When the summer heat fades and the mountains start to call, but you aren’t quite ready to hang up your swimsuit, I recommend checking out Cala En Basset. This beautiful virgin, rocky cove is located near Andratx and Sant Elm and is only accessible by hike or by boat. The hike to this beach is lovely and takes you through pine forests, past stunning views of Sa Dragonera (a small island off the coast), to a 16th-century tower used to defend the island from pirates, and then to the cala. The cala is also known for its special mud/clay that you can apply to your skin for a bit of a natural spa experience.
Both times I have gone were in the earlier fall when it was cool enough to start short hikes in the mountains but still warm enough that you build up a sweat and are excited to reach the water and feel refreshed. If you want a taste of adventure during the in-between weather of fall or spring (especially fall) but also want to go for a swim in Mallorca’s gorgeous turquoise waters, Cala En Basset is the place for you.
Cala En Basset
Basic Information
| Type of Beach: | Rocky cove |
| Closest Town: | Andratx & Sant Elm |
| Body of Water: | Cala En Basset |
| Best Hotel: | REPLACE |
Rankings
How to Get to Cala En Basset
Cala En Basset is a little trickier to get to, but it is worth it. You can only reach the cala by boat or by an approximately 2.5 km, two-hour-round-trip hike. And while there is a bus to Sant Elm, I recommend going by car if possible because the bus trip takes significantly longer.
Driving
It takes approximately an hour to reach the hiking point by car from Palma‘s Plaza España. Take Ma-20 towards Inca/Andratx and follow it for about twenty minutes. Then, take exit 11A to merge onto Ma-1 towards Palmanova/Andratx. Continue on Ma-1 for about thirty minutes until you reach Sant Elm.
You can park on the street in a residential area near where the hike begins. We parked on Carrer de Na Popia and there were signs directing us to the trail.
TIB Bus
It takes about an hour and a half to two hours to reach Sant Elm by publish transit and you’ll need to take two buses. From Plaza España, you’ll take TIB 101 to Port d’Andratx for approximately forty minutes, getting off at the Torrent bus stop. From there, you’ll take TIB 121 to Sant Elm, getting off at the S’Algar bus stop.
The Cala En Basset Hike
This hike is easy overall, but moderate in some parts. It is approximately 5.5km and takes roughly four hours round trip. The hike takes you along the coast past Sa Dragonera, through pine forests, and to a 16th-century tower. You’ll have to backtrack a bit from the tower to get to the cala, but the tower is definitely worth the stop. The trail can vary from easy to steep. Pay attention as you walk because it is marked primarily with arrows and rock cairns.
You can find routes on Wikiloc. I recommend searching for the routes in Spanish with the keywords “excursión cala en basset torre sant elm.” The trail is known as Camí de Can Tomeví. It should be a circular route.
Please note that this is the same starting point to go to La Trapa, so pay attention to stay on the path to the tower and to the cala. There will be a point where the trail will split, and you’ll want to stay left.
Cala En Basset Rankings
Natural Beauty: 9/10
You get a bit of everything through the hike to Cala En Basset. Do you want to see another island off the coast? There’s Sa Dragonera, a protected natural park. Do you want to climb a 16th-century tower used to defend the island from pirates? Say less. Make sure to stop at Torre de Cala En Basset, also known as the Tower of La Rabassada. Do you want to hike through pine forests and start to prep for the mountain season with a hike that gives you a taste of mountain hiking, but with the reward of a refreshing dip at the end? Here you go. You get pine forests, views of Sa Dragonera, steep cliffs, a rocky, virgin cove, sea life… It is gorgeous.
The cala itself is rocky and isn’t the most comfortable place to sit. You don’t have the softer white sand of other calas on the island. Instead, the shore is made up of rocks, clay, and dried seaweed. The views are spectacular from the cala, but the shore is fine. The water is a lovely shade of blue and has been clear both times I have visited. The last time, I remembered goggles and was able to see all the way to the bottom and saw a bit of sea life.
Family Friendly: 2/10
If you reach this cala by hiking, I do not recommend bringing small children or anyone who has difficulty walking. The hike can be steep, rocky, and slippery in parts. Additionally, the climb down to the cala is rocky and can be tricky. The cala itself is rocky, so there is really nowhere for children to play.
Accessibility & Parking: 4/10
This is a call that requires hiking to, or a boat. There is no parking nearby, and the trails are quite rocky.
Space & Crowd: 7/10
The shore isn’t the most comfortable place to sit, but there is space. I have been with a large hiking group both times and there was enough space for us. Also, there weren’t many others.
Again, I have only visited this cala in early October and early November, which is off season, but if you reach this cala by foot, it is perhaps best to save it for when it isn’t very hot because of the hiking portion that takes a bit more effort than just a quick walk to the beach. Also, the only shade in the cala comes from the cliff if the sun happens to be at the right angle.
I haven’t been in summer, but I can’t imagine it being as crowded as others because it is more difficult to get to. I don’t know how popular it is by boat. There isn’t an excessive amount of space, but there is space. And comfortable space is more limited. The beach is made up primarily of rocks, dried seaweed, and clay.
Activities: 2/10
The nature is the activity. You can hike, you can swim, you can snorkel. There is nothing around. It’s a virgin cove. That’s the appeal. But there are two activities at Cala En Basset you shouldn’t miss: the tower and natural clay. If you’re looking for something more exciting, you can book boat or jet ski tours to Cala En Basset.
Torre de Cala En Basset (Tower of La Rabassada)
Have you ever wanted to climb a pirate watchtower? Well, you’re in luck! Overlooking Cala En Basset, you will find Torre de Cala En Basset, a watchtower from the 16th century that was used to defend the west side of the island from pirates and control the waters between Mallorca and Sa Dragonera.
If you feel adventurous and have upper body strength (or help), you can climb to the top and be rewarded with stunning views of the cala and Sa Dragonera. Inside, there’s a small room with a short rope tied to a metal bar above an opening to the entrance to the top. It’s not a super tall climb. The stairs begin at about head level. If you’re strong enough and adventurous enough, you can use the rope to scale the wall to reach the stone stairs. Be careful not to hit your head on the metal bar the rope is tied to. And once you’re up, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views and an amazing place to take pictures. You can also see one of the lighthouses of Sa Dragonera from here.
There are windows cut and built into the stone walls, and they are a great way to frame photos if you want a more artsy shot. I’ve taken some of my favorite pictures here. Coming down is easier than getting up. The drop isn’t that far, but be sure to use the rope.
Natural Spa
Cala En Basset is also known for its red clay, which you can use as a natural mask. You can find the clay on the walls of the cliff. Mix it with some water, apply it to your skin, and it’s like you’re at a free spa with amazing views. Rinse it off in the refreshing water, and your skin will feel nice and soft. (If you have sensitive skin, try a little bit at first and see how your skin reacts.)
Swimming: 8/10
Be careful getting into the water because the rocks are slippery, but once you’re in, it is a wonderful place to swim. The water is calm and clear. I’m not the most confident swimmer, but I felt comfortable enough here to swim to a rock on the far edge of the cala where my friends were jumping. There are also a few rocks beneath the surface in the middle where you can stand and take a little break. I have seen jellyfish here though, so be aware.
Sea Life & Snorkeling: 9/10
Don’t forget your goggles and your snorkel! Cala En Basset is a rocky cove, so there is plenty of sea life. I saw so many different kinds of fish. The water is clear and you can see all the way to the bottom. I also saw some small jellyfish and a sea urchin or two, so watch out for those.
There are a few rocks in the middle of the cove under the water that you can stand on and take a swimming break, but take a quick look to make sure you don’t step on a sea urchin. I came close to one, and that would have ruined the day.
Restaurants & Amenities: 0/10
There are no amenities in the cala, but the hike begins and ends in the charming coastal town of Sant Elm where there are restaurants and cafes if you want to treat yourself to a nice breakfast before, or a nice lunch or coffee after your hike. Please note that Sant Elm is quite touristy, so there may be fewer options during the off season.
Nudity: 5/10
It depends. On one hand, it is a secluded, virgin cala. On the other hand, it isn’t the most comfortable place to sit and sunbathe. I haven’t seen nudity at this beach, but I’ve only ever been in early October and early November when the temperature is cooler.
Safety: 4/10
Let me reiterate that Cala En Basset is only accessible by boat or by hike. The hike takes a little over an hour to the cala, not including the return time. There are no lifeguards or amenities in the cala. Hiking to this cala is not recommended for young children or those with difficulties walking.
The hike can be steep and slippery at points, and you have to be careful getting down to the cala. Additionally, the cala is very rocky, so be careful walking on the beach and getting into the water. There have also been a few jellyfish in the water both times I have gone.