Calvia
Traditional rural town in the south-west of Mallorca
Calvia town is the administrative centre for the southwestern region of Mallorca. The region is said to be the richest municipality in Spain. It hit the jackpot when tourists discovered the nearby beaches, and developments like Magaluf and Palma Nova were built.
A world away from the coastal developments, here life continues as before the tourist boom. Calvia town remains a truly pretty place, with ochre-coloured houses, a handful of shops and bars, and chickens scrambling between the olive trees. The town is dominated by the church of Sant Joan Baptista, built in the late 19th century around a 13th-century original. Nearby, a fountain and a ceramic mural tell its history. Whilst in many ways, Calvia is still a modest Mallorcan village, the sparkling new town hall and sports stadium do hint at the area’s success. Still, it's hard to believe you are only a few kilometres away from the bustling resorts of Magaluf and Palma Nova.
Most expats live in the coastal areas of the region, and those seeking a more authentic Mallorcan experience choose Calvia town. With such a high number of foreigners having settled in the region, the town hall runs regular Spanish language lessons which are free for residents.
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History & Culture in Calvia
Calvia's early history
Archaeological evidence shows that the area was inhabited during the Talaiotic period (roughly 1300–800 BC), when early communities built stone towers, defensive walls and farmed the surrounding land. These structures, known as talaiots, can still be found scattered across the municipality.
During Roman rule, Calvià’s fertile land and coastline were used for agriculture, trade and small settlements. The Romans exploited the natural resources and established farms, villas and roads, some of which influenced the layout of later settlements.
In the Moorish period the area continued to be cultivated, with irrigation systems and farmland maintained by the local population. After King Jaume I of Aragon conquered Mallorca in the 13th century, the land was divided among Catalan settlers and nobles, with agriculture, livestock grazing and fishing forming the backbone of the local economy.
These layers of settlement shaped Calvià’s rural and coastal character long before the arrival of tourism.
Sights & Attractions in Calvia
History, architecture and culture in Calvia
The church of Sant Joan Baptista is the most iconic building in town, built around the remains of a 13th century temple.
Dining in Calvia
The town of Calvia only has a few restaurants servicing mainly the town’s residents, serving homemade Mallorcan cuisine.
Restaurants in Calvia
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Son Braho Farm
Delicious freshly prepared foods using locally sourced farm produce and seasonal ingredients to create healthy and nutritionally balanced meals. Enjoy their selection of food at home, on your hikes, on your boat… or anywhere in between.
Events in Calvia
Weekly market
Calvia’s traditional weekly market takes place on Mondays. It’s the best time to visit as the town comes to life. Market stall owners sell a selection of clothes, fresh fruit and vegetables and some traditional arts and crafts.
Religious festivals
The festival of Sant Jaume takes place for a week around 25 July and is one of the towns biggest events! A jam-packed schedule of events is organized for both adults and children, combining cultural and leisure activities with sports and religion.
Events in Mallorca
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American Car Show Port Adriano
The vibrant American Car Festival is set to take over the central square of Port Adriano.
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Algaid'Art Fair
The streets fo the small town of Algaida turn into a giant open-air art gallery for one night in September.
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Deia International Music Festival
In 1978, a group of professional and amateur musicians came together under the name ‘Paramusical Workshop' and began performing concerts in Llucalcari and the Deià church. This marked the humble beginnings of what is today known as the Deià International Music Festival. The quality and quantity of the guest artists have been growing steadily ever since.
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Doggie Race at Port Adriano, El Toro
Port Adriano opens its doors to the Doggie Race a unique and family event where everybody will enjoy and where the pets will be the real protagonists.
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Festa des Vermar (Wine Fair), Binissalem
La Festa des Vermar is the annual grape harvest festival that includes parades, celebrations, grape-crushing competitions and a wine tasting contest. Don't miss the grape battle!
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Nit de l'Art
Palma hosts its Nit de l'Art every year in the middle of September. The museums and galleries of Palma open their doors to visitors for free during this evening.
Things to do in Calvia
You can enjoy the best of both worlds here. The town itself is worth just walking around to soak up the historic architecture and relax in an authentic Mallorcan setting.
Down the road, in the tourist resorts of Santa Ponsa, Magaluf and Palma Nova, you will find some of Mallorca’s best beaches along with a whole host of activities like golf, watersports and adventure theme parks.
Cycling in Calvia
Visitors here are on the doorstep to some excellent cycling routes.
Cycling Routes in Mallorca
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Palmanova to Santa Ponsa Cycling Route
A nice quiet route, if you stay away from the main roads and enjoy these resorts in a more laid back fashion.
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Santa Ponsa to Peguera Cycling Route
A fairly easy cycle with a few hills to get the lungs and heart going - be careful of the midday sun!
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Palma to S'Arenal Cycling Route
Enjoy a flat route by the sea that is completely on purpose made cycle paths so that it is safe for all the family to cycle. It takes you from the capital city of Palma to the beach resort area of Playa de Palma.
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Seeing Palma by bicycle
Palma is a really bike friendly city. The giveaway is the prominent red cycle route running all along the Paseo Maritimo and through the city centre. The weather is perfect for it too. Despite the obvious benefits of urban exploration on two wheels, Palma on Bike was my first experience of cycling in the capital.
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Cycling from Palma to Playa de Palma
On Saturday we hired bikes and set off on a hot afternoon to explore the beaches of Palma Bay. A shoreline cycle path runs from the northern end of Palma docks all the way to the resort S’Arenal in the south.
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S' Arenal to Capocorb Cycling Route
A flat road cycle but at a distance of 60km this could be a long ride for a beginner so be prepared!
Hiking in Calvia
If you're staying in the area, there are some great hikes that you can start from Calvia into the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
Walking Routes in Mallorca
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Beautiful Hike from Capdella to Puigpunyent
Puigpunyent is located on the south-west of the island. This walk provides some magnificient scenery without having to leave the road, which goes from Capdellà to Puigpunyent. The route takes in a series of ascents and descents, and cuts across woods and fields, with different views at each curve of the road.
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Galatzo- Mallorca's Matterhorn, Puigpunyent
From a distance this mountain looks like an impossible challenge, but the route is well graded with a handful of paths leading to its summit.
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Hike from Andratx to Castle of Sant Elm
Andratx is located in the south-west of Mallorca. From Andratx, the walk begins in the direction of S'Arracó, three kilometres away. A short rest in this delightful village gives you enough time for a visit to the parish church, where there is a statue of the Virgin "Our Lady of la Trapa".
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Camp de Mar to Sa Mola
Camp de Mar is a purpose built beach resort with a really lovely beach, located on the south-west coast of Mallorca. This walk takes you along the coast and then over to Port Andratx, with an optional continuation to Sa Mola on the peninsula.
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Ruta de Pedra en Sec GR221 – Dry Stone Route
This famous walk runs from Port d'Andratx, in the south-west of Mallorca, all the way to Port de Pollença, in the north-west, following ancient cobbled paths through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
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Short hike from Portals Vells to Cala Figuera lighthouse
Once again, using my trusted hiking book ‘Mallorca, the finest coastal and Mountain walks’ by Rolf Goetz, I found a wonderful coastal hike from Portals Vells to Cala Figuera Lighthouse. A lovely, short and relatively easy hike makes it a contender for the best year-round walk in Mallorca.
Holidays Rentals in Calvia
Staying in short-term rental accommodation in Calvia 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.
Hotels in Calvia
The village of Calvia is predominantly residential but there are a couple of rustic boutique-style hotels within close proximity. Various villas are available for private use and are perfect for large groups looking for a base away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist resorts but still within easy reach of their attractions.
Hotels in Calvia
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Castell Son Claret
First mentioned in 1450, this site consists of various properties united in the 18th century to form a 132-acres estate. The current buildings, reformed in the 19th century, have been lovingly restored in 2013 to open as a luxury hotel that includes beautiful gardens.
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Son Malero Finca Hotel
Located just one kilometre from the historical village of Calvià, in the valley formed by the mountain range of Tramuntana and Na Burguesa, this hotel is situated in a magnificent rural surrounding.
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St Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort Hotel
Set against the stunning Tramuntana mountains and the dazzling Mediterranean Sea, this elegant resort is an exquisite pièce de résistance embracing luxurious resort living and their signature butler service.
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Son Boronat Hotel
An idyllic and peaceful hotel, where you can enjoy a gastronomic experience in the beautiful patio surrounded by the more than 200 years old walls of the rural finca.
How to get to Calvia
By car
Car hire is an easy option in Mallorca and Calvia is just under a 30 minute drive from Palma airport. Alternatively, book a private transfer to take the hassle out of driving.
Public transport
There is no direct bus to Calvia 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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MajorCabDriver Taxis
The only British taxi driver in Mallorca, offering airport transfers to destinations throughout the island.
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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.
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Balearic Airport Transfers
This transfer company offers cheap and reliable Airport Transfers to all destinations in Mallorca with official vehicles and professional drivers.
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Majorca Taxis Company Transfers
Multilingual company offering transfers from the airport to your destination.
