Palma can feel like a postcard. This tour adds the more interesting bits: rocky footpaths, quiet sea caves, and the kind of water that makes you forget the schedule. You start near Bendinat, then head along the coast for swims, optional cliff jumps, and a final stop at the Ermita de Portals Nous.

What I really like is the pacing and the people limit. It’s capped at 8, so you get actual conversation with the local guide and enough time in the water to enjoy the coves without feeling herded. I also love the route choices: an old military base look-out, forest walking to a local cove, and a scenic chapel on the cliff.

One consideration: this is not a sandals-and-stroll kind of morning. Expect rocky, uneven ground and swims that assume comfort in the sea. It’s also not a fit for non-swimmers or people with low fitness.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Max 8 people keeps the coves feeling calm, not crowded
• Bendinat meeting spot puts you close to the coastline fast
• Old military base viewpoint adds history without turning it into a museum visit
• Two long swim windows with clear water and optional cliff jumps
• Ermita de Portals Nous gives you a photogenic cliffside finish

Why This Palma Coves Tour Feels Different

If you’ve spent any time in Mallorca’s bigger beach areas, you already know the problem: you see the same views, the same crowds, the same photos. This experience fights that with a simple formula—walk a bit, swim a lot, and stick to places locals use.

The big win is the mix. You’re not only chasing coastline views from above. You also get down into the water at small coves, including a quieter spot accessed via a forest path. That matters because the Mallorca coastline is famous for its dramatic cuts and caves, but most visitors only see it from the road.

The tour is also led by locals—often Joan or Marc—who bring that everyday island context. In practice, that means more than names of places. You’ll hear how people live around these bays and why certain spots are special to them.

Getting There: Bendinat, Blue Fence, and Comfortable Shoes

Meet at the Bendinat municipal swimming pool, Av. República, 15 (07181 Bendinat). Directions are straightforward: after the roundabout, keep walking straight to the end of Avenida República, and look for the guide waiting in front of the blue fence.

This tour runs for about 4 hours, so getting there easily is part of the fun. If you’re relying on public transport, bus L108 leaves Palma’s main station (Estació Intermodal) at 8:50 a.m. For drivers, the tour notes there’s free parking available.

Now the footwear reality check. You’ll cross rocky paths and uneven terrain. Skip flip-flops. Comfortable shoes help you walk confidently from viewpoint to cove, and you’ll appreciate it more once you’re on the trail edges where rock meets scrub.

From Bendinat to the Old Military Base: Views With a Past

After you meet, the local guide sets the route and explains what makes this stretch of coast worth your time. Your first real stop is an old military base area in Bendinat—not a long lecture, but an introduction point that also gives you a strong sense of the coastline.

Why that first history angle works: it helps you read the shoreline. When you later see coves and sea caves, you can connect what you’re looking at to why this coastline mattered. You also get the first big payoff view early, which is great if you’d rather not wait until mid-tour to feel like you got value.

The drawback here is mild but real: viewpoints are part of the plan, so you’ll spend some time outside on the route. Bring sunscreen and a bottle of water so you can stay comfortable while you’re looking out over the coast.

Secret Cove via Forest Path: The Part You’ll Remember

Next comes the most “escape the crowds” moment: a forest path that leads to a quiet cove. This is where the tour shifts from scenic walking to sea time.

You’ll get a long swim window (about 1.5 hours) in crystal-clear water. The tour also emphasizes exploring small sea caves nearby. This is the kind of spot where floating feels easy, and you can take your time without the beach itself turning into a busy scene.

What to expect at this stage:

• You’ll likely step onto rocky shoreline areas on the way in and out.
• You’ll want to wear the water shoes provided.
• If you want to snorkel, you’ll have goggles to help you see what’s under the surface.

This cove is also a good reminder that Mallorca’s “hidden” feel isn’t magic. It’s geography plus walking. The guide’s job is to get you to places where you can hear more sea and fewer engines.

Mirador de Rafael: A Short Pause for Big Photos

After the cove time, you’ll continue along a scenic area and reach Mirador de Rafael. This stop is brief—about 15 minutes—but it’s built for quick enjoyment: lookouts where the coastline and the sea make the best photos with the least effort.

That short timing is also practical. You’re not dragging your legs through another long segment right away. Instead, you get a view reset after swimming, then you’re back on your feet moving toward the next spot.

If weather changes, lookout stops can be extra helpful. A cloud layer can soften the light, and the sea still looks dramatic even when the sun isn’t blasting.

Second Secret Stop: More Free Time in the Water

Then you’ll head to a second secret stop for another 1.5 hours of free time and swimming. This is the segment that often determines whether you feel like you got a “real” day or just a walking tour with a quick dip.

This stop gives you room to choose your pace. You can:

• Float and relax
• Revisit the water cave areas
• Keep it simple and just enjoy the clarity

Cliff jumps are optional here (and generally offered with safety guidance). If you want the adrenaline, you’ll have your chance. If you’d rather keep your feet on the rocks, you can skip it and still have a full swim experience.

One note: this is where having a snack can help. The tour doesn’t include food, and the day’s energy comes from being active. Even a small snack between swims can keep you from feeling hungry right as the walking resumes.

Ermita de Portals Nous Chapel: The Cliffside Ending

The finish is at Ermita de Portals Nous, reached for a photo stop and another 15 minutes of time to soak in the views. The chapel sits on a cliffside, so you get that classic Mallorca moment: stone, sea wind, and a big horizon.

This ending matters because it wraps the day with something calmer than the coves. You’ve spent the morning walking rocky paths and getting wet. Now you can slow down, take pictures, and just enjoy the perspective—literally looking out over the same coastline you explored from below.

After that, the tour ends at Portals Nous Plaza. It’s a good spot to transition into your own plans—lunch nearby, a relaxed afternoon, or just a long sit and watch the sea.

Cliff Jumps, Snorkel Gear, and How Safe It Feels

This tour leans into fun activities without making them mandatory. Cliff jumps are optional, and the included gear focuses on comfort and visibility in the water.

What you get:

• Water shoes
• Swim goggles
• Optional cliff jumping guidance

For people who care about safety style, this tour is set up for sensible progression. You’re not dropped into a random place with no context. The guide leads you to entry points, manages group movement, and keeps the day from feeling chaotic.

From my perspective as a reviewer, the best part is that the “thrill” stays optional. That’s how you get a group that stays happy. Some people chase jumps, others prefer swimming caves and floating. Everyone can participate at their level.

You might also notice little extras depending on the guide. Some locals share a taste of homemade gazpacho after swim time. You may even get small comfort items like swim hair care from your guide, if they have them on hand. Don’t count on it like a ticketed inclusion, but it’s a nice Mallorca touch when it happens.

Small-Group Size: Why 8 People Is the Sweet Spot

The tour caps the group at 8 participants. That’s not just a number. It changes how the whole morning feels.

With a small group:

• Walks move at a human pace
• The guide can check in with people more easily
• You spend less time waiting and more time actually doing the fun parts
• The coves tend to feel quieter because you’re not arriving with a big bus crowd

If you’re traveling solo, this format also makes social time feel natural. You can chat without feeling stuck in a packed group. If you’re with family or friends, it’s still easy to move together.

Just know the flip side: because it’s small, you’ll want to show up ready to participate. If you’re the type who needs frequent long breaks, this won’t feel like a slow stroll tour.

Price and Value: Is $52 Worth It?

At $52 per person for about 4 hours, the value comes from what’s included and what’s avoided.

You’re paying for:

• A local guide
• Guided route explanations
• Swimming in small hidden beaches and coves
• Optional cliff jumps
• Water shoes and swim goggles

You’re not paying extra for food, and you’re not getting transportation included. But the core experience—the time in the coves and the guided access to less crowded spots—is what you can’t replicate as easily without local knowledge. That’s what makes the price feel reasonable.

In other words: this isn’t paying for a fancy hotel day. It’s paying for a morning that mixes views, walking, and real water time with the kind of coastline most people only drive past.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This tour fits best if you want a mix of movement and water time. It’s ideal for:

• Thrill-seekers who want the option of cliff jumps
• Nature lovers who like clear water and sea caves
• People who prefer small groups and calmer coves

You’ll want to avoid it if:

• You’re a non-swimmer
• You have low fitness or you don’t feel comfortable on rocky uneven ground
• You need hearing accessibility support, since the tour notes it’s not suitable for hearing-impaired people

So think of it like this: you’re signing up for an active half-day on the coast. If that sounds fun, you’ll likely feel like it was worth every euro and every sweaty step down to the water.

Quick Tips Before You Go

A few practical moves make a big difference on a rocky, swim-heavy morning:

• Bring sunscreen and reapply if you’re in and out of the water
• Wear comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting wet or scuffed
• Bring water and consider packing a small snack
• Pack a swimsuit you can wear comfortably for multiple swim stops
• Don’t rely on flip-flops for the walking parts

If you want photos, you’ll have them: viewpoint time at Mirador de Rafael and photo time at Ermita de Portals Nous. But most of the best memories will be in the water and the caves, where you can really see why Mallorca’s coves are so talked about.

Should You Book This Hidden Coves Tour?

Yes—if your ideal Mallorca morning includes quiet coves, snorkeling-friendly water, and the choice to add cliff jumps for extra fun. The max 8 group size and the guide-led route make it feel like you’re getting local access, not just ticking boxes.

Skip it if you want an easy, fully flat walk or you’re not comfortable in the sea. The rocky terrain and swimming focus aren’t a “maybe” on this one.

If you’re visiting for a short time, this is also a strong early booking. It helps you learn the island’s coast while you still have time to act on what the guide recommends for the rest of your stay.

FAQ

Where does the Palma de Mallorca small-group tour start?

The meeting point is the Bendinat municipal swimming pool, Av. República, 15, 07181 Bendinat. The guide waits in front of the blue fence.

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

How many people are in the group?

It’s limited to a maximum of 8 participants.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable shoes for rocky paths, bring sunscreen and water, and bring swimwear. Flip-flops are not recommended.

What water gear is provided?

The tour includes water shoes and swim goggles.

Are cliff jumps required?

No. Cliff jumping is optional.

What languages are the guide services offered in?

The guide offers English, Spanish, German, and Catalan.

Is food included, and do you provide transportation?

Food is not included, and transportation is not included either.