Exploring Mallorca’s beautiful Cala d’Or

The Cala d’Or, roughly translated to Golden Bay, is a small village on the south-east coast of Mallorca, just over 40 miles from the island’s capital, Palma.

Originally a small fishing village, Cala d’Or has gradually grown in popularity as a holiday destination, though it still retains its authentic feel. The town is centred around the large Cala Llonga marina splitting the town in half. This characterful marina has many bars and cafes to sit in and enjoy the views.

Beaches

All along the coastline that Cala d’Or encompasses are numerous sandy creeks, perfect for a laid-back beach break. If you’ve headed to Cala d’Or to relax on the beach, the largest around is Cala Gran, one of Cala d’Or’s numerous sandy beaches.

If you’re looking for a quieter beach, choose Cala Serena. Its rocky surroundings keep the water calm, and its lack of nearby restaurants and bars make it peaceful and quiet. By contrast, Cala Ferrera offers pedalos, sunbeds and a bar for those seeking more excitement.

Markets

Various Mallorcan towns run a range of markets, normally held in the morning. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning there is a market in Santanyi, the nearest town to Cala d’Or. Head there for local fruit, vegetables and crafts.

Nature

The Cala d’Or is home to the Parc Natural de Mondrago, in which much of the traditional natural heritage of Mallorca can be seen, including plant and animal life. There are four different routes around this stunning natural park, bragging viewpoints of the beautiful cliffs, archeological remains, and a bird observation point.

Culture 

Cala d’Or has a low-key nightlife and is suited for families and those wanting a quieter break. That said, the bars along the marina, provide an atmospheric night out, most of which open until 1am. Quality meals are also there for the taking in any of the restaurants in Cala d’Or, some of which serve traditional local cuisine and others are renowned for their superb international menus.

Cala d’Or is perfect for a relaxing getaway in beautiful Mallorca. It’s popular, absolutely, but at the same time feels refreshingly local and authentic.