Cala d'Or
The resort of Cala d'Or is on the south east coast of Majorca, approximately 45 mins from the airport of Son Sant Joan. A taxi will normally cost around 70-€ and there is public transport available, although this tends to be more reliable during the summer months.
Cala d'Or, once the exclusive haven of the rich and famous, is today, a modern purpose built resort that has grown substantially to accommodate the tourists that visit from all over the world. Cala d’Or translates to ‘cove of gold’ which relates directly to the group of wonderful sandy beaches that make up this tourist oasis. Over the years the resort has expanded dramatically and now covers an area of over 4km. The expansion has been controlled though and Cala d’Or retains a charm and allure of its own. There are very few high rise buildings and the town retains the feel and appeal of a more traditional resort than many people will have encountered in Mallorca.
Property here is mainly tourist based, even if you live here all year round you will more than likely rely on tourism either directly or indirectly for you livelihood. Therefore the architecture reflects that and the first house’s constructed here copied Ibizan style and design. The villas from the mid 1900’s are unique in Character, the lines of the architects designs included lots of arches and rounded corners to soften the feel of the houses. Many houses retain round turrets and circular rooms from this period. As time passed and space became an issue with planning consent the properties became more linea and the soft round edges disappeared.
Property design became angular but still retained the Ibizan style of white walls and tiled roofs. The latest home buiders are using an eclectic mix of the past and present to showcase the different culturals that have made Cala d’Or their home or choice of holiday resort.
The central focus of the town is a pedestrian zone around the Cala Gran and Cala d’Or beaches, which has a variety of shops, bars and restaurants, hotels and private apartments and villas. The beach at Cala Gran is the largest in the town at around 4000m², although it is the largest and most popular it maintains a relaxed and tranquil ambience that never ceases to fascinate both tourists and locals alike. Cala d’Or beach is smaller and has a completely different mood. Less vibrant but more romantic is the general feeling amongst the visitors to these unique bays. These pine fringed coves are very popular but the are the further coves of Cala Serena, Cala Ferrera, Cala Sanau, Calas Azul, Cala Esmerelda, Cala de Sa Torre and Cala Pou, giving you plenty to explore and experience Sun loungers, parasols and pedaloes can be hired at all of these beaches.
The cove of Cala Llonga has been developed into a large marina and popular marina. This area is also alive with restaurants and bars as well as attracting visitors who come just to gaze at the beautiful luxury boats on show. The marina is one of the most popular in Mallorca and due to its depth can only admit smaller boats, therefore ensuring that the port’s visitors are less ostentatious than some other marinas.
Evening entertainment in Cala d’Or is not rowdy, although the resort has a number of lively bars that keep the drinks flowing as it’s customers require. The food on offer in the restaurants is extensive. From cafeteria snacks to fine dining, every taste is catered for. All in all, Cala d’Or has something for everyone and very few people who have experienced its character and vibe can find a negative word to say about this Mediterranean jewel.
If the beaches at Cala d'Or become too crowded or if you wish to escape and find further attractions in the area then you won’t be disappointed, we have described a few of the local towns and villages below.
