Cala d'Or

Picturesque coves hug the turquoise sea, a small marina, and white houses complete the scene. We are talking about Cala d'Or on the southeast coast of Mallorca. Read here what makes this Mallorca beach town so special.

If you long for tranquil coves, breathtaking nature, and perhaps even family-friendly hotels, then Cala d'Or is the perfect place for you. This charming seaside resort in southeastern Mallorca, located just under an hour from the party capital El Arenal, is tailor-made for those seeking relaxation and families. In this article, find out what makes Cala d'Or so attractive and what your vacation at the Golden Cove could look like.

The approximately 4,000-inhabitant community of Cala d'Or is located in the Migjorn region, about 60 kilometers south of the island capital Palma. While it was only a stopover on an island tour a few years ago, it has now developed into an increasingly popular tourist destination in Mallorca. However, that does not mean you will find overcrowded beaches and huge hotel complexes here. Although the hotel offerings have expanded in recent years and entertainment options have become more varied, it is still very manageable and idyllic.

In addition to the beautiful beaches, which we will explore in greater detail shortly, you should definitely visit Es Forti during your Mallorca vacation. This former fortress served as a protection and refuge from pirates and was completely restored after an earthquake in the 18th century. From here, you have a beautiful view of the marina, the small harbor located in the heart of Cala d'Or. This area is lined with numerous bars and restaurants and can be comfortably reached from the fortress after a roughly 30-minute walk.

If you're heading to the harbor, we highly recommend the early evening hours. Enjoy a delicious paella and a glass of wine, watch the bustle, and take in a romantic sunset. Afterwards, the lovely promenade invites you for a stroll. Could a vacation start any more peacefully?

The beaches of Cala d'Or are surrounded by rugged cliffs, idyllic almond groves, and green pine forests, making it a dream for all those seeking a tranquil retreat. One of the most popular beaches is the namesake Cala d'Or beach, which is located very close to the harbor. This golden and fine sand beach, sheltered by cliff walls, is particularly family-friendly and perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

If you prefer something larger, then you're in the right place at Cala Gran, the largest beach in Cala d'Or. This beach especially attracts visitors with its various entertainment options. Cala Gran is located a bit further north and is a popular hotspot for divers and cliff divers.

But you should also consider the picturesque and mostly untouched coves of Cala Serena, Cala Es Forti, Cala Ferrera, and Cala Esmeralda, which impress with their fine sand and turquoise glowing water that makes you want to jump right in. The latter translates to Emerald Cove, and just one look at the water hints at where the name comes from. If you're looking for something even quieter, we recommend the gently sloping sandy beach of S'Amarador, which is located in the nearby Mondrago Natural Park.

As soon as you've had enough lounging in the sun and frolicking in the water, it's time for you to explore the surroundings of Cala d'Or. The best way to do this is to rent a car and visit the many beautiful places in the nearby area.

A popular place a bit outside of Cala d'Or is the beautiful beach of S'Amarador, which we have already introduced. But believe us, that's far from all. This picturesque beach is actually located in the heart of the Mondrago Natural Park. This park, about 765 hectares in size, is a true paradise for nature lovers and a must-visit for anyone spending their vacation in Cala d'Or. You can reach the park by bicycle, but it's easier to go by car or take bus line 507 (ticket costs €2.15 per ride). Numerous hiking and biking trails wind through the protected area, featuring beautiful coves, including the aforementioned Cala S'Amarador and Cala Mondrago, making it one of the most beautiful excursion destinations across all of Mallorca.

Just enjoy the tranquility here, switch off from everyday stress, and walk from one cove to the next. On a nice day, you might want to cool off with a swim in the turquoise shimmering sea or unpack your blanket at one of the many idyllic spots for a little picnic. This park is the perfect place for anyone seeking relaxation - a dream!

If you're already in the southeast of Mallorca, be sure to take the time for a detour to the municipality of Santanyi, known for its large almond tree plantations and traditional Mallorcan architecture. Just taking a walk through the magnificent old town followed by a visit to one of the many rustic restaurants will make you happy - we promise. Almost as beautiful and not overly touristy is the traditional harbor town of Porto Petro, just a few meters from Mondrago Natural Park. Here, you can still experience the original charm of an old fishing harbor.

If you still have some time and energy afterward, you should definitely drive in the opposite direction to the slightly further north holiday resort of Porto Cristo. Here you will find the infamous Dragon Caves in Mallorca, the Coves del Drac, where you can admire stalagmites and stalactites year-round along with the underground lake Lago Martel. The caves are among the most popular attractions in Mallorca and are definitely worth a visit.

Are you now really feeling Mallorca fever and want to spend your next vacation or perhaps at least a day or two in beautiful Cala d'Or? Then some hotel tips might be just what you need, right? Here you'll find a small selection, ranging from family-friendly to luxurious. If you still haven't found what you're looking for, then be sure to check our hotel search for more hotel offers.

How about a highly rated apartment hotel that welcomes you with a stunning sea view and great amenities for both young and old? This includes popular spots like the Blue Sea Club Martha's Resort and the Inturotel Esmeralda Park. Do you want to enjoy all-day entertainment or be active with sports? If so, you can confidently choose the Robinson Club Cala Serena. Even fancier, but just as entertaining, is the exclusive 5-star hotel Melia Cala d'Or Boutique Hotel.

Cala d'Or has transformed in recent years into a lively vacation resort; however, it's still far from being as crowded as other popular tourist destinations in Mallorca. Grab a rental car, explore the Spanish island with fantastic excursions, and then relax at your hotel or right at one of the beautiful coves of Cala d'Or. Let our offers inspire you and off you go!