Countless unspoiled coves, romantic cycling and hiking routes through almond and apricot orchards, charming towns and fishing villages, excellent restaurants: the southeast of Mallorca is a paradise for sun lovers, water sports enthusiasts, those seeking tranquility, golfers, and gourmets!
Coves, Bays, and Beaches
White, fine sands, beaches surrounded by rocks, dunes covered with pines… The southeast coast of Mallorca offers dozens of protected coves that resemble fjords. It’s hard to choose a favorite.
For example, Cala Gran near the center of Cala d’Or is impeccably maintained with weekly mechanical screening. The double cove, Cala Mondragó, with its rugged cliffs and old trees, is considered a wild natural gem. The rear part of the cove is accessed by a small trail.
Thanks to the gentle slope towards the sea, even small children can safely bathe here. Tip: Early in the morning or after six in the evening, even during high season, you can enjoy the coves (almost) all to yourself! How about a sunset picnic?
Cycling in the mountains
Challenging slopes, flat paths through fields, paved tracks: In the hometown region of cycling legend Guillem Timoner, every cyclist finds their ideal route. The climb up Mount Sant Salvador is especially strenuous.
Anyone who takes on this challenge can be rewarded with worldwide fame. This is demonstrated by Timoner, who between 1955 and 1965 won the world champion title in motor-paced racing six times. Today, the Felanitxer runs a bicycle shop in his hometown.
Of course, hikers also have a fantastic time in the southeast, for example, in the Parc Natural Mondragó nature reserve. Tip: In the S’Horta area, you can especially enjoy the almond blossom! This pink natural spectacle lasts from late December to mid-February.
Playing golf with sea views
The first nine holes are on a hillside among pine groves, offering spectacular sea views, while the other nine are skillfully hidden among carob, almond, and olive trees: Vall d’Or Golf is characterized by its narrow fairways, clever doglegs, and fast greens.
The third hole is particularly appealing: The tee is adorned with old railroad sleepers and stones. From here, you can enjoy a five-star view over the pine forest to the coastal strip between Cala d’Or and Portopetro. Address: Ctra. Porto Colom-Cala d’Or, km. 7.7, 07669 S’ Horta, Tel: 971-837001, Fax: 971-837299, E-Mail: valldorgolf@valldorgolf.com.
Ascending towards the sky
Athletes conquer the steep and winding slopes of Puig de Sant Salvador, which rises 509 meters, either by bike or on foot, while those seeking a more relaxed approach ascend by car (just 10 minutes from the center of Felanitx).
At the summit stands the fortress of the Sant Salvador monastery, established in 1348, to which an enormous monument to Christ was added in 1934. In 1957, a monumental stone cross was erected on the opposite peak of the twin summits. It is advisable to bring binoculars, although the 360-degree panoramic view over the east of the island is heavenly even to the naked eye.
Hungry pilgrims should try the fishless paella at the monastery restaurant, prepared according to an ancient monastic recipe. Locals often have barbecues on the monastery hill with the whole family.
Tip: If you can’t get enough of breathtaking panoramic views, be sure to also visit the medieval castle, Castell de Santueri, located on the neighboring mountain. From the observation platform at 400 meters high, you can see the plain all the way to Portocolom.
Revive pirate stories
Alright, a bit of imagination is required here: Those who let their minds wander while observing the sturdy buildings of Santanyí can vividly imagine the era of pirate attacks from the 14th to the 17th century.
Especially, the ruins of the ancient city fortification, Porta Murada, bear witness to the threat posed by unwanted visitors from the sea. The light golden Santanyí sandstone, quarried in large quantities from nearby sites, was used to build the defenses.
On the coast, numerous watchtowers recall the dangerous Moors from the neighboring island of Cabrera. The port of Cala Figuera has been guarded since 1569 by the defense tower Torre d’en Bèu. Nowadays, tourists enjoy the magnificent panoramic views from the old watchtowers, such as in Cala Santanyí, Portopetro, and Cala d’Or.
Market in Felanitx
Anyone who finds Sundays boring will quickly change their mind in Felanitx. While everywhere else seems deserted on the Lord’s Day, the people of Felanitx start to come alive.
The famous Sunday market is crowded, and you can finally believe that the town has about 15,000 residents. In the small, narrow streets, bargaining goes on endlessly. Bargain hunters should not miss the covered market and open shops, where attractive discounts are offered all year round.
Gourmets purchase fresh dates and excellent wines from the region – nine out of ten bottles of Mallorcan white wine come from Felanitx. Tip: After visiting the market, don’t miss out on lunch at the cozy Café d’es Mercat (C/ Major, 26, Tel.: 971-58 00 08).
Stroll through Little Ibiza
What the famous architect Cezar Manrique was to Lanzarote, Josep Costa Ferrer was to Cala d’Or: About 70 years ago, the Ibizan designed the first tourist development in Mallorca in the typical cubic style of his native island—charming whitewashed bungalows with chimneys and rounded corners.
In the middle, a white church in the style of Spanish colonial chapels. The name Cala d’Or, meaning Golden Bay in Spanish, is a collective term for the eight idyllic coves between Cala Egos in the south and Cala Serena in the north. The village center offers narrow, labyrinthine streets, cozy cafés, and exclusive designer boutiques.
From Easter until October, the atmosphere is lively yet relaxed and very international. In winter, one can enjoy absolute tranquility. The most notable cultural event: the jazz festival held every year in early June.
Nightlife in Ca’s Concos
On weekends, in the small town of Ca’s Concos, between Felanitx and Santanyí, it’s party time. Here, the savvy gather to celebrate until the early morning in trendy clubs and lively bars.
El Abraxas (open from Tuesday to Sunday from 7 PM to 6 AM) offers a bunch of nice people, good cocktails, and the trendiest music – the party really starts after midnight. It’s also a place worth visiting during the day: the Viena restaurant, run by journalist Rainer Fichel (C/. Metge Obrador, 12-13; Tel.: 971-842290), an informal meeting spot with a bistro offering excellent cuisine and contemporary art.
Enjoy the cuisine
Are you craving fresh seafood in a nautical setting? Then, book a table at El Yate! (Port Cari Complex, Cala d’Or, Tel.: 971-65 80 71).
For high-end creative Mediterranean cuisine combined with a unique view of the port, Colón is famous, run by Austrian Dieter Sögner (C/. Cristóbal Colón, 7, Portocolom, Tel.: 971-82 47 83, closed from January to February 15).
In the converted barn Sa Farinera de S’Horta, authentic Mallorcan delights are served (Sisena Volta, 78, S’Horta, Tel.: 971-83 72 28, closed in December and January).
At the restaurant El Campesino (Ctra. S’Horta- Portocolom, Tel. 971 83 74 27), you can enjoy good food in a very cozy atmosphere.
For simply delicious, no-fuss dishes, there’s the trucker’s restaurant Moli d’en Sopa (on the road from Manacor to Portocristo). Here you can enjoy a buffet for about 5 euros, which includes a starter, main course, and heaps of desserts. House wine and water are included!
Dive in and recharge
The narrow cove of Sa Nau/Arsenau near S’Horta is a popular destination for divers, but sun-lovers also appreciate the natural beach with its fine sand.
There are two German-speaking diving schools in Cala Gran and Cala Serena. Both coves are part of Cala d’Or. Introductory diving courses are offered for about 35-40 euros!
