Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Cala d’Or is a popular resort area on the south-east coast of Mallorca. Surrounded by idyllic stretches of sand, it’s a stone’s throw away from the wildlife-filled reserve at Mondragó and the historically-rich castle remains of Santueri.

Things to do

At the heart of Cala d’Or is the picturesque marina and yacht club, with an excellent choice of waterfront restaurants, such as Restaurante Aquarius serving Spanish cuisine. Cala d’Or ignites once the sun goes down with an eclectic choice of bars, including the Cala Gran Cocktail Bar and Smugglers pub.

Cala d’Or is famed for its beautiful beaches, with plenty of strips of white sand where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun. Swim in the calm, turquoise waters of Cala Gran, escape to tiny Cala Petita or relax on the picturesque Cala Esmeralda.

On a rocky outcrop overlooking the coast is the 14th-century Castillo de Santueri, which boasts remarkable views all the way to the Cabrera Islands. It was built atop a Moorish fortress constructed over a Byzantine settlement itself and features preserved walls and towers.

A short drive south of Cala d’Or takes you to Mondragó Natural Park where walking trails meander along the dramatic cliffs and descend to pristine beaches. It’s also a renowned birdwatching destination, with the wetlands of Ses Fonts de n’Alis providing a habitat for eagles, falcons, turtle doves and ospreys.

Getting around

Cala d’Or is around one hour’s drive from Palma de Mallorca Airport and there are buses that connect to destinations across the island. Taxis travel between the beach resorts of Cala d’Or, but having your own vehicle offers more flexibility.