The lovely village of Cala d’Or, on Mallorca’s southwest coast, is well known for its fabulous beaches and has long been popular with visitors of all kinds. While there’s certainly more than enough to keep you occupied, with its lovely calm waters, seven secluded and protected sandy bays, and a sophisticated ambience, it’s not only picturesque but also a little quieter than some of the other resorts on Mallorca. For this reason (and many others), it’s a brilliant option for those looking for a slightly slower pace of holiday.
Aside from the absolutely gorgeous beaches, which may well take up a lot of your time and attention, if you’re interested in getting to know this lovely place a little better, it’s worth looking below its spectacular surface to delve into some of its historical and natural delights.
Here’s how to do it.
Dive into the History
Cala d’Or was carefully planned and regulated from the start to ensure that its charm, character and traditions have been strictly maintained. There are caveats on building heights (no more than two floors) and most are whitewashed and designed in the local architectural style in order to blend in harmoniously. But there are plenty of reminders of the village’s ancient roots that are still visible today, allowing a sense of history to really shine through.
Es Fortí is an eighteenth century fortress now protected by cultural heritage legislation. It was constructed as a military base, comprising a garrison with three sentry boxes and four guns. Its stark, imposing facade makes it easy to imagine its former life without too much difficulty. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755 but rebuilt in the original style.
Slightly to the north of the village is the medieval Santueri Castle, which is well worth a visit – if only for the views. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding countryside, its 475m vantage affords a stunning vista over Mallorca. While there’s been something on this site since Roman times, and it was certainly rebuilt by the Moors at some stage (and used as a refuge), the existing constructions date back to the fourteenth century. The walls and towers are mostly intact, but you can wander through the site to discover the old keeper’s room, the ruins of defensive structures and a cistern. It really is a fascinating insight into what life must have been like inside the castle in its heyday.
Immerse in Nature
On the other side of the coin, when you want to discover the natural delights of the region, you need look no further than the Parc Natural de Mondragó nature reserve. The coastal reserve comprises 765 hectares, although only around 95 of those are open to public access, and it is one of the most-visited reserves on Mallorca.
The landscape is spectacular, with beautiful sandy beaches, gently curving coves, crystal clear turquoise waters, lush wetlands, wild olive groves, pines and scrubland. This diversity offers a habitat to numerous mammals, an abundance of birdlife and some incredible flora.
For those who like to get up close and personal to nature, there are four hiking trails that each offer a wealth of natural beauty and the chance to encounter birds and local wildlife, including hares, genets, pine martins and hedgehogs. Breathtaking views abound at every step of the way, and there are plenty of opportunities to cool off at one of the lovely beaches. You can also cycle or go on horseback riding treks around the park.
If you really want to get into the heart and soul of this wonderful natural reserve, you can even book a room in the hotel within the park or rent a rustic finca.
Where to Stay
Inturotel Sa Marina: Situated close to shops and restaurants and a short walk from the beautiful beach, Inturotel Sa Marina delivers spacious, well-appointed apartments with private balconies overlooking the city or gardens. Set in a lovely area surrounded by palms and pines, the complex features both outdoor and indoor swimming pools, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, buffet restaurant, spa with sauna and hot tub, and a fitness centre.
Casa Cala d’Or: With an amazing location right on the beachfront, this lovely apartment offers a large terrace, views, private swimming pool and all modern amenities including a well-equipped kitchen. Close to shops, a supermarket, restaurants and with the ocean literally on the doorstep, it’s a cosy and comfortable base from which to explore the town and beyond.
Eques Petit Resort: Featuring an onsite bar and restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a garden and free Wi-Fi, Eques Petit Resort is just 350 metres from the beach. The air-conditioned rooms are well-appointed with a coffee machine, desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom and lovely terrace. There’s also the bonus of a delicious buffet breakfast.
How to Get There
To get to Cala d’Or you’ll need to book a flight to Palma Airport (PMI). With a flight time of just over 2.5 hours from the UK it’s a cinch, and there are multiple airlines offering regular flights from as little as £21 each way. Carriers include easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI, British Airways, Iberia and BA Cityflyer.
Once you land on Mallorca, the easiest way to get to your accommodation is with a reliable airport transfer. Mallorca to Cala d’Or is a convenient and cost effective way to start your holiday.
Types of Mallorca Airport Transfer Services
There are various options available to suit every traveller’s needs.
Taxi: Pre book your Mallorca Airport transfer taxi to avoid unnecessary queues or being overcharged.
Shuttle Bus: Shuttle buses are another option that are more affordable than taxis. Shuttle buses are available from the airport and are shared by several passengers traveling to the same destination.
Private Transfer: Private transfers are an excellent option for those who want a more comfortable and hassle-free journey. Private transfers offer personalized services, including door-to-door pickup and drop-off.
Minibus Transfer: Larger vehicles are a great choice if you are travelling with a large group or have bulky luggage.
Choosing the Right Cala d’Or Airport Transfer
When choosing the right transfer from Mallorca Airport to Cala d’Or, keep the following factors in mind.
Cost: Compare the cost of different transfer services and choose one that fits your budget.
Convenience: Consider the convenience of the transfer service. While a shuttle service is more economical, it will take longer to reach your destination. On the other hand, a private service will get you on your way immediately. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct can deliver you from the airport to your accommodation in locations all over the world. You can choose from private or shared rides to suit your style and budget, and our friendly, professional drivers know the local area like the back of their hands. We’ll get you wherever you need to go, quickly and in style!
