The east coast, with its charming interior, brightens the spirit of many, as revealed by its very name: this part of the island belongs to the region of Llevant, the Mallorcan word for sunrise. Miles of sandy beaches, family accommodations right on the seafront, romantic estates in the middle of nature, and excellent golf courses: nearly every facet of Mallorca can be found here.
Miles of beaches
White sandy beaches and turquoise waters as far as the eye can see! Thanks to their gentle slopes into the sea and excellent infrastructure, the beach towns of S’Illot, Sa Coma, Cala Millor, and Cala Bona are especially popular among families.
Many hotel and apartment complexes are situated directly on the beach, with no roads to disturb. For those who want more than just sunbathing or building sandcastles, there are surfboards, pedal boats, or water skis available for rent. Along the boardwalks, numerous venues invite you to eat, drink, or celebrate. Looking for less crowded beaches?
Head to the Calas de Mallorca: small but charming, like Cala Murada, Cala Domingos, or Cala Antena.
Hiking among dunes and pine forests
Between Cala Millor and Sa Coma, the protected natural area of Punta de n’Amer stretches out like a point into the sea, covering 200 hectares. If you start walking from either of these bustling tourist destinations, in about half an hour you’ll reach the Castell de n’Amer.
This 17th-century watchtower is located in the heart of the small green peninsula and is open every day. Climb the spiral staircase and enjoy the panoramic view of the entire bay. Next to the tower, a pleasant bar offers refreshments and snacks (baguettes) to walkers. You can get a free brochure about the flora and fauna of Punta de n’Amer at the local tourist offices.
The brochure is published by the municipality of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar. If you’re seeking a more intense adventure in nature, head a few miles south: the areas between S’Estany d’en Mas and Cala Antena are a true paradise for hikers, cyclists, and riders.
Playing golf on diverse courses
In the Llevant Peninsula in the northeast alone, golfers have four high-quality courses to choose from: Canyamel (fast and undulating greens, well-trimmed fairways), Capdepera (wide fairways and exceptionally large greens), Son Servera (narrow, challenging fairways lined with tall pines), and Pula (excellent practice facilities and a high concentration of celebrities).
If you still want more, head southeast: between Felanitx and Portocolom lies the challenging Vall d’Or course (narrow fairways, clever doglegs, and fast greens).
Explore stunning caves
In the Caves of Drach near Porto Cristo lies the largest underground lake in the world. At Lake Martel, which is 177 meters long, 40 meters wide, and 9 meters deep, visitors can enjoy a magical show with classical music and lights.
The path to the lake takes you through gigantic formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Just a few kilometers away are the Cuevas dels Hams, where nature lovers can admire tree-like formations and prehistoric fossils. By boat, you can reach the Artà caves in the northeast, on the Llevant Peninsula, which are the only caves in Mallorca located above sea level.
Embark on expeditions in life-filled savannas
Attention, close the windows! At the Safari-Zoo in Sa Coma, the monkeys like to hitch a ride. If they can’t get inside the car, they’ll settle for a seat in the open air on the hood or roof.
On the nearly four-kilometer journey through an artificially created savanna landscape, you’ll encounter zebras, rhinoceroses, giraffes, wildebeests, antelopes, and other animal inhabitants of Africa, all roaming freely.
These exotic animals are slowly getting accustomed to the European climate and human contact before continuing their journey to their respective destination zoos. Human visitors can tour the area by safari bus, tourist train, or in their own car (road between Sa Coma and S’Illot).
If after that you still haven’t had enough of the savannah atmosphere, you can also visit the birds at Exotic Parque Los Pájaros (parrot show, Hospitalet Vell, Calas de Mallorca) and the banana plantation at Jumaica Tropical Park (Ctra. Porto Colom-Porto Cristo, km 4.5).
Admire the Underwater World of Mallorca
Take a look at the coastal region from a snorkeler’s perspective, without getting wet! Glass-bottom boats depart several times a day between Calas de Mallorca, Cala Romántica, and Porto Cristo.
You can also sail northeast along the coast from Porto Cristo past S’Illot, Sa Coma, and Cala Bona to Cala Rajada. At the local tourist offices, you can find brochures with schedules and prices.
If you want to know in advance what you might see beneath the glass bottom, purchase the book “Mallorca Primer for Young and Old” by experienced snorkeler Herbert Heinrich (available at various bookstores on the island).
Stroll among exotic marine creatures
Is Mallorca’s underwater world not enough for you? Then visit the Mallorca Aquarium. Here you’ll find fish that live, for example, in the coral reefs of Australia or the rivers of Brazil.
You can even closely observe dangerous schools of piranhas. Of course, the main inhabitants of the Balearic waters are also represented. In total, 115 aquariums are showcased across two floors (Porto Cristo, P.O. Box 61, 150 meters from the Caves of Drach).
Pearl Factory
Ladies, take note: the glamour is here! Let yourself be guided through the most famous imitation pearl factory in Mallorca, Perlas Majórica (Av. Majórica, 48, from the C-715, numerous signs in Manacor).
Around two million of these coveted shiny spheres are produced here every day, thanks to a clever process patented by German engineer Eduard Heusch in 1925. The recipe remains a closely guarded secret to this day! The famous Majorica imitation pearls have nothing to envy their natural counterparts.
They radiate in the most beautiful colors of the rainbow, have a silky sheen, and are available in all shades, from white, cream, and pink to gray and black. Convinced? If you want to enrich your jewelry collection, visit the expert staff in the showroom across from the factory.
Prices vary considerably depending on the size, the number of pearls, the coating, and the clasp. Of course, the design also plays an important role: Majórica offers very extensive collections.
Parties and nightlife
In the numerous nightlife venues offered by each tourist town on the east coast, the party is guaranteed every day. Additionally, Cala Millor and S’Illot have chosen the last week of September as Tourist Week.
Every year, they organize a big party for visitors, featuring concerts, dancing, and sports events. A fireworks show is also launched. Information about the program is available at local tourist offices (addresses can be found on the official website of the municipality of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar www.santllorenc.es).
Seminars and conferences
Just a few minutes’ walk from Cala Millor Beach is the comfortable Sa Màniga Congress Center. Here, companies can rent impressive spaces for congresses, meetings, and conferences. The auditorium can accommodate 472 people.
In addition, there are five beautiful workrooms, an exhibition hall, four simultaneous translation booths, four soundproofed music rehearsal rooms, a bar, and dressing rooms. The entire building is soundproofed and accessible for people with reduced mobility.
