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Es Carbó is the wildest, quietest beach near Colònia de Sant Jordi: a small cove of golden sand and clear water that still looks the way Mallorca did before mass tourism. No public road reaches it, and that’s exactly why it stays almost untouched. Here’s the full guide to enjoy it well.
- The wildest, quietest beach near Colònia de Sant Jordi.
- Access only on foot along the coast or by water taxi from the port.
- Crystal-clear water and golden sand, no facilities or beach bars.
- Ideal for snorkelling and for switching off completely.
- Best first thing in the morning or at sunset.
Data: Open-Meteo.
- Es Port (village)mixed (side wind)
- Cala Galiotamixed (side wind)
- Es Carbómixed (side wind)
- Es Trencchoppy (onshore wind)
- Es Dolçchoppy (onshore wind)
- Es Marquèschoppy (onshore wind)
Worked out from the live wind (Open-Meteo) and each beach orientation; the real sea can vary with swell or currents.
How to get there from Colònia
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A local heads-up almost no one knows: access via the Sa Vall track (the road that crosses the private estate) towards Es Carbó and Es Dolç is reserved for people registered as residents in the village. If you’re not, don’t try to drive in that way: come on foot from Colònia along the coast (past Es Dolç) or by water taxi from the port.
Getting to Es Carbó takes a bit of effort, and that’s exactly what keeps it special. There are two ways in, each with its advantage.
On foot along the coast
In summer, from the port
Unspoilt beach
1) On foot along the coast. From the port of Colònia de Sant Jordi, follow the coastal path east. It’s a beautiful walk that passes Es Dolç and other small coves before reaching Es Carbó, about 45-50 minutes. The path isn’t paved, so you’ll need comfortable, closed shoes. It’s not hard, but it takes some fitness, especially on the way back.
2) By water taxi from the port. Far more comfortable, especially with kids or beach gear. In high season several local operators run the service; the trip also gives you a different view of the coast. Check times and prices at the port itself.
Why Es Carbó is different
Es Carbó isn’t the most spectacular to look at, but the most authentic: a completely natural beach, untouched by development. It’s fairly small, horseshoe-shaped and protected by rocks on both sides. The sand is golden and fine —finer than Es Port or Es Dolç— and the water is extraordinarily clear: on calm days you can see the bottom several metres down. The vegetation —pines, Mediterranean shrubs— reaches almost to the shore, forming a natural barrier that shelters the cove from the wind and keeps the water calmer.
Es Carbó in 360°: drag to look around. Photo © Dingo Star / Google.
Who it’s for (and who not)
- The wildest cove near the village, no cars
- Excellent snorkelling in clear water
- Total disconnection (on foot or by boat)
- Quiet sunrises and sunsets
- You want facilities (there are none)
- You’re with very small children and lots of gear (better by boat)
- You don’t fancy the ~45-50 min walk (or the way back)
The best time to go
Timing is everything at Es Carbó. Spring (March-May) is probably the best time: the beach is almost empty, the vegetation green and in flower, and on a sunny day the water is already enjoyable even if fresh. Summer is when most people discover it, but it’s still far quieter than Es Trenc; water taxis make access easy, though it’s best to avoid July and August weekends. And autumn (September-October) is exceptional: the water keeps its summer warmth and there are far fewer visitors.
Early spring (March-May)
Almost empty beach and total calm. The best time to have it almost to yourself.
Autumn (September-November)
September and October are ideal: summer-warm water and especially beautiful sunsets.
As for the time of day, early morning is magical: soft light, mirror-calm water and often the whole cove to yourself. Sunset is lovely too, though depending on the season the sun may hide behind the rocks.
Snorkelling & what to do
Snorkelling here is excellent: the clarity and marine life make it one of the best spots in the area. You’ll easily see octopus, Mediterranean fish and, with luck, the odd passing turtle; the rock formations on the sides —especially the east side— create little ecosystems perfect to explore. Bring your own gear: there are no rentals nearby.
Photography also works very well: the contrast of blue sea, golden sand and green pines makes for natural compositions, and in the golden hour the light through the pines is unique. And for keen walkers, Es Carbó is a starting point to explore other quiet coastal coves to the east, even less known.
Facilities & what to bring
Es Carbó has no facilities at all: no restaurants, no umbrella rental, no lifeguards, no toilets, no bins. It’s a completely unspoilt beach, so plan your visit well.
That lack of services is its greatest appeal and its main challenge: you have to arrive prepared. Bring plenty of water (more than you think), food for the day and strong sun protection. Natural shade is limited; the pines help, but for a full day a portable umbrella or sunshade makes the difference.
| Essential | Recommended | Optional |
|---|---|---|
| Plenty of water | Umbrella/sunshade | Snorkel gear |
| Sun protection | Cool box | Underwater camera |
| Food | Shoes for rocks | Books/e-reader |
| Towels | Rubbish bags | Beach mat |
Everything you bring, take back with you: there are no bins. Es Carbó stays pristine because those who visit respect its nature.
Compared to nearby beaches
If you stay in Colònia de Sant Jordi near the beach, you can combine Es Carbó with the area’s other beaches depending on each day’s plan.
Es Port, the village beach, is the convenient one: all services, easy parking and a few minutes’ walk away; but without the calm or wild feel of Es Carbó. Es Trenc, the most famous, offers kilometres of white sand and more space, but also far more people (if you want a base nearby, Colònia is still excellent). And Es Dolç and Es Marquès are the middle ground: quieter than Es Port but with better access than Es Carbó — for families with children they’re usually the best option.
Practical tips
Transport is the key thing. If you walk, work out the times carefully: not just getting there, but the way back too, when you’re tired from a day at the beach (many underestimate the return, especially with small children). And prioritise your load: one backpack per person if walking, with water and sun protection ahead of everything else.
If you take a water taxi, always ask about the time of the last pick-up. You don’t want to get stranded at sunset, especially without a torch for the walk back.
With no lifeguard, if you’re not a strong swimmer stay near the shore. Currents aren’t usually a problem, but as on any natural beach they can change with the weather. And check the forecast: with a north wind the cove is more exposed and less pleasant than others in the area.
Local tip: if you’re not a registered resident, the Camí de Sa Vall is closed to cars: walk along the coast from Es Dolç (~3 km) or take the water taxi. Bring shade and water, there’s nothing there.
Sources: location and ratings from Google Maps; live sea and wind from Open-Meteo; access, parking and tips from first-hand local knowledge. Reviewed August 2026.
Will it be crowded? Live crowd map
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Es Carbó?
On foot along the coast from Colònia (past Es Dolç) or by water taxi. The Sa Vall track is for registered residents only.
Does it have facilities?
No, it’s an unspoilt beach: bring water, shade and food, and take your rubbish back with you.
Is it good for children?
The water is shallow and calm, but the walk and lack of facilities make it better for older kids or good walkers.
Can you drive there?
Not by car via Sa Vall (residents only). You go on foot along the coast or by boat.
Why is it so uncrowded?
Precisely because cars can’t reach it: you have to walk or take a boat, and that filters the crowds.
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