Cala d’Or

Cala d’Or is a town and important tourist destination located in the municipality of Santanyí, in the southeast of Mallorca. It is characterized by its white Ibizan-style architecture, based on semicircular arches and wooden beams that create a picturesque atmosphere reminiscent of the Greek islands.

Main features of Cala d’Or

Founded in the 1930s, Cala d’Or stands out 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 approximately 60 km from Palma, and the travel time ranges from 60 to 90 minutes.

Cala d’Or: A balance between crowds and glamour

Cala d’Or offers a balance between areas of mass tourism and a more sophisticated and exclusive atmosphere, especially in its marina (Cala d’Or Marina) and around its smaller coves, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and those seeking a peaceful and relaxing environment. Although the most popular beaches and coves tend to be very crowded, it is possible to find more exclusive environments in the marina areas or in coves with restricted access.

Historical Summary of Cala d’Or

Cala d’Or does not have a long pre-existing history, but was planned and built in the 1930s by the Ibizan artist and entrepreneur Josep Costa Ferrer. He was looking for a locality in Mallorca to create an artists’ colony, inspired by the Ibizan architectural style.

In 1930, Josep Costa Ferrer (Don Pep) arrived in Mallorca and fell in love with the unspoiled landscape, which he transformed into a tourist enclave. His goal was to create a meeting place for artists. The original name was Cala d’Hort, but the inhabitants of Mallorca changed it to Cala d’Or, which means “Golden Bay”.

Cala d’Or thus became one of Mallorca’s first major tourist centers, attracting tourists mainly from Western Europe. In 1969, the Marina of Cala d’Or was built, a marina in a natural opening on the coast, which has contributed to the transformation of Cala d’Or into a nautical destination.

How to get to Cala d’Or? Transportation

Cala d’Or is a popular tourist center known for its beaches and leisure in Mallorca. The best way to get to Cala d’Or is by bus or car from Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital.

Bus: From Palma, you can take bus line 515 from the Parque de las Estaciones in Plaza España to get to Cala d’Or.

Taxi: You can take a taxi from Palma or Porreres.

Car: You can rent a car in Palma and get to Cala d’Or in about 30 minutes, depending on where you are coming from.

Transfer from the airport: To get Cala d’Or from Palma Airport, you can take the TIB 515 bus to Port of Cala d’Or (Porta des Camp stop) and from there take the 515 bus to Cala d’Or… or request a private transfer service.

Tourism and leisure in Cala d’Or

Cala d’Or offers a wide range of hotels and leisure activities with a well-developed infrastructure. Most hotels in Cala d’Or offer air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and towel rental. There are various options for vacation rentals, from apartments with kitchens to villas with private pools. You can also find rural accommodation in the surroundings of Cala d’Or.

In short, the hospitality industry in Cala d’Or ranges from hotels and aparthotels to a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues, especially in summer, while its tourist appeal is complemented by the nearby Mondragó National Park and a wide range of leisure activities. There is a lively nightlife in summer, with numerous bars, pubs, and nightclubs, especially around the marina and in pedestrian streets such as Bélgica Ave. and Andreu Roig street.

Featured Services in Cala d’Or

Cala d’Or is a good starting point for exploring the southeast of Mallorca, with access to places such as the Cuevas dels Hams caves and the town of Santanyí. It is a popular destination for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for relaxation and a base from which to explore the island. Tourist activity is very intense in summer, while in winter the area is quieter.

Many hotels offer all-inclusive packages (meals, drinks, and activities). Some hotels offer spas and wellness treatments. The marina in Cala d’Or (Port Petit) offers activities such as sailing, snorkeling, and diving.

Additional considerations

The high season is in summer, but this important village in Mallorca is also a good option to visit in spring and fall. Cala d’Or sleeps during the winter months, with an increase in activity during the high season. There are companies specializing in tourist activities in this important resort that offer personalized experiences.

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 consulting the platforms of our providers, the best rated on the market. Some of these activities include:

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: Just a few minutes away is the luxurious marina, one of the most cosmopolitan in Europe. It is home to some of the largest and most exotic boats in the world. You will find excellent restaurants and bars around the marina where you can enjoy a unique dining 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 held.

Visit the Fort (Es Fortí): Take in the panoramic views of the coast from this fortress.

Gastronomy in Cala d’Or

In general, the gastronomic scene in Cala d’Or is very varied and offers something for all tastes, from traditional or typical Mallorcan cuisine to more international and fusion options. The gastronomy in Cala d’Or offers a wide variety of options. Here you can find everything from delicious tapas and Mediterranean cuisine to fusion dishes and fast food.

Variety of cuisines in Cala d’Or

In Cala d’Or, you will find restaurants serving Mediterranean, Spanish, French, Japanese, Polish, and other cuisines. Many restaurants in Cala d’Or are located next to the marina or near the beach, offering spectacular views. From casual and cozy restaurants to more elegant establishments, Cala d’Or offers a variety of settings in which to enjoy fine dining.

In addition to classic restaurants, you will find fast food options such as pizzerias, snack bars, and hamburger joints. In Cala d’Or, you can also find street food stalls where you can try local and regional products such as salads, panades, sobrasada, and cheeses.

Tips for enjoying the cuisine in Cala d’Or

If you plan to eat at a popular restaurant, it is advisable to book in advance, especially in high season. Each area of Cala d’Or offers a wide variety of restaurants and dining options. Try the fresh seasonal products and typical dishes of the island.

Cala d’Or also offers a variety of bars and pubs where you can enjoy drinks and cocktails after dinner. Overall, the cuisine in Cala d’Or is a varied and delicious experience, with options for all tastes and budgets.

Summary

In summary, Cala d’Or offers a complete tourist experience, with optionsfor all tastes and budgets, highlighting its beaches, relaxed nightlife, outdoor activities, and local cuisine.

And that’s it for this brief guide to 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