Cala Mesquida (Capdepera)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Cala Mesquida (Capdepera) is an exposed sand beach that produces consistent left and right peaks when a north swell is running and wind conditions suit the setup. Surf is described as working across all tides, with best results reported when north swells combine with south–southwest wind, which is treated as more favorable for the surf than onshore north wind. Conditions are highly tide- and swell-dependent. Typical ride lengths are reported in the 50–150m range, with longer sections possible (up to roughly 150–300m on better days). Wave quality is described as good, though shape and character vary; one description notes mixed shapes, and another emphasizes peeling waves. Safety is a major consideration. The beach is known for dune landscapes/protection, and multiple sources warn that rip currents can be very strong, with reef/rocks at or near the edges of the bay and some submerged rocks close to shore. In summer, there are designated swimming areas and strict separation between swimmers and water-sports zones; lifeguards are reported as seasonal and rescue is described as limited. For wind sports, kitesurfing and windsurfing are described as largely seasonal/occasional and more suited to experienced riders in winter, with summer access restricted by beach rules and swimmer zones. For surfing specifically, intermediate surfers have the most consistent fit with the reported skill level for the break, especially during cooler-season swell windows.
- Crystal-clear water and sandy beach setting in a dune landscape
- North swell is the key to surf production; best wind reported as south-southwest (offshore for the setup)
- Rip currents and rocks/reef near shore are key hazards, especially when surf is running
- Seasonal swimmer/water-sports separation rules in summer
- Crystal-clear, sand-dune beach setting with generally good wave quality when a north swell lines up.
- Exposed but approachable for surfers with intermediate level surf skills.
- Works across tides; can hold size up to around 2m+ under the right conditions.
- Strong rip currents can form, particularly with north/northeast swells.
- Reef/rocks are present near shore and at the bay edges.
- Beach has strict swimmer vs. water-sports zone separation in summer; winter wind conditions are generally better than summer thermal wind.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, NW
- Offshore directions
- S, SSW, SW, WSW, W
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Sea-breeze pattern implied for summer; sport wind is usually limited in summer compared with winter.
- Reliability
- moderate in winter; low in summer
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Surf sources indicate light gusts; another provider describes gusts as moderate.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- Hills surrounding the bay can create turbulence and wind shadows near the shore.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with rock/reef elements noted in seabed descriptions.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Wave size ranges from small to medium depending on conditions; sources describe small-to-medium surf and working size under ~1m.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — One provider notes north winds can create heavy chop.
- Launch
- Big — Large sandy beach with gentle slope; includes a designated swimming area in summer and dunes behind the beach.
Through the year
Empty in winter; very crowded with tourists in July and August; weekends can be crowded.
Autumn and winter, especially October and November, with heavier Mediterranean storms possible.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Not a primary kite spot due to restrictions and gusty conditions; experienced riders may visit in winter with north winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Occasional wave sailing in winter; the bay is quite exposed to the open sea.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.5 m²
Exposed beach-break with left and right peaks. North swell is the key ingredient; surf can work across tides and can hold up to around 2m+ when conditions line up.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NE, NW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Reported to work at all stages of the tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break; not protected from the waves.
- Wind Effect
- Best with light offshore south or southwest winds; north winds can create heavy chop. For the surf setup, south-southwest winds are reported as offshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Often holds up to around 2m+; can close out on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good wave quality reported.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power reported.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Mixed, with one provider describing peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal rides typically range 50–150m; exceptional days can reach ~150–300m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cala Mesquida (Capdepera) in the full forecast view.
Cala Mesquida (Capdepera) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–12 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- NNE20°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2812 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–1.6 m4s period
- Temperature
- 16–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cala Mesquida (Capdepera) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.2–1.6 m with a period of about 4s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- strong rip currents
- rip currents
- reef/rocks near shore and at edges of the bay
- swimmers in summer
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards are reported on the beach.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is described as limited; municipal lifeguards are typically seasonal (May–October).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are cited in Capdepera or Artà; a larger hospital is cited in Manacor. General emergency number is 112.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Summer has designated swimmer and water-sports zone separation; avoid mixing swimmers with active water-sports.
- Strict zone separation in summer between swimmers and water sports.
- Designated swimming areas (summer).
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing restrictions in summer (seasonal access rules).
- Check forecasts specifically for north swell; south swells are reported to rarely reach the spot effectively.
- Riders report that the best peaks are typically in the middle of the beach or toward the western side.
- If currents create problems, use marked areas when available.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Capdepera
- Nearest Town
- Cala Mesquida
- Parking
- Public parking lot available a few hundred meters from the beach; can fill up quickly in peak season. Reported walk from parking to beach is about 5 minutes.
- Public Transport
- Served by the TIB bus network, with connections between Cala Ratjada/Capdepera and Palma.
- Access
- Accessible by road from Capdepera or Artà; there is a walkway leading through the dunes to the beach. Parking is available and a short walk leads to the beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish, Catalan
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Tourist accommodation and hotels/resorts are present within walking distance in the Cala Mesquida resort area.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and seasonal beach bars (chiringuitos) are available during the season; more restaurants in the immediate urbanized area.
- Equipment Rental:
- Basic water-activity rentals may be available seasonally, but dedicated surf equipment rental is described as limited at the beach.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Cala Mesquida area combines a dune-and-pine nature setting with nearby heritage and day-trip excursions across northeast Mallorca.
A protected area with hiking and mountain-biking trails through Mediterranean landscapes.
Dramatic limestone show caves with stalactites and stalagmites, nearby in the Canyamel area.
A 14th-century hilltop fortress with panoramic views over the coastline.
Trails and coastal walking routes are available in the Cala Mesquida area.
Clear, shallow-water conditions are described as suitable for swimming and snorkeling in calm periods.
Harbor-side promenade with seafood restaurants, cafés, and bars.
An 18-hole golf course set in a scenic valley between the mountains and the sea.
Family-oriented resort atmosphere with a focus on beach time and accessible stays.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cala Mesquida (Capdepera)?
The best overall months at Cala Mesquida (Capdepera) are October, November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Cala Mesquida (Capdepera)?
Cala Mesquida (Capdepera) works with N, NE, NW winds. Offshore directions are S, SSW, SW, WSW, W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cala Mesquida (Capdepera)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cala Mesquida (Capdepera): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Cala Mesquida (Capdepera) suitable for?
Cala Mesquida (Capdepera) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.