Cala d'Or · Mallorca
Things to do, at your own pace.
From boat trips and hidden coves to markets, caves and quiet coastal walks, the southeast packs a lot into a small stretch of map. Here is where to start.
The beaches
Coves within a short walk.
A string of sheltered calas threads along this stretch of coast, each its own pocket of pale sand and turquoise. These are the closest.
Cala Gran
The widest of the local coves, soft sand framed by low pines.
Find your way
Cala Esmeralda
Named for its emerald water, quiet and low-key away from the marina.
Find your way
Cala Ferrera
Gentle, shallow entry that makes for an easy swim, good for all ages.
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Cala Mondrago
A protected park beach, undeveloped and clear, backed by dunes and pine.
Find your way
Cala s'Amarador
Wide natural sand inside the Mondrago reserve, with almost nothing built around it.
Find your wayOn the water
The coast is the main event.
The marina is a five minute walk away, and most of the good days out start there, on the water rather than the road.
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Boat trips & cruisesCatamaran swims, sailing trips and glass-bottom boats leave daily from the marina, calling at coves like Mondrago and Figuera.
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Drive your own boatRent a small electric boat at the marina, no licence needed, and find your own quiet cove for the afternoon.
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Kayak & paddleboardGuided kayak and paddle-surf trips trace the cliffs and sea caves around Santanyi, through some of the clearest water on the coast.
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Snorkel & diveCalm, clear coves make easy snorkelling straight off the sand; local dive centres run boat trips along the east coast for more sea life.
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Sunset sailingFinish the day with a sailing cruise, tapas and music as the light goes down over the water.
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Dolphin watchingEarly-morning trips head out from the marina to look for dolphins along the southeast coast before the day warms up.
Days out
Worth leaving the sun lounger.
Beyond the beach, the southeast rewards a little wandering, from cave systems and old harbours to markets and vineyards inland.
Mondrago Natural Park
Walking trails, dunes and two unspoilt beaches inside a protected reserve.
Find your way
Santanyi market
A sandstone town with a lively Wednesday and Saturday market, galleries and cafes.
Find your way
Marina de Cala d'Or
A yacht harbour lined with restaurants; boat hire and coastal trips leave from here.
Find your way
Cala Figuera
One of the last working fishing harbours on the island, almost untouched.
Find your way
Coves del Drac
Vast caves near Porto Cristo with an underground lake and live music on the water.
Find your way
Palma old town
The cathedral, tapas lanes and boutiques of the island's capital.
Find your wayLocal life
A market most days.
Almost every village nearby has its weekly market. Santanyi is the one to plan around, Wednesday and Saturday mornings from nine to two, two hundred stalls winding through the old town.
- TuesdayPorto Colom and S'Alqueria Blanca15-20 min
- WednesdaySantanyi, in the old town · Colonia de Sant Jordi15 min
- ThursdayCampos and Ses Salines25 min
- FridayPortopetro, small and by the harbour5 min
- SaturdaySantanyi · S'Horta · Porto Colom10-15 min
- SundayCala d'Or, in town · Felanitx · Porto Cristoon foot
Most markets run from around 9 to 2 and are busiest late morning, so go early for parking and the calm. Stalls lean to fruit and veg, cheese and cured meats, olives, ceramics and linens.
On land
Walks, rides and a round of golf.
When you have had enough of the sand, the country behind the coast is quiet, pine-scented and easy to explore on foot or two wheels.
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Coastal walksFootpaths thread between the calas and through Mondrago's pine and dune, well marked and easy underfoot.
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Cycling the back lanesQuiet, shaded lanes run inland and along the coast; keen riders can push on as far as Porto Cristo and the caves.
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Vall d'Or GolfEighteen holes a short drive north near Porto Colom, with sea views and well-kept fairways among the pines.
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Sant SalvadorDrive up to the hilltop monastery above Felanitx for the widest view on this side of the island.
Ready when you are.