What to see and do in Cala d’Or?
What to see and do in Cala d’Or? Cala d’Or is a town and important tourist destination in the southeast of Mallorca, characterized by its white Ibizan-style architecture with semicircular arches and wooden beams, creating a picturesque atmosphere reminiscent of the Greek islands. Founded in the 1930s, Cala d’Or is notable for its numerous coves with fine sand and turquoise waters and its peaceful atmosphere, perfect for families and nature lovers. With a current population of approximately 4,152 inhabitants, Cala d’Or is located about 60 km from Palma, but the travel time is between 60 and 90 minutes.
Things to do in Cala d’Or
Cala d’Or offers a wide variety of activities, from water sports to excursions to other places of interest. To find the accommodation option that best suits your needs, I recommend checking out the platforms of our providers.
What to see and do in Cala d’Or?
Relax on the beach: Cala d’Or is known for its main beach, flanked by rocky outcrops and small sandy terraces for sunbathing. Cala d’Or also has numerous coves with crystal-clear waters and natural surroundings, such as Cala Gran, Cala Petita, Cala Ferrera and others. Enjoy the sun and sea on the beaches of Cala d’Or.
Visit the Port of Cala d’Or: a marina called Marina de Cala d’Or, located in the cove of Cala Llonga, in the southwest of Mallorca. It is considered one of the most important in the southeast of the island, with 563 moorings and is known for its social atmosphere, as well as offering numerous nautical services. It is one of the most cosmopolitan ports in Europe and home to some of the largest and most exotic boats in the world. In the Port of Cala d’Or you will find excellent restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a unique gastronomic experience.
Visit the Church of Santa María del Mar: The Parish Church of Santa María del Mar is the main church in the municipality. It is the parish church where the local religious rites are performed.
Visit the Fort (Es Fortí): Take in the panoramic views of the coast from this fortress.
Visit Porto Petro: A charming traditional fishing port, located a few minutes’ drive from Cala d’Or.
Go to the markets: The night market selling local crafts in Toni Costa Square is an excellent place to buy local products.
Go shopping: Visit the craft and souvenir shops.
Enjoy outdoor activities: You can go hiking, cycling and do water sports. Exploring the wooded surroundings, such as the Mondragó Natural Park, is an interesting and recommended option for enjoying nature.
Visit the Santuari de Sant Salvador: Enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the mountain.
Visit the village of Santanyí: This is an interesting option for getting to know the surrounding villages of Mallorca.
Take part in local tours: Tourist train rides, horse riding, boat tours, walks around the marina…
What to see and do in Cala d’Or? Excursions
Boat trips: Discover Cala Figuera, the arch of Es Pontàs, or go on a dolphin watching trip.
Mondragó Natural Park: Take a bike ride to explore this protected area of Mallorca, a nearby natural park.
Excursions to the Caves of Drach: Many local agencies and tour operators offer tours from Cala d’Or that include hotel pickup, entrance to the caves, a boat trip on Lake Martel and a classical music concert.
What to see and do in Cala d’Or? Water activities
Go on boat trips: Take a boat trip to watch the sunset, spot dolphins, or visit the port of Cala Figuera.
Practice water sports: Try diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle surfing, or water skiing.
Stroll around the marina: Enjoy a walk, dine in its restaurants, or admire the yachts.
Shopping: Visit the boutiques and craft shops in the center of Cala d’Or.
What to see and do in Cala d’Or? History and heritage
Es Fortí: is an 18th-century fortress in Cala Egos, with original cannons and sea views.
Castell de Santueri: Ruins of an ancient fortress near the Monastery of Sant Salvador, accessible via a hiking trail.
Monastery of Sant Salvador: A monastery on top of a mountain with spectacular views.
Events and festivals in Cala d’Or
The Cala d’Or International Jazz Festival is held every year in June. The Marinera Fair is a three-day event in September with festive and maritime-themed activities. The Santa Maria del Mar festival is held in August with popular dinners, concerts and a maritime procession. There are also night markets, a couple of local craft markets held on Sunday evenings in Plaza Toni Costa and another on Thursdays in Cala Egos.
Tips
We recommend wearing comfortable walking clothes and footwear suitable for the coves. Check the schedules of the markets and local events. Try the local gastronoy, especially the fresh seafood and wines of Mallorca. Enjoy the sunsets from the Fortín.
And that’s it for this brief guide to what to see and do in Cala d’Or, 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
