Cala d’Or

The area of Cala d’Or encompasses a collection of inlets over a strip of rocky coastline that has arisen around old fishing harbours.  The resort is relatively modern made up of white-washed apartments and villas but with the absence of high-rise buildings.

In the main town area, there is a central shopping street.  Close to this is a pedestrian zone surrounded by classy bars and restaurants which has become a focal point for evening entertainment.

The beaches in this area are found at the base of the inlets and are typically very small.  Cala Ferrera and Cala Gran are the biggest. The smaller Calas are Cala Serena, Cala Esmeralda, and Cala d’Or where the area takes its name from.

Most of the Calas have individual character and are surrounded by limestone cliffs and small Mallorcan pine trees.  The water is usually clear and tranquil and makes for ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions.  It’s good to bear in mind that, as the coves are all quite small, they can become overcrowded in the peak summer season.

At the larger Calas, Cala Gran, and Cala Ferrera, there are many sunbeds, cafes, and watersports activities to enjoy.  If you don’t have a hire car it is possible to walk to all the different Calas but it’s quite a distance.  There is, however, a tourist train that connects the Calas.

Many come to Cala d’Or to dive and/or enjoy boating around the many coves.  The actual marina is located a few metres south of Cala d’Or and houses many luxury yachts and sea cruisers.

The resort is very laid back, has good nightlife, and is suited to families.  There are, however, not so many typical family holiday activities such as water parks.

Things to do in Cala d’Or

Mini Golf

The Mini Golf Bar is in the middle of Cala d’Or.  Here children and adults can enjoy a family game of 18 holes and have refreshments at the bar.  As it’s not too large it’s possible to just watch your family play the course while you sit in the bar.

Children’s Playground

The children’s playground is just a couple of minutes north from the centre of Cala d’Or in Cala Ferrera at the end of the strip in Cala Ferrera.  There is a large bouncy castle, a play area, bungee trampolines, mini go-karts, and little fairground rides.  Most of the rides have a charge upon entry.

Tennis

Cala d’Or tennis club is located to the south of the marina and has five clay courts.  The courts are open all year, have floodlights, and offer tennis coaches to practise with for a fee.

Horse Riding

For those interested in horse riding at Cala d’Or there is a riding center, ‘Rancho Jaume’, located by the natural park Mondrago at around ten minutes away.  Riding treks are in the natural park and are ideal for beginners or advanced riders. There are various time lengths for rides.

SCUBA Diving

Located in the Cala Gran beach in Cala d’Or, La Morena Diving offers SCUBA diving courses during the summer season.  They also offer speedboat rides, snorkeling adventures, and cliff diving from selected locations around the coast.  It’s also possible to hire a private dive instructor or a private boat.

Boat Trips Cala d’Or

There are many boat trips offered from Cala d’Or; boats are moored in the marina.  The boat trips on offer are displayed on billboards by the marina, there are also plenty of flyers to pick up.

Markets

There isn’t a morning market in Cala d’Or but in nearby Santanyi and Felanitx there are traditional morning markets between 9 am-1:30 pm on Wednesday and Sunday respectively.  There is a little evening market in the summer on Sundays in Plaça de Toni Costa from 6 pm to 11 pm.

Golf course

Vall d’Or Golf is one of Mallorca’s verdant courses and is around ten minutes away from Cala d’Or. The club offers green fees for 18 holes that range from €85 to €112 depending on the season.   There are golf accessories such as buggies and trollies to hire, there is also a driving range and a practice green.

Places of Interest

Mondrago Natural Park

This area was designated a natural park relatively recently in 1992 and is now protected from development.  There are three white sand beaches to enjoy and a wide range of unspoilt scenery.  The park is also an area of special protection for birds.  There are four hiking routes to enjoy that traverse the park, each being around 30 minutes.

The park is about 10 minutes away from Cala d’Or and there are regular buses and even boat trips from Cala d’Or. As this is an area of outstanding natural beauty it can become very busy in the peak summer season.

Getting to Cala d’Or

For information on how to get to Cala d’Or from Palma Airport, please see our pages Taxi Transfer to Cala d’Or, Car Hire at Mallorca Airport, and Bus Service in Mallorca.