Cala Ratjada
Traditional beach resort in the north-east of Mallorca
Cala Ratjada is a resort that sits in the northeastern point of Mallorca. Extending around either side of the Punta de Capdepera peninsula, it boasts a scenic rocky coastline and, being the closest point in Mallorca to Menorca, it is possible to see Ciutadella on a clear day.
An old fishing port, the harbour and surrounding area retain a deep-rooted charm. In the summer, the restaurants, bars and other amenities create a hive of activity around the port and along the promenade stretching from Playa Son Moll to Cala Gat. The fine golden sandy beaches and pretty coves nearby make Cala Ratjada an appealing summer holiday destination, especially amongst German families. In winter, it virtually shuts down apart from a few permanent locals and a handful of bars open on the promenade.
History & Culture in Capdepera
Cala Ratjada's early history
Being the closest in distance to Menorca, the port in Cala Ratjada has played an important role in Mallorca’s economy. From the 17th century, it was a quiet fishing port specialising in skate fishery and lobster, and today still remains a working fishing port on the island.
Modern era and tourism
The early 20th century saw the first signs of tourism in this area, as many wealthy landowners from around the island began to spend their summers at the beaches surrounding Cala Ratjada. But it was from the 1960s onwards when the fishing village was transformed into a tourist haven.
Sights & Attractions in Capdepera
History, architecture and culture in Cala Ratjada
Above the harbour, you will find the Jardins Bartolomé March or Sa Torre Cega, owned by the same banking family as the Colecció March in Palma. The gardens contain a sculpture park with works by Rodin, Henry Moore and modern Catalan artists. They can only be visited by prior arrangement with the tourist office unless you attend a public event held here throughout the year.
If you fancy a bit of exercise, the 19th century lighthouse at Punta de Capdepera is a point of interest, and many tourists enjoy the leisurely hike to take a look at it. Here you are rewarded with views across to Menorca on a clear day.
Sights in Capdepera
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Capdepera Castle, Capdepera
Capdepera was founded in 1300 and it was by royal decree that a fortress was built in which to house the residents, to protect them from pirates. This walled town became known as Capdepera Castle.
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Sa Torre Cega
The Bartolome March Foundation have opened this wonderful house to the public, visits are by reservation only and consist of a guided tour.
Beaches in Capdepera
The beaches in Cala Ratjada are very popular because of their fine golden sand and crystal clear turquoise seas, ideal for soaking up the sun. You can also enjoy many watersports such as diving, water skiing, windsurfing and sailing. The main beach is Son Moll, located to the south of the harbour; it is 150m long (50m deep) and can get very busy during the summer months. The smaller beach of Cala Gat, to the east of the harbour, is equally popular. Other, quieter beaches can be found further north – try Cala Agulla or Cala Mesquida (you will need transport to reach this last beach). Read about our visit to the beaches of Son Moll and Cala Gat.
Beaches in Mallorca
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Cala Moll & Cala Gat Beach, Cala Ratjada
Cala Ratjada is a purpose built holiday resort in the north east of Mallorca, popular with northern Europeans. Cala Moll is the south of the resort and Cala Gat to the north.
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Cala Agulla Beach, Cala Ratjada
Surrounded by glorious pine forest and the mountains of the Llevant Natural Park, this scenic beach is around 500 metres long and 50 metres wide. Enjoying its ‘Blue Flag' status, Cala Agulla offers bright, fine sand and clear water with a turquoise hue. This beautiful spot attracts both tourists and locals alike with its wild beauty and combination of sand dunes, pine trees and desert plants.
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Cala Mesquida Beach, North-East Mallorca
Cala Mesquida is a fairly remote beach, located in the north-east of Mallorca, around 15km from Arta with lovely white sand and crystal-clear waters.
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Cala Torta Beach, North-East Mallorca
An idyllic bay situated between Cala Mesquida Beach and Cala Mitjana on the northeast coast of Mallorca.
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Canyamel Beach, North-East Mallorca
Canyamel beach gives visitors a small but perfectly formed, golden sandy beach within the quiet holiday resort of Canyamel.
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Cala Millor Beach, Cala Millor
The largest of 8 beaches in the region, this beach spans over a kilometre in length and is approximately 30 metres wide. Whilst it’s fairly busy during the summer months, if you can visit during their ‘off-season’, you’ll find a generous white sand beach with beautiful turquoise water.
Dining in Capdepera
There are more than enough restaurants to cater for a range of needs in Cala Ratjada. The cuisine is primarily Mediterranean in the form of a set menu and you can be assured that the atmosphere is lovely, warm and welcoming. You can expect delicious fish dishes, tapas, wonderful wine and beautiful views.
Restaurants in Capdepera
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Andreu Genestra Restaurant
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated within beautiful surroundings. The restaurant has a 6000m2 garden that supplies much of the produce used in the kitchen.
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Cases de Son Barbassa Restaurant
The restaurant at Cases de Son Barbassa Hotel is located in a glass covered terrace, where you can sample the Mediterranean cuisine with fresh and natural products, straight from the garden or the market, creating an imaginative and flavourful cuisine satisfying even the most demanding palate.
Events in Capdepera
Weekly market
Cala Ratjada has its own weekly market on Saturday mornings at Plaça del Pins.
Fetes and fiestas
In the third weekend of May, the neighbouring town of Capdepera puts on a spectacular medieval festival where you can buy local produce, be entertained by street performers and hear folk music played by local musicians and bands.
Mid-July is when the feast of the Carme is celebrated while mid-August sees the feast of Saint Roch. At these celebrations, you can expect street parties, live music and traditional rituals taking place.
Events in Mallorca
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Pollença Music Festival
Since the Festival de Pollença began in 1962 at the hands of distinguished English violinist Philip Newman, more than eight hundred of the finest artists have performed for us at the Claustre de Santo Domingo.
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Festes de Sant Bartomeu
The Festival Sant Bartomeu has a busy calendar of concerts, sporting competitions, art exhibitions.
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Festes de la Mare de Deu d'Agost, Sineu
Take a trip to the lovely town of Sineu to experience some authentic Mallorcan festivities in the Festes de la Mare de Deu.
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Sailing Week
Puerto Portals will host one of the most emblematic competitions in the nautical world.
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Nit de l'Art, Felanitx
Every summer, the lively market town of Felanitx becomes the centre of the art world in Mallorca. Art galleries and other spaces throughout town will be showing some of the best art on the island.
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Open-Air Cinema Nights
This summer, immerse yourself in the magic of cinema beneath the stars at one of Mallorca’s most exclusive locations, the terrace of the Castillo Hotel Son Vida.
Things to do in Capdepera
Thanks to its location in an old fishing port, Cala Ratjada is in many ways a world away from some of the typical Mallorcan tourist resorts. However, it has the whole package when it comes to ‘things to do’ we think of heading to the water for boat trips, that include dolphin and bird watching, plus watersports to suit everyone.
Trail running
Cala Ratjada is popular amongst trail runners. A well-known trail starting in Cala Ratjada runs through to Artà and then onto Canyamel. The total distance is 40km with a total ascent of 184m and a descent of 270m.
Golf
The resort of Cala Ratjada is an ideal location for keen golfers to set up base and try out the greens that Mallorca has to offer with nearby clubs in Capdepera, Canyamel, Pula and Son Servera.
Things To Do in Capdepera
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Ballooning Mallorca, Cala Ratjada
Take in the beautiful Island of Mallorca from the skies, and see spectacular views across to neighbouring Menorca and Cabrera.
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East Coast Sightseeing Horse Riding Excursion
This unforgettable excursion will take you through the mountains and the beach, to some of the most paradisiacal locations in Mallorca.
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Karakorum Adventure, Cala Ratjada
Karakorum offer hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and canyoning throughout Mallorca.
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Eddys Reitstall Horse Riding, Cala Ratjada
Something for everyone at this riding centre in the north east. They cater for beginners and advanced, with treks through pine forests and sandy trails. Children are welcome to learn too.
Cycling in Capdepera
With the Serra de Llevant right on your doorstep and the Serra de Tramuntana within reach, cycling enthusiasts are spoilt for choice. If you are looking for a more leisurely ride, there is a lovely route from the Cala Ratjada to the beach at Cala Mesquida. Road bikes and mountain bikes are available from various cycle hire shops in the resort.
Cycling Routes in Mallorca
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Cala Ratjada to Cala Mesquida Cycling Route
Although parts of this route can be tricky to negotiate for the less seasoned bikers it is worth the effort to enjoy the beautiful beaches.
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Cala Millor to Porto Cristo Cycling Route
A great way to explore this part of the coast and easy enough for the whole family to enjoy...especially with beach breaks along the way.
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Cycling C'an Picafort to Pollenca & Alcudia
100,000 cyclists cannot be wrong. Mallorca is one of the most popular and idyllic islands for cycling with it's plentiful flat farm roads and challenging hill climbs.
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Parque de S' Albufera Cycling Route
Combining nature, bird spotting and a bit of exercise with a cycle round the nature reserve by the holiday resort of Puerto Alcudia.
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Alcudia to La Victoria Cycling Route
An intermediate route for those used to climbing steeper sections of road on a bike, with stunning views of the coastline.
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Bahia de Pollensa Cycling Route
Beginner (or intermediate if you want to ride it at pace!) cycle route that uses the purpose built paths around the Alcudia area.
Hiking in Capdepera
With the Serra de Llevant mountain range right by Cala Ratjada, this resort is the perfect place to take a walk in the outdoors. The Serra de Llevant has peaks no higher than 500m but they are certainly enough to get the blood flowing. If you are looking for a gentle hike closer to Cala Ratjada, then there is a short walk uphill that takes you from the beach, through the woods, to the lighthouse at Punta de Capdepera
Walking Routes in Mallorca
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Walk from Capdepera to Lighthouse of Cala Ratjada
Capdepera is located in the far north-east of Mallorca. In the village of Capdepera itself, before beginning the hike, you can visit the gloriously restored Castle of Capdepera.
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Walk from Cala Agulla to Cala Mesquida
The east coast of Mallorca is well worth exploring with its blue flag beaches, Llevant Natural Park and hiking trails for all levels. There are several signposted walks which can be accessed from both Cala Mesquida and Cala Agulla.
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Hike from Arta to Hermitage of Betlem
Arta is located in the far north-east of Mallorca.
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GR222 Trail from Son Serra de Marina to Colonia de Sant Pere
This is a small part of the GR222 walking route which will eventually link Arta and the Llevant Peninsula with Lluc and the world heritage site that is the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
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Hike from Son Baulo to Son Serra de Marina
A beautiful 6km coastal hike from Can Picafort to Son Serra de Marina taking in stunning sea views, archaeological sites, deserted beaches, ecological areas and the occasional nudist.
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Coastal Walk from Son Baulo to Son Serra de Marina
A beautiful 6km coastal hike in the north of Mallorca taking in stunning sea views, archaeological sites, deserted beaches, ecological areas and the occasional nudist.
Holidays Rentals in Capdepera
Staying in short-term rental accommodation in Cala Ratjada gives you the freedom to enjoy the town at your own pace. Whether in the historic centre or near the mountains, it’s a relaxed and flexible base. With extra space and the option to cook or dine out, it’s ideal for a comfortable holiday. Large groups and families might find that one of the lovely rural fincas or modern villas available in this area appeals to their needs.
Holiday Rentals in Capdepera
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Son Tord Country House, Arta
Villa Son Tord, with its amazing rural location, great privacy and high quality finishing, is the perfect holiday villa for all those guests looking for peace and relaxation, yet being in close proximity to the pretty town of Arta and the sandy beaches of Cala Torta, Cala Ratjada etc.
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Comella Villa
Totally private, beautifully finished, uniquely located: in these 3 features lies the authentic soul of the spectacular Villa Comella. Perfectly located just 2km from Arta and 10km away from some of the best beaches of the island (such as Cala Torta, Cala Agulla, Cala Ratjada), sheltered by mature trees, surronded by more than 3000sqm of private gardens and built to an exceptionally high standard, Villa Es Comella is set to impress.
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La Corbaia Villa, Arta
Villa La Corbaia is a beautiful villa away from home perfectly located in the green, unspoilt countryside of Artà. Sleeping up to 6 guests in 3 spacious bedrooms (in two bedrooms upstairs, the downstairs bedroom has a fan), this villa provides superb views and easy access to the sandy beaches and golf courses of the region.
Price: €1,113
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Es Mirador Villa
Villa Es Mirador is located in Artà, Mallorca. This detached vacation rental property is air-conditioned and sleeps up to 6 people with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a private pool, it is quiet rural area near Arta , Mallorca.
Price: €812
Hotels in Capdepera
There are plenty of hotels around Cala Ratjada, many of which are resort hotels reasonably priced and ideal for families or bargain breaks.
Hotels in Capdepera
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Ca'n Moragues Hotel, Arta
The Ca´n Moragues hotel is located in an stately old house from the eighteenth century which has been restored and transformed into an exclusive small hotel with eight rooms.
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Sant Salvador Boutique Hotel, Arta
The hotel Sant Salvador in Arta is a special place for all kinds of people. Whether they would like to play golf (there are four golf courses within less than 15min) or for people who are looking for a peaceful place to stay.
Price: €1,358
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Jardi d'Arta Boutique Hotel
Surrounded by beautifully designed and well-maintained gardens, the hotel enjoys views of the impressive pilgrimage church of San Salvador.
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Lago Garden Apartsuites & Spa Hotel
The hotel is situated at 68 km from Palma Airport in the centre of Cala Ratjada, a small fishing village with beaches of fine sand, crystalline waters and a quiet, pleasant atmosphere.
Price: €2,933
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El Encinar de Arta Hotel
Restored with love in every detail, the 18th century country house lies on a hill approximately 5 km from the picturesque village Artà. Beautiful landscape, close to 4 golf courses, lovely beaches and nature reserves.
Price: €1,710
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Na Set Centes Finca Hotel, Arta
Located just a few kilometres from the ancient town of Artá, it is set in a land full of almond and fig trees. It is also situated only 5 minutes from some of the best golf courses in the island.
Price: €1,505
How to get to Capdepera
By car
Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and Cala Ratjada is around a 1h15 minute drive from Palma airport. Or take the worry out of getting from the airport and book a transfer.
Public transport
There is no direct buses from the airport.
Transfers for Mallorca
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Luxury Chauffeur Services & Airport Transfers
Experience luxury and convenience with this company. Arrive at your yacht charter, sunset tour or boat trip in unparalleled style in a Rolls Royce Ghost.
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Janer Bus Airport Transfers
The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
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Easy Majorca Taxi
A group of taxi drivers with many years of experience in the sector of airport transfers in Mallorca. You can book online in advance or call to book last-minute.
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Taxi PMI
Taxi PMI is the Association of Taxi Drivers of Palma de Mallorca, who provide visitors with an efficient and reliable airport transfer service, whilst also eliminating the need to stand in a queue and wait for the next available taxi.
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Majorca Taxis Company Transfers
Multilingual company offering transfers from the airport to your destination.
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Mallorca Private Airport Transfers
Great quality service at rates that are irresistible. This company exclusively transfer you around Mallorca without having to pay an excessive price.