Visiting Cala d’Or in Mallorca
Cala d’Or, situated in the southeast of the Balearic island of Mallorca, is famous for its Ibizan style architecture, natural coves with turquoise waters surrounded by pine forest in the heart of the Mediterranean. Located in Santanyí, it’s the largest resort in the municipality and has several restaurants, shops, pubs, and bars, plus a marina that creates a lively atmosphere. There are many reasons this area is such a perfect holiday destination, and here we’re going to give you just four of them.
A place with a history
They call it “the little Ibiza” because Cala d’Or owes much of its charm to an Ibizan artist, Josep Costa. In 1930, he visited Mallorca and discovered an unspoiled spot that he decided to make into a place where he and his friends, who were also artists, could meet. He bought a plot of land whose only inhabitants were the pine trees, characteristic Mediterranean rocks, and a crystal blue sea. From then on, he started to build small white houses with arches and wooden beams without detracting from the beauty of the landscape. Almost a century later, Cala d’Or still has that spirit that Josep Costa was looking for.
A singular setting
Once you’re there, you’ll see that the cube-shaped buildings are no more than two stories high and that the essence of the place has been preserved by the strict regulations that control the construction of hotels. Divided into three districts (central Cala d’Or, Cala Ferrara, and Cala Egos), the village has all sorts of facilities and attractions to please the family, such as a miniature train that runs around the area. The beaches and coves with turquoise waters are truly spectacular. As well as going for a swim at the Cala d’Or beach, you can also have a dip at Cala Gran, Cala Serena, or Cala Esmeralda – the last two are perfect for children. And if you’re looking for a natural swimming pool among the rocks, try the one at Cala Egos. Find the beautiful Mondragó Natural Park, where you can walk down the paths to see differenct species of birds and the famous Cuevas del Drach, where classical music concerts events happen inside the caves. You can also check out the town of Santanyí, where there’s a market every Wednesday and Saturday morning that’s great for browsing or a spot of shopping at the stalls selling clothes, handicrafts, and fruit (in Cala d’Or itself there’s a night market on Sundays in the summer).
A wide range of sports options
Scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and paddle surfing are just some of the water sports options you have in this area of Mallorca. Cala d’Or has a natural port, Cala Llonga, one of the chicest marinas on the island and one of the most beautiful of the Mediterranean. Here you’ll be able to take a stroll and enjoy the many bars, restaurants, and fashionable shops. And if you feel like it, why not go on a boat trip, or even hire a yacht – this includes options such as a Mediterranean dinner. Are you looking for more sporting ideas? Play golf on a course with views over the bay, or go on a tour in the Mondragó Natural Park by bicycle or on horseback.
Culture and history
A trip to Cala d’Or has to include a visit to Es Fortí (in the Cala Egos district). It’s a fortress built in the 18th century, and the original cannons are still there. This area is excellent for photography, and from here, you’ll be able to see one of those Mediterranean sunsets that you’ll never forget. Another recommended visit is Sant Salvador’s monastery, which stands 500 meters above sea level in the heart of the Sierra de Levante. The views of the sea and mountains here are spectacular too. Very close by is Santueri Castle, the ruins of an old fortress that can be reached via a path from the monastery that takes about two and a half hours on foot. Lastly, music lovers should know that the Cala d’Or International Jazz Festival takes place here, usually in June each year, and bands from all over the world come over to perform.