Cova des Pont: Mallorca’s Natural Rock Bridge

The Cova des Pont, or simply “the bridge”, is a dramatic rock arch that the sea has slowly hollowed out of the coastline. It’s a natural formation you usually only see in photos, except here you can stand right next to it and have the whole place almost to yourself. The walk to reach is a little adventurous, which is exactly what keeps the crowds away. Here is everything you need to plan it.

The Cova des Pont is a natural stone arch formed from an old sea cave. Part of the cave roof eventually collapsed, leaving a bridge of rock standing over the water. Over thousands of years, waves have carved and reshaped Mallorca’s limestone coast into the caves, coves and arches you see today.

You will sometimes see it called Cova Marina del Pont, but most people simply call it “the bridge”. It sits on the rocky coastline just past Cala Varques. Because of the deep, clear water underneath, it has become a favourite spot for swimmers, snorkelers and the occasional brave cliff jumper. Standing on top of it, with the sea moving below and wild coast in either direction, is pretty unforgettable.

Trail type – out and back

Trailhead – Google Maps

Distance – Gate → Cala Varques: about 2 km (1.2 miles)
Cala Varques → Cova des Pont: about 0.8–1 km (0.5–0.6 miles)

Duration – 45 to 60 minutes each way

Difficulty – moderate

Crowds – not busy

Guide required – no

Strollers and young kids – not suitable

Cost – free

There is no official car park at the start. You park along the road near the gate, the same barrier you can see in the photo below. At the gate, a sign makes it clear that cars are not allowed any further. From there, it is all on foot.

Follow the wide dirt track straight from the gate as it winds through farmland and pine trees towards the coast. First, you’ll need to reach the beach, and to get there, you’ll come across a demolished wall that you have to go through and climb over — yes, I mean it haha. After that, there’s another wall, and then you continue through the forest. Like I said, it’s a bit of an adrenaline trip hehe.

After roughly 30 to 40 minutes you will reach Cala Varques, the little beach most people come for. To carry on to the rock bridge, head to the beach and then keep left along the coastline. Keep the water close on your right and the arch is not far ahead.

You’ll pass a few rocky sections where waves crash into the cliffs, making this part of the walk feel much more dramatic. From here, it’s only a short walk until Cova des Pont comes into view.

The hike to Cova des Pont feels a little wild and adventurous, but that’s what makes it so fun. As mentioned above, it starts easy on a flat gravel track lined with dry stone walls and olive trees. You might even spot a goat watching you go by. At first, it feels more like a countryside stroll than a coastal hike.

Then you reach Cala Varques and everything opens up. Turquoise water, pale sand, low cliffs on either side. It's tempting to just stop right here, and plenty of people do. But the best part is still ahead. I loved how close you walk along the coastline, with the waves crashing below and the sea views opening up between the rocks.

And then the bridge appears. The rock arch rises straight out of the water with the open Mediterranean stretching out behind it, and most of the time you will have it almost to yourself. I sat up there for a while just watching the waves roll underneath, and it instantly became one of my favourite spots on Mallorca.

Always watch your step, and avoid visiting when the sea is too rough or after rain, as the rocks can get slippery.

Discover Deià: Mallorca’s Most Beautiful Village

I would call it moderate rather than easy. It's not that long and there is no serious climbing involved, but it's not a smooth, flat path either. You are walking on uneven ground, scrambling over a couple of broken walls, and following a rocky coastal trail that is exposed to the sun.

If you are reasonably fit and comfortable on your feet, you will be absolutely fine. Since the distance isn’t that far, you can take the hike at your own pace. Footwear is the one thing that can catch people out. I made the mistake of wearing the wrong shoes and regretted it the whole way, so learn from me and wear proper trainers or hiking shoes.

One quick heads up, this walk is not suitable for strollers or very small children. The ground is uneven, there is some light scrambling over rocks and walls, and parts of it are fully exposed with no shade.

Proper Shoes – Trainers or hiking shoes with good grip. The trail is rocky and uneven, and flip flops will not cut it. Trust me on this one.

Plenty of Water – At least 1.5 to 2 liters per person. There is no shop, no fountain, nothing along the way.

Sun Protection – Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Large parts of the walk are fully exposed with no shade.

Swimwear and a Towel – You will absolutely want a swim at Cala Varques, so come ready.

Snacks – Pack something light to keep you going. There is nowhere to buy food once you leave the road.

A Dry Bag – Handy for keeping your phone and valuables safe while you swim.

Discover Valldemossa: The Fairytale Village of Mallorca

Whatever month you go, try to start early. Arriving in the morning means cooler temperatures on the walk, calmer water for swimming, and a much better chance of having both the beach and the bridge mostly to yourself. By midday in summer, Cala Varques fills up with people arriving by boat, so an early start is hands down the best tip I can give you.

Take everything valuable with you and leave nothing on show in your car. The parking is just a quiet spot along the road, far from where you will be for a few hours, and remote trailheads like this can be an easy target for break ins. A little caution here saves you a very bad end to a very good day.

The best thing about this whole walk is that you do not have to choose between the beach and the bridge, you get both. Cala Varques sits right on the way to the Cova des Pont, so it makes perfect sense to turn the two into one easy half day trip.

Cala Varques is one of those wild, undeveloped beaches that Mallorca does so well. No sun loungers, no beach bars, just clear turquoise water, soft sand and low cliffs framing the cove. Bring everything you need with you, because there is nothing to buy once you are down there. Go for a swim, dry off in the sun, then carry on to the rock bridge, or do it the other way around and save the beach as your reward on the way back.