Porto Colom
Traditional beach resort on the east coast of Majorca
This fishing village, once the port for Felanitx, was named in honour of Christopher Columbus, who is said - without much evidence - to have been born here. Popular with Mallorcan and Spanish visitors and set inside a deep natural harbour, Portocolom still has the feel of a small fishing port, with boats around the quay and pastel-coloured houses lining the Waterfront, each with its own landing-stage.
Until the late 19th century Porto Colom was busy supplying wine to France. The Felanitx district is famous for it’s wines, grown in the Pla & Llevant vineyards. But when phylloxera killed the vines just before the 20th century, Portocolom's role as a port diminished and it has only recently discovered a new life as a peaceful tourist resort.
The nearby town of Felantix was the birthplace of artist Miquel Barceló who has international fame for creating the installation on the UN Palace of Nations in Geneva in the Chamber of Human rights and Alliance of Civilizations.
When staying in Portocolom it is a great idea to hire a car to easily get around some of the other fantastic areas in the east - you could visit the Natural Park of Mondrago or the pretty sandstone village of Santanyi.
Beaches in [locality]
The most popular beach of Portocolom is Cala Marcal which lies to the south of the marina and village. It is a blue flag beach with very soft sands and water that is fairly shallow and which gradually deepens. It stretches 500m along the seafront to the south of the town. The beach is ideal for families as the sand slopes into the sea and so there is plenty of space for children to swim and play.
Other beaches around the area near the harbour are S’Arenal Grand and S’Arenal Petit which you'll find on the peninsula looking back towards Portocolom. A bit further afield are the beaches of S’Algar in the north and Cala Sa Nau in the south.
Beaches in Mallorca
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Cala Sa Nau Beach
Located 4.2 km away
Escape the crowds on the beaches of Cala d'Or by heading 3 km north to the bay of Cala Sa Nau. This relaxed beach is surrounded by pine trees and is very picturesque.
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Cala d'Or Beach
Located 6.5 km away
Spread over a continuous stretch of Mallorca’s southeast coastline, the beach resort of Cala d'Or is made up of several inlets and a group of beaches that can be found in smaller coves, more commonly known as ‘calas’.
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Cala Varques Beach, East Mallorca
Located 6.8 km away
Cala Varques (also known as Cala Barques) is a quiet, untouched beach about 12 km south of Porto Cristo, on the east coast of Majorca. This beach continues to grow in popularity, with more visitors now than ever before. Despite the summer crowds and 15 minutes’ walk to get there, this beach is well worth your visit.
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Cala Barca Beach, South-East Mallorca
Located 9.8 km away
Cala Barca is a small but pretty bay on the edge of Mondrago Park in the south east of Mallorca. It's 35 metres long by 25 metres deep and has golden sand.
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Calo d'es Burgit Beach, South-East Mallorca
Located 10.1 km away
Calo d'es Burgit is a small bay on the south east coast of Mallorca, just around the corner from Cala Mondrago and within the protected Mondrago Natural Park.
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Cala Mondrago Beach, South-East Mallorca
Located 10.4 km away
Considered one of Mallorca's most beautiful areas with its sand dunes, pine forests, beautiful coastline and rocky coves, Cala Mondrago, (often referred to as ‘Caló de n’Alis’) has formed part of Mondrago National Park since 1992, greatly benefitting from the disallowing of any further development.
Events in [locality]
Portocolom hosts it’s local fruit and vegetable market along with souvenirs and other produce every Tuesday and Saturday throughout the year. The larger town of Felanitx hosts markets every Sunday.
Each year, Portocolom celebrates the Fira Gastronomica D’es Pop over the last weekend of June. 15 restaurants across the town take part and offer their finest gastronomic delights which include ‘pop’ meaning octopus in Catalan.
Portocolom is home to the TriStar Mallorca triathlon. It generally attracts over 600 participants and takes place in April over two distances of either 111km or 55.5km.
The Rockin’ Matxin Festival has been hosted in Portocolom for the past two years. Held at the end of June, it features local Mallorcan rock bands taking to the stage.
Dining in [locality]
Sa Llotja is one of Porto Colom’s finest restaurants and is located by the towns marina. Serving fresh fish and Mallorcan meat dishes the restaurant offers both ‘a la carte’ and also a weekly menu of chef’s specials.
The Florian restaurant along Calle Cristobal Colón also offers the freshest fish and meats from Mallorca in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Along the main road, Carre Vapor Santueri, into the Portocolom seafront is the modest and traditional restaurant of Es Pamboliet. Here they serve up traditional paellas and pa amb olis and other traditional Mallorcan dishes.
Both the Carrer Pescadors (fisherman’s street) and Carrer Cristofor Colom have many restaurants including Celler Sa Sinia which has been serving meals in Porto Colom for many years. The Restaurant Colón is a very friendly and welcoming restaurant with a great atmosphere.
Further afield from the main port are restaurants in the Bassa Nova Cala on the Ronda Creuer Balea such as the Restaurant Ses Portadores and the Es Retorn restaurants.
Restaurants in Mallorca
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sa Magrana Restaurant
Located in Llucmajor
This award-winning restaurant offers creative, fresh-from-the-market cuisine.
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Diferent Restaurant
Located in Cala d'Or
Restaurant Diferent truly stands out. Beyond its eccentric and fun decor, it offers a vast international menu, a wide selection of wines, cocktails and fantastic, friendly service.
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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]
Scubadiving is a highly popular activity in Portocolom and the Mallorca Diving school offers PADI courses and guided dives around the beautiful calas in the east of Mallorca. Other activities the school offers are kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling and cave exploration. The diving school is located along one of the main streets Calle Pescadors.
Because the coastline is home to so many beautiful but isolated coves and beaches, consider taking a boat trip to explore Mallorca from the sea. The clear sea is great for snorkelling too.
If you like wine, why not visit some vineyards of the area? The Pla y Llevant region is on your doorstep and there are several vineyards open to the public for tastings and tours.
Just outside of Portocolom is the Vall D’or Golf Club on the carratera Cala D’Or. The golf club also has a pool, driving range, padel courts, restaurant and sun terrace. 18 holes of golf costs €112 during peak season and a padel court costs €15 for 1 hour.
Porto Colom’s main historical attraction is the Naveta. This is a prehistoric burial site where there is evidence of life dating back as far as 2000BC. Other sights in the area include the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador and Santueri Castle. Slightly further afield are some spectacular cave systems - to the north, you might want to try the Coves des Hams or the Cuevas del Drach, both in Porto Cristo.
Things To Do in Mallorca
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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.
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Discover Scuba Diving Experience
Located in Santa Ponsa
Your first underwater experience. For those who just want to try diving where fun and safety are guaranteed!
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Adventure Trekking
Located in Llucmajor
A day of Adventure Trekking is full of stunning landscapes and action-packed activities.
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Hidropark Waterpark
The only water park on the north of Mallorca Hidropark sits just behind the beach in Port d'Alcudia. Perfect for families and smaller children.
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Cycling
Located in Santa Ponsa
Ride through hidden backroads, coastal routes and mountain trails as you discover the beauty of Mallorca by bike, all year round.
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Tapas and Wine Tour Half-day Boat Trip
Sail from Alcudia’s Port of Bonaire to one of the most beautiful bays in northern Mallorca.
Nightlife in [locality]
Named after Fidel Castro, the Fidel Club is one of Portocolom’s finest late night bars. Here you can relax and enjoy cocktails while marvelling over the original characteristics of the building. It has a laid back atmosphere and is located along the main road in town, the Carrer de Cristóbal Colón. La Costa on the far side of town has a large open terrace over looking the calas. The bar has an extensive range of cocktails and also serves dinner earlier in the evening. La Costa is located on Calle de los Sivines.
Bars & Clubs in Mallorca
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Lola Bar
Located in Cala d'Or
Welcome to Lola, your ultimate summer hotspot in the heart of Cala d'Or, Mallorca! They're all about creating incredible experiences under the sun during the day and stars in the evening.
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Mikel & Pintxo Tapas Bar & Restaurant
If you are looking for a bar on the beach-front with fantastic view that can be enjoyed with a delicious cocktail, look no further.
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La Cafetería by La Goleta Bar and Restaurant
Located in Port de Pollenca (Puerto Pollensa)
Open throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks.
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Beatnik Bar and Restaurant
Located in Palma de Mallorca
The ambience of this restaurant is casual and attracts a cosmopolitan crowd. The bar with its VIP area is the meeting point for travellers and locals who can listen to DJs playing. Small dishes are served in the bar and when the weather permits, food and drinks can be enjoyed on the patio.
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La Cabana Poolbar & Lounge
Located in Puerto Portals
This stylish modern poolside bar is situated within the Portals Hills Boutique Hotel.
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Hostal Cuba Bar and Restaurant
Located in Palma de Mallorca
Fittingly housed in a beautiful colonial building in the Santa Catalina district of Palma, this is a cafe, bar and club, open all day, every day.
Hotels in [locality]
The Hotel JS Cape Colom is set in picturesque cliffs which shelter the hotel and offer fantastic views of the sea. The hotel also offers a spa including sauna, jacuzzi and a gym. The hotel only accepts guests over 18 years old however their sister hotel JS Es Corso offers family accommodation. The JS Es Corso has a large swimming pool, tennis courts and children’s play area.
The El Vistamar hotel is part of the Ola Hotel chain which also provides adult only accommodation. Only a short walk from the beach and with stunning views across the sea this hotel has modern decor, spa and wellness centre including massage treatments and two large terraces for sunbathing. The Ola hotel chain also owns the Cecila Aparthotels a short walk from the main beach of Cala Marcal in Portocolom. There is a large swimming pool and sunbathing area in the centre of the complex. The rooms are very simply decorated with the largest room accommodating 2 adults and 2 children, most other rooms provide enough space for 2 adults and 1 child.
The HPC Hostal in Portocolom is a charming hotel where the rooms are decorated with a sort of beachy theme. The hostal also has a cocktail bar, restuarant and a wine shop.
Located at the far end of the resort, the hotel BelleVue Belsana is a quiet hotel with views across the bay and the rest of the town. The hotel offers a poolside bar and is a short distance from many stunning beaches and calas in the area.
Specialising in diving, the Hotel Bahía Azul is a friendly, family run hotel. This small hotel offers boat transfers to diving spots and training from beginner level. This hotel is located near the end of the bay along Ronda Creuer Balea.
Hotels in Mallorca
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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.
Price: €2,668
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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.
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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.
Price: €2,752
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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.
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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.
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Zhero Boutique Hotel
Located in Illetes
Enjoy the chilled out yet sophisticated atmosphere at Hotel Zhero, just 10 minutes drive from Palma and less than 1 km from a choice of 2 sandy beaches. Chic and contemporary without costing a fortune, Hotel Zhero offers everything you could want for a relaxing holiday.
Price: €1,576