Calvia

Traditional rural town in the south-west of Mallorca

featured in Towns & Villages Updated 12 June 2025

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.

The town was founded in 1249 with 80 inhabitants, it had a population of 3000 in 1960 before the tourist boom, and rose to 11,560 by 1980. 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. While 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.

While most expats live in the coastal areas of the region, 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.

History & Culture in [locality]

There is evidence that the area where Calvia resides was originally a settlement dating back to 2000 BC. It has been an agricultural town since, and many of the current buildings date back to the 17th century. The church of Sant Joan Baptista is the most iconic building in town, built around the remains of a 13th-century temple.

See our History Guide

Events in [locality]

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. The festival of Sant Jaume takes place for a week around the 25th 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.

Dining in [locality]

The town of Calvia only has a few restaurants servicing mainly the town’s residents. Meson Ca'n Torrat features an authentic rustic vibe and serves homemade Mallorcan cuisine. It has a cosy terrace full of historical artefacts from around the village. On the other hand, if you are looking for some home comforts, head to Bistro Rosita’s for some British food. It’s particularly famous for its fish & chips.

Barretes Restaurant at Ca's Xorc

Located in Soller

Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat is home to an abundance of delicious fresh and local food such as a selection of fruit and vegetables, fish, red shrimp, lamb and Iberico pork. The chef at Ca's Xorc interprets this local, Mediterranean cuisine in a modern and creative manner.
Sa Magrana Restaurant

Located in Llucmajor

This award-winning restaurant offers creative, fresh-from-the-market cuisine.
La Bodega Restaurant

Located in Cala d'Or

This traditional Spanish restaurant is situated within the heart of Cala d'Or and has a phenomenal reputation for providing fantastic food, service and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
SoY Asian Kitchen and Bar

Located in Cala d'Or

The little Asia of Mallorca, where the spices of Asia meet the local products of the nearby surroundings.
Noir Mallorca Café

Located in Cala d'Or

Welcome to Noir, your go to food bar in the heart of Cala D'or, Mallorca. Open from 09:00 to 23:00, they offer all-day breakfast, brunch, and a great selection of coffee, tea and wine.
La Pappa Restaurant

Located in Cala d'Or

Enjoy the taste of Italy at La Pappa. They serve delicious homemade pasta and Neapolitan pizzas, crafted with care and tradition. Their Italian desserts and ice creams are also made in-house, offering a true taste of Italy.

Things to do in [locality]

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. You are on the doorstep to the excellent hiking and cycling trails in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. 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.

Sunset Boat Trip

Located in Port de Soller

Enjoy an evening cruise along the northwest Mallorcan coastline aboard one of a selection of 50ft vessels, as the mountains transform from pink to orange to red.
Sailing Boat Trip (Hanse 458)

Located in Port de Soller

Full-day or half-day boat trip aboard the eye-catching Hanse 458 – sure to impress every guest on board
Sunset boat trip

Located in Port de Pollenca (Puerto Pollensa)

Shared or private sunset sailing trip with swimming and snorkelling.
Boat adventure & speedboat coast challenge

Located in Port de Soller

Choose between two thrilling ways to explore Mallorca’s stunning coastline. Enjoy a guided boat adventure swimming in hidden lagoons and sea caves, or test your team’s skills and adrenaline in a competitive speedboat coast challenge packed with exciting activities.
Sailing and Swimming Day Boat Trip

Discover Mallorca’s stunning coastline from the water with a full-day sailing trip to Cap Formentor or the untouched beauty of Parc Natural Llevant—accessible only by boat.
Coastal boat trip

Located in Palma de Mallorca

Enjoy a fantastic day at sea and exploring secluded coves and beaches aboard a typical yacht from the Balearic Islands, "El Gordito".

Hotels in [locality]

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.

Finca Hotel Son Malero, just 1 kilometre from the centre of Calvia, is a rural finca with a timeless, home-away-from-home ambience. It attracts people looking for a relaxing rural escape and features an outdoor swimming pool. Cars and bicycles are also available to rent from the front desk. A bit further away, Son Boronat Hotel is set in a beautiful sandstone country house with cosy interiors. It is surrounded by attractive gardens and features a lovely outdoor swimming pool.

Son Julia Country House Hotel

Located in Llucmajor

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.

9 August 20257 Nights
Price: €3,570
Santa Clara Urban Spa & Hotel

Located in Palma de Mallorca

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.

9 August 20257 Nights
Price: €2,737
Finca Son Jorbo Hotel, Porreres

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

Located in Soller

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

Located in Banyalbufar

Son Bunyola Hotel offers an intimate stay, providing the perfect base to explore Mallorca’s vineyards, olive groves, and charming countryside.
La Goleta Hotel

Located in Port de Pollenca (Puerto Pollensa)

This wonderful beach-front hotel has a maritime theme with its name 'Goleta' meaning schooner in Catalan.

How to get to [locality]

By car
Calvia is just under a 30-minute drive from Palma airport. Head towards Palma along the Ma-19, then use the Ma-20 ring road around the city before getting on the Ma-1 towards Andratx. Take exit 13 towards Calvia/Palmanova and then travel along the Ma-1015 all the way to Calvia town.

Public transport
There is no direct bus to Calvia from the airport. Take bus number 1 from the airport to Palma’s Plaça d'Espanya and then TIB bus, 111 which travels a few times per day to Calvia and connects the town to the popular resort of Santa Ponsa.

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.
Janer Bus Airport Transfers

The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
Balearic Airport Transfers

This transfer company offers cheap and reliable Airport Transfers to all destinations in Mallorca with official vehicles and professional drivers.
Majorca Taxis Company Transfers

Multilingual company offering transfers from the airport to your destination.
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.
Shuttle Spain Transfers

With offices in Alcudia and the airport, Majorca Airport Transfers has a large fleet of taxis, minibuses and coaches to suit all group sizes.