Capdepera

Capdepera is a town, a municipality and a village in Mallorca located in the northeast of the island. It is known for its rich historical heritage, notably the Castle of Capdepera, a 14th-century fortress that dominated the fortified town founded by King Jaume II. The municipality combines this historic center with its coastal towns and tourist resorts, such as Cala Rajada, Cala Mesquida, Canyamel and Font de sa Cala and offers a spectacular natural environment with coves, beaches and hiking trails. It is located on the eastern end of the island of Mallorca, in the region of Llevant, about 50 miles from Palma.

Toponymy

The toponymy of Capdepera comes from the Latin Caput Petrae, which means “Cape of the Stone.” The name evolved into medieval Catalan as Cap de la Pera, which can be literally translated as “Head of the Rock” or “Cape of the Rock.” The place name is related to the rocky promontory in the area and was first documented in King James I’s chronicle, the Llibre dels Feyts.

Geographical location

Capdepera is located in the northeast of the island (Llevant comarque). To get there, you can use public transportation by taking bus line 411 from Palma and then connecting with other local lines or requesting a taxi. You can also rent a car at the airport and drive using the main roads.

How to get to Capdepera? Arriving by car

Getting to Capdepera from the airport: Capdepera is in the northeast of Mallorca, about 80 km from Palma and is easily reached by car on the main road from the airport. The most common route is to take the Ma-13 towards Inca and then follow the Ma-12/Ma-4040 towards Artà, then follow the signs for Capdepera or Cala Ratjada. The journey from Palma takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

How to get to Capdepera? Arriving by bus

Capdepera is accessible by public transport via bus lines 411 and 424, which have their closest stops at Cala Agulla 1 (14036), just a 5-minute walk from the town center.

Getting to Capdepera by bus: You can take line 411, which connects with Palma and other towns in the area. The nearest station is Cala Agulla 1, which is about a 5-minute walk from Capdepera. Once you arrive at a main bus station (such as in Artà), you can use a taxi or local bus to get to the town center.

The main lines serving Capdepera are the 411 and the 424. The closest bus stop to the town is Cala Agulla 1 (14036), about a 5-minute walk away. Line 411 is one of the first to start service, beginning around 5:40 a.m., while line 411E is one of the last, with service running until around midnight.

What to see and do in Capdepera?

Capdepera is a municipality on the eastern tip of Mallorca, famous for its Castell de Capdepera, a medieval fortress built in the 14th century to protect the population from pirate attacks. The village combines an authentic historic center with narrow streets and stone houses and is surrounded by a diverse landscape that includes beaches and coves such as Cala Agulla and Cala Mesquida, as well as a golf course. Other points of interest include the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza inside the castle and the Medieval Market held in May.

Castell de Capdepera: Visit this 14th-century medieval fortress, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the Menorca Channel. Inside you will find the church of Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza and an exhibition of local llata craftsmanship in the Casa del Gobernador.

Caves of Artà: A tour of these caves is another of the most popular activities in the municipality.

Capdepera Lighthouse: A point of interest to visit and enjoy the views of the coast.

Tower of de Canyamel: A historic tower erected in the vicinity.

Historic center: Explore the cobbled streets, stately homes and historic buildings, such as the town hall and the church of San Bartolomé.

Beaches and coves: Enjoy beaches and coves such as Cala Agulla, Cala Mesquida, Canyamel and Font de sa Cala.

Hiking: Take one of the many hiking trails offered by the municipality, with paths that allow you to enjoy the views of the landscape.

Medieval market: Held at certain times of the year.

Local events: Festivals such as “Tot Sants” and “Nit de les Ànimes” allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Sant Bartomeu Fair: The patron saint’s festivities are held every August 24, offering cultural activities and celebrations.

Hospitality and accommodation

Capdepera offers a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from tourist establishments such as hotels and apartments to rural options. The municipality is divided into the more historic town area with its old town (which offers more traditional accommodation options, often in smaller establishments such as rural houses or small boutique hotels) and the coastal area of Cala Rajada, which has the majority of tourist accommodation, such as vacation apartments, hotels and villas for tourists seeking sun and beach and a lively nightlife.

Accommodation aspects to consider

If you are looking for a quieter, more cultural stay, the village of Capdepera is ideal. If you prefer to be close to the beaches and nightlife, Cala Rajada is the best option. The high season is during the summer months, so it is advisable to book in advance, especially for accommodation.

Capdepera cuisine

Capdepera is known for its traditional Mallorcan cuisine, which uses local products such as fish, sobrasada, ensaimada and olive oil. Some of its most notable dishes include seafood stew, cuttlefish with mussels and various dishes made with local vegetables, such as coca de verdura (vegetable pie) or cocarrois.

Sweets and pastries

Ensaimada: a traditional sweet with centuries of history and uncertain origins, probably influenced by the Arab period on the island.

Drinks

Wine: Capdepera has a good wine production, so it is recommended to try a tasting of local wines.

And that’s it for this brief Guide to Capdepera, Mallorca. We hope it helps.

By the way: Are you coming to Mallorca on a tourist trip? If you find it helpful, you can also check out our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island