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What to see in Malta in 3 days
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Culture
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Today I bring you one of those places to visit in Mallorca, specifically in the Santanyí area. I'm referring to Cala d'Or, a natural spectacle that combines the charm of white houses with a multitude of coves of crystal-clear water, surrounded by pine trees and perfectly manicured gardens. It's one of the most typical landscapes of the Balearic Islands.
Although many people look for Cala d'Or thinking they will find a single beach, the area actually has several coves spread along the coast, such as Cala Gran or Cala Esmeralda, as well as the neighbouring Cala Ferrera, all with quite easy access.
As it's a place that has everything close at hand, Cala d'Or is a perfect destination for a few relaxing days in Mallorca, combining beach, walks, and good places to eat or dine, with an unbeatable atmosphere.
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Digital marketing specialist with a passion for travel, writing, and discovering what makes every destination unique.
Culture
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What really sets Cala d'Or apart is its style, which combines the essence of a coastal village and a cove area. You won't find a huge beach here, but rather small inlets surrounded by rocks, vegetation, and those characteristic white houses with a special charm. The streets look like they're straight out of a postcard.
Another aspect that visitors usually love is the atmosphere. There's a lot of life, a wide variety of restaurants and many shops, but without the crowds of other more saturated destinations in Mallorca. You can stroll around peacefully or have dinner near the port without any problems. Although, as is normal, you'll find more people than usual during high season.
The urban beach that gives the town its name is Cala d'Or itself (also known as Caló de ses Dones or Cala Petita), a small, sheltered area. Just a few steps away is Cala Gran, which serves as the main and largest beach in the area. The best part? You can easily access one from the other while walking along the coastline.
And I can't forget its beautiful marina, Marina de Cala d'Or, full of yachts and top-quality restaurants that invite you to take a stroll, relax, and have a quiet dinner as the sun sets.
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Before organising your visit to Cala d'Or, it's useful to have a clear idea of the area and how to get around.
Cala d'Or is located in Santanyí, in the southeast of Mallorca, very close to other famous coves and protected natural spaces such as the Mondragó Natural Park.
Cala d'Or, Santanyí, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
Getting to Cala d'Or is quite simple, and the most convenient way is by car. From Palma de Mallorca, the journey will take around an hour, depending on traffic.
If you don't have a car, you can also go by bus. Line 515e takes you directly from Palma. Once in Cala d'Or, the MiniTrenet operates, a tourist train that connects the different coves in the area. Its price is very affordable (around €4 or €5 for the full route) and it runs with excellent frequency.
Access to Cala d'Or is one of the easiest in the southeast of the island, with pedestrian access being straightforward. In fact, most of its coves have stairs or ramps, making them accessible for everyone.
Parking in Cala d'Or is not as complicated as in other virgin coves, although if you want to park close to the beach, it's important to arrive early. There are several free parking areas scattered around the centre, as well as some paid parking zones.
If you can't find a spot on the street, you can always use private car parks. There are two near Cala Gran and in the port area (Marina de Cala d'Or). These are the quickest option, but if you plan to spend the whole day at the beach, they can be a bit expensive.
If you look for reviews of Cala d'Or, you'll see that the vast majority are very positive, which suggests it's a place that's truly worth visiting.
Here's a summary of the strong points highlighted by visitors:
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Here are some tips that will help you make the most of your day and avoid any surprises, allowing you to enjoy the experience more.
As I always say, for me, it's essential to arrive early, especially if you're going in the summer. The ideal scenario is to try to be there before 10 am, as the coves are quite small and tend to fill up quickly.
I also recommend bringing goggles for snorkelling, as, being protected by rocks, getting into the water is very easy and there are plenty of fish right next to where you're swimming. Of course, don't forget your water shoes.
As I've been mentioning, the Cala d'Or area has much more than just beaches. Here are some ideas for activities you can do after leaving the sand.
The marina is one of the most pleasant places to stroll. It's full of restaurants, terraces, and small shops with a lively atmosphere in the afternoon and evening that will make you not want to leave.
The Mondragó Natural Park is just a few minutes away by car, and it's an ideal excursion if you want to see more wild beaches and walk along more demanding trails. You can also go by the MiniTrenet that leaves from Cala d'Or.
Es Fortí is an old military fortification located right at the entrance to the port. Entry is free, and the views of the coast from there are some of the best you'll find.
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