Bays & fishing villages of Majorca
Majorca has a profusion of bays and fishing villages dotted around its 300- kilometre coastline, ranging from the huge and popular resorts of Magaluf and Palma Nova in the south to Alcudia in the north, as well as numerous secluded bays and fishing villages on the island’s northeastern and eastern coasts.
Majorca has good road networks, with links to most areas along the island’s coastline and if you are looking for peace and quiet, a typical drive around the island will reveal picturesque bays and fishing villages, tiny coves, chic resorts with marinas and endless panoramic views.
Popular bays and fishing villages around Majorca
Southwestern bays: Palma Nova and Magaluf are the busiest and best known on the island and every summer attract millions of tourists who come to sample the party atmosphere and brilliant beaches. If you are looking for some peace and quiet, nearby Illetes has a couple of pretty little coves backed with pine trees, while over the peninsular the bays of Santa Ponça and Costa de la Cama are quieter than Magaluf.
Northwest bays and villages: such as the quaint villages of Estellencs and Bañalbufar, with their irresistible rocky coves and beaches, are popular, while Valldemossa’s port lies in a small bay with a short but increasingly popular stretch of sand. Nearby Deia and Soller also boast charming coves and farther north is Sa Calobra, with its outstanding secluded bay.
Northeast bays and villages: including Alcudia, the undisputed king of the north, have all the facilities of the south, yet they are not quite so rowdy. The waters here are perfect for swimming and especially safe for kids. C’an Picafort also basks in Alcudia Bay and is popular with Germans visitors, while the Pollenca’s beaches to the north of Alcudia are popular with British tourists.
Cap de Formentor: occupies the peninsular of the northernmost reaches of Majorca. Cap de Formentor can be considered remote and is very appealing with its pinewoods and secluded coves. In this region of Majorca there are many bays and villages that are worth exploring and an abundance of wildlife, while golf and horseback riding can also be enjoyed.
Southeast bays and villages: offer a traditional, coastal Spanish way of life, but more and more of these bays are being reinvented as tourist resorts.
Cala Millor and Cala Bona: are the busiest bays on the east coast and they have an array of attractions. Cala Millor boasts a popular safari park for kids and an excellent selection of shops, bars and restaurants, while nearby Cala Bona is linked to Cala Millor by a lovely promenade which also runs south towards the purpose built resort of Sa Coma. The blue flag beach at Sa Coma has a gently sloping shelf and it is safe for children.
Farther south is the important bay of Porto Cristo, with its attractive marina and nearby Cuevas del Drac (Dragon Caves), which attract a large number of tourists with their massive caverns, stalactites and stalagmites, and subterranean lakes.
Cala d’Or: lying south of Porto Cristo, is the most elegant and stylish resort on the east coast, a far cry from its early fishing village days. One thing hasn’t changed though, and that is the village’s idyllic setting on the picturesque harbour. Again, mainly catering for families with children, Cala d’Or has several secluded bays to choose from and a wealth of accommodation options.
Cala Mondragó: is truly an unspoilt bay backed by pine trees and little human activity; this is one of the most idyllic spots on the island.
Illa de Cabrera and Sa Dragonera: are both national parks that lie off the south and southeast coasts of Majorca respectively. There are several daily boat trips from Palma to the islands or you can take your own boat. People come here mainly to see the wildlife, but there are some beautiful bays where privacy is virtually guaranteed. If you want to visit Cabrera, you will need permission first if you intend to moor your boat in its harbour.
