Over on the east coast of the gorgeous island of Mallorca lies Cala Ratjada, a resort that has been increasingly popular over the years, and for very good reason. Visitors here find the location to die for – situated along a divine coastline with crystal clear waters and heavenly views out over the rugged Balearic landscape. Home to both beach and forest, Cala Ratjada is a place like no other on Mallorca, with its remoteness making it a pleasant and charming destination on a sometimes overcrowded island.
Traditionally, like so many of our favourite island destinations, Cala Ratjada was used as a fishing port, and you’ll see plenty of that type of work still ongoing. The historic aspects of the resort are not lost on those making the trip, indeed, its authenticity is one of the main attractions. Since the contemporary tourist industry has developed, the town has seen more and more people opt to visit its delightful beaches, eat in its excellent restaurants and partake in its lively and exciting nightlife.
There really is plenty to see and do when you get here – the worst case scenario is that you don’t have time for it all! To help you get the most out of your visit, I’ve compiled a handy guide to the key things you’ll want to experience in Cala Ratjada.
Beaches
Of course, you don’t come to Mallorca without sampling the beaches! Some of the best to enjoy in and around Cala Ratjada include:
Son Moll – a long and popular beach, lined with trees for those looking for a bit of shade. A popular choice and it’s easy to see why.
Cala Gat – a small beach with a lot going for it. A short walk to the north east from Son Moll brings you here where you can enjoy a slightly quieter and more serene experience.
As well as the sandy beaches themselves, the coastline is a great place to walk, enjoy a drink in a beachside bar, or a light meal in one of its restaurants.
Culture
Culture in this resort town is based mostly around the historic and continuing traditions of the fishing village. In fact, a worthwhile pastime is to watch the fishing boats come and go with their catches throughout the day. It’s a peaceful and enjoyable way to spend an hour.
Other cultural delights include a sculpture park set in some very refined gardens. The park plays host to the work of some very famous international sculptors, as well as local and Catalan artists.
Eating Out
The cuisine on offer in Cala Ratjada runs the gamut from authentic Balearic through to the fayre you might expect at any popular tourist town. That means that there’s something for every budget and taste.
Es Coll d’Os is one of the most reputable restaurants in town and will serve guests a fine treat of locally grown produce. The vibe is relaxed and warm, perfect for a special night.
If you’re after something a bit more casual then why not take a stroll along the promenade – here you’ll find plenty of different menus, including all the tapas you could dream of, as well as international flavours and a wide variety of delicious local seafood. There are some great restaurants that specialise in turning the local catch of the day into world-class paella.
Shopping
You’ll be overjoyed when it comes to shopping on the Carrer L’Agulla Elinor Servera. This long stretch of boutiques is home to both local fashions and souvenirs, as well as more high end products. It’s also a great place to buy food from local producers!
Things to Do
There is so much to do here besides relax at the beach. Why not head out on the open water for a boat trip or a bit of snorkelling? On land, you can observe the local wildlife or take a hike across the typically Mallorcan landscape.
Cala Ratjada is a tremendous destination, and one of the best things about it is discovering it for yourself. As well as partaking in the activities I’ve mentioned in this article – dedicate a day or so to making new and exciting memories in this unique and charming resort.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Cala Ratjada are exquisite, and they come in a huge variety to suit any holiday type or budget. For seasoned travellers, looking to get the most out of their visit, I recommend one of these three great spots:
Grupotel Aguait – A lovely little resort within very close proximity to the local beach. It features a good sized pool, balconies with great views, and is adults only, meaning you can relax and enjoy a drink in a very calm setting.
Prinsotel La Pineda – A fine place for those looking for an active stay when in Mallorca. Not only is there the standard outdoor pool to relax in and beside, there is an indoor pool as well as tennis court, volleyball, gym and a sauna.
Mamboo Hotel – This clean and attractive hotel is within a mile walk from a number of good beaches. The style of this is unique and chic, and will suit people who like luxury and a nice cocktail at the in-house bar.
How to Get There
Palma airport is accessible from most major UK cities, and a huge variety of carriers can take you there depending on your budget and preferred level of luxury! The flight time is a little over two hours, and when you arrive there’s about an hour and a half journey to the resort town of Cala Ratjada – about 40 miles. It’s a lovely journey when taken from the back of a private shuttle – the views across the island and out over the Mediterranean Sea are fantastic!
Types of Transfers from Palma Airport Transfer to Cala Ratjada
When it comes to a Cala Ratjada transfer there are various options available to suit every traveller’s needs.
Here are some of the most common Palma airport transfer services:
Taxi: You won’t be overcharged if you pre book your airport taxi. Palma to Cala Ratjada pre-booked taxis will also spare you the long queues you can encounter outside the Arrivals hall.
Shuttle Bus: Shuttle buses are another option for a reliable airport transfer. Palma to Cala Ratjada buses are more affordable than taxis. The service is available from the airport and is shared by several passengers travelling to the same destination.
Private Transfer: For those who seek a more comfortable and hassle-free journey, the answer lies in a private transfer. Palma to Cala Ratjada via a personalised, door-to-door pick up and drop off is a great start to a holiday!
Minibus Transfer: Larger vehicles are a great airport transfer choice if you are travelling with a large group or have bulky luggage.
Choosing the Right Palma Airport Transfer
To help you choose the right kind of Cala Ratjada transfer service for you there are a couple things you should consider.
Cost: Check the cost of the type transfer service and compare it with other services.
Convenience: Consider the convenience of the transfer service: a shuttle service is more economical but will take longer to reach your destination, while a private service will get you on your way immediately.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is proud to be one of Europe’s very best and most trusted providers of private shuttle services. Our teams of experienced and professional drivers are experts at getting you to your destination on time and in style. If you book in advance with us then you’re making a great decision – take the hassle out of your journey, so you can start your holiday completely stress free!
