Cala Mayor Holidays

The beach is the focus of life in Cala Mayor - and it couldn't be lovelier. A beautiful stretch of golden sand, with coconut-palm sunshades, it is lapped by turquoise waters and tucked into a sheltered bay. There are lots of restaurants, cafés and bars to choose from, or you could hop on the bus to reach the centre of Palma in just a few minutes. There's lots to see and do in the area, whether you fancy a day at the big shopping centre in Portopí, or want to visit Joan Miró's studio, part of the outstanding Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation, which occupies a fantastic hilltop position.

As a family resort the nightlife in Cala Mayor is suited to quiet drinks over dinner, or entertainment provided in hotels. For bright lights and adult-oriented nightlife make for the well known resort of Magaluf, which has a dazzling choice of bars and clubs, and is perfect for a night out with groups of friends. Or you could head to Palma Nova for karaoke nights, dinner shows and family-themed entertainment.  For something different, you could spend the evening sipping cocktails at the fancy marina at Puerto Portals, or head into the centre of Palma, where you can take your pick from stylish rooftop bars to fantastic beachfront nightclubs.

Cala Mayor is perfect for a relaxing, romantic holiday in the sunshine. The beach is one of the prettiest on the island, with golden sands, turquoise waters and picture-postcard cliffs, making an idyllic backdrop for romance. You’ll find plenty to do, whether you simply want to laze on the beach and top up your tan, or try your hand at water sports, or head into the enchanting island capital of Palma for a stroll around its pretty streets. There are plenty of bars, cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic drink or meal, with many more in neighbouring resorts or in Palma.

There are scores of outstanding historic sights and museums in the island capital of Palma, which is just 3 miles from Cala Mayor. The spectacular Gothic cathedral, which overlooks the waterfront, is one of the most striking monuments, but you could also visit the Royal Palace and a clutch of interesting museums. Palma has a fantastic museum of contemporary art, set in a 16^th-century bastion which affords amazing views from its rooftop, as well as the amazing Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation, which combines galleries full of the artist’s world-renowned artworks as well as visit to his studio. Further afield, you could take the pretty vintage train to Soller, or visit the monastery at Valldemosa where Chopin and Georges Sand once wintered.

The beach is not big at Cala Mayor, but it’s got everything you need for an enjoyable holiday by the sea. You may be sharing it with the Spanish royal family, whose summer residence, the Marivent Palace, enjoys a fantastic clifftop setting overlooking the bay. Just 3 miles from the centre of Palma, the beach boats fine sand, a shallow slope and pristine waters, making it a good option for families. There’s a café right on the beach, plus several more within a few minutes’ walk. The calm sea is good for paddle boarding and kayaking, and you can rent equipment from local suppliers. The rocky coastline is great for snorkelling and there are lots of small coves to explore nearby, including the Cala Guix and the Cala Fornaris.

The beach at Cala Mayor is ideal for families, shelving gently and set in a sheltered bay. There are pedaloes and kayaks for rent, and you’ll find more options for other water sports in Cala Nova and other nearby beaches. Kids might enjoy a visit to the Bellver Castle, now a history museum, but blessed with amazing views and fantastic ramparts to scramble over. There are several water parks in the area, particularly around Palma Nova and Magaluf, and kids might also enjoy the dolphin shows and other aquatic exhibits in Marineland. The ancient streets of Palma are mainly pedestrianized and perfect for kids to run through, and you’ll find lots of family-friendly cafés overlooking the city’s charming squares.

The sheltered bay of Cala Mayor is perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking, but if you’re looking for more of an adrenaline kick you’ll find a wider selection of water sports available in adjoining Cala Nova and other beaches. You can rent a jet-ski, give water-skiing or sailing a go, or try wind-surfing or even fly boarding. There are also lots of suppliers who can arrange diving excursions across the island, particularly to the popular diving sites around Santa Ponsa. Inland, there are some superb hikes, especially through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, plus some outstanding golf courses to try.