The cobbled streets and the cubic whitewashed architecture of Mallorca’s southeast coast give this coastal town an authentic Spanish flavour. Even the hotel construction in the area was strictly regulated to ensure this charming character was maintained. Cala d’Or might have started as a little fishing village but is now a popular base for exploring some of the best natural sightseeing spots that Mallorca offers. Here’s our list of things to see and do in Cala d’Or.
1.Take a Boat Trip
Organising this excursion was super easy. We bought our tickets online and got picked up by the boat right outside our hotel. During the 3-hour cruise, we went dolphin watching, got to see some of the most beautiful spots on the island and stopped for 45 minutes to make use of the boat’s waterslide and swim in Mallorcas crystalline water. All for only 35 euros.
https://www.click-mallorca.com/en/excursions/cala-dor-3-hour-dolphin-watching-cruise/
2. Parc Natural de Mondragó
This is one of our favourite places to visit in Mallorca. Situated in the south of the island, down tiny winding lanes adorned with lines of pine trees, you’ll find a nature reserve offering a diverse landscape, fine white sand beaches and unbelievable turquoise blue waters. Several trails of varying distances meander around the coastline, all of which can be completed within 45 minutes.
Here’s a breakdown of the three routes we took:
ROUTE 1: THE VIEWPOINT OF SES FONTS DE N’ALIS.
This first trial only took us 15 minutes from start to finish. It begins at the information centre/Ses Fonts de n’Alis car park and leads you straight to the first beautiful beach in the Park, Ses Fonts de n’Alis. During this route, you’ll cross a forest of wild olive trees bordering the Park’s saltwater pond and see an abundance of fauna and flora.
ROUTE 2: VOLTA A SA GUÀRDIA D’EN GARROT.
This is a circular route starting from Caló d’en Garrot, just to the left of the beach of Ses Fonts de n’Alis. The most outstanding features of this route are its viewpoints and the small Caló des Borgit cove.
ROUTE 3: PUNTA DE SES GATOVES.
Another circular route starting at the beach of S’Amarador. During the walk, you will cross areas of forest and viewpoints with exquisite landscapes.
General Advice for visiting Mondragó Natural Park:
- The Information Centre is open from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:00.
- We recommend starting your visit at the
information Centre, located next to the Ses Fonts de n’Alis car park. Visitors can find out about hiking, guided tours or bicycle routes and get a map of the area. - All the hiking routes at the Mondragó Natural Park are between 15 and 45 minutes long and well suited for walking.
- The Natural Park has two paid car parks, both located in S’Amarador and
ses Fonts de n’Alis. - There is no fee to visit the Mondragó Natural Park (except car park charges)
3. Enjoy a 5-course Sunset Dinner
Mare Nubium is the à la carte restaurant found at the Soul hotels of Alua Hotels & Resorts. The Mare Nubium in Cala d’Or offers a delicious 5-course dinner made from fresh local produce in a stunning setting. The typical Mediterranean à la carte specialities at Mare Nubium are one of the hotel’s main attractions. Even if you are not a guest, you can go for an unforgettable evening.
4. Explore the best beaches in the area
The largest Balearic almost invented beach tourism, and there’s a good reason why: among its 50km of white sand and rugged coves are to be found some of the best beaches in Europe.
Cala Gran
The largest beach in the area boasts dazzling blue waters and plenty of amenities, including restaurants, an ice cream parlour and a small supermarket.
Cala Esmeralda
A winding staircase leads you down to this pretty beach sheltered by wooded cliffs. Just a 10-minute walk from Cala Gran, this beach is smaller and offers fewer amenities but is very charming.
Cala Egos
This small purpose-built resort beach next to Alua Sol Hotel, with shallow warm and impeccably clear water, is accessible to the public.
Cala de ses Fonts de n’Alis (Caló d’en Garrot)
This is the first beach of Mondragó Natural Park and strikes a perfect balance between user-friendliness and natural beauty. It’s blessedly free of high-rise hotels and villas. Still, it offers a few basic amenities such as a small restaurant providing a range of traditional Spanish foods, a beach bar and a parasol and hammock rental service. There’s also a car park a couple of minutes walk from the sand.
Caló des Burguit
Need more peace and quiet? Just a short trek along the coast from Mondragó’s first beach, and you’ll find the less-frequented but equally beautiful Caló des Burguit.
Plajita S’Amarador
The final beach of the natural reserve is set in a coastal landscape smelling of pine forest and boasts crystal waters.
