Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza

Things to see in Mallorca

Cala Ratjada

Cala Ratjada is a resort that sits in the north easterly point of Mallorca and is around one and a half hours from Mallorca's airport in Palma.

The town extends either side of the Punta de Capdepera peninsula. The heart of the town is around the harbourand the long promenade that stretches from Playa Son Moll to the south to Cala Gat on the peninsula. Cala Ratjada is the closest point in Mallorca to Menorca and on a clear day it is possible to see Ciutadella, the old capital of Menorca. The Capdepera lighthouse sits on the point of Punta de Capdepera and marks the narrowest point between the two islands with the Faro d’Artrutx on the coast of Menorca. You can get a daily ferry between Cala Ratjada and Ciutadella, it only takes 55 minutes.

This fishing port is surrounded by fine white sand beaches and pretty coves, and has two different characters depending on when you go. In winter it virtually shuts down, apart from a few permanent locals and a handful of bars on the promenade. In summer it is a crowded resort, with windsurfing, snor​kelling and numerous discos, popular with the German community.

Hotels in Cala Ratjada

There are many hotels in the Capdepera region where Cala Ratjada sits on the coast. Many of these are resort hotels which are reasonably priced and ideal for families or bargain breaks. Have a look at all these Hotels in Cala Ratjada. For something more individual, you're likely to have to move away from the coast. Try one of the lovely rural fincas in the north east region or a luxurious boutique-style hotel.

The Sea Club Hotel in Cala Ratjada is a small charming hotel on the coast that is suitable for families or holidaying with friends. Guests feel right at home here in this friendly villa-esque hotel and they have been catering for guests in the area for the last 50 years. The small Ses Rotges Hotel is an old Mallorcan finca with very traditional furnishings. Located just a few streets from the coast and nearby the old fishing harbour, the hotel is ideally suited for late night strolls along the seafront in Cala Ratjada.

Hotel S’Entrador Playa offers friendly and helpful service and is located a short walk to the coast to the north of Cala Ratjada. The closest beach to this hotel is that of the unspoilt Cala Agulla which is one of the quieter beaches in the area. The hotel has a swimming pool and a kids club as well as a small gym. The Hotel Bella Playa is a popular base for walkers on holiday. During the peak season between February-May and October there are organised excursions for walkers that take place most days, weather permitting. After a long hike in the Serra Llevant, the hotels spa offers a relaxing sauna, Turkish baths as well as massages.

Further afield from Cala Ratjada is the Vanity Suite Hotel in Cala Mesquida which overlooks beach. The hotel is near the Nature Parc Llevant although if you are staying at this hotel it is a good ideal to hire a car as it is in a fairly remote location.

Cala Ratjada also has some stunning villas available during the peak season, most lie outwith the town centre. takea look at our Villa Rental Pages, and our Apartment Rental Pages.

Restaurants in Cala Ratjada

Es Coll d’Os in Cala Ratjada is a restaurant that takes pride in their presentation and the food they serve. There is a lovely warm and welcoming atmosphere. Here the restaurant takes fresh produce to a new level by serving vegetables grown on their own farm. The Restaurante del Mar on Passig America offers stunning views out to sea and seasonal cuisine. Also along this promenade is La Bodeguita which has a lovely garden area for diners to sit and enjoy their meal.

If you are on the hunt for traditional Spanish cuisine then look no further than Reco D’es Moll, serving up the finest tapas dishes such as prawns, calamari and boquerones frito (fried anchovies). The prices here won’t break the bank and it’s an ideal spot for lunch or dinner. The Tapas Bar Llagost serves up delicious tapas for great value for money, the dishes here cost around €1.20 and are fairly small so you need to order quite a few to fill up.

Ses Ancores located near the Cala Ratjada marina serve up a delicious Paella as well as other seafoods. Another seafood restaurant is named after the traditional Mallorquin fishing boat, Es Llaüt Restaurant. Located nearby the marina it offers the freshest fish and seafood as well as other seasonal and Mediterranean dishes.

Things to do in Cala Ratjada

The beaches in Cala Ratjada are very popular because of their fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise seas - ideal for soaking up the sun. You can also enjoy many water sports such as diving, water skiing, windsurfing and sailing. The main beach of Son Moll to the south of the harbour is 150 metres long (50 metres deep) and can get very busy during the summer months. The smaller beach of Cala Gat to the east of the harbour is equaly popular. Other, quieter beaches can be found further north - try Cala Agulla or Cala Mesquida (you will need transport to reach this last beach).

A short walk uphill takes you from the beach through the woods, to the lighthouse at Punta de Capdepera. Also above the harbour are the Jardins Casa March, owned by the same banking family as the colleccio March in Palma. The gardens contain a sculpture park with works by Rodin, Henry Moore and modern Catalan artists. They can only be visited by prior arrangement with the tourist office.

The coastline around Cala Mesquida and Cala Agulla is recognised by the Balearic Government as a protected bird sanctuary due to the ecological environment. Birds such as Moewe’s can be found in this area of Mallorca as well as other migrating birds. There is a lovely cycle ride from the beach at Cala Agulla to the beach at Cala Mesquida, or a shorter walk between the lighthouse and Capdepera.

Combining hill walking and bird spotting is all too easy in Mallorca and with the smaller mountain range of Serra Llevant right by Cala Ratjada, it is the perfect place to take a walk in the outdoors. The Serra Llevant has peaks no higher than 500m.

Cala Ratjada has a weekly market on Saturday mornings at Placa del Pins, or you could try the makets at Capdepera (Wednesday mornings) and Arta (Tuesday mornings).

The town of Capdepera is only 2km away. Here you'll find a medieval castle that dates back to 1333 that overlooks the town and it is a short walk to the top. In the third weekend of May there is a Medieval Festival where you can buy local produce, be entertained by street performers and hear folk music played by local musicians and bands.

Another town worthy of a visit is Arta. It too has a hilltop fort and pretty streets with cafes and galleries. Mallorca is famous for its underground cave systems and the Arta Caves are a 20 minute drive from Cala Ratjada. They are a brilliant destination for visitors and are a must-see attraction. The caves are located in Cap Vermell and are open all year round from May-October between 10am-6pm and November-April between 10am-5pm. There are guided tours of the caves that last between 35-40mins.

If you fancy seeing Mallorca from the dizzying heights of a hot air balloon then Illes Balears Ballooning offer daily flights accompanied by strawberries and champagne. Flights are an hour long and can take between 1-20 people. It costs around €150 per person.

Karakorum Adventure offer all sorts of activities and one of the most popular is mountain biking. There is a trail running from Cala Ratjada through Arta and then to Canyamel. The total distance is 40km with a total ascent of 184m and a decent of 270m.

Source: SeeMallorca