Cala Millor is the largest and most popular resort on the east coast of Mallorca. It is more high rise than anywhere else nearby but development hasn’t been over the top tending to grow outwards rather than upwards. It is very much a family resort with a golden sandy beach stretching for about a kilometre in front of the many hotels, bars and restaurants that line the long promenade.
There are plenty things to do in Cala Millor for visitors of all ages. You can take a stroll along the long promenade as far as Cala Bona or hop on a ferry boat to explore further afield. And don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Caves of Drach in Porto Cristo which are one of Mallorca’s top attractions.
Getting To Cala Millor From Palma de Mallorca Airport
Cala Millor lies 70km east of Palma de Mallorca airport. The journey takes approximately one hour by car and 90 minutes by bus A42. There are no options to travel by train.
By Car: You can collect a rental car at Mallorca Airport and drive to Cala Millor. It’s a straightforward drive following the Ma-15 towards Algaida and Manacor.
By Bus: The bus stop at Palma Airport is located directly opposite the arrivals area. As you depart from the terminal you’ll see a covered walkway ahead of you, the A42 bus (TIB) departs from the left side of this walkway. Buses into Palma (EMT) depart from the right. Bus A42 Aeroport – Cala Bona travels through Algaida, Manacor, Portocristo and sa Coma en route to Cala Millor.
You can check the Transports de les Illes Balears (TIB) website for timetable and fare information. Don’t worry about getting tickets, you can just tap-in and tap-out as you get on and off the bus using your bank card.
Getting Around
Hire Car: Obviously the ideal way to get around is by hire car which not only provides you with transfers to Cala Millor but also allows you to explore the island.
Local Buses: If you aren’t planning on renting a car you can still get out and about on the east coast of Mallorca thanks to the excellent local bus services. The two most useful services are as follows:
Bus 424 travels between the following towns:
Cala Rajada > Capdepera > Canyamel > Son Servera > Cala Bona > Cala Millor > sa Coma > S’Illot > Portocristo.
Bus 425 covers a smaller area as follows:
Cala Bona > Cala Millor > sa Coma > S’Illot > Portocristo
Boat Tours: There are a number of glass-bottom boat trips from Cala Millor which travel along the coast and stop at various points of interest such as caves or secluded coves. They also provide a novel way to travel to the towns of Porto Cristo and Cala Ratjada. Mallorca Sea Paradise is longest established of these companies.
Top 14 Things to Do in Cala Millor
Take a Walk or Bike Ride to Cala Bona
The small harbour of Cala Bona lies 2km to the north of Cala Millor and can be reached on foot or by bike following the long promenade along the coast. There are plenty watering holes along this flat route where you can stop for a coffee or beer break. The bicycle rental shops in town do a roaring trade and it’s a common sight to see cyclists of all ages pedalling between the southern end of Cala Millor beach as far as Cala Bona without ever having to use a road.
Just one road in from the promenade and parallel to it is the long pedestrianised Avenida Cristobal Colon which offers a pleasant selection of cafés, ice cream parlours, bars, restaurants and stylish shops.
Once you arrive in Cala Bona you can stop for lunch at Smithy’s Bar or Cala Bona Thalassa overlooking the small marina. For some British pub grub you should visit the ever popular Rope and Anchor (Passeo Del Moll 13). A little further along the Polígon del Moll is the Paparazzi Italian restaurant and the Kashmir Indian restaurant which serves excellent food overlooking the sea.
After lunch you can take the previously recommended Bus 424 or 425 back to Cala Millor.
Visit the Castle of Capdepera
The Castle of Capdepera (Castell de Capdepera) lies just 15km north of Cala Millor. Its history dates back to the early 14th century when King Jaume II ordered the construction of a fortified village to protect local inhabitants from pirate attacks. Over the centuries the town survived behind these fortified walls until the danger of such attacks ended.
Residents then started to relocate themselves at the bottom of the hill on which the castle stands which led to the development of modern day Capdepera. The Castell de Capdepera was left largely abandoned until the 1980s when its restoration led to it being declared an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bienes de Interés Cultural). Today it is one of the most visited attractions on Mallorca’s east coast.
If you’re arriving by car, there’s plenty public parking as you enter the village below the fortress. From here walk past the church to the town hall (Ajuntament) square where you can get a coffee break at Café El Sitjar. Then climb the hill to the castle from where you’ll get great views over Cala Ratjada. Look out for the ‘Talaia de Jaume II’ which was used as an optical telegraph for communicating with Menorca. If you’re here around lunchtime head for the terrace bars at Placa de l’Orient.
You can stop off at the town hall to get information about excursions throughout the municipality of Capdepera which includes 25km of great natural beauty along the coast consisting mainly of small rocky coves and fine sandy beaches.
Spend the Day at One of Cala Millor’s Many Beaches
Playa Cala Millor, also known as Son Moro and Cala Nau, is a popular urban beach that is perfect for families. Surprisingly, considering its central location, it isn’t usually overcrowded. The blue-flag beach boasts clean, crystal-clear waters and fine, white sand. It caters to individuals with reduced mobility by providing various facilities, and it offers a range of water sports and activities. Spanning a length of around 1.7km, Cala Millor Beach is the longest of the eight beaches in the area.
Some of the other nearby beaches include:
Platja de Cala Bona: This small beach is located just north of the harbour in Cala Bona. It’s a great spot for swimming and snorkeling and has a number of restaurants nearby.
Platja de sa Coma: Situated between the Sa Punta de n’Amer headland and the rocky area of S’Illot, to the south of Cala Millor, this is a long, blue-flag beach with clear and transparent waters. Its long promenade runs along the seafront to the neighbouring resort of S’Illot via a small bridge which allows for pleasant strolls or bike rides.
Platja de s’Illot: Also known as Cala Moreia, this is a small, sandy beach with proximity to bars and restaurants. It has an old pier used by fishing boats and tourist vessels.
Take a Boat Trip to Cala Ratjada
Just 4km to the north-east of the Castell de Capdepera is the port town of Cala Ratjada which has long served as the fishing and trading port of Capdepera. Today this working port hosts a small fishing fleet and serves as a base for various boat trips along the coast. It is also home to the 19th-century Faro de Capdepera lighthouse which provides panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The coastline surrounding Cala Ratjada is known for its stunning beaches which have earned Blue Flag status for their cleanliness and facilities. One of the most beautiful is Cala Agulla which lies just down the hill from the main resort area. It is known for its golden sand and glorious, turquoise waters with fabulous views out to sea. Cala Mesquida is another great beach a little further around the same headland that is well worth making the effort to get to.
To the south of Cala Ratjada is Son Mol which is another popular beach but isn’t as picturesque as the bays to the north of town. Continue along the coast road here to reach more pleasant coastal retreats such as Font de Sa Cala.
Try a Typical Mallorcan Pa amb Oli Sandwich
‘Pa amb oli’ is a simple, traditional dish which you’ll find in typical Mallorca bars all over the island. It consists simply of bread rubbed with garlic and tomato which is then drizzled with olive oil. Pa amb oli can be served as a light meal or as an accompaniment to other dishes. The village of Son Servera, which lies just 4km inland from Cala Millor, is a good place to sample this local dish. On arrival, just make your way to the terrace of Café S’Oratge which overlooks Plaça de Sant Joan in the centre of the village. Several other smart restaurants are available if you prefer something more lavish. Friday is a good day to visit Son Servera as it’s market day when stalls are set up in the street selling local produce together with handicrafts, etc.
Discover the Best of Mallorcan Cuisine
Let’s face it, resort cuisine is rarely the best if you’re looking to avoid the tourist traps and sample the best of local cuisine. So here are a few places in and around Cala Millor which are well worth a try if you’re looking for quality dining experience with a Mallorquin flavour:
Restaurante Son Floriana (Avda. Magnolia, Cala Bona): Situated in nearby Cala Bona, this boutique hotel occupies a beautifully restored Mallorcan country house. Its restaurant offers a blend of island flavors and high-quality Mediterranean cuisine, served in the charming indoor dining area or the delightful courtyard.
Restaurante Amapola (Avenida Sa Coma, 39, 07560 Cala Millor): Whilst this friendly restaurant is best-known for its grilled meats, it also serves some excellent seafood dishes and prepares some of the best paellas in town. The venue attracts a lot of locals which is always a good sign in a holiday destination.
Toni’s Restaurant (Carrer de Ca s’Hereu, 8, Cala Millor): This is a laid-back, family-friendly establishment close to the Cala Millor seafront. Their extensive menu includes excellent seafood dishes, paella, grilled meats and typical Mallorcan dishes served on a spacious terrace.
Restaurant Es Pati (Carrer Soler, 22, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar): Located in the town of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, some 12km inland from Cala Millor, this restaurant is best-known for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine served on a charming outdoor terrace.
Restaurante Sa Punta: Located 3km north of Cala Millor in the small cove of Port Verd near Cala Bona, this restaurant serves a creative selection of fish and meat dishes served on their ample terrace overlooking the sea.
Visit Porto Cristo and the Caves Of Drach
This charming beach resort lies just 10km to the south of Cala Millor. It is home to the Caves of Drach which are one of Mallorca’s most popular attractions. Regular guided tours take visitors through chambers filled with stunning rock formations and include a mini-classical music concert on one of the underground lakes. The less well-known Cuevas del Hams are another set of impressive caves which are located nearby. If you’re travelling with children you might be interested in getting the combined ticket which includes entrance to the Hams Caves and neighbouring Dinosaurland. This is one of the best excursions for family holidays in Mallorca.
Take a Day Trip to the City of Palma de Mallorca
The capital city of Mallorca is located approximately one hour’s drive from Cala Millor and offers a variety of attractions including the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Almudaina Palace, and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. You can also get there on the 401-Cala Millor-Palma bus service. For more information see our page on the Best Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca.
Book a Round of Golf
There are four 18-hole golf courses located within 15km of Cala Millor which are open to the public. You can book a round of golf directly from their websites below:
Club de Golf Son Servera: Located approximately 5km to the north-east of Cala Millor, this course offers great views of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the oldest courses on the island and features narrow fairways with challenging greens.
Pula Golf Resort: Located just 7km north of Cala Bona, this 18-hole golf course is set amidst beautiful surroundings and offers a challenging game for players of all levels.
Canyamel Golf: Located around 13km to the north-east of Cala Millor, Canyamel Golf is nestled in a scenic valley surrounded by mountains and offers stunning sea views. This course is known for its well-groomed fairways and fast greens.
Capdepera Golf: Situated approximately 15km north of Cala Millor, Capdepera Golf great views of the sea and surrounding countryside. It is known for its hilly terrain, tight fairways, and large greens.
If you’re interested in travelling a little further afield, there are a total of 24 golf courses in Mallorca.
Visit the Friday Market in Son Servera
A great place to escape the beaches for a morning and immerse yourself in local Mallorcan culture is at the Son Servera street market. Held every Friday in the town of Son Servera, which lies just a a few kilometres inland from Cala Millor, this lively market is home to many stalls brimming with fresh local produce, aromatic spices and handicrafts. You can sample typical regional cuisine, pick up souvenirs or simply soak up the lively atmosphere of one of Mallorca’s most popular street markets.
Visit the Sanctuary of San Salvador in Artà
Lying 9km inland from Capdepera, the historic town of Artà is a real hidden gem which is hom to a number of important tourist attractions. Its main sight is the Santuari de Sant Salvador which stands on the Calvary Hill in the centre of town. It is accessible by a winding road or by walking up steps from the Iglesia de la Transfiguración del Señor. The sanctuary offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and houses a beautifully carved wooden statue of the Virgin Mary.
History buffs should pay a visit to the Ses Païsses Talaiotic settlement which is a well-preserved, Bronze Age site located just outside Artà. The Regional Museum of Artà in the Plaça de Espanya displays archaeological discoveries from the region and is also worth a visit.
Visit the Natural Park of the Levant Peninsula
The entrance to the Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant is located just 13km north of Artà. There is free parking at the entrance to the park but you cannot drive any further. The park is a protected area which offers visitors a selection of 13 hiking routes through a region of great natural beauty. It is also popular with cyclists.
The natural park is home to some fascinating bird species including the booted eagle, peregrine falcon, Audouin’s gull and red kite. The diverse wildlife also includes populations of turtles, hedgehogs, stone martens and genets. The park also houses ancient farmhouses with olive oil presses and a watchtower. Guided visits are available on weekends and the park offers a range of nature activities for both adults and children.
Visit the Caves of Artà
The Cuevas de Artà (Coves d’Artà) are a network of limestone caves located next to the small resort town of Canyamel some 15km north-east of Cala Millor. Guided tours at the caves lead visitors through a series of chambers and galleries filled with impressive stalactites, stalagmites and other rock formations. The tours last about an hour and leave every 30 minutes. Visitors can also explore an exhibition area that showcases some of the archaeological finds discovered in the caves, including pottery fragments and human remains dating back to prehistoric times.
Vist the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience in Manacor
The Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience provides an insight into the great tennis player’s extraordinary career which has seen him win 22 Grand Slam tournaments. It is a must-see for any sports fans visiting the island. The museum showcases an extensive collection of memorabilia, including trophies, equipment and personal mementos, which Rafa has acquired since he winning the Davis Cup with Spain as an 18 year old in 2004. It also includes interactive exhibits where you can test your skills on a virtual tennis court and experience the thrill of playing against Rafa himself.
The museum is located Rafa’s hometown of Manacor which lies some 20km inland from Cala Millor. If you don’t have a car you can get there on the 412 bus from Cala Millor to Manacor. The town of Manacor is best known for its pearl production so whilst you’re there you could also visit a pearl factory and learn about the process of making pearls.
