Beach Guide: Mal Pas – Platja de Sant Pere & Sant Joan
Sant Pere & Sant Joan – Mal Pas’s Twin Bays
On the quiet Mal Pas-Bonaire side of Alcúdia, Platja de Sant Pere and Platja de Sant Joan sit a few minutes apart: small sandy coves backed by pines and low villas, loved by locals for morning swims and late-afternoon light. Expect clear water, easy snorkel corners and a calmer feel than the big strand of Port d’Alcúdia. From Palma Cathedral, plan about 55–60 minutes by car via Ma-13 (≈60 km).
📝 Beach at a Glance
| Detail | Sant Pere & Sant Joan |
| Setting | Two compact coves in Mal Pas-Bonaire, just south of Alcúdia |
| Sand & Entry | Mostly sand with some pebble/rock edges; gentle slope and good visibility |
| Vibe | Local, low-key, families in the morning, golden-hour swimmers in the evening |
| Facilities | Seasonal sunbeds/parasols in limited numbers; beach showers/foot-wash nearby |
| Lifeguard | No regular lifeguard presence — swim to conditions |
| Best For | Calm swims, easy snorkeling along the rocky shoulders, relaxed family hours |
| Shade | Patchy pine shade behind the beach; bring a light umbrella in high summer |
🎯 Things to Do at Mal Pas
🏊 Stitch Together a Twin-Bay Swim
Swim a sheltered line inside the buoys at Sant Pere, towel off, then wander over to Sant Joan for a second dip with Formentor views across the bay.
🤿 Snorkel the Rocky Shoulders
Both coves have clear, fishy nooks along their flanks. Enter from sand, keep to the inside of swim buoys and avoid the small boat approaches.
🧘 Pine-Edge Lounging
Set up under the trees behind the sand for a nap-and-read base. The shifting shade makes midsummer sessions comfortable without leaving the beach.
🚶 Stroll to Bonaire Marina at Dusk
When the heat drops, follow quiet lanes towards the marina for an easy promenade and a relaxed bite before looping back.
📸 Blue-Hour Photos
The twin-bay curve, anchored boats and Tramuntana backdrop glow at blue hour. Bring a light layer — sea breeze can cool quickly.
🍴 Where to Eat & Drink
You’ll find casual cafés and chiringuito-style spots in Mal Pas-Bonaire for coffees, sandwiches and simple plates. For more choice — tapas, paella, gelato runs — head five to ten minutes to Alcúdia around the walls and main squares, or up the coast to Port de Pollença for a seafront dinner.
🛏️ Where to Stay
| Stay Type | Good For | Base |
| Small hotels & apartments | Quiet mornings, swim-before-breakfast routine | Mal Pas-Bonaire |
| Family resorts | Pools, kids’ clubs, beachfront promenades | Port d’Alcúdia / Playa de Muro |
| Boutique in Old Town | Character streets, evening dining on foot | Alcúdia |
🧭 Getting There from Palma
| From Palma | Time | Notes |
| Drive (Ma-13 → Alcúdia → Mal Pas) | ~55–60 min | Street parking is limited near the coves; arrive before 10:00 in July–August. |
| Bus → Alcúdia, then taxi | ~1 hr 45–2 hr | Bus to Alcúdia; short taxi to Mal Pas-Bonaire for beach access. |
| Taxi/Private transfer | ~€85–105 one-way | Convenient with beach gear or kids. |
🦺 Safety & Practicalities
- Water remains shallow for a stretch but shelves unevenly near the rocky edges — water shoes help with pebbles and rock pools.
- There’s no regular lifeguard; swim well inside the buoys and avoid cove mouths on choppy, windy days.
- On peak summer weekends, limited street parking fills fast; consider an early session, a late-afternoon swim after 16:00, or park a few streets back and walk in.
- Pack shade, extra water and a small dry bag for valuables.
❓ FAQ – Mal Pas: Platja de Sant Pere & Sant Joan
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Are these beaches good for families?![]()
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Yes. Gentle entries and compact bays suit confident kids; supervise around rocks and small boat areas.
Any sunbeds or a chiringuito?
In season, limited sunbeds/parasols and simple beach kiosks nearby; they sell out quickly on busy days.
Where’s best for snorkeling?
The rocky shoulders of both coves. Enter from the sand, keep inside buoys and avoid the boat approaches.
How crowded do they get?
Mornings are calm; late morning to early afternoon is busiest in July–August. Evenings are lovely and quieter.
Is there parking close by?
Street parking only and limited. Early arrival or shoulder-season visits make it easier.
🔎 Live Beach Conditions
For water quality, jellyfish alerts, accessibility and safety flags, use the official Platges de Balears app/tool before you go. See our Platges de Balears Guide.
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