Cala Millor; another great tourist center in the east of Mallorca
The weather in Cala Millor
Description
Cala Millor is a town and tourist center in the east of Mallorca, divided between the municipalities of Son Servera (the north part) and Sant Llorenç des Cardassar (to the south). It is located between the punta de n’Amer, which is its southern end, and Cala Bona. The name of Cala Millor (Cala Better) undoubtedly obeys a play on words or rivalry with the neighboring Cala Bona (Cala Good).
Although the area in which it is located has been inhabited since prehistoric times, the origin of the modern settlement is very recent, from the 30s of the 20th century
Before that the only buildings were small peasant huts. In 1933 the first hotel (the Eureka) was built, and after the hiatus of the Civil War tourism was reactivated in the area in the 50s, and especially in the 60s.
From that small group of houses, it has grown to a population of more than 5,000 inhabitants, but its hotel plant offers more than 35,000 tourist beds.
Cala Millor has become the largest tourist center on the east coast of Mallorca, and is a highly valued destination, especially by Germans (with many second homes) and also by the English.
As a tourist destination Cala Millor has a very varied offer
Its beach makes it very attractive for family vacations, with a good number of attractions for the little ones. In its surroundings, nature lovers will discover a magnificent environment where they can go hiking and visit natural places such as Punta de n’Amer.
For lovers of history and culture, the Cala Millor area abounds from prehistoric archaeological remains to medieval and Renaissance fortresses, passing through vestiges of the Roman, early Christian and Arab eras.
One aspect in which Cala Millor stands out as a tourist destination is in its sports offer
It offers a good number of facilities where you can practice various sports, and they are not few the football or cycling teams that make their preseason stays here. In its vicinity there are also magnificent golf courses.
Of course, water sports have their place here, being able to practice windsurfing, parasailing, diving … or rent jet skis or boats to explore the nearby coasts.
Location of Cala Millor
This town is just 20 km from Manacor and just over 70 km from Palma, the capital. It has good road connections, has public transport and there is a marina in neighboring Cala Bona.
How to get to Cala Millor by car
To get to Cala Millor from Palma we will take the Ma-15 road in the direction of Manacor
As soon as we get to Manacor we will stay on the same Ma-15, following the directions for Sant Llorenç. When we approach this town, we will only have to follow the indications to Cala Millor, where there are several car parks where we can park our vehicle.
If we are in the north of the island (Pollensa, Alcudia, Can Picafort …)
We can take the Ma-12 to Artà, from there continue towards Sant Llorenç, and again follow the indications to Cala Millor.
If we are in the south, for example from Cala d’Or
We will go to Calonge and s’Horta to take the Ma-4013 to Porto Cristo, and from there follow the signs to Cala Millor.
How to get to Cala Millor by public transport
From Palma:
- We can take line 401
- We can also get to Manacor by train (line T3) and then connect with line 401 or 411, which goes to Cala Ratjada
From Manacor:
How to get to Cala Millor by boat
Cala Millor beach is suitable for anchoring on a sandy bottom between 4 and 5 m deep. Less than a mile is the marina of Cala Bona.
Cala Millor beach
One of the main attractions of Cala Millor is, of course, its beach, around which the tourist complex has flourished
It is a sandy area almost 1700 m long and up to 35 m wide with fine sand and a gentle slope. The waters are clean and transparent, and usually calm, making it a perfect place for families, even with young children.
It has all the services that can be expected from a holiday village of this level
Play areas, bathrooms and showers, hammock and umbrella rental, accesses enabled for people with mobility problems, lifeguard service …
On the same beach there is the possibility of hiring different water activities, such as banana boat rides, boat excursions or diving trips
The waters of the bay of Cala Millor and its surroundings are perfect for snorkeling and diving due to their calm and clarity. We have at our disposal several facilities where you can take courses or rent the necessary equipment.
Services and features
Length 1700 m / Width 45 m
Access by car
Bus stop
Family friendly
Kayak rental
Diving areas
Urban environment
Free parking
Access for the handicapped
Ideal for snorkelling
Cycling routes
Showers
High occupancy
Life guard
Sunbed / umbrella rental
Restaurants
Paddle-surf
WCActivities in Cala Millor
Gastronomy and shopping
After the beach of Cala Millor there is a promenade with a multitude of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, as well as a good number of shops, both with local products and large international brands.
In the second line, and parallel to this promenade, there is a pedestrian boulevard with an even greater offer of shops and restaurants
We can find the typical souvenir shops, craft shops, clothing stores, etc. Cala Millor‘s gastronomic offer covers all tastes and budgets. From simple cafeterias and menu restaurants to specialties from around the world, there are places for all palates and pockets.
Between the months of March and October, on Monday mornings, a traditional market is held where we can find all kinds of products
From fruits and vegetables from the Mallorcan garden to handicraft products through clothing or flowers.
Sports
For many years the sports offer of Cala Millor has attracted athletes from all over Europe
The main offer that we can enjoy is related to nautical sports. In addition to the aforementioned snorkeling and diving we can also practice water skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and parasailing. We can also rent kayaks to visit nearby coves or hire guided excursions.
Cala Millor has a good number of academies and tennis courts where you can learn or practice this sport
Golf fans are in luck, since next to Cala Millor is the Canyamel golf course, one of the best in Mallorca. A few kilometers away are the famous Pula Golf and the Son Servera Golf Club.
The roads near Cala Millor are ideal for cycling, and are the place chosen even by professional teams to prepare their competition seasons
Many hotels in the area have facilities to store our bicycles. Or if we prefer, we can rent them in one of the establishments dedicated to it.
Nature and culture
On the right bank of Cala Millor we find Sa Punta de n’Amer, a Natural Area of Special Interest of about 200 hectares.
It includes several routes that can be done on foot or by bicycle. It is a piece of landscape preserved from the urbanization that includes a dune ecosystem and the typical Mediterranean garrigue and pine forest.
Within this natural area of special interest we can also visit the remains of the Talaiot des Tancat de sa Torre, although it is in a rather poor state of conservation
On the other hand, the 17th century watchtower (it was built between 1693 and 1696) is in excellent condition. Built with stone ashlar masonry extracted from nearby quarries, it has a peculiar cubic structure on a pyramid. You can visit the interior and go up to the upper floor from where you can admire magnificent views.
A unique attraction in Mallorca is the safari-zoo located between Cala Millor and Sa Coma
Here there are more than 600 animals from various habitats, mostly Africans, most in the wild, and some in specially adapted enclosures. It can be covered by car or on a bus from the safari itself, and there is also a walking tour. It includes a show that will delight children.
Restaurants
A top-class tourist destination must also have a gastronomic offer to match, and that of Cala Millor is excellent.
This small selection is only a small note of the great variety of restaurants that we can find here.
Osteria Pane & Olio
20€ – 25€
C/ de Ca s’Hereu, 14
Tripadvisor: 4,5/5
Italian food tends to be liked by everyone, but if it is prepared as in this place it is a real delight
Something away from the hustle and bustle of the first line and served with sympathy and professionalism, here we can taste exquisite pizzas and pastas with an authentic homemade flavor. Delicious desserts round out the experience.
Tià Jass
This simple local deceives at first glance. It happens to be a discreet restaurant away from the first line but it surprises you with its excellent culinary proposal
In its simple menu, exquisite rice dishes and tasty grilled meats stand out, all made with local ingredients of the highest quality.
Sapori d’Italia
Another excellent Italian restaurant. Good cooked ingredients for an authentic, homemade flavor
The sausages are especially noteworthy, and the suggestions of the day that may be out of the menu should not be missed. Desserts are on the same level. The service, friendly, attentive and professional.
Migjorn Gastrobar
On the very first line of the promenade, a few meters from the sea, we find this restaurant that surprises us for not being the typical tourist establishment without personality
Starting from top quality ingredients, it offers dishes that are simple in appearance, such as tapas, sandwiches or hamburgers, but which are an absolute delight. We can choose between the outdoor terrace facing the sea, or a discreet and intimate interior terrace. And it also offers us a varied and creative cocktail menu.
Sa Caleta
Also on the first line we find this restaurant specialized in Spanish food, mainly tapas, rice and seafood
Its menu is very varied, also including salads, pizzas and a long etcetera, surely we will find something to our liking. Generous portions, good ingredients, friendly and efficient treatment and excellent value for money. You can not ask for much more.
Kohinoor Indian Tandoori
Another cuisine that has conquered the world is Indian, and in Cala Millor there are a couple of good representatives
One of the best is this one, with a simple aspect and away from the hustle and bustle of the first line, but which presents us with abundant, tasty and well-spiced dishes. The staff are friendly and attentive and it is worth following the recommendations for combining dishes. A great choice for lovers of authentic Indian food.
Lodging
Cala Millor has become in its own right a first class tourist destination well known throughout Europe
Its large hotel plant offers a wide variety of establishments for all types of visitors and budgets.
Hipotels Cala Millor Park
This four-star hotel is a family-oriented all-inclusive that offers a good number of entertainment activities for the little ones
For the elderly there is a spa, gym and several bars and restaurants. It has a swimming pool and is located just 200 m from the beach. They can also advise us and manage external sports and leisure activities.
Hipotels Hipocampo Palace & Spa
This five-star hotel complex gives us a magnificent experience in Cala Millor. Less than 300 m from the beach, it has all the luxuries and services to provide us with an unforgettable stay
It has a large outdoor pool with separate areas for fun and relaxation, gym and spa. It also provides an entertainment service and offers us the possibility of organizing our sports and recreational activities outside the complex.
Alborada Apartments
For those who prefer more independent accommodation, an excellent choice is to rent an apartment. The Alborada apartments are on the seafront, on the beachfront, and have spacious rooms (40 and 80 m2), comfortable and bright, perfectly equipped
Although it has family rooms, it is perfect especially for couples. They have a barbecue, gym and solarium, and the organization also offers us the possibility of hiring activities outside the accommodation.
Casa Aina (holiday chalet)
If we travel in a group and are looking for a location somewhat away from the hustle and bustle, a good option is to rent a holiday villa. Cala Millor has a good offer, and Casa Aina is a magnificent example of it
It is a 180 m2 house with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, a swimming pool and a garden. Here we can relax with maximum privacy and organize our outings to the nearby mountains of Artá, whose view can be enjoyed from the house, or approach the beach of Cala Millor, 500 m away.
Hotel Villa Miel
If we do not need great luxury and a multitude of services and we settle for a simple but comfortable, clean and pleasant hotel, this is a great choice
In fact, it is surprising that it is only a two-star establishment given the comfort of its rooms and the careful state of the facilities. And only 200 m from the beach.
