Cala Sa Calobra (Torrent de Pareis)

Sa Calobra is well known among the cycling community as it lies at the foot of one of the most epic climbs in Europe. This should give you some idea of the backdrop to this little cove on Mallorca’s north coast. Think vertical limestone rock faces as the landscape rises around 700 metres from sea level in just a few kilometres.

The reality is actually even more spectacular than what you’ve pictured. The cove of Cala Sa Calobra sits at the mouth of a large canyon, the Torrent de Pareis. Flanked by towering walls of limestone the pebbly beach slopes into crystalline turquoise water. 

Behind the beach the gorge winds inland for over five kilometres with the area directly behind the beach forming something resembling a natural amphitheatre. This similarity has not been wasted and the canyon has become the site of an annual outdoor concert. Taking place on the first sunday in July the Torrent de Pareis concert has featured a diverse array of musical genres over the years.

Just west of the Cala Sa Calobra is the tiny village of Sa Calobra. A clutch of houses overlook a pretty little cove here and there are a number of cafes and restaurants. There is also a ferry landing for the boat that runs between the village and Port de Soller. This takes around an hour each way, which sounds like a long times, however the alternative by road is no quicker and involves navigating the winding roads which run up and over the Serra de Tramuntana.

Access from Sa Calobra port to the beach Torrent de Pareis is a five minute walk and includes a section of tunnel at the end.

The Cala Sa Calobra is very much unspoilt which also means there are very few amenities here. This doesn’t seem to impact on its popularity and it is never quiet here. Then again this is a very special place.