Mallorca’s east coast feels like it was designed for slow travel – and for photographers with an eye for light and texture.
Driving here is a journey of curves and pauses: winding roads between pine-covered hills, sudden glimpses of turquoise coves, and fishing villages that seem unchanged for decades.
I first drove this route on a warm September afternoon, stopping whenever the view demanded it – which was often. Sometimes it was a perfect beach framed by rugged cliffs, sometimes just the way the sunlight hit the water through a gap in the trees. By the end of the day, my camera was heavy with images and my memory card almost full.
Here are my favorite coastal stops for photographers along Mallorca’s east coast.
Cala Varques
This hidden location is reached by a short hike, which means it’s often quieter than the island’s busier beaches. The cove is framed by dramatic rock formations and pine trees, making it perfect for compositions that lead the eye toward the turquoise water.
The best time to visit is early morning, when the sun illuminates the water from the east and the beach is nearly empty. I like to shoot from the rocks to the left of the cove, using them as a textured foreground.
Portocolom
Portocolom’s beauty lies in its working harbor, lined with pastel-colored houses and traditional llaüts (fishing boats). The water here is often calm, creating mirror-like reflections that double the color in your frame.
One of my favorite shots was taken just after sunrise, when the harbor was quiet and the only movement was the slow ripple from a departing boat. The pastel buildings and their reflections made it look like a watercolor painting.
Cala Figuera
Cala Figuera feels timeless. The narrow inlet winds deep into the village, lined with boathouses and small fishing vessels. The water’s surface often reflects the whitewashed walls and green shutters, making it a great place for both wide shots and intimate details.
I love shooting here in the late afternoon, when the sun casts a warm glow on the buildings and the water glitters with gold. The combination of shadow and light creates beautiful depth in your compositions.
Cala Mesquida
This long, sandy beach is backed by protected dunes and surrounded by hills. On windy days, the waves crash dramatically against the shore, perfect for action shots with long exposures to smooth the water.
Wildlife photographers will also find interest here – seabirds often soar overhead, and in quieter moments, you might catch glimpses of local marine life near the rocks.
