Category: Knotted Tie

Category: Knotted Tie

Sa Calobra Beach

Sa Calobra

Sa Calobra Beach – updated 25 January 2023.

Sa Calobra Beach in Majorca is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique and breath-taking experience. This secluded spot is surrounded by towering cliffs and crystal clear waters, making it the perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and tranquillity. Whether you're looking to sunbathe on the sandy shore, take a dip in the Mediterranean, or explore the rugged terrain, Sa Calobra Beach has something for everyone. So pack your bags and come discover this beautiful piece of paradise.

Sa Calobra Beach

Sa Calobra is a well-known remote cove on the west coast of Mallorca situated a short walk away from the incredible rocky river gorge, Es Torrent de Pareis.

Famous spot

It is a small and undeniably attractive white-pebble cove with blue-green crystal-clear water and is one of the most famous spots on the island.

Two beaches

There are two beaches in the cove, the first one is small and stony and is not the beach that everyone comes to see, that can be found by taking the paved path on the right-hand-side, which takes you through a short and narrow tunnel.

No facilities

If you are planning to stay at the beach for a while, you’ll need to bring along some things to make you comfortable as there are no facilities there including a lifeguard. You will find bars and restaurants back at Sa Calobra where you will also find public toilets and first aid.

Sa Calobra Beach

Inspiration to artists

The spot is indeed lovely and has served as an inspiration to artists past and present; however, it has become a victim of its own beauty. There are just too many tourists there and it's a coach & car-fest during the summer crush.

Red Beard

The beach has a history dating back to the 18th century and it is even rumoured that the infamous pirate Red Beard docked in Sa Calobra.

Twisting roads

Tourists flock to this location in their hundreds all year around to admire the jaw-dropping scenery and to enjoy the incredible journey there with its twisting roads and spectacular views.

Sa Calobra Beach

Knotted Tie

With an 800m descent over 12km and the infamous 270-degree loop known as the ‘Knotted Tie’ and incredible mountain views of Mallorca’s highest mountain, Puig Major, the road to Sa Calobra is an adventure in its own right.

Es Torrent de Pareis was elevated to the category of Natural Monument in 2003 by the Government of the Balearic Islands.

Tours

Full day Majorca Tour with Port de Soller and Sa Calobra

Full day Majorca Tour with Port de Soller and Sa Calobra

There's something really special about this trip to northern Majorca – the way in which you go sightseeing is part of the adventure. That's because you'll travel by coach, train, tram and boat during our exclusive excursion through Soller, Port de Soller, Sa Calobra and Lluc. What's more, you'll have an in-the-know local to show you around. Juan, one of our guides, says, ‘I was born and bred in Majorca, and have lived in the Soller region for years. You'll see special places that most visitors miss out on.'

Hop on the century-old Soller train – think antique wooden carriages with brass fittings – and zigzag your way through the pine-clad Tramuntana Mountains, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's an experience oozing nostalgia. And as the train is electric, it's a more sustainable way to travel. There's also a trip on a tram linking Soller and Port de Soller, during which you'll pass through orange groves and narrow tracks behind homes. And if you want some insider tips, your local guide can recommend the top restaurants for a real taste of the island's cuisine.

With free time to find lunch, it's a great opportunity to sample the produce Soller is famous for – oranges, ice cream and the highly regarded red Soller prawns. The journey from Port de Soller to Sa Calobra is by catamaran. You'll have a little while to unwind on this impossibly beautiful beach, which is hemmed in by cliffs. Further in is the rocky gorge of Torrent de Pareis – nature at its rawest – Book now

Out on the water experiences

Sa Calobra Serpentine

A Scenic Marvel of Majorca

Sa Calobra Serpentine – updated 12 February 2023.

Nestled in the Tramuntana mountain range, in the northwest of the island, the Sa Calobra Serpentine road is one of the most spectacular and scenic driving routes in Majorca. The winding road was constructed in the 1930s and is renowned for its challenging turns and breathtaking vistas. It is a testament to human engineering and a must-visit attraction for visitors to the island. Just 13km long, the Sa Calobra Serpentine (MA-2141) is one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Scenic drive Majorca

26 hairpin turns

The Sa Calobra Serpentine road is a marvel of road engineering, with a total of 26 hairpin turns leading down to the Sa Calobra cove. The road is just over 12 kilometres long and has an average gradient of 7.1%. The twists and turns of the road make for a thrilling drive and provide breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape.

Stunning views

At the top of the road, drivers are treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. As you descend down the serpentine road, the views become even more spectacular, with winding roads leading down to the picturesque Sa Calobra cove, a small pebble beach with turquoise waters.

Best driving route Majorca

The Snake

The route is referred to as ‘The Snake’ by locals but ‘Spaghetti’ would be more apt and was built specifically to avoid tunnels resulting in a road that snakes through the landscape often with a gradient in excess of 7%, which is why it is very popular with cyclists and is mentioned in our ‘best cycling routes’ section.

Knotted Tie

With an 800m descent over 12km and the infamous 270-degree loop known as the ‘Knotted Tie’ and incredible mountain views of Mallorca’s highest mountain, Puig Major, the road to Sa Calobra is an adventure in its own right.

Sa Calobra Serpentine

Antonio Paretti

The Sa Calobra Serpentine was manually built in 1932 and was created by the engineer Antonio Paretti and is a masterpiece of twists and turns; however, it is one of the most dangerous roads in Spain with no marked central line and no guardrails and much too much traffic especially during the summer.

Extremely slippy

At times, the road is very narrow and impassable for 2 cars at the same time and on rainy days, the asphalt becomes extremely slippy. It should not be attempted by those who don’t know how to reverse. 

Sa Calobra Serpentine

Despite the road’s popularity, it is still relatively isolated and untouched. There are no service stations, shops, or restaurants along the way, so it’s important to make sure your vehicle is in good condition and that you have enough supplies for the journey.

50 Curves

The 25-minute route is an unforgettable and sensational experience but definitely not for anyone who is nervous of steep, winding descents. It has more than 50 curves with the majority of those being hairpins and the gradient can reach as high as 11.5%.

Sa Calobra Serpentine

Cycling

The Sa Calobra Serpentine road is a popular destination for cyclists and motorcyclists, and in recent years has been featured in the Vuelta a España, one of the most prestigious cycling races in the world.

Sa Calobra Serpentine

Sa Calobra

Sa Calobra is a small village on the coast that is widely regarded as having the best unspoilt cove on the island. It also has a hidden beach and an incredible gorge – Es Torrent de Pareis. Tourists flock to this location in their hundreds all year around to admire the jaw-dropping scenery and to enjoy the incredible journey there with its twisting roads and spectacular views.

Overall, the Sa Calobra Serpentine road is a true wonder of Majorca, a testament to human ingenuity and a marvel of natural beauty. Whether you are an experienced driver, cyclist, or simply a lover of breathtaking landscapes, the serpentine road is a must-visit attraction that should not be missed. So, hop in your car, put on your seatbelt, and get ready to experience one of the most scenic drives of your life!

Majorca tours & experiences