Cales de Mallorca: Turquoise Coves and Relaxed Coastal Living
Sun, sand, and sea for all ages
Perched on the island’s southeast coast, Cales de Mallorca (often spelled Calas de Mallorca) combines turquoise coves, easygoing resort life, and quiet family charm. It’s the kind of place where the pace slows, flip-flops replace shoes, and the biggest decision is which cove to swim in next.
The name comes from its trio of beautiful inlets — Cala Domingos Gran, Cala Domingos Petits, and Cala Antena — all connected by a cliff-top path.
🚗 Getting There from Palma
Cales de Mallorca is about 70 km east of Palma, a scenic drive of around 1 hour 10 minutes.
- By car: Follow MA-15 (Palma–Manacor highway), then head south toward Calas de Mallorca.
- By bus: Line 501 (Palma–Manacor–Calas de Mallorca) runs in summer; check schedules as they change seasonally.
- By taxi: Around €90–100 from Palma city centre.
📍 Tip: The drive passes near Manacor and Porto Cristo, home to the Cuevas del Drach, making it easy to combine beach days with sightseeing.
🌴 Things to Do in Cales de Mallorca
| Activity | Description | Highlights |
| Beach-hop between coves | Cala Domingos Gran & Petit for swimming; Cala Antena for snorkelling | Safe sandy beaches & turquoise water |
| Clifftop coastal walk | Scenic 2 km trail linking the three beaches | Panoramic sea views |
| Boat trips | Departures to Porto Cristo and nearby coves | Coastal caves & dolphin spotting |
| Mini golf & family fun | Simple, retro-style entertainment | Great for young kids |
| Day trips | Manacor, Porto Cristo, Cuevas del Drach | Ideal inland excursions |
🍴 Where to Eat
| Restaurant | What to Expect | Best For |
| Pizzeria Antema | Local favourite, casual Italian & seafood | Family dinners |
| Montalvo Beach Bar | Beachfront dining with live music | Lunch by the sea |
| Tapas Cala Domingos | Spanish small plates, friendly service | Tapas with a view |
More dining nearby: Drive 15 minutes to Porto Cristo for elegant waterfront restaurants, or inland to Manacor for authentic local cuisine and vineyards.
🏨 Where to Stay in Cales de Mallorca
| Hotel | What to Expect | Best For |
| HYB Eurocalas (4★) | Family-friendly resort with multiple pools | All-inclusive convenience |
| Hotel Sol Cala Antena (4★) | Sea-view rooms and entertainment | Couples & families |
| HSM Canarios Park (3★) | Budget-friendly resort with shuttle to beach | Families on a budget |
Prefer something quieter? Boutique stays and fincas near Manacor offer rural peace just a short drive away.
🌅 Family-Friendly by Nature
Cales de Mallorca was purpose-built for relaxation — you’ll find playgrounds, mini-golf, and calm beaches with lifeguards. The area is compact and walkable, ideal for families with small children.
Those seeking more adventure can explore nearby coves like Cala Varques (accessible via a short hike) or join a boat trip from Porto Cristo to explore hidden sea caves and natural arches.
💡 Local Tips
- Beach shoes: Recommended — the coves can be rocky in places.
- Best time to visit: June–September for swimming, but spring and autumn are quieter and ideal for walks.
- Car hire: Useful for exploring nearby beaches like Cala Murada or Cala Romàntica.
- Shops: Most close in winter; check opening hours off-season.
📌 FAQs
Is Cales de Mallorca good for families?
Yes — calm beaches, walkable layout, and plenty of low-key entertainment make it ideal for families.
Are the beaches public?
All three main coves are public with sunbed rentals and beach bars.
Can I visit without a car?
Possible in summer via bus, but a car gives much more flexibility for day trips.
🕰️ Did You Know?
Cales de Mallorca developed in the 1960s as a small seaside community, built above natural sea caves that still run beneath parts of the resort.
Archaeologists have discovered prehistoric remains and Bronze Age burial sites near the cliffs — proof that this coastline has drawn humans for thousands of years.
Did you know? Local divers often explore a vast underground cave system beneath Cala Antena, one of the largest of its kind in the Balearics.
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