plan your route, and book your activities all in one place.

How to find free parking near Mallorca’s most hidden coves

One of the best things to do in Mallorca is to visit its most remote and secluded coves. Our island still preserves many natural coves with limited access and, in many cases, they can only be reached by car. However, to find free parking in Mallorca, you need to keep a few important tips in mind. 

1. Arrive early or at sunset. The first hours of the day (before 9:00) or the last ones (after 18:00) are the best for finding a spot, especially in very popular areas.
2. Avoid the busiest tourist months. In July and August, the car parks next to the coves fill up quickly. If you can, plan your route between May and June or in September.
3. Park on secondary roads or rural areas (always respecting signage and private entrances). In many coves, such as Cala Varques or Cala Torta, there are dirt areas where you can park at no cost.
4. Use updated apps and maps. Google Maps or Park4Night often show spots where other travellers have parked for free.
5. Avoid leaving belongings in sight. Mallorca’s coves are usually peaceful, but remember you’re far from urban centres.

If you choose our rent a car service in Mallorca, you can enjoy modern, safe, air-conditioned vehicles, perfect for discovering the island. And if you don’t want to drive, you may be interested in our transfer service in Mallorca or our chauffeur-driven cars in Mallorca.

Areas of Mallorca where it’s easier to park for free near the sea

There are still places where parking for free in Mallorca isn’t an impossible mission. These are some of the most recommended areas if you’re travelling by car:

• The north coast: Tramuntana and Alcúdia. In the north, between Pollença, Alcúdia, and the Serra de Tramuntana, you’ll find viewpoints and hidden coves with roadside parking. In areas such as Cala Tuent or Sa Calobra, there are free dirt areas if you arrive early. Near Port de Pollença, Formentor Beach has a small free stretch along the lighthouse road (before the checkpoint), so you’ll need to walk a little.
• The east coast: Manacor and Artà. This region offers some of the best areas for free parking. Cala Varques is the classic example: you can leave your car on an open dirt esplanade and walk around 20 minutes along a path to the sea. Other coves, such as Cala Torta, Cala Mitjana, or Cala Matzoc (all in Artà), have large dirt spaces where you can park for free.
• The south: Llucmajor and Campos. Although the south coast is more well-known, it still has areas where parking is free. Between Cala Pi, Cala Blava, and Colònia de Sant Jordi, there are stretches of road where you can leave your car without any issues and reach the coves on foot in just a few minutes. Near Es Trenc, there are free parking areas on the secondary roads connecting Ses Covetes with Sa Ràpita.
• The west: Andratx and Banyalbufar. The Serra de Tramuntana offers roadside parking, especially along the stretches connecting Estellencs, Banyalbufar, and Andratx. From these points, you can access small hidden coves or viewpoints with sea views, without needing to pay blue-zone fees.

Secret coves with easy access for drivers

Not all of Mallorca’s coves are difficult to reach. Some have well-marked paths and free parking. Here’s a selection:

1. Cala Tuent (Escorca). Set deep in the Serra de Tramuntana, this natural cove is surrounded by mountains. There is a small free car park at the end of the road, right next to the beach. If you arrive early, you’ll find a spot easily.
2. Cala Mitjana (Artà). One of the wildest coves in the north, accessible via a rural track. You can park for free in an open dirt area before the path that leads to the sea. The walk takes around 15 minutes.
3. Cala Beltrán (Llucmajor). This hidden cove is very close to Cala Pi and can be reached along a path through pine trees. On the main road, there are unsigned areas where you can park at no cost.
4. Cala en Basset (Sant Elm). From the village of Sant Elm, a 30-minute trail leads you to this quiet, rocky cove. Parking in the village is free on many streets if you arrive early or outside high season.
5. Cala Murta and Cala Figuera (Formentor). Both coves lie within the Formentor Natural Park. The access road is narrow, but before reaching the restricted zone, there are free stretches where you can leave the car and continue on foot (around 15–20 minutes).

Where to park for free near the southern coves of Mallorca

The south of Mallorca is one of the island’s most visited areas. But despite its high visitor numbers, there are still a few places where you can find free parking. Here are some examples:

• Cala Pi. One of Mallorca’s best-known coves, with fairly easy access by car. At the top of the cliff, there are residential streets where you can park without paying. From there, you simply walk down a staircase to reach the beach.
• Cala Blava. Close to Palma, this cove is ideal for a peaceful swim without going too far. Parking is free in the streets near the main access point.
• Es Caragol and Ses Salines. One of the wildest beaches in the south. Although it has no official car park, many drivers park for free near the Ses Salines lighthouse and walk around 25 minutes. The reward is one of the most natural areas on the entire island.

Where to park for free near the coves of the north and northeast of the island

The north and northeast of Mallorca are one of the island’s most spectacular areas: cliffs, pine forests, and wild coves. Although some access routes are narrow and natural, there are still several places with free parking. Take note:

• Cala Murta and Cala Figuera (Formentor). Before reaching the regulated section of the road, you’ll find areas with free parking throughout the year. From there, it’s just a 15–20-minute walk along well-marked routes.
• Cala Tuent (Escorca). One of Mallorca’s most impressive coves, surrounded by mountains. At the end of the road, there is a small free dirt esplanade where you can park. You’ll need to arrive early, as spaces fill up quickly.
• Cala Bóquer (Pollença). To reach this cove, you need to walk for 40–50 minutes along a natural path, but it is absolutely worth it. You can leave your car for free at the start of the route, near Port de Pollença. It’s a quiet, spacious area with no restrictions.

Natural parking areas and spots recommended by locals

Mallorcans know exactly where to leave their cars for free, without breaking any rules or disturbing others. These are some of the best natural parking areas recommended by locals:

1. Viewpoints along the Sa Calobra road. Before reaching the descent towards Sa Calobra, there are several natural viewpoints where many locals park for free and then continue walking or taking photos of the landscape. These are wide, flat, safe areas.
2. Rural clearings near Cala Mesquida. In the surroundings of Cala Mesquida, especially along the tracks leading to the main access point, there are open spaces where you can park for free.
3. Improvised parking at Es Coll Baix. Accessing this cove is a mix of adventure and hiking. Before the start of the trail to the beach, there are usually dirt spaces used as natural parking.
4. Old agricultural areas near Son Serra de Marina. Many Mallorcans park in the dirt areas next to the coastal walkway, from where you can reach completely natural beaches on foot.

Remember that these natural parking areas are unpaved. Parking correctly, without blocking paths or entering private property, is essential to respect others and avoid fines.

Tips to avoid fines and restrictions in protected areas

Mallorca has several protected natural spaces where access is regulated. Avoiding fines is easy if you follow these recommendations:

• Respect all signage at all times. If you see a sign saying “restricted access”, “protected area”, “residents only”, or “no parking”, avoid parking even if other cars do so. Fines in highly protected areas, such as Formentor, Mondragó, or the Serra de Tramuntana, can be high.
• Do not park on vegetation, dunes, or unstable areas. Besides being dangerous, it damages the environment and may result in a fine. Always look for compact dirt surfaces or paths already used as parking.
• Check for regulated access depending on the season. In some places, such as the Formentor road or Sa Calobra, time restrictions apply during the summer.
• Avoid blocking agricultural paths or private entrances. Although they may seem like free spaces, many rural estates have access routes that must remain clear. Parking without blocking these paths is essential.

With ROIG’s car hire deals in Mallorca, you can rent your vehicle, plan your stops, and book experiences directly on our website. Discover Mallorca at your own pace, drive freely, and reserve everything you need with ROIG.