Can Picafort, Mallorca: endless beaches, wild nature and family holidays in the north of the island

In the heart of Alcudia Bay, on the north coast of Mallorca, lies Can Picafort, also known as Ca’n Picafort. What was just a humble fishing village a few decades ago has been transformed into one of the island’s largest tourist resorts. Its main beach, with miles of sand and turquoise waters, its lively promenade, its seafront restaurants and its proximity to protected natural areas make it a highly valued destination, especially for families and travellers seeking tranquillity without sacrificing a wide range of leisure activities.

Although tourism dominates almost everything, Can Picafort retains a privileged environment: the s’Albufera nature reserve, the archaeological site of Son Real and the unspoilt beaches of Son Serra de Marina are just a few minutes away. Best of all, its strategic location in the north of Mallorca makes it an excellent starting point for exploring both the Serra de Tramuntana mountains and the hidden coves of the north-east coast.

A bit of history: from fishermen’s huts to an international tourist resort

The modern history of Can Picafort began in the late 19th century, when Jerónimo Fuster, nicknamed el Picafort, settled with his family in a modest fishermen’s hut. The name of the place comes precisely from that dwelling, known as ‘Ca’n Picafort’. During the first decades of the 20th century, families from nearby towns such as Muro, Petra and La Puebla began to build their summer homes here. In 1910, a small chapel dedicated to the Assumption of Mary was built, which served as a place of worship until the opening of the current church in 1958.

The Spanish Civil War and World War II left their mark on the coast, with bunkers, gun emplacements and fortifications that were never used. By the 1970s, Can Picafort had barely 200 inhabitants, almost all of them fishermen. But the arrival of mass tourism changed everything: hotels, apartments and a marina transformed the small village into the tourist resort we know today.

Can Picafort beach and its link to Playa de Muro

The main attraction of Can Picafort is undoubtedly its long white sandy beach. It stretches for 1.5 km within the town centre and is equipped with all amenities: lifeguards, sun lounger and parasol hire, showers and beach bars where you can spend the day. The atmosphere is family-friendly and very lively in summer. The interesting thing is that this beach is directly connected to Playa de Muro, a pristine sandy beach over 6 km long considered one of the best beaches in Mallorca. Walking barefoot along the shore from Can Picafort to the beach bars of Playa de Muro is an almost obligatory activity. And if you’re looking for an even wilder spot, at the end of Son Bauló lies Na Patana beach, a less crowded cove and one of the few where dogs are welcome.

Nature and excursions: between marshes, birds and necropolises

Those who want to combine sun and culture have a lot to discover in the surrounding area:

Son Real public estate: in this natural area, you can follow trails through forests and fields where native species such as the Mallorcan black pig and black peacocks are still bred.
Buggy or horse riding excursions: buggy tours are organised from Can Picafort along secondary roads that take you past monasteries, villages and rural landscapes. You can also go horse riding on the nearby beach of Son Serra de Marina, an unspoilt stretch of coastline that is perfect for a different kind of experience.
S’Albufera Natural Park: less than 20 minutes by bike from Can Picafort, this coastal marshland is one of the largest wetlands in the Mediterranean. It is home to more than 250 species of birds and offers marked trails, bike lanes and observation points. Admission is free.
Son Real Necropolis: just 3 km to the east is one of the most unique archaeological sites in Mallorca. It is a prehistoric cemetery from the Talayotic and Phoenician periods, located by the sea. The visit can be combined with a walk or bike ride along the coast, passing through pine forests and dunes.

Sports and leisure activities

Can Picafort is the perfect place for active travellers. There is a wide range of activities on offer:

Karting: Can Picafort has a 1,600-metre professional track that hosts European championships and offers karts for all ages.
Water sports: windsurfing, paddle surfing, diving, sailing or boat trips from the Yacht Club. You can even hire small boats that do not require a licence.
Cycling: the north of Mallorca is very popular with cyclists. Events such as the Mallorca 312 and Ironman Mallorca are held here. But you don’t have to be a professional: there are easy routes along the promenade or through the s’Albufera nature reserve.
Golf: there are several courses less than 30 km away, such as the spectacular Golf Alcanada (18 holes with views of the lighthouse) and Golf Pollensa, a 9-hole course surrounded by olive trees and with views of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.

Gastronomy: beach bars and international restaurants

Most restaurants in Can Picafort are geared towards tourists, offering quick, family-friendly options. However, there are some places that are well worth a visit:

Can Gavella and Ponderosa Beach: two legendary beach bars in Playa de Muro, perfect for eating with your feet in the sand and enjoying the sunset with a cocktail.
Royal Beach Gastrosenses: Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine with sea views.
Sa Cova: ideal for those looking for fresh pasta in a relaxed atmosphere.

For wine lovers, the Bodega Butxet, between Muro and Can Picafort, offers Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon tastings in a charming rural setting.

Events and cultural life

Although Can Picafort is more family-oriented than festive, there are several interesting events throughout the year:

Weekly market: every Friday morning, stalls selling fresh produce, clothing and local crafts are set up on Isaac Peral Street.
Fiestas de la Mare de Déu d’Agost (15 August): these are the most important patron saint celebrations, with music, popular activities and the peculiar launching of rubber ducks into the sea, a much-loved tradition.
Saladina Art Fest (October): an urban art festival that transforms façades and public spaces into large-format canvases, with guest artists from around the world.

Nightlife in Can Picafort

Unlike areas such as Magaluf or El Arenal, you won’t find any huge nightclubs here. Can Picafort offers a more relaxed atmosphere:

Beach bars with live music such as Can Gavella and Ponderosa Beach.
Charly nightclub, with several rooms and themed parties.
SKAU, an urban bar that supports local musicians and offers DJ sessions on its terrace.

In general, the nightlife here is quiet, designed for those looking for a cocktail at sunset rather than long nights of partying.

Staying in Can Picafort: pros and cons

Can Picafort caters to a wide range of accommodation preferences, with a wide variety of hotels and resorts to suit different budgets and requirements. From family hotels to luxurious beach resorts, the town offers a variety of options for the most discerning travellers. Here are some recommendations for the best-rated hotels in the area:

Pros:

Huge, family-friendly beach with direct access to Playa de Muro.
Lively atmosphere without being overrun by nightclubs.
Good location for exploring the north of Mallorca.
Ideal for families and travellers looking for comfort.

Cons:

Far from the south-east of Mallorca, so visiting coves such as Mondragó or Cala Figuera requires quite a long drive.
Very touristy area, with less authenticity than other towns on the island.

Nearby excursions

Staying in Can Picafort allows you to discover some of the most beautiful destinations in Mallorca:

-Paradise beaches and coves

Cala Mesquida: a beach experience in a still wild setting, far from the hustle and bustle of more urbanised areas. 38 minutes by car (35,7 km).
Cala Romántica: this is a hidden cove with pine-covered cliffs and crystal-clear blue waters that invite you to lose yourself. 50 minutes by car (43.7 km).
Cala Blava: a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere makes this the perfect retreat for those seeking to escape the island’s more crowded beaches. 1 hour by car (72.5 km).
Portal Vells: coastal area with crystal clear waters, three picturesque coves and a historic cave. 1 hour and 7 minutes by car (79.1 km).
Camp de Mar: chosen by travellers seeking dream beaches, quality cuisine and peaceful surroundings. 1 hour and 4 minutes by car (83.4 km).

-Charming Places

Cala Figuera: charming fishing port, known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. 1 hour and 7 minutes by car (65.7 km).
Sa Pobla: a place with cultural heritage and a unique natural environment such as the Parc Natural de s’Albufera. 20 minutes by car (13.5 km).
S’Illot: a place that combines a unique archaeological past, quiet beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. 46 minutes by car (40.4 km).
Porto Petro: surrounded by crystal-clear coves and framed by the Mondragó Natural Park. 1 hour and 6 minutes by car (55.4 km).
Santa Margarita: a town that retains its authentic spirit, largely untouched by mass tourism. 12 minutes by car (9.7 km).
Estellencs: an idyllic coastal village nestled in Mallorca’s Sierra de Tramuntana mountains. 1 hour and 26 minutes by car (81.8 km).

-Tourist Attractions

Artà: here you will find a complete destination, ancient history, charming cobbled streets, unspoilt natural landscapes, wild coves and a unique cultural heritage. 29 minutes by car (23.9 km).
Sant Elm: once a humble fishing port, it has been transformed over the years into a peaceful tourist destination. 1 hour and 18 minutes by car (93 km).
Sa Ponsa: a cosmopolitan and vibrant place, full of hotels, restaurants, yacht clubs and golf courses. 1 hour and 3 minutes by car (78.4 km).
Magaluf: Mallorca’s premier resort, with turquoise waters and fine sandy beaches, modern facilities, shows, theme parks and nightlife. 1 hour by car (79.4 km).

bicycle and hiking trail in can picafort

Hiking trails and natural landscapes

Can Picafort is not only a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and cyclists, but also a sanctuary for nature lovers and avid hikers. The town is surrounded by a series of captivating natural landscapes, offering a network of scenic and well-maintained hiking trails that wind through the stunning countryside and along the picturesque coastline. These trails offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in the island’s unspoilt beauty, visit panoramic viewpoints and encounter abundant native flora and fauna, fostering a deep sense of tranquillity and connection with nature.

Explore the S’Albufera Natural Park

One of the jewels of the region is the S’Albufera Natural Park, a vast and biologically diverse wetland covering approximately 1,700 hectares. Designated a Special Protection Area for Birds and a Site of Community Importance, the park is a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, home to a rich and varied bird population, as well as a diverse range of terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Visitors can participate in peaceful walks, guided tours and wildlife observation excursions, offering a deep and enriching communion with the natural world and its extraordinary biodiversity.

How to get there and get around

From Palma and the airport: it takes about an hour by car on the Ma-13 to Alcudia and then towards Can Picafort.
By bus: line 302 connects Plaza de España (Palma) with the Playa de Muro and Can Picafort area.
Recommendation: renting a car is still the best option for exploring Mallorca, as public transport does not reach many parts of the island.

Is Can Picafort your place in Mallorca?

Can Picafort is a destination designed for those looking for a comfortable, family-friendly holiday by the beach. Here you’ll have everything at your fingertips: a lively promenade, restaurants with sea views, activities for all ages and wild nature just a stone’s throw away. It’s not the most authentic corner of Mallorca, but it is a strategic point for exploring the north of the island. If your trip combines relaxation on the beach with excursions to places such as Alcudia, Formentor or the Serra de Tramuntana, Can Picafort could be your ideal base.

As recommendations, we leave you with a list of items that may come in handy on your trip to Can Picafort, so that you can go as prepared as possible:

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Photo Credits

Below are the photo credits in order of appearance. Royalty-free photos will not be listed below:

User:Mateus2019, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tomy Angelstein, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Eddy Genne, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons