S’Escala – Es Portitxol – Snorkeling next to Favàritx

Última actualización: 19/08/2024

‘Escala (or Es Portitxol) is the most accessible of all the beaches in the area of the Favàritx lighthouse.
S’Escala is within the Natural Park of the Albufera d’es Grau.
This beach is not usually very crowded because it has many rocks and stones, both in the sand and on the seabed.
As people prefer beaches with soft sand for the towel, they usually go to the neighboring beaches of Presili or Tortuga. The best thing about this beach is that it is very well sheltered by the rocks, so when there is no Tramuntana wind it is a very quiet beach and perfect for the little ones.
In addition, the seabed is rocky and shallow (less than 2 meters), so it is a very good place to snorkel on the surface.

Beach Info

• Orientation:North
• Type:Virgin Beach
• Services: None
• Summeroccupancy: 30.20% occupancy rate
• Beach area*: 1,800 m2 (* Estimated. Changes every year)
• Access on foot: 700 meters (15 minutes) from the bus stop (since 2018 only bus access from June to September).
• Nearest parking June to September: 3 km –(Parking provisional Favàritx)
• Nearest parking lot October to May: 250 m – Parking Faro de Favàritx
• Previous Beach: Cala Presili
• Next beach: Gros Ravine
• Is it in the Camí de Cavalls? :Yes

How to get to s’Escala – Es Portitxol

By Car

• 2021 and 2022: From June 19th to September 30th, it is only possible to access Favàritx by bus from Maó, or by Taxi or with outdoor activity companies.
  The nearest parking is about 3Km from the beaches.
• 2020: From July 1, 2020 access is only possible by bus from Maó. It is not yet known when the new parking will start operating (news1, news2). You can also go on foot, by bike, by cab and by sea. Bus tickets cost 3.5€/person, there are 6 daily frequencies. The first departure to Favàrtix is at 09:45 and the last return to Maó is at 19:00.
• 2019: From June 1, 2019 access is only possible by bus from Maó. It is not yet known when the new parking will start operating (news1, news2). You can also go on foot, by bike, by cab and by sea. Bus tickets cost 3.5€/person, there are 6 daily frequencies. The first departure to Favàrtix is at 09:45 and the last return to Maó is at 19:00.

By Bus

As of 2018, access is only available by bus from June to September.
The exact dates may change from year to year.
Please check bus schedules beforehand.

• Departure point of Bus L43 Maó-Favàritx: Maó bus station.

On Foot or by Bike

Access on foot or by bike is free all year round.
The road to the Favàritx lighthouse is asphalted and, although it has many moderate climbs and descents, it is a very easy route by bike.
It can also be accessed by the Camí de Cavalls:

• From Es Grau(Section 2 of the Camí de Cavalls)
• From Addaia (Section 2 of the Camí de Cavalls)

Once There

The beach of s’Escala is not particularly welcoming for people looking for sun and beach due to the dark and grayish color of the rocks that surround it and the amount of rocks on the sand and seabed.
If you come to s’Escala you are probably looking for a quiet place to be with your family or to do some snorkeling.

Snorkel in this Natural Pool

The circular shape of s’Escala and the marine reefs that protect it in all directions make snorkeling here a luxury (except on Tramontana days): Very few waves and zero current.
Years ago there were some Nacras in s’Escala, although I don’t know their status in 2021 because almost all the Nacras in the Balearic Islands have died (If you find a live one, you can notify by WhatsApp or Phone: 606 875 244).

Visit the Magnificent Lighthouse of Favàritx

If you have come to the beach of s’Escala most likely your goal is to see the Favàritx lighthouse.
In any case, if you pass through s’Escala it is a must visit as it is less than 10 minutes walk away.

Photos of S’Escala – Portitxol

Map and Points of Interest