Small, white sailing boats gently bobbing in the turquoise waters, a secluded bay between pine groves and the Mediterranean charm of the surrounding boathouses: Cala Figuera is one of the most beautiful places on the island. In this article, I’ll show you why you should definitely visit this romantic fishing village on Mallorca!
The history of the port of Cala Figuera
The history of Cala Figuera dates back to the 18th century. Thanks to its sheltered location and natural harbor, Cala Figuera developed into an important fishing village.
Although fewer than in the past, fishing boats, the“Llauts“, still sail out to sea in the hope of a good catch. And the boathouses around the small harbor, which are so characteristic of Cala Figuera, are still used to store boats and equipment.
What makes Cala Figuera so special?
Cala Figuera is beautiful by nature alone. The bay, which extends deep into the land, forms an absolute postcard panorama with its turquoise-blue water and the wooded cliffs all around. The many small fishing boats, the “Llauts”, also provide a nostalgic flair – you can imagine how the fishermen set out here every day just a few decades ago.
The path around the small harbor is also special: you can walk around the bay on narrow wooden piers and enjoy the cozy atmosphere between the boathouses and the Llauts. As you are almost at water level here, you should wear reasonably non-slip shoes or simply walk barefoot, as the wooden walkways can be a little wet depending on the weather.
What’s more, you won’t find any huge hotel complexes or hordes of tourists here. In the town itself, you will only find a few small, family-run hotels. Cala Figuera has managed to retain its traditional charm and is the perfect place if you want to get away from the crowds. There is also no real nightlife – this is the place to be if you are looking for a Mediterranean idyll.
The Ruta Fotografica in Cala Figuera
For passionate photographers there is the so-called Ruta Fotográfica in Cala Figuera. This route takes you along the fjord-like harbor and to the town’s most beautiful viewpoints. Here you can take impressive pictures between the boathouses and fishing boats; one beautiful motif follows the next! It is particularly atmospheric at sunset.
It is actually exactly the route you would normally take along the jetties – but still a nice indication of the best viewing angles. The information boards also provide interesting background information about Cala Figuera and its history. And Cala Figuera is one of the most photogenic locations in Mallorca anyway!
Culinary highlights in Cala Figuera
Cala Figuera may be small, but it still has some nice restaurants and cozy bars to offer. Here are my tips:
Pura Vida – Beaches and therefore beach bars are unfortunately in short supply in Cala Figuera. The Pura Vida makes up for this not only with good food, but also with a spectacular view of the sea! And if you like, you can refresh yourself in the restaurant’s own pool.
Es Port – Charming restaurant on the harbour, specializing in fish and seafood. Best view from the terrace, especially at sunset.
Murmui – located right by the harbor – you can get delicious ice cream from one of Mallorca’s most popular ice cream makers.
Beaches near Cala Figuera
There is no beach in Cala Figuera itself. There are also virtually no bathing facilities if you are not out on a boat yourself. (This is probably the reason why it is less crowded here). Swimming is rather difficult in Cala Figuera.
However, there are some of the most beautiful beaches and bays in Mallorca in the surrounding area! Especially if you are traveling with a rental car, you can enjoy the atmosphere in Cala Figuera for a few hours and then move on to one of the great beaches or vice versa.
These beaches are located very close to Cala Figuera:
Cala Llombards
Cala Mondragó
Cala S’Almunia
Caló des Moro
The bay of S’Almunia
If you are looking for a slightly larger place with more bars and restaurants near the beach, then perhaps a trip to the nearby resort of Cala D’Or is something for you!
Places worth seeing near Cala Figuera
When you visit Cala Figuera, you should also take the opportunity to explore the surrounding villages:
Santanyi – Known for its large weekly market with many Mallorcan products, Santanyi is one of the most important towns in the southeast of Mallorca. You will also find cozy pubs and small boutiques in the cute old town.
Santanyi is a typical Mallorcan village in the interior of the island.
Parc natural de Mondragó – In this nature reserve you will find numerous hiking trails (including along the coast) and Cala Mondragó, one of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca.
S’Amarador beach in Parc Mondragó
Es Pontas – The rock arch on the coast is a popular photo motif and particularly spectacular at sunrise or sunset!
By the way, you can find more great places on Mallorca here: All about Mallorca
Boat tour from Cala Figuera
Don’t feel like driving? A great way to explore the surrounding beaches and bays is to take a boat tour from Cala Figuera. From here, you can easily explore dreamy bays such as Cala Santanyí with Es Pontàs, Caló des Macs, Caló Llombards, Caló des Moro, s’Almunia and Cala Màrmols from the water!
Cala Figuera is located in the southeast of Mallorca, only around 50 kilometers from Palma de Mallorca airport. Getting there is uncomplicated – the easiest way is by rental car. Booked in good time, rental cars on Mallorca are not expensive at all and guarantee you maximum flexibility to explore the rest of the island.
You can also take one of the bus lines that run regularly from Palma and other towns on the island to Santanyi or Campos. Both towns are important hubs in the south-east of the island. From Santanyi or Campos, the 516 line will take you to Cala Figuera.
Incidentally, this bus also stops at Cala Santanyi, another beautiful bay with a good sandy beach for swimming. So you can perfectly combine your trip to Cala Figuera with a day at the beach. Just pay close attention to the timetable, sometimes the bus stops in a different order, and unfortunately it only runs every two hours.
Note: There is another small bay on Mallorca called Cala Figuera. However, it is located in the very north of the island near Cap Formentor; don’t get confused!
Staying overnight in and around Cala Figuera
Do you like the romantic atmosphere of a real Mallorcan fishing village? Cala Figuera and its surroundings are perfect if you want to spend an individual vacation on Mallorca away from the tourist crowds. You’ll find small hotels or vacation apartments in the town itself, as well as great fincas further afield. And the most beautiful bays on the island are right on your doorstep, so to speak!
If you’ve always wondered what luxury living on the Mediterranean coast is like, I recommend the Puerto Portals marina on Mallorca. Here you can immerse yourself in a glamorous world in an instant and feel like you’re in a glossy lifestyle magazine: Puerto Portals is one of the most exclusive places in Mallorca!
Puerto Portals marina in the southwest of Mallorca
The vibe of Puerto Portals
Imagine expensive, sophisticated yachts glistening like pearls in the sun, set against a breathtaking backdrop of turquoise waters and azure skies – that’s Puerto Portals. Order a cool drink in one of the exclusive bars at the marina and enjoy the fascinating view of the elegant harbor.
Where is Puerto Portals and how to get there?
Puerto Portals is located on the southwest coast of Mallorca and is part of the town of Portals Nous in the municipality of Calvià. The luxurious marina is just 10 kilometers from downtown Palma. From the Palma de Mallorca Airport, you can reach Puerto Portals by car in about 20 minutes. The best place to park is one of the paid parking lots around the harbor (quite expensive, but less stressful). If you are not traveling by rental car, you can also easily reach Puerto Portals by public transport or cab.
Puerto Portals is known for its high-quality gastronomy – the prices are in keeping with the ambience. However, please don’t let that stop you! You can eat well while enjoying the view of the yachts glittering in the sunlight at the popular restaurants Flanigan, Wellies or Ritzi.
I especially like the cappuccino. I usually avoid coffee shop chains, but the Cappuccino locations—which can be found in several places in Palma and throughout the rest of the island—are all so unique and beautifully designed that it’s always worth stopping by for a coffee or a drink! The branch in Puerto Portals is centrally located in the middle of the promenade, and from here you have a great view of everything going on.
Cappuccino in Puerto Portals, Mallorca
You can also get good drinks at Santina, an offshoot of the popular restaurant of the same name in the trendy Santa Catalina district.
MY RECOMMENDATION FOR PORTALS NOUS
Do you like the sun-drenched south-west of Mallorca? Here you will find the best accommodation in and around Portals Nous: The best hotel deals in Portals Nous*
Events in Puerto Portals
It’s best to keep an eye out for events taking place in Puerto Portals: Then a visit is particularly worthwhile. One of the highlights of the year is the“Puerto Portals Sailing Week“, a regatta where sailors from all over the world gather in Puerto Portals. But the annual Christmas market, which transforms the marina into a magical winter wonderland, is also a must-see.
The Sunset Market in Puerto Portals
I can particularly recommend the Sunset Market, which takes place in the summer months. Then the harbor promenade is transformed into an elegant hippie market with many stalls of small handmade labels, food trucks with delicious snacks and chilling live music.
Beaches near Portals Nous
Just a short walk from the marina you will find the Platja de Portals Nous, an idyllic beach with fine, golden sand and calm, crystal-clear water. The small bay is somewhat hidden at the end of the harbor promenade and is really very pretty. You will also find a few small beach bars here for a drink or a snack. Of particular note is Tabgha, a newly opened chiringuito with a social approach.
Nearby: The Platja de Portals Nous
On the other side is the Platja de Punta Portals, which in my opinion is a little less beautiful.
More tips for Mallorca
Have you got a taste for Mallorca? Find more articles about the Balearic island here, including insider tips: All articles about Mallorca
If you are interested in the southwest of Mallorca, then this pretty village might be something for you: Sant Elm
Thinking about a vacation in Mallorca? It’s a wonderful island full of amazing sights just waiting for you to explore! I’ve put together my top 20 must-see attractions in Mallorca, along with some helpful tips to make your trip even better.
This is what you should do before your Mallorca trip!
If you’re lucky enough to be on the right side of the plane, you’ll notice it as soon as you approach Mallorca! The cathedral of Palma (also known as “La Seu”) is simply unmissable. It towers loftily between the old town and Palma’s long promenade.
Built in the 13th century and later extended and restored several times, the cathedral is the most important sight in Palma. You can admire the two huge rose windows from the outside, but a visit inside is also worthwhile. Since the cathedral is very popular, you should book a ticket in advance!
Tip: In the summer months, you can also visit the roof terrace of the cathedral for an additional fee!
Visiting hours: Monday to Friday 10-17.15h, Saturday 10-14.15h (high season April to October) Monday to Friday 10-15.15h, Saturday 10-14.15h (low season November to March)
On Sunday and most holidays the cathedral is closed for tours.
2. Palma’s Old Town
For the old town of Palma you should really take a day to explore all the important spots such as the imposing Paseo del Borne, the central Plaza Mayor or the market hall Mercat Olivar and the many small streets.
Many traditional stores are happy to welcome customers in the old town of Palma.
In addition to numerous branches of large clothing chains, you will still find small traditional stores as well as many cafés and restaurants in Palma, which give the island’s capital its special charm.
There is always something going on in the old town of Palma.
3. Coves del Drac
The final show is kitschy, with musicians on small boats gliding slowly over the water of Europe’s largest underground lake, the Llac Martel, and performing the same melancholy pieces over and over again – but a visit to the Coves del Drac near Porto Cristo is an absolute classic on Mallorca!
Romantic boat trip through the Coves del Drac
The stalactite caves near Porto Cristo with their large stalagmites and stalactites are truly impressive! They are also the ideal excursion tip if you have already soaked up enough sun on Mallorca’s beaches and are longing for a little cooling down underground.
If you want, you can also take one of the boats to the exit.
4. Es Trenc
It looks a bit like the Caribbean here: Es Trenc is one of the most popular beaches on Mallorca and is located in the middle of a nature reserve. Large beach stalls and littering aren’t allowed here. This is fortunate, because the approximately six-kilometer-long sandy beach with crystal-clear, turquoise-blue water is truly a place worth protecting.
Almost like the Caribbean: The beach of Es Trenc in the southeast of Mallorca
Es Trenc, however, is very popular and a few tricks are helpful if you want to spend a relaxing beach day here in high season. Read more in my full guide on Es Trenc
Tip: Be sure to visit the nearby salt pans & take some Flor de Sal with you!
The salt flats at Es Trenc
5. Cap Formentor
Deep blue water as far as the eye can see, impressive rocks all around and a fresh breeze: Cap Formentor is the northernmost point of Mallorca and is not without reason called the “meeting point of the winds”. You can’t climb the lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula, but the view here is so spectacular that in recent years the access road to the lighthouse and the Mirador Es Colomer viewpoint in front of it has had to be closed to private cars several times during the high season.
Visible from afar: The lighthouse at Cap Formentor.
In this case, you can take one of the public shuttle buses from Alcúdia or Port de Pollensa, which stop at both the Mirador and the lighthouse. Line 334 goes to Playa de Formentor, line 333 goes to the lighthouse. Timetable of the line 334 Timetable of the line 333
Chill out and enjoy the view: Cap Formentor is one of the most popular sights of Mallorca.
6. Valldemossa
A little road trip to the Serra Tramuntana mountain range is a real must in Mallorca. Don’t miss a detour to the picturesque mountain village of Valldemossa: the former winter home of Frédéric Chopin still delights with its pretty alleyways and the Carthusian monastery worth seeing.
Tip: You should definitely try fresh cocas de patata in one of the traditional bakeries! Cocas de Patata are fluffy, sweet rolls made of potato flour and especially typical for Valldemossa!
Speaking of beautiful mountain villages: The tranquil Fornalutx was once even voted one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and is also one of the many sights that make Mallorca so great.
In contrast to the popular Valldemossa, Fornalutx is really tiny, but in my opinion even a tad prettier! You can easily explore both on the same day, regardless of whether you are traveling by rental car* or by public transport: bus line 232 connects Fornalutx with Soller (and Port de Soller), from where you can also take a bus to Valldemossa.
Tip: From the viewpoint near the parking lot and the cute Plaça España, you have a fantastic view of the valley and the surrounding peaks of the Serra Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And if you’re lucky, the countless orange trees are in full splendor and the fresh mountain air mixes with the beguiling scent of ripe oranges!
8. Cala Mondragó
Fancy one of the most beautiful bays that Mallorca has to offer? Okay, there are many, but Cala Mondragó is also located in a large nature reserve, the Parc natural de Mondragó. So if you prefer to get moving instead of lazing around on the beautiful beach, you’ll also find great hiking and cycling trails for an exciting outdoor experience. Cala Mondragó is located on the east coast of Mallorca between Cala Figuera and Portopetro.
One of the most popular calas in Mallorca: Cala Mondragó in the nature reserve of the same name.
9. Playa de Palma
Okay, maybe the area around the infamous Ballermann 6 isn’t your cup of tea concerning the music being played in all bars there. But firstly, Playa de Palma stretches for a whole 6 kilometers, not all of which are soaked in hits, and secondly, a visit to Ballermann 6 is almost obligatory, if only to wonder how much alcohol the human body can really take.
During the day, things are still relatively civilized at the notorious Ballermann 6.
Playa de Palma stretches from Can Pastilla to S’Arenal and is divided into 15 beach sections, each of which has a beach bar (“Balneario”) on the promenade. Probably the most famous of these is Balneario 6, with many party venues such as the Bierkönig or the Megapark within walking distance.
10. Alcúdia’s Old Town
Alcúdia is one of the oldest settlements on the island. Around the old town center you can still walk around the remains of the old city wall from the 14th century. In the old town itself, you can stroll through the pretty streets, store for vacation souvenirs in one of the small stores or simply sip a café con leche in the cozy Plaça de la Constitució.
Tip: On Tuesdays and Sundays, the weekly market of Alcúdia takes place on the Paseo Mare de Déu de la Victòria and partly also in the old town. Worth it!
Located in the very southeast of the island and accessible only by a winding country road, Sant Elm is located on one of the last tips of Mallorca. Mass tourism has not yet arrived here, on the contrary.
Sant Elm is a small, tranquil vacation resort set around a beautiful bay with turquoise waters. If you like to be out in nature, you will also find beautiful hiking trails here; in addition, the popular long-distance hiking trail GR221, which leads through the entire Serra Tramuntana, starts here.
The drive to Sa Calobra is not for the faint of heart. The road winds its way down from the Serra de Tramuntana, from an elevation of 800 meters, down into the bay. One of the curves was designed by the road engineer of the time, Antonio Paretti, to pass underneath the road itself, which is why it bears the telling name “Tie Knot.” And the hairpin bends are narrow too, so you should really be a safe driver if you take the road to Sa Calobra.
On the other hand, a romantic bay awaits you at the bottom and an impressive rock panorama awaits you in the Torrent de Pareis gorge.
Tip: If the trip is too tricky for you, you can also book a boat tour to Sa Calobra* and reach the Torrent de Pareis by sea.
13. Tren de Soller
When the wooden train rattles through the mountains like that, you feel as if you’ve been transported straight back to the last century. But it’s not just nostalgic types who love the historic Tren de Sóller—often called the “Red Flash” in German—which has connected the capital, Palma, with Sóller since 1912. The narrow-gauge railway may be anything but fast, but the journey from Palma through the Serra Tramuntana to the terminus in Sóller is simply picturesque.
Tip: From Soller, you can take a historic streetcar to Port de Soller and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere at the harbor!
A side trip to Port de Soller is one of the best day trips from Palma! Even if you don’t take a ride on the Tren de Soller, Port de Soller is really worth seeing. It is the only protected port on the west coast of Mallorca and its location makes it look like a small oasis in the middle of the high mountains of the Tramuntana.
Tip: At Fet a Soller, sip on sorbet made from genuine Mallorcan oranges and enjoy the view of the harbor!
15. Playa de Muro
Playa de Muro, between Port d’Alcúdia and Can Picafort, is one of the most popular beaches on Mallorca. Shallow white beaches and turquoise waters have ensured that many hotels and resorts with vacation apartments have settled along Playa de Muro, attracting especially families with children. Nevertheless, many sections of the beach itself are still relatively natural, sometimes you can find dunes.
Tip: One of the most beautiful beach restaurants on Mallorca, Ponderosa Beach, is particularly chic.
16. Cavalry Mountain in Pollença
Over 365 steps, the long staircase leads up the Kavalrien Hill, which is said to commemorate Jesus’ walk to his crucifixion on Mount Golgotha, in Pollença. Each level represents one day of the year. According to legend, as you ascend each step, you should review each day of the past year; as you descend, you think of your wishes for each day of the coming year.
You’ll probably never quite succeed: especially higher up, you’ll probably be distracted by the breathtaking views over Pollença and the surrounding area. Once at the top, you can take a snack break in the café next to the small chapel.
Tip: Make sure you also take time for a stroll through the picturesque town center of Pollença and explore the small stores, galleries and restaurants. Pollença has a very special charm and is really pretty!
Many creative people have settled in Pollença.
17. Port d’Andratx
In the hills around Port d’Andratx, the celebrity density on Mallorca is probably the highest: many well-known celebrities own a villa or a spacious vacation home here. But at some point you have to come down from your hill and so in Port d’Andratx it’s see and be seen.
The flair around the small harbor is sophisticated and the price level corresponding. Nevertheless, it is worth a visit because Port d’Andratx has managed to retain the atmosphere of a small fishing village despite the high density of celebrities: In the afternoon, you can still watch the fishermen returning with their trawlers.
Tip: You can buy the catch directly in the fish market hall at the harbor from Monday to Friday from 5 to 7 pm (in winter only Tuesdays to Fridays).
Harbor idyll in Port d’Andratx.
18. Farmers Market in Sineu
Almost every village in Mallorca has its own weekly market. The island’s oldest farmers’ market, held in Sineu, is particularly charming. Here, in addition to the usual mix of fruit and vegetable vendors, clothing, and household goods, you’ll also find products from local producers. The market is really big and stretches every Wednesday through the cozy streets of the old town of Sineu.
Tip: Get up early, as the market starts at 8 am and ends at 1.30 pm.
One of the most beautiful markets on the island: the farmers’ market in Sineu.
19. Jardines de Alfabia
The Jardines de Alfabia are a true green oasis at the foot of the Serra Tramuntana near Bunyola. Around the mansion, built in the 12th century, you will find an intricate garden with many exotic plants and animals like on a typical Mallorcan finca.
History buffs will also get their money’s worth here: In the Jardines de Alfabia you can find traces of Moorish rule in Mallorca at every turn.
For a long time it was an insider tip, the secluded bay between rough rocks, surrounded by fragrant pine forests. But Cala S’Almunia is still beautiful, even if you are not so alone here anymore. Next door, by the way, is the now often overflowing Caló des Moro, which can only be reached by water or by a small hiking trail.
Tip: If both bays are too crowded for you, there are numerous alternatives: The southeast of Mallorca offers many other great bays such as Cala Lombards, Cala Figuera and Cala Mondragó.
So beautiful: Mallorca from above.
More tips for Mallorca
Are you inspired? Just pin this post on Pinterest or bookmark it. Feel free to share this article with friends and family. If you’re looking for even more tips for your Mallorca vacation, just visit my Mallorca page or follow me on Instagram. I regularly post the latest tips from the island there.
“Do you know a quiet place on Mallorca to relax, with a bit of beach, good food and just a nice place to stop?” I’m often asked this or similar questions about tips for Mallorca – and quite often my counter-question is: Have you ever been to Sant Elm? In this article, I’ll tell you why the small town on the westernmost tip of Mallorca is worth a visit.
Tip: Sant Elm is a really charming vacation resort, but accommodation is rare! If you would like to spend several days here: ➜ Book your accommodation well in advance*.
Turquoise blue water and endless tranquillity: Sant Elm on Mallorca
Sant Elm: At the westernmost end of Mallorca
The winding country road meanders ever more tightly down through dense pine forests. Will anything come of this at all? I drive from Palma in the direction of Andratx, and this part of Mallorca is somehow strange anyway.
Here, in this particularly sunny corner of Mallorca, blessed with the most beautiful bays, you will find one estate agent’s dream after another: Light-flooded villas line the slopes around Port d’Andratx and in hardly any other region of the island is the density of celebrities higher. And so you would hardly suspect that this special gem is still to be found behind Andratx: Sant Elm is like a small, hidden oasis!
Beach paradise: The idyllic bay of Sant Elm
Peace & vacation flair in Sant Elm
Sant Elm is a curious little village. A bit abandoned by locals, it is mainly inhabited by tourists and vacation home owners. A proper infrastructure like in other places with fully equipped supermarkets, stores for daily needs, schools or kindergartens is virtually non-existent here. What remains is a quiet, manageable place with everything you need for a 1-2 week stay and a relaxed atmosphere that immediately puts you in the vacation mood.
Carrer Cala en Basset is the main shopping street in Sant Elm
The beach of Sant Elm is located directly in the center of the village, the distances are short. A small snack in one of the bars at lunchtime, then back to the beach: no problem in Sant Elm. The water in the bay is clear and so turquoise blue on sunny days that it almost hurts your eyes! A dream for all beach fans!
Hike through La Trapa
The La Trapa nature reserve borders Sant Elm, with a great hiking trail along the coast. From the monastery ruins of the same name, La Trapa, you also have a breathtaking view of the offshore island of Sa Dragonera.
A detour to the Torre de Cala en Basset is also worthwhile. (Hiking trails and access roads are currently being repaired, it is better to check the current situation on site to see if everything is accessible. – As of May 2021)
Sa Dragonera
Like Cabrera, Sa Dragonera is an offshore island that has been declared a nature reserve. You can explore the island yourself along designated hiking trails. The visitor center provides information about the island’s special flora and fauna. (For example, there are lots of lizards here, hence the name – or a large population of falcons).
There are regular boat trips there from Sant Elm and Andratx. There is no catering on site and garbage must also be taken away.
Accessible from Sant Elm: The nature reserve on the island of Sa Dragonera
Eating & drinking in Sant Elm
The gastronomic offer in Sant Elm is manageable, but quite positive. If I were to spend several days here, I would probably be an instant breakfast regular at Forn Sa Palomera and would try my way through the display of freshly baked crossaints and pastries every morning. Absolute recommendation! (And not just for breakfast, of course!)
Tip: Forn Sa Palomera
Lovers of fresh fish and seafood will be delighted with EsRaor: Mediterranean cuisine in front of such an impressive panorama – what more could you want?
Dining with a sea view in Sant Elm
Spend the night in Sant Elm
Due to the size of the village, the choice of accommodation is limited. Even if, like me, you don’t normally go for plain vacation hotels – maybe you’ll make an exception here.
The Universal Hotel Aquamarin* and its sister hotel Don Camilo* may not necessarily win the next design award for the most stylish interior, but the only two larger hotels on the square offer solid service and probably the best panoramic views in Sant Elm. And you can enjoy the biggest advantage of Sant Elmo here: endless peace and quiet.
Is spending your entire vacation in Sant Elm too quiet for you? No problem, I always recommend Sant Elm as a nice day trip, especially if you want to see a bit of something but don’t really fancy the crowds.
Rental car
The best way to reach Sant Elm is by rental car. The journey from Palma takes around 35-40 minutes.
Getting to Sant Elm by public transport is somewhat more difficult due to its remote location. Line 121 connects Sant Elm with the nearby towns of Port d’Andratx and Andratx, from there there is a bus connection to the Estació Intermodal at Plaça Espanya in Palma with line 101. The journey takes an hour and a half in total.
The GR221 long-distance hiking trail starts in Sant Elm and leads through the entire Serra Tramuntana. The perfect starting point for a longer hike!
The GR 221 hiking route begins in Sant Elm
If you are traveling by rental car and don’t want to do much hiking, you can also incorporate Sant Elm into a short road trip and explore Port d’Andratx on the same day, for example. A short drive along the southwest coast with the towns of Paguera, Santa Ponsa or El Toro with the stylish new marina Port Adriano is also a good idea.
If you want a contrasting program after so much peace and quiet, you can also end the day nearby in Magaluf, the epicentre of party-loving Brits – anything is possible on Mallorca!
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You can find even more inspiration for Mallorca here:
Mallorca is so diverse! But where should you start when you really want to explore the island? In places like Felanitx, you can experience the authentic mallorquinian lifestyleand get to know the island from a different perspective. I’ll show you a few tips for Felanitx, which sights you can visit in the town itself and around – and a secret tip for a great cafe on top!
There are some interesting places to stop by in Felanitx!
Felanitx: The east of Mallorca
Felanitx (pronounced Fela-nitsch) is located in the east of Mallorca. Maybe you are heading to Portocolom or the great beaches around Cala d’Or or Cala Ferrera anyway: Consider taking a small detour and visit Felanitx! Felanitx is a small town, but has a few small attractions and the charm of a Mallorcan town that has not been taken by tourism.
Tip: The best way to explore the small towns of Mallorca is by car, so you remain flexible and can stop wherever you like best.
Felanitx is not by the sea, and perhaps for that reason has remained a bit of the low-key Mallorcan small town it’s always been. You won’t find any touristy places here and that is a pleasant change! I’ll show you a few spots you shouldn’t miss!
Only a few tourists get lost in Felanitx during the week
Carrer Major
Carrer Major is one of the main shopping streets of Felanitx. Here in this pedestrian zone, you can still discover really original Mallorcan stores, including some stores with handmade ceramics. Felanitx was once famous for its ceramics. Attention: During the typical extensive lunch time, the siesta, most stores are closed. They open again in the afternoon only.
Carrer Major is the main shopping street in Felanitx
Plaça d’Espanya
The central square of Felanitx is lined with quaint bars and restaurants. Perfect to really immerse yourself in the island life, which often takes place outside!
Parroquía de Sant Miquel
The massive church with its smooth high walls is almost overlooked, because it’s nestled between the small streets in the center of Felanitx. Interesting: Opposite the main portal at Plaça de Sa Font de Margalida is a staircase down to the fountain of the same name, which once served as a source of drinking water!
Parroquía de Sant MiquelThe hidden well in front of the church
Market in Felanitx
The quiet place turns into a big outdoor event on Sunday morning: it’s market day! The market of Felanitx is very popular and well attended in the region, even among locals. Here you will find a mixed market offer of regional food from local farmers and producers, textiles, plants and typical Mallorcan products. The market is held every Sunday from 9am – 1pm and is spread throughout the small city centre.
Not only on market day, but also for the rest of the week: The recently openedCafé Candela will soon become an Insta hotspot for sure! You’ll find a small but nice breakfast/brunch/coffee menu and a tasteful interior here! Café Candela is run by a lovely German couple and located right in the middle of the pedestrian zone of Felanitx. Don’t miss!
Café Candela in Felanitx
Calvalry
A short walk from the center, you’ll reach Carrer del Call, which leads up to the Calvary. On top of the mountain there is a small chapel and you’ll have a nice view of Felanitx. Anyway, the Calvary with its path is not as imposing as the one in Pollença (which is really worth seeing!).
Map of Felanitx with all locations
Around Felanitx
How to plan a trip to Felanitx The following destinations near Felanitx are also worth visiting:
Santuari de Sant Salvador, a former monastery, on the mountain Puig de Sant Salvador. From far away you can already see the statue of Christ on the summit. It’s about 8 kilometers away from Felanitx and from the summit, you’ll have a breathtaking view over Mallorca. The route up is popular with cyclists, but it is definitely more comfortable by car 🙂
Do you love peace and quiet and want to experience the sunrise all to yourself at this spot? Then you can even spend the night at the monastery on the summit: More info here
Portocolom & Cala d’Or – former fishing villages with amazing bars and restaurants
countless beaches and bays at the east coast like Cala Domingos, Cala Antena, Cala Mitjana
Valldemossa is one of the most beautiful places on Mallorca. The small alleyways with their colorful planted doors are a popular photo motif and a must-see on a trip to the Serra Tramuntana with its pretty villages. In this article, I’ll tell you what else you shouldn’t miss out on in Valldemossa!
Valldemossa Charterhouse
The Valldemossa Charterhouse is the central point of the village. Behind the Charterhouse is a small, very well-kept garden, which is particularly inviting in summer. The charterhouse in Valldemossa was built and used as the summer residence of the King of Mallorca (no, not Jürgen Drews – Mallorca really was once an independent kingdom) at the beginning of the 14th century. The Charterhouse can also be visited from the inside for an entrance fee.
Save time: You can buy your ticket to the Kartause online here*.
Visible from afar: The extravagant tower of the Valldemossa Charterhouse on Mallorca.
Even the famous composer Frédéric Chopin once stayed here, in the winter of 1838, together with his lover George Sand. However, due to his progressive tuberculosis, Chopin had to leave Mallorca and Valldemossa after just one winter. The Valldemossa Charterhouse, or Cartuja in Spanish, and the entire monastery complex, where Chopin lived, are very well maintained and well worth a visit!
There is even a street named after Valldemossa’s most famous resident.
The beautiful alleys of Mallorca
Many people will know Valldemossa from pictures of Mallorca without realizing it: Here you can take wonderful pictures of the small picturesque alleyways, which are often beautifully decorated in summer due to the many festivities.
Typical for Valldemossa: the rough stone facades of the houses are decorated with many small flower pots.
The typical Mallorcan architecture with heavy stones and rustic wooden doors can be found everywhere. The facades of the houses are often hung with Mediterranean terracotta pots around the doors and are beautifully planted.
The many small artists’ studios dotted around the village are also wonderful photo motifs and very instagrammable.
Many Valldemossa residents go to great lengths to plant their houses.
Local specialty: The best cocas de patata on Mallorca
You should definitely try one of the cocas de patata in Valldemossa, a sweet, fluffy yeast roll made from potato flour, which is dusted with plenty of powdered sugar after baking. If you’re lucky, you’ll still be able to get slightly warm cocas fresh from the oven in the bakeries, as cocas are sold throughout the day in the high season and are therefore baked again and again. A delicious sweet with coffee, popular all over the island, but the original simply comes from Valldemossa. The best way to enjoy a coca is with a cool horchata, a kind of cold almond milk smoothie. Don’t miss it!
The best spot with authentic Mallorcan charm—a true classic: Pasteleria Ca’n Molinas When the weather is nice, there’s no better place to sit than under the lemon and orange trees in the courtyard!
In Valldemossa you eat cocas de patata! Nowhere on Mallorca do they taste better than here.
In addition to the bakeries on the main street that serve fresh cocas, I can recommend the following locations in Valldemossa:
Cappuccino – the classic on Mallorca is also a must in Valldemossa! See and be seen with a view of the Charterhouse! Gelato Mossa – ice cream parlor right next to the Charterhouse. Yes, the ice cream is more expensive here, but good ice cream is expensive on Mallorca and even more so in Valldemossa. I can still only recommend it! Aromas – a little more hidden and away from the hustle and bustle, but good food and an atmospheric courtyard!
The atmosphere at Aromas in Valldemossa is particularly cozy.
Tips for a visit to Valldemossa
Arrival by car
Valldemossa can be easily visited on a day trip with a rental car along the Tramuntana mountains. Please note: the winding roads on Mallorca are quite twisty, so it’s not for anxious or impatient drivers! Especially when the roads get crowded in summer and some people like to push, get overconfident or drive at a snail’s pace out of sheer fright. But the view is so beautiful – I can never get enough of it, even though I’ve driven the route so many times.
Arrival with a tour
If you don’t feel comfortable driving your rental car along that route, you can also join a guided tour. The downside: you’re completely tied down. There’s so much to discover in this part of Mallorca in particular. It’s much more convenient to be able to stop wherever you want and plan the trip yourself.
On a tour, however, you can travel at a relaxed pace—especially if you don’t like riding challenging routes in unfamiliar areas.
Public transport is also an alternative: bus line 203 connects Palma with Valldemossa and Port de Soller. However, it doesn’t run that often (usually only every 60-90 minutes), so you should plan well in advance.
Finding a parking space in Valldemossa is not easy, especially in summer. It is best to leave your car in one of the public parking lots along the main road. You only have to cross the road to get to the old town. At the height of summer and at weekends it can get really busy, so keep your nerve and give up hope of finding a free parking space! Valldemossa is very popular!
It is essential to arrive in Sa Calobra before 10 a.m., says every guide book, so that you don’t find yourself in the middle of the big avalanche of coaches. Be sure to go again after 3 pm, otherwise you will experience the same thing back. Sa Calobra and the famous gorge Torrent de Pareis are well visited. All the more so in high summer, when Mallorca is bursting at the seams. Nevertheless, the Torrent de Pareis is always worth a trip during a Mallorca road trip! If you don’t want to drive, save yourself the journey through the Tramuntana and start with a boat trip from Port de Sóller to the bay of Sa Calobra.
In Sa Calobra there are a few restaurants, but relatively expensive and rather tourist traps. But the view is awesome!
Sa Calobra & the Torrent de Pareis: A day trip in Mallorca
On an island like Mallorca, the beach in Sa Calobra Bay isn’t particularly noteworthy: the pebbles make a day at the beach there a bit uncomfortable. But that’s not why people come here! The Torrent de Pareis is a torrential stream that flows right here through a deep gorge from the Tramuntana Mountains into the sea. However, this only happens during the colder and rainier seasons—in the summer, the Torrent de Pareis runs dry. Then you can also hike through the Torrent de Pareis gorge. However, you’ll need good hiking gear and a guide who knows the area well!
Tip: On my Mallorca blog you can find even more travel inspiration for my absolute favorite island!
Torrent de Pareis: Hiking tours and concerts
The spacious area at the end of Torrent de Pareis often hosts concerts in the summer, with shuttle service to Palma. The sound: Bose couldn’t do it better. Without a concert, the Torrent de Pareis is rather inconspicuous. If you arrive without hiking equipment and a local guide, the more exciting part of the gorge (where it gets narrow and steep and bumpy) is impassable. So there you are, standing on heated pebbles, between rocks and what feels like two hundred and fifty busloads of tourists from all over the world, who actually don’t know what they’re supposed to find so great about a parched spot between the mountains.
Tip: If you want to explore Torrent de Pareis, don’t do it without a guide!
Torrent de Pareis also often hosts open-air events.
And yet, it’s spectacular.Not only the gorge Torrent de Pareis, not only Sa Calobra and not even the turquoise blue water in the Cala de Sa Calobra.
Many serpentines and the tie knot of Mallorca
The real adventure is getting there! Coming by car from Inca, you shimmy through various mountain villages, up, down, up, down, and winding through dense forest. Until your foot cramps on the clutch from constantly shifting up and down. Until you get dizzy from the many curves and long for at least twenty meters of dead straight asphalt. Actually, that would be enough excitement, but then the last wild descent begins.
In hairpin curves it goes up the last hill and then …steeply downhill. In curves, tight, tightest. No guardrails. Slopes into the deep void. No view of what’s waiting around the bend. Nothing? Oncoming traffic? A giant tour bus that fills the entire width of the street?
The view during the drive to Sa Calobra: The Tramuntana Mountains in Mallorca.Rough and adventurous: the northeast coast of Mallorca.
Sa Calobra: The most winding approach to Mallorca
The serpentine road to Sa Calobra is not fun for every driver. But an adventure it is all the same! And once down in Sa Calobra, the Torrent de Pareis looks a lot more spectacular. You suddenly feel tiny in the face of the huge gorge.
Only something for safe drivers: The serpentines down to the Torrent de Pareis have it in themselves!No shade, giant pebbles – but the huge rocks on the right and left make the beach of Sa Calobra unique
The winding road above is really the only way to get to Sa Calobra by land. However, if you are not so adventurous, you can take a boat from Soller. Round trip costs 30 euros together.
Without car to Sa Calobra
By Bus
If you don’t dare to go down to Sa Calobra by car, then join a bus tour! There are some operators who include Sa Calobra in really nice day trips and where you get to know many other beautiful corners of the island in just one day.
This tour, for example, also includes a ride on the legendary Red Lightning, the historic wooden train from Palma to Sóller! This ticket alone normally costs 18 euros, so the price of the tour is worth it!
There are also some organized boat tours that go to the bay of Sa Calobra from surrounding ports. There you also have the opportunity to see the Torrent de Pareis during a short stay.
Esporles is a charming little village tucked at the foot of the stunning Serra Tramuntana. It offers a genuinely authentic Mallorca experience! Not many tourists venture here, which makes it all the more special. Hopefully, you’ll be lucky enough to visit during a market day in Esporles. That’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the true essence of Mallorcan village life and enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere.
Colorful: The market in Esporles.
Esporles in Mallorca: The farmer’s market
A brief visit to one of the many markets on Mallorca is enough to realize that foodies get their money’s worth here. Every village, no matter how small, has its own market during the week. Often, you will find stands from local vendors who sell products from their own finca.
The weekly market in Esporles is one of the most beautiful on the island.Typical: The spicy Sobrassada.Mallorcan cuisine features ingredients like stockfish and pickled olives.
The fertile Mallorcan soil combined with the nearly always shining sun creates ideal growing conditions. Lemon and orange trees are found throughout the island, along with all other essentials for a healthy Mediterranean diet: olives, juicy tomatoes, dried fruits, fresh fish, and huge watermelons. The list seems endless!
Market day is always a special occasion in remote villages. Not only can you find much fresher fruits and vegetables than at the local supermarket, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to catch up on the latest village gossip—or simply enjoy a relaxed chat with your neighbors over a lovely café con leche. It’s such a warm and friendly way to connect, especially for the older villagers who might not get many chances to leave the village.
When is market day in Esporles? When is market in Mallorca?
In Mallorca, every day is market day. There’s always some small village that’s holding a market. Large markets, like the one on Sundays in Santa Maria, are popular because of their size and variety, but it’s the small markets, like this one on Saturdays in Esporles, that are especially charming.
I really enjoy the smaller markets in the countryside the most; however, if you’re just visiting the capital, Palma, for a few days, you’ll also discover many wonderful opportunities to shop for authentic Mallorcan products there.
