Porto Cristo

History & Culture in Porto Cristo

Porto Cristo's history

Porto Cristo means “Port of Christ” and the small fishing town was given its name when a boat with a crucifix washed up on the beach at the time of the Christian invasion. Once the port for Manacor, Porto Cristo was the only place in Mallorca to be caught up in the Spanish Civil War, when it was briefly captured by Republican forces in 1936. 

Porto Cristo's surrounding area is famous for its many archaeological finds, including the prehistoric burial sites of Sa Gruta and Son Moro. Within the town, a Roman Basilica can be found on Avinguda de Joan Amer and remnants of a Roman port dwell behind the existing harbour, where a few years ago remains of a Roman ship were discovered.

Tourism

The late 20th century saw more tourists visiting the area but the town has managed to retain much of its original charm.

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in Porto Cristo

Dragon Caves

The Cuevas del Drach or Dragon Caves are the most illustrious attraction in the area. These calcareous formations were created more than 11 and 5.3 million years ago, during the Miocene era. Within the caves is Lake Martel, said to be one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Each day there are visits to the cave, which consist of a tour and come complete with a classical music performance on the lake. 

The more modest Cuevas dels Hams, named after the Mallorquin word for ‘fishhooks’ due to the shape of its stalactites and stalagmites, are also nearby.

Links to the sea

Within the town itself, one of the most beautiful buildings is the old church of the ‘Mare de Deu del Carme’, named after the patron saint of seafarers. The mermaid statue in Calle Ses San Jorge is also worth taking a look at. To the south of the town, on the coastline, the ancient watchtower of Torre des Falcons stands tall dominating the landscape. It dates back to 1577 and sits above a hidden cave, making it a point of interest for explorers.

See our Main Attractions

Beaches in Porto Cristo

The main beach in Porto Cristo is small but rather lovely and has sun loungers and pedaloes for hire. It can get quite busy in the summer months, luckily, the east coast of Mallorca has plenty of small sheltered sandy beaches and coves to enjoy. We would recommend visiting the nearby beaches of Cala Anguila, Cala Mendia and Cala Romantica.

See our Beach Guide

Dining in Porto Cristo

There is a wide range of cuisines on offer at Porto Cristo's restaurants, from local fare made with regional produce to international specialities.

Traditional Mediterranean fare is widely available, including paella and fresh seafood, alongside more international dishes such as pasta, ceviche, and Asian-inspired creations. Many restaurants feature terraces overlooking the harbour, perfect for al-fresco dining, while casual cafés provide relaxed settings with elevated street food and fusion dishes. The combination of scenic locations, diverse menus, and friendly service makes the area appealing for both visitors and locals seeking everything from simple, hearty meals to more inventive culinary experiences.

See our Where to Eat

Events in Porto Cristo

Along with many of the towns and villages on the island, Porto Cristo hosts an array of festivals and fairs throughout the year. 

One of the village's most popular events is the Festes del Carme in July, featuring concerts, markets, family entertainment and usually ending with a bang in the form of fireworks and Correfoc.

The Sant Antoni festival is another event to watch out for. On 16 January locals light bonfires and cook ‘botifarrons’ (locally made blood sausages) while singing and devil dancing take place. On 17 January, a parade is held in the streets followed by a blessing of animals by the local priest.

Things to do in Porto Cristo

Porto Cristo's location make it a lovely get-away-from-it-all resort appealing to families and those seeking a relaxing holiday in the sun. There are numerous activities based around the sea such as boat trips and watersports, plus there's a couple of golf courses nearby, and many more attractions for the family. 

Shopping

Being a sleepy fishing village, there isn’t much to offer in the way of shops except for a few convenience stores where you can pick up your holiday essentials. Sundays is market day in Porto Cristo, but be sure to head down early. If you're keen to indulge in some good high-street or designer shopping, Manacor is just down the road and is easy to access by public transport.

See our Activities Guide

Holidays Rentals in Porto Cristo

Short-term rental accommodation in Porto Cristo offers a variety of options for visitors seeking flexibility and local charm. Many properties are apartments or townhouses near the harbour or beachfront, ideal for enjoying coastal views and easy access to cafés, restaurants, and shops. Some rentals feature terraces or balconies, perfect for dining al fresco, while others include private pools or shared community facilities. For those seeking tranquillity, there are also villas tucked slightly away from the centre, often with gardens and sea or countryside views. These rentals cater to families, couples, and groups looking for a home-away-from-home experience.

Hotels in Porto Cristo

Porto Cristo offers a range of accommodation, mostly small to medium-sized hotels that blend comfort with a relaxed, coastal vibe. Many are located close to the harbour or beachfront, providing easy access to the sea, local cafés, and shops. Expect a mix of modern and traditionally styled properties, some with swimming pools, terraces, or gardens where guests can unwind. A number of hotels also offer family-friendly amenities, while others cater to couples seeking a quieter retreat. Overall, the town’s hotels provide a convenient and pleasant base for exploring the east coast of Mallorca.

How to get to Porto Cristo

By car

By car, it takes just under an hour to get to Porto Cristo from the airport. Follow the Ma-19 towards Palma then take Ma-30 towards Inca before hopping on the Ma-15 towards Manacor. Then take the Ma-4020 all the way to Porto Cristo. Alternatively book a private transfer to take the stress out of driving yourself from the airport.

By public transport

There is a direct bus that travels between the airport and Porto Cristo a few times per day and takes around an hour. 

See our Getting Here Guide