Walking around Cala d’Or: Strolls between the sea, pine trees and whitewashed architecture
There are places that capture your heart, especially when you explore them on foot or by bike. Cala d’Or is one of them.
Beyond its turquoise coves and whitewashed houses, this corner of southeastern Mallorca hides countless treasures that reveal themselves only to those willing to slow down, take their time and truly observe.
Walking through Cala d’Or means immersing yourself in the greens and blues of nature and the whites of its Ibizan-inspired architecture. It means seeing how buildings adapt to the landscape, how pine trees grow almost to the water’s edge, and how the scenery shifts effortlessly from a maritime world to the authentic Mallorcan countryside.
Here are a few routes that will allow you to discover this small piece of Mallorca from a more conscious perspective.
1. Cala Esmeralda - Cala Gran - Cala Petita - The old town of Cala d’Or
Walking route
This first route is the perfect introduction to the essence of Cala d’Or.
Starting at Cala Esmeralda, where the calm, crystal-clear waters invite you to begin the day with a swim, the path winds between small coves carved into the rock and pedestrian passages that act like windows opening onto the sea. As you continue through Cala Gran and Cala Petita, the unique relationship between architecture and nature that defines Cala d’Or becomes increasingly apparent.
The white houses, inspired by traditional Ibizan architecture, emerge discreetly among the pine trees. Their whitewashed walls reflect the light while the shadows of the branches create patterns reminiscent of delicate embroidery on the façades. We recommend doing this walk early in the morning or at sunset, when the light becomes softer and the landscape reveals an even more magical side.
As you enter the old town, you will come across the Ibizan-style church, the pedestrian centre and Plaza Ibiza, conceived as a meeting point for residents and visitors alike. From some of the pathways that open towards the sea, you can catch glimpses of Es Fortí, a reminder of the defensive history of this coastline.
A walk that perfectly captures the essence of Cala d’Or: a way of inhabiting the landscape without disrupting it.
2. Cala d’Or - Cala Ferrera - Cala Serena - the cliffs
Walking route, ideally early in the morning
The best time to enjoy this route is early in the day, when the coastline is peaceful, birdsong fills the air and the occasional traditional fishing boat can be seen heading out to sea.
We begin at our Es Farralló Beach Bar in Cala Azul. From here, the views of the impressive islet and the untouched peninsula beyond, covered in pine trees, junipers and Mediterranean shrubs shaped by the prevailing easterly winds, are simply unforgettable.
The seabed in this area is ideal for snorkelling and diving, thanks to extensive meadows of Posidonia oceanica, which provide shelter and nourishment for countless marine species.
If you wish, you can start with a refreshing swim from the hotel’s sea access ladders before continuing your walk. Following the coastline eastwards, past hotels and buildings overlooking the sea, you will eventually reach Cala Ferrera.
Here the rocky formations begin to dominate the scenery. Once on the sand, you can admire the caves emerging from the cliffs on the opposite shore. To continue towards Cala Serena, cross the beach while staying close to the water. You will pass several old fishermen’s huts before finding a narrow path behind them. At the end of the path, turn right onto a pedestrian walkway that leads to beautiful Cala Serena.
With pine trees cascading towards the sea and calm, pristine waters, the setting is impossible to resist. You will most likely feel tempted to take another swim. On calm days, the water reveals the outlines of the underwater Posidonia meadows beneath the surface, one of the Mediterranean’s most precious hidden treasures.
This route showcases Cala d’Or’s quieter side, where nature gradually takes centre stage.
We also recommend strolling through the Cala Serena residential area, climbing the stairs on the opposite side from where you arrived. Here you can admire the Ibizan-inspired architecture and enjoy spectacular sea views from its pedestrian walkways.
The area is also rich in wildlife and coastal flora, including sea fennel, peregrine falcons, Mediterranean shags, Balearic shearwaters and blue rock thrushes. With a little luck, you may even spot dolphins offshore.
3. Cala d’Or - Cala Llonga – Marina - Es Fortí - Portopetro
Walking or cycling route
Another option is to take the tourist train to the town centre and get off near our Hotel Sa Marina. You can also walk one way and return by bus or tourist train.
This route combines scenery, history and maritime culture.
We begin by heading towards Cala Llonga and its historic fishing harbour, one of the most important natural inlets on Mallorca’s southeastern coast. Its long, sheltered shape explains why it has served as a natural refuge for centuries.
Over the years it has witnessed the arrival of early settlers, Romans, corsairs and, later, Bourbon troops during the conquest of the island. Few people outside Mallorca knew of the existence of this natural harbour, and local history tells of a betrayal that enabled maps of this coastline to fall into Bourbon hands.
The older section still retains traces of the original harbour, with small buildings for traditional boats and modest homes used by fishermen during long working seasons at sea.
From here, we can also appreciate how much the island has changed over the past fifty years. The modern marina is now filled with impressive yachts and sailing boats. Restaurants and terraces bring life, glamour and contemporary energy while still maintaining a distinctly Mediterranean character.
Continuing through the marina, we reach a footpath behind the marina building, near the tourist train stop. This path avoids the road and leads directly to Es Caló des Pou and Es Fortí.
Es Fortí is a key historical landmark that recalls the need to defend this coastline in centuries past. From here, you can watch boats entering and leaving the harbour.
We highly recommend visiting at sunset. Climb to the upper terrace and gaze across the horizon like an old pirate. The sunset over Cala d’Or is extraordinary. Some even say that this is where the name “Cala d’Or” (Golden Cove) comes from, as the setting sun seems to bathe the coastline in a golden glow.
The walk concludes in Portopetro, a charming fishing harbour that has retained its human scale and close connection to the sea. Traditional llaüts share the water with modern yachts, creating a beautiful balance between past and present.
4. Portopetro - Mondragó Natural Park
Cycling route or bus + walking
From Portopetro, the landscape gradually changes. The route towards Mondragó Natural Park offers a fascinating transition from urban surroundings to protected natural areas.
Before reaching the park, it is worth stopping at Can Lis, the former home of Danish architect Jørn Utzon. Open to visitors on Fridays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm between May and October, it is a remarkable example of architecture perfectly integrated into the landscape using local materials.
Continuing towards Caló des Burgit, cultivated fields and pine forests begin to dominate the scenery.
Entering the park from this small cove, a coastal path leads past breathtaking viewpoints towards Cala Mondragó and Sa Font de n’Alís. From there, another rocky trail reaches S’Amarador, where nature remains almost untouched. Several itineraries branch off through wetlands, forests and coastal viewpoints.
It is one of the most rewarding routes in the area, not only for its beauty but also for the feeling of stepping into a landscape where time seems to stand still.
5. Virgin Coves: Cala Sa Nau and Cala Mitjana
Best visited early in the morning
For those wishing to venture slightly further afield, these two beautiful coves are well worth discovering. They are particularly suitable for guests who enjoy running or hiking, as the routes can largely avoid the main roads.
Cala Sa Nau, with only one building and surrounded by vegetation and rocky formations, maintains a delicate balance between accessibility and authenticity.
During peak summer hours it can become crowded, both by land and sea, but arriving early in the morning rewards visitors with a far more peaceful experience.
Cala Mitjana can only be reached by sea or on foot. It is generally quieter, although traces of human intervention are visible in some surrounding landscaped areas. Nevertheless, a swim in its crystal-clear waters is an experience you are unlikely to forget.
These coves remind us that Mallorca still preserves places where sea and land continue their timeless dialogue.
6. Inland Route: Cala d’Or - Calonge - S’Horta - Santueri Castle
Best explored by bike
This route leaves the coastline behind and ventures into Mallorca’s rural interior.
We recommend following the Camí de Can Marines, which begins near the roundabout leading to the Inturotel Resort. This mostly unpaved road passes through peaceful landscapes dotted with almond trees, carob groves and traditional rural buildings.
The route leads towards Calonge and S’Horta.
In S’Horta, you can admire its distinctive church built using traditional dry-stone techniques. We also recommend stopping at the bakery behind the church before continuing towards Els Horts, where vegetables and potatoes are still cultivated and traces of ancient Arab irrigation systems can still be found.
From here, Santueri Castle soon comes into view.
Built atop an imposing rocky outcrop, this defensive fortress was considered almost impregnable. During periods of pirate attacks, local inhabitants sought refuge within its walls.
The views from the castle are spectacular, encompassing Portocolom Bay, Cala Llonga, Portopetro and stretches of protected coastline.
Birdlife thrives here, with ravens and eagles nesting among the cliffs.
A short distance below the castle are several caves with evocative names such as the Dragon Cave. These caves are home to hundreds of bats, essential pollinators within the local ecosystem.
A route that awakens curiosity about Mallorca’s history and its people.
Walking to understand Cala d’Or
Each of these routes reveals a different side of Cala d’Or and its surroundings.
The goal is not necessarily to complete them all or follow a strict itinerary, but rather to allow yourself to wander, stop when something catches your eye and listen to the wind moving through the pine trees, the birds singing or the gentle movement of the sea.
Walking here is a way of understanding the place on a deeper level. It is a way of connecting with its history, landscapes, people and unique way of life.
And perhaps, by the end of the day, you will realise that Cala d’Or is not simply a destination, but a way of experiencing the Mediterranean.
By staying at Inturotel, you will discover the most authentic side of Mallorca through the eyes of those who call it home. We will be delighted to share more local knowledge and help you plan the routes that inspire you most.
Enjoy the journey!