Beautiful natural harbours in the south-east of Mallorca
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is an island of contrasts, sea, mountain, countryside, internationally famous for its impressive coastline, its turquoise, emerald waters and its charming coastal villages. Although the island offers endless dreamy spots, the south-eastern coast will make you fall in love with its captivating coves, beautiful cliffs and natural harbours with a lot of tradition and culture. This area has always been a refuge for ships arriving on the island, formerly for trade with African, French and Italian lands and a base for the fishing industry, which is nowadays much diminished, but there are still some fishermen with traditional boats who supply the restaurants and local fish markets with tasty seafood. They have been and continue to be unbeatable scenarios that symbolise the essence of Mediterranean life and culture.
With this blog post we would like to take you on a journey to discover some of the most beautiful natural harbours in the southeast of Mallorca. This is an invitation to immerse yourself in a world of history and natural beauty.
Portocolom - Beautiful natural harbour with a beach
Portocolom is one of the largest natural harbours in Mallorca and a perfect example of a traditional fishing village. Named after Christopher Columbus, who some locals believe was born here, Portocolom retains much of its historical heritage. You'll love its old town, with colourful traditional houses and fishermen's huts lining the sea. The calm, crystal-clear waters make it an ideal place for sailing, windsurfing or paddle surfing. We recommend you go to one of its beaches and take a dip at sunset. Portocolom offers a wide gastronomic offer, with some prestigious restaurants offering fresh fish and seafood from the fish market. Enjoy lunch or dinner on one of the terraces with idyllic views over the bay.
Cala Figuera - Traditional charm in a fishing village
Cala Figuera remains one of the most painted and photographed spots in the southeast of Mallorca. This small, narrow inlet formed by two small coves and surrounded by cliffs crowned by pine trees and the scent of rosemary has been a haven for painters and artists since ancient times. The houses have steps that lead directly down to the water where the fishing boats bob to the rhythm of the Mediterranean. Cala Figuera is not usually very crowded, except for the summer months, when curious travellers visit it, looking for the most authentic Majorcan experience. We recommend having an ice cream or soft drink on one of its terraces with spectacular views. You can also have lunch in one of its restaurants, located just above the fish market. From there you can enjoy the spectacle of the fishing boats entering and leaving the small port. You can stroll from one cove to another along a beautiful pedestrian promenade that runs along the coast.
Portopetro - Port with a former pirate defence tower
Portopetro is a charming little port that offers a blend of traditional Majorcan culture and modern amenities. The harbour is home to a large number of traditional boats, which provide a picturesque backdrop to the restaurants and cafes at the waterfront. In the old town don't miss the pedestrian promenade that runs along the sea in front of the traditional houses. If the sea level has risen you may not be able to complete the walk. If you are interested in sailing or rowing, visit the school of the Royal Yacht Club, which offers courses for all levels. One of their students is Olympic champion Marcus Cooper, who we at Inturotel sponsor. It is easy to see him training here during his time off in Mallorca. Portopetro is also one of the gateways to the Mondragó Natural Park, a natural park of great ecological value for its unspoilt beaches, wetlands and the diversity of its Mediterranean flora and fauna.
Cala Llonga - The hidden harbour of Cala d'Or
Cala Llonga is a bay that stands out for the natural configuration of its entrance, which protects the boats from winds and waves. It is a long and narrow inlet from the sea that was dredged in the 1960s to create the current marina, one of the largest and most exclusive on the island, but also one of the safest and therefore very popular with owners of luxury yachts. Cala Llonga offers a special tranquillity. The cove is surrounded by pine-covered hills creating an impressive natural amphitheatre. The calm waters offer excellent conditions for stand-up paddle boarding, while the surroundings are perfect for hiking and nature walks. At the mouth of the bay is Es Fortí, a military fortification built in 1730, now a beautiful viewpoint open to the public. We recommend you visit it at sunset. You will be amazed by the views of Cala d'Or, with its low white Ibizan architecture and the orography of its coastline with the Serra Llonga mountains in the background and the setting sun bathing it in gold.
The south-eastern coast of Mallorca is a treasure trove of natural beauty, and its ports offer unique experiences. At Inturotel we encourage you to immerse yourself in the authentic Mediterranean lifestyle with a visit to Portocolom, Cala Figuera, Portopetro and Cala Llonga. Our team at the front desk will be happy to help you with the arrangements and point out the most suitable routes. We recommend that you visit them by bike or by public transport to minimise your carbon footprint.