Es Trenc is renowned as one of Mallorca’s most famous beaches, captivating visitors with its picturesque landscape. With its crystalline turquoise waters and stretches of pristine white sand that span over 2 kilometers along the southern coast of the island, Es Trenc offers a slice of paradise reminiscent of the Caribbean.
Nestled between the vibrant beach resort town of Colonia San Jordi and the tranquil flatlands of Ses Salines, where the finest salt in the Balearic Islands is harvested, Es Trenc is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking a remote and unspoiled environment. Its name, “Es Trenc,” meaning ‘ravine’ in the local language, hints at the rugged and untamed beauty that characterizes this beach.
Es Trenc attracts a diverse crowd, appealing to both young adults in their twenties and thirties as well as families. While the beach exudes a laid-back atmosphere, it also attracts older individuals seeking tranquility. Water sports options are limited here, allowing visitors to fully embrace the beach’s natural charm. There is only one main restaurant and a few chiringuitos, authentic Mallorcan-style beach bars that offer delightful casual dining experiences.
Beachgoers can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, some of which are available through self-service systems. The vast expanse of Es Trenc ensures that there is ample space for everyone to find their own little patch of sand, though it’s advisable to bring an umbrella for shade, as there are no designated shaded areas. The absence of commercial and tourist activities further enhances the serene ambiance, allowing visitors to truly escape and unwind.
While Es Trenc is popular among tourists and locals alike, it’s not uncommon to encounter naturists, particularly further away from the main crowds. Facilities at the beach are limited, consisting of basic toilet facilities without showers or changing stations. It is advisable to come prepared with extra water and food, as there are no nearby shops or accommodations.
The true star of Es Trenc is its breathtaking water. The shallow and calm sea, occasionally dotted with gentle waves from the wind, showcases a mesmerizing clear blue hue that rivals the colors found in the Caribbean. As you stroll along the beach, you’ll be greeted by a picturesque backdrop of sand dunes, rocky formations, shrubs, and pine trees. These natural elements extend into the beautiful Salobrar de Campos, a sprawling 1500-hectare wetland area featuring salt flats, diverse bird species, and a small lake.
Es Trenc is not only a beach; it’s an immersive experience that connects visitors with the unspoiled beauty of Mallorca’s coastal landscape. Whether you seek relaxation, natural wonders, or simply a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Es Trenc promises a memorable and enchanting retreat.
A beach that almost wasn’t
When mass tourism arrived in Mallorca in the 1960s, hotels went up along the coastline with little regard for what was being lost. The Playa de Palma is the clearest example of what unchecked development looks like. But the southern coast of Mallorca escaped that fate — and the reason is surprisingly simple: the landowners didn’t want to sell.
Even when developers arrived with blank cheques, the families who owned these southern estates said no. They wanted to keep the land as it was. The result is what you see today — a protected natural park where the original landscape remains almost entirely intact. Pine forests, sand dunes, wetlands, salt flats. The Salobrar de Campos, a 1,500-hectare nature reserve behind the beach, is home to dozens of bird species including flamingos. The land is still privately owned, but permanently protected.
By car vs by boat — why it matters
Most visitors arrive by car. The road to Es Trenc has a paid car park several kilometres from the beach, and in July and August the queue starts long before you reach it. Once parked, you walk loaded with coolers, umbrellas and bags — then walk further along the sand to escape the crowd that forms right at the end of the car park path. The only other access points by land are Ses Covetes — where parking is nearly impossible — and Colonia de Sant Jordi, which leaves you with a 30-minute walk along the beach.
By boat, none of that exists. Sa Ràpita is the closest port to Es Trenc by sea — just 1.7 nautical miles, around 3 kilometres, roughly half the distance from any other nearby marina. No queue, no parking, no carrying anything.
The water is different from a boat
From a boat, approaching from the sea, you see Es Trenc’s turquoise colour before anyone on the beach does. The water temperature is also different — the sun warms the shallow water near the shore, but a few metres out, where the boats anchor at 3 to 4 metres depth, the water stays genuinely cool. One of the most refreshing swims in Mallorca.
The best anchorage in Mallorca
Es Trenc is one of the most popular anchorages on the island. The beach is entirely sandy with no posidonia seagrass beds, so you can anchor freely. The depth sits at 3 to 4 metres, the bottom is clean sand, and the bay is naturally sheltered from westerly winds. In July and August you’ll find hundreds of boats here from every corner of Europe. By sea, you can approach from either direction — from Ses Covetes to the west or Colonia de Sant Jordi to the east. The coastline is open to all.
When to go
Es Trenc is at its best from May to October. June and September offer a quieter experience with near-identical conditions to peak summer. The best time to arrive by boat is early morning — the water is flat, the light is beautiful, and you’ll have the anchorage to yourself. As Raimundo always says: the earlier, the prettier.
