While many visitors opt for crowded resorts, they miss out. We recommend visiting Mallorca calas, Mediterranean coves where life is lived in a slower lane.
Mallorca is lots more than the glitz and late-night carousing that many associate with the more crowded areas of the Balearic Islands. We spent two weeks in Mallorca and fell in love with the “cala vibe.” Even though you may choose a popular Mallorca community from which to make your base, we think you’ll want to head to one of the many Mallorca calas for the relaxed atmosphere which is more indicative of the local lifestyle.
Our favorite Mallorca calas follow:
Cluster of Calas: Llombards, Santanyí and Figuera
Travel and Leisure describes the coastline by Santanyí as “where to drop the beach towel and forget the world.” This can be done with minimal effort. Santanyí is a quiet little village dating from medieval times with several excellent restaurants and restored guest houses. But the compelling draw of Mallorca is epitomized by the three Mallorca calas to its south. Impossibly blue-hued inlets contrast with bleached stone cliffs. Rent a sunbed under a palapa for the day, and get your refreshments at the chiringuito (beach bar).
Cala Llombards
Cala Santanyí
Cala Pi
Cala Pi shares a name with the holiday hamlet at the top of the cliff. A superb sand beach and an excellent chiringuito, as well as several terrific restaurants up top. The Torre Cala Pi is a landmark medieval watchtower, which not all Mallorca calas boast. Trails on either side of the cala present stunning Mediterranean vistas.
Cala de Sa Calobra
A narrow cala with a dramatic descent from parking to the port, and then via cliff-side restaurants and businesses through a tunnel to a deep pebble beach. This beach can be quite busy during summer holidays due to the fact that Port Sa Calobra is the end of the road from the Torrent de Pareis canyon (Highway Ma2141). Come early ahead of the tour buses and make a day of it.
Sa Calobra
Cala Manacor (Porto Cristo)
A larger cala with a marina and promenade from which the town of Porto Cristo ascends. Outside Porto Cristo are the Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves), a system of subterranean limestone caves with bizarre stalactite formations. Porto Cristo has beachy souvenir shopping, mid-range dining options and a sandy city beach with street and lot parking available.
Cala Manacor from Porto Cristo promenade
Our visit to Mallorca exceeded our expectations in every way. We had anticipated a quiet two weeks of resort life with lazy days of poolside lounging, and that may be just what you need. However, we were captivated by its history, cuisine, and magnificent scenery. If you’re up for a more mellow vibe, any one of these Mallorca calas will deliver.
Disclosure: This article was written for First Choice, getaway travel experts offering all-inclusive, family, and club hotel experiences ranging from budget to premier in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Central America.
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Jillian
Tuesday 26th of November 2019
Great post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I'm impressed! Extremely helpful information particularly the closing phase :) I deal with such information much. I used to be seeking this particular information for a long time.
Thank you and good luck.
Bruno B
Thursday 17th of March 2016
I can't believe I'm living in Barcelona for almost two years now and I still haven't been to Mallorca. Something to do this summer!
Betsy Wuebker
Thursday 17th of March 2016
Hi Bruno - Get there before August (when it's super busy) if you can! We have another post about Mallorca in the off-season you may be interested in: https://passingthru.com/blog/2015/06/off-season-mallorca-is-better/
Francesca @onegrloneworld
Tuesday 28th of July 2015
Mallorca was never on my radar as a destination to visit - I'm glad I read this post! The dragon caves sound like a really unique sight to see, I'll have to add it to my wanderlust list! :)
Betsy Wuebker
Tuesday 28th of July 2015
Hi Francesca - We never had it on our radar, either. But now, we are so happy we visited and would love to return to spend even more time than we did.
Nic
Monday 27th of July 2015
This looks like a great change of pace to the Mallorca I have see and tried to avoid! Often places like this get over run with British tourists but looks like you found the perfect spot to see it for the beautiful place it really is!
Betsy Wuebker
Tuesday 28th of July 2015
Hi Nic - I think you'd really love it in the off-season. Just avoid July and August.
Tami
Monday 27th of July 2015
I've been to Spain but mostly just to Madrid. Wish I'd had the opportunity to do some more exploring! You've given me the motivation for sure!
Betsy Wuebker
Tuesday 28th of July 2015
Hi Tami - We've yet to visit Madrid. Spain is magnificent, and Mallorca is its own little world. We loved it.