The calas you cannot drive to
The northern coastline is cliff for long stretches, and the coves cut into it have no road down, no car park and no beach bar. Access is the filter, and a boat is the way through it. That is why they stay quiet in August while the main beaches are full by ten.
Where to go from each port
From Port d’Alcúdia and Port de Pollença you are into the sheltered water of the Bay of Pollença within minutes, with the Formentor peninsula and the north coast cliffs beyond it. That is the classic hidden-cove run.
Can Picafort opens onto the longer, sandier north-east, which suits shorter hops. Palma is a different coast entirely, with the south-west coves and room for bigger groups.
The wind decides, not the calendar
A cala that is glassy one morning is uncomfortable the next because the breeze swung a few points. It is the thing most visitors underestimate, and it decides whether the day is any good.
A local skipper can be added to almost any boat, with rates varying by boat and confirmed when you enquire. It is the quickest way to end up on the sheltered side, because someone aboard already knows which one that is today.