Cales de Betlem

Cales de Betlem – Remote Cluster of Quiet Coves with Historic Significance

Location & Beach Profile

Location: 5 kilometres from Colònia de Sant Pere.
Type of Beach: Natural sand with rocky seabed
Length: 50 metres
Average Width: 10 metres
Occupancy: Low
Typical Visitors: Locals
Access: Pedestrians & vehicles
Facilities: None

Historical Setting & Natural Landscape

Cales de Betlem takes its name from the nearby Ermita de Betlem, a 19th-century hermitage built at 322 metres above sea level by the Congregation of Hermits of Saint Paul and Saint Anthony. This remote coastal stretch lies between Na Clara and Caló des Corb Marí, forming a series of small, quiet coves with a rugged, natural charm.

The area also has a unique natural history connection: the coast is linked to the now-extinct Mediterranean monk seal (vellmarí), once common here. Nearby Es Vellmarins Alts and Es Vellmarins Baixos are two underwater caves where these seals used to live.

Beach Composition & Scenery

The shoreline consists of stony ground with patches of sand, backed by scrubland and low residential development. The natural landscape remains largely unspoilt, offering visitors beautiful views of the uninhabited, rocky coastline and the surrounding Majorcan mountains.

Boating & Anchoring

While small boats are occasionally anchored in the area, anchoring and navigation are not generally recommended due to the shallow, rocky seabed and scattered reefs. The nearest marina facilities are at Club Nàutic Colònia de Sant Pere, approximately 2.4 nautical miles away.

Access & Popularity

Access to Cales de Betlem is simple by car, though drivers should carefully follow local signs to reach the residential village of Betlem. Free parking is available close to the coastline, with the final approach completed on foot. Due to its secluded location and limited facilities, Cales de Betlem remains very quiet and lightly visited, mainly drawing locals and nature-seeking visitors who appreciate its peaceful setting.