Camí de Cala Bóquer is a must do walk in the Spanish island of Mallorca. This beautiful walk through the Bóquer Valley (Vall de Bóquer) showcases the scenic landscape of the north of the island without having to trek too far. As the name suggests, the route leads to Cala Bóquer, one of Mallorca’s lovely little rocky ‘cove’ beaches.
Key information:
- Where: Located in the north of the island, starting from Port de Pollença
- Distance: Around 5.5km (return)
- Difficulty: Fairly easy. The hardest part is the relatively short but rocky descent down to the beach (and back up again). Note however that the hike would still be worth doing even if you are unable to go right down to the cala.
As a solo traveler I can say this walk is very safe and accessible. There is no need to worry about being on your own or possibly getting lost in the middle of nowhere – the path is very easy to follow. In fact, the walk is great for most – whether a solo traveler or a family with kids. The trail is pretty open – even if you want to just stroll along at a leisurely pace you won’t be bothering anyone, there is plenty room for everyone out there. It really is an excellent (and must do) addition to any Mallorca itinerary.
As the walk doesn’t take that long, say around 1.5hr return (plus however long you choose to spend at Cala Bóquer), it’s not something you need to dedicate the whole day to, which is great I’d say. There is plenty time either side to enjoy Port de Pollença itself before/after, especially if you have travelled up from Palma or elsewhere just for the day.
Don’t forget to take:
- Water – there are no water supplies and the walk is very much in the open, there is no sheltering from the sun.
- Hat – as per the last point, you will want this to shade yourself from the Spanish sun.
- Good walking shoes – trainers are fine (you will be thankful to not be in flip-flops when you reach the rocky path to/from the beach).
- Snacks/lunch – be sure to pack some snacks or a picnic lunch that you can enjoy once you reach Cala Bóquer itself.
How to get to the Cala Bóquer walk?
As noted, Camí de Cala Bóquer begins from Port de Pollença.
Port de Pollença is a popular resort town on the island, so you many find yourself staying there – there are ample accommodation options here. This makes it super easy for you to take on this walk!
Alcúdia is the next town along from Port de Pollença, if you are based there, you will be just a short bus ride away.
If, however, you are coming from further afield, buses run throughout the day direct from Mallorca’s main city, Palma. The bus leaves from Estacio Intermodal in Palma city. Simply tap on with your bank card and in around an hour you can reach Port de Pollença.
If you are coming from a town on the east or west of the island, you will need to take a bus to Palma before heading north.
I recommend basing yourself in Palma if you want to experience the island on a whole as much as possible, especially if you are a solo traveler. I stayed in The Boc Hostels – City, which is an excellent hostel and in a prime location for catching the bus for day trips such as this one!
The walk begins just a 2 minute walk from the main bus stop in Port de Pollença. So whether you’re heading there from your accommodation in Port de Pollença, or arriving by bus, you can use this as your starting point. From the bus stop, simply walk to the roundabout (you won’t miss it) and head to your left (take the first exit).
You will see a sign post ‘Camí de Cala Bóquer’, which marks the beginning of the trail.
Camí de Cala Bóquer – The Walk
From the ‘Camí de Cala Bóquer’ sign you will go up the path which leads to a gate to the ‘Cases de Bóquer’. Go through the gate and be sure to close it behind you. From here you will be already be rewarded with a view. Look to your left and admire the scene down over Port de Pollença.
Bóquer Valley
Keep going and you’ll reach a cool rock formation. Just through here, the view of beautiful Bóquer Valley opens up. It really is so scenic and in a sense feels worlds a way from what you have just left behind in Port de Pollença. The path through the valley is flat and very easy to follow.
You will admire the landscape all the way, accompanied by goats, before coming to a halt when you see the sea view as Cala Bóquer emerges from beyond the valley. Definitely stop here for some photos and to admire the scenes before you.
Perhaps you are short on time, or for whatever reason aren’t able to/don’t want to descend to the cala and back again, in which case you could just turn around here and still be satisfied with the walk, I’d say.
That’s to say, the trickiest part of the walk comes after that initial view of the cala. It becomes a little more technical – the path turns rocky and it’s easier to lose the actual path. No need to fret if you feel you’ve gone off the ‘path’, just keep heading down and you’ll be good. Essentially, there are now multiple paths down.
Cala Bóquer
You’ll soon reach Cala Bóquer itself, where you can relax on the small pebble beach. Albeit quite small, it doesn’t tend to get overly busy (because you can only access it via the trail. That’s the beauty of it.).
After walking down to the cala, you’ll find this is a lovely lunch spot. So, I’d recommend taking a little picnic with you, especially if you’re a budget traveler like I am! However, do be careful with any food. Those goats know!! Luckily I had finished my lunch before they came snooping… One goat got a hold of my baguette wrapper at one point – the whole beach was entertained.
I wouldn’t say its the most beautiful beach out there, but because of its more remote location, and hike that it takes to get there, it’s a special little spot on the island of Mallorca.
Back to Port de Pollença
After enjoying the beach it’s time to hike back up the rocky ‘path’ to the main trail. People were climbing up over different areas of the rocks, as said there are essentially multiple ‘paths’ here. I definitely did not follow the route up as I did down – simply up is the right way. At the top of the climb, you won’t miss the main trail back. Enjoy another walk through the Bóquer Valley, before reaching the gates and heading back down to Port de Pollença.
So, is the walk to Cala Bóquer worth doing?
Absolutely!!
I felt so satisfied after this hike, it made my day! Maybe because I didn’t really know what to expect at all, which usually brings good things. Camí de Cala Bóquer completely satisfied my need of a nature filled escape from the bustle of the towns, without having to walk too far. It’s an amazing chance to see a more remote area of the island without spending money (besides for the bus!) too – budget travelers I got you!
