© [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.
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.
Casa Coll stands proudly in the historical center of Pollensa, offering a wide array of shops restaurants, bars just a few steps away.
Located outside the town of Alcudia, this villa is big and spacious which is perfect for large families or groups travelling together.
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).
The holiday villa of "Villa Mala Garba" can be found in Pollensa - Majorca. This villa sleeps 6 people, and has 3 bedrooms. The villa has the following bedrooms: Double bedroom: this room comes with an en suite bathroom with corner bath; 2 twin bedrooms: both these rooms come with countryside views. Villa Mala Garba has 2 bathrooms.
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.
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.
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.
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 Bunyola Hotel offers an intimate stay, providing the perfect base to explore Mallorca’s vineyards, olive groves, and charming countryside.
Son Mas is located in a serene rural area, just inland from the coast. The hotel inhabits original 17th-century structures that belonged to a Mallorca posesió (farm), and the buildings have been lovingly restored and equipped with every creature comfort.
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.
Located in Cala Tuent, one of the few virgin coves on north west Mallorca, this restaurant has wonderful views of the sea and the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
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.
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.
The Son Muntaner golf course forms part of the Arabella golf complex in Son Vida, to the north west of Palma de Mallorca. Created in 2000 by Kurt Rossknecht, the course is considered one of the more challenging on Majorca. The fairways and the greens have carefully placed bunkers and some water hazards that require the golfer to place their shot as accurately as possible. With beautiful views down towards Palma and lush Mallorcan landscaping, Son Muntaner provides a glorious environment in which to play golf. The green fees are accordingly, on the high side.
Santa Ponsa Golf Club consists of two 18-hole and one 9-hole golf courses. More than just a golf club, it is a resort where you can buy villas & apartments so to have golf on your doorstep. Of the three courses, the 18-hole Santa Ponsa I is open to the public - Golf Santa Ponsa II & III are for members of the club only.
This golf club is located next to the sea in beautiful natural surroundings. The course was designed by John Harris and opened originally as a 9-hole course in 1967.
An 18-hole golf course, par 71, 5.539 m long from white tees. The course was designed by Bradford Benz and opened in 1985. It is situated close to Portocolom.
There are two courses at Son Antem Golf Club - the masterpieces of Francisco López Segalés, one of Spain’s leading course designers. Since 1990, he has designed courses in all the major resort areas of Spain. With Son Antem, Segalés has garnered rave reviews from professional golfers and vacationing ones alike.
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.
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.
See allUpcoming Events
