Cala Carbo is one of the more private beaches on the west coast, a small cove reached down a narrow road and enclosed on both sides by rocky, pine-covered hills. It is pebbles with some sand, and the seabed is mostly rock, so bathing shoes make the difference between an easy swim and an awkward one.
The bay is well sheltered, which means the water is calm in almost any conditions and exceptionally clear. That combination is why people who want to swim rather than sunbathe come here.
What is there
Very little, which is the appeal. A couple of restaurants above the shore, a small parking area, and no sunbed operation to speak of.
The rocks on either side of the cove are the best part: shallow, clear and full of fish, and you can get in and out from the flat ledges rather than wading over stones.
Getting there
The road in is narrow and winds down through the pines from the Cala Vadella direction. It is easy enough in a normal car and there is parking near the shore, though it is limited and fills in August.
Who it suits
Swimmers, snorkellers and anyone who would rather have a quiet cove than a long beach. It is not the choice for a family with small children who want to run about on sand, and it is not the choice for a sunbed day.
Quick answers
Is Cala Carbo sandy? Pebbles with some sand, and a rocky seabed.
Do you need water shoes? Yes, they make a real difference here.
Is it busy? Much less than the larger west coast beaches, even in August.
Is there parking? Yes, a small area near the shore.
Can you snorkel? Yes. The rocks on both sides are the reason to bring a mask.
Are there restaurants? A couple above the cove.
Nearby
Cala Vadella is five minutes north and is the sandy, family version of the same coast. Cala Moli is a similar size just beyond it.