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 Pi video:

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.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip

PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.