© [J.Rains]
© [J.Rains]
© seemallorca.com
© seemallorca.com
© seemallorca.com
© seemallorca.com
© seemallorca.com
© seemallorca.com
© [J.Rains]
© [J.Rains]
© [J.Rains]
Rare bay tucked inside steep cliffs and a rocky gorge on Mallorca’s north-west coast
One of Mallorca’s most talked about treasures, Sa Calobra, forms an unusual cove found at the head of a gorge of the Torrent de Pareis. It’s curious location and dramatic surroundings have inspired artists for many years and still do today.
Here, you will find two separate areas of beach. Whether you arrive on foot, bicycle or by water… Sa Calobra first presents a small 30m stony beach, engulfed by local restaurants serving great and simple beach food. Follow the paved path to the right and you will come to a short, narrow, and well-lit tunnel only accessible on foot. This 1-kilometre burrow leads you to the main attraction at the head of the Torrent de Pareis.
A 30-metre narrow entrance to the seashore sits between theatrical high cliffs on a bed of gravelly sand. A stream separating this area from the rest runs behind here, bordering a much larger stony area beyond.
Unsurprisingly given its remote location, there are no facilities on offer here so bring something comfortable to sit or lie on. There are however a good selection of bars and restaurants, public toilets, and a First Aid point back at the initial pebbly bay of Sa Calobra.
The journey to Sa Calobra is half the attraction and not for the faint hearted. With a relentless 9.5km climb (beating even some of the more enthusiastic cyclists), the route to Sa Calobra is considered one of the most iconic cycling routes in the world and a must-do for energetic cyclists. Once you’ve made it there, enjoy relaxing and a sense of escapism amongst the exceptional and one-off surroundings… and remember to bring your own beer for a bucket list sunset photo!
The water is a wonderful blue-green colour and perfectly clear. Several boats come to anchor here for the day in the deep water and although the water is calm and marked with buoys, no lifeguards are on duty here, neither is it a quick retreat or ideal for anyone wanting to leave in a hurry.
Whilst there is only a very small section of sandy gravel by the water’s edge, the stony pebbles making up the rest of the beach don’t seem to deter many of the locals, nor do the seasonal jellyfish. The dramatic setting and exclusivity this beach offers, far outweighs the less comfortable flooring. Both areas of beach are kept very clean and well maintained despite their popularity.
Although there are no water sports available here (unless you happen to be friends with one of the private superyachts often anchored in the bay…) the area is superb for snorkelling with all the surrounding rockery and their resident Mediterranean fish.
The best way to get to Sa Calobra by far, is by boat! Catch a passenger boat from Port de Soller or naturally, why not charter your own…? It’s worth hiking down through the Torrent de Pareis in the cooler off-season, but most visitors arrive by car or bus.
Year round, Sa Calobra receives busloads of tourists making their way up and down the windy hairpin-bend lanes. The mountain roads are a challenging drive or cycle, but with 5* knockout views and well worth your time. The twisty, narrow, and steep road takes about an hour from the junction off the Ma-10. Try to time your journey to avoid the descending morning busloads, and again on their way back up in the afternoon. Similarly, if you aren’t confident in overtaking hundreds of cyclists, you can always join the busloads and spectate from an elevated coach.
Spacious five-bedroom villa with private heated pool, classic Mallorcan features, and a wealth of thoughtful facilities.
Perched atop the scenic hills of Mallorca, Villa Mitrana offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and natural beauty. This exquisite retreat provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the verdant landscapes that define the island's charm. Designed to accommodate up to six guests, it is the epitome of sophisticated comfort.
Historic four-bedroom villa with a unique bedroom set in a turret, private heated pool, and stunning coastline views.
Located in the highly sought-after area of La Font, at the foot of the stunning UNESCO Tramuntana mountains in Pollensa, Villa Esquina is just a 15-minute walk from the beautiful historic town of Pollenca and a 10-minute drive from the Port of Pollenca and surrounding beaches, making it ideal for large families or two families with children. This stunning family holiday home has 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 3 balconies with amazing views of the surrounding area and a large heated saltwater pool (15 metres long).
Eu Forat is located right in the centre of Pollença old town, right in the heart of all the action.
This elegant villa, set within the private Son Bunyola Estate, combines modern comforts with a serene atmosphere to ensure a truly relaxing holiday in Mallorca.
Son Bunyola Hotel offers an intimate stay, providing the perfect base to explore Mallorca’s vineyards, olive groves, and charming countryside.
If you're looking for a perfect hideaway from your usual routine, then this lovely 15th century Mallorcan manor is the place to escape to.
Run by a German couple and set in a rural location in central Mallorca with views over the local countryside and mountains, Finca Son Jorbo offers style and comfort in a restored 17th century country house. With the convenience of bed and breakfast and the added benefit of fully equipped self-catered apartments, Finca Son Jorbo is the perfect combination.
This charming hotel is located in the historical old town, in the very heart of Palma de Mallorca. It is within easy walking distance of attractions such as the 10th century Arab baths and Palma's breathtaking gothic Cathedral.
Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat is the place to stay if you're looking for somewhere that's rich in history but with all the modern amneties. Breathtaking views, gourmet cuisine and a relaxing environment, the ideal place for a peaceful stay in a beautiful location.
Son Siurana is a beautifully refurbished farmhouse that is close to the sandy beaches of Alcudia and Pollensa. Its location on the slope of a hill dominates the landscape and has wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.
The Torrent de Pareis is one of the most impressive gorge walks in the Mediterranean and without a doubt the most sought after hiking tour in Mallorca.
Es Vergeret Restaurant, set within the historic farmstead of Es Vergeret, is a welcoming destination for lovers of traditional Mallorcan cuisine. Established forty-five years ago and thoughtfully updated over time, the restaurant offers a charming blend of rustic character and modern comfort. Situated in the secluded Cala Tuent on the northwest coast of Mallorca, it boasts a large terrace where diners can take in sweeping views of the turquoise cove, the surrounding mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana, and the island’s native vegetation.
Do not believe anyone who tells you that they have discovered the perfect unspoilt cove on the west coast - unless of course the name is Sa Calobra. This is indeed a beautiful spot, which is why tour buses pour in by the dozen every day, even in winter.
Mallorca's most sacred site - a former monastery in a spectacular setting in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains to the north west of Mallorca.
Housed in a wonderful Modernist building, Can Prunera was built in the early 20th century and the museum was opened on 24 August 2009. The vast majority of works on display at this museum belong to the Fundació d’Art Serra.
The vintage carriages are still in use, providing a fantastic opportunity for tourists, and a relief for locals from the terrors of the old Palma-Soller road.
Sóller is a botanist’s and enthusiast’s paradise. The Botanical garden is found in a country estate known as “Camp d’En Prohom”, on the outskirts of Sóller. Its primary purpose is to preserve rare or endangered species of the Balearics, and is the result of many years of study and hard work, and now hosts one of Spain’s most extensive wild flora seed banks.
This museum is a naturalist entity dedicated to exhibiting and conserving the natural heritage of the Balearic Islands and making the general public aware of the importance of its preservation.
Par72 offers luxury golf experiences in Mallorca hosted by British PGA Professional Jamie Knight.
The Bendinat Royal Golf Course is magnificently situated 7 kilometres west of Palma, in an extensive wooded valley and in the heart of the Bendinat Housing Estate.
This is a private 9-hole golf course just a few meters from the Rotana Hotel. The course is reserved for hotel and restaurant guests.
This golf course lies 10 km north of Palma de Mallorca. Designed by Harris Group & Josè Rodriguez, the course opened in 1998.
Looking to play golf by the sea, then Alcanada might be the course for you. It's situated in the north of Mallorca on the peninsula of Alcudia. The golf course opened in 2003 and was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
This is a private, family-run, members' golf club, set in 156 hectares of beautiful Mediterranean landscape. Recently included in the new Rolex World’s Top 1,000 Golf Courses Guide, Son Gual is also Rafa Nadal’s favourite course on the island. It's a challenging course, even for the most seasoned golfers, making it one of the most talked about courses in Mallorca.
Fornalutx, at the top of the Sóller Valley and deep within the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, calls itself the prettiest village in Spain and it's hard to disagree!
Port de Sóller is a picturesque little village situated in a large horseshoe bay on the west coast of Mallorca. The seaside retreat was, until recently, one of the island's best-kept secrets. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and overlooking the sea, it is one of the few places on the island where you get both stunning scenery and breathtaking views. Being on the west coast, it's also one of the best spots to catch a beautiful Mallorcan sunset.
Set in a lush valley of orange groves between the mountains and the sea, Sóller has been popular with day trippers for some time. Arriving on the vintage train from Palma there is plenty of taking things easy, sitting outside the cafés in Plaça Constitució soaking up the atmosphere and the sun. With several tapas bars, a fine selection of pastry shops, local ice-cream, and freshly made drinks, there is little temptation to move on.
Set deep within the Tramuntana mountain range of the west of Mallorca, Orient is one of the most remote villages in Mallorca.
Alaro is a quiet traditional Mallorcan town burrowed in a peaceful valley south of the Serra de Tramuntana. Many of the streets feature the blonde stone architecture, typical of the traditional mountain villages on the island, making it a pretty place to visit.
You could easily miss Mallorca's smallest village, which consists of little more than a bend in the Deia to Soller road.
Find out all about what is happening in Mallorca and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see, and experience on the island.
See allLatest News & ReviewsThe island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.
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