Cala Morlanda; small cove of sand and rocks with a family atmosphere
Services and features
Length 40 m / Width 5 m
Access by car
Residential environment
Ideal for snorkelling
Average occupancy
Hiking routes
The weather in Cala Morlanda
Description
Cala Morlanda is a small cove on the coast of Manacor, in the east of the island. It is located next to the district of s’Illot–Cala Morlanda (not to be confused with the town of s’Illot, belonging to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar). The bathing area is about 40 m long. The width is variable, depending on the winds and currents it can range between 5 and 10 m. It can both have the appearance of a small sandbank, or be a cove of bare rocks. The bottom (in its central part) always retains a good amount of sand.
The environment of Cala Morlanda is urbanized, with private residences built a few meters away and a street running along its back
However, in the cove itself there is no construction, except for a concrete staircase that descends to the beach.
Despite being close to s’Illot, an important tourist center, the influx of bathers is not high, being mainly the residents of the nearby houses. Thus, the atmosphere in Cala Morlanda is calm and familiar.
If the winds do not blow from the east, the waters are very calm and the semicircular shape of the cove makes it look like a natural pool, which makes it suitable even for going with children
On the other hand, due to the absence of a specially enabled access, it is not suitable for people with mobility problems, since the only way to reach the sea is by stairs or through the rocks.
For the rest, the waters are clean and crystalline, and the turquoise tone typical of the beaches of this part of the coast of Mallorca
Remains of Posidonia can sometimes appear on the rocks washed away by the sea. Despite its appearance on land, the presence of Posidonia is a good indicator of the cleanliness of the waters. With certain precautions, it is suitable for anchoring small boats.
How to get to Cala Morlanda
Given its location between several important tourist centers, Cala Morlanda has easy access.
How to get to Cala Morlanda by car
- From Palma we will go to Manacor on the Ma-15 and then to Porto Cristo. From there we will follow the signs to s’Illot. At 1.5 km we will have on the right the detour (signposted) towards s’Illot and Cala Morlanda. At the end of this avenue we will turn left and then we will take the first street on the right, at the end of which is the access to the beach
- From the north of the island (Pollensa, Alcudia, Can Picafort) we will go to Artá by the Ma-12. From Artá we will continue towards Manacor until we find a crossroads towards Son Servera. From there we will follow the signs to Cala Millor, until we reach a large roundabout where we will already have the path to s’Illot indicated. We will pass another roundabout and after 1.7 km we will find the detour to s’Illot and Cala Morlanda
- From Cala Ratjada we will head to Son Servera and then we will follow the previous route
- If we are in Cala d’Or or in the south of the island we will first go to s’Horta and from there go to Porto Cristo, and then follow the signs to s’Illot
How to get to Cala Morlanda by public transport
The closest bus stop to Cala Morlanda is in s’Illot, 1 km from this beach. We have two lines that go through here:
- From Palma: line 401, which stops at Manacor and Porto Cristo and reaches Cala Millor
- From Cala Ratjada: line 424, which reaches Porto Cristo and also passes through Cala Millor
How to get to Cala Morlanda by boat
Cala Morlanda is exposed to winds between the south and east, and even other components can move the sea a bit as there are no large cliffs to protect it. Even so, it is a nice cove to visit by boat. The sandy bottom is between 4 and 5 m deep.
The closest port facility is the Porto Cristo Yacht Club, 2.5 miles away.
Services
Although it is located in an urbanized environment, the Cala Morlanda beach does not have any services: neither sanitary, nor lifeguard, nor bar or restaurant. Everything we need we must bring with us, or buy it in the shops of s’Illot.
Activities
The waters of Cala Morlanda allow us to take a refreshing swim. Its soft bed of sand invites you to relax while contemplating the nearby cliffs and the sea that opens to the south and east of the cove.
It is also perfect for snorkeling due to the great clarity and transparency of its waters
On the right side there are curious rocky structures that offer a great underwater landscape.
It is also ideal for diving, since you have to travel a very short distance to shore with the equipment
In s’Illot you can rent the necessary equipment and courses and excursions to nearby waters are also organized, ideal even for beginners. For more experienced divers there are two underwater caves, one of which also has land access.
If the waters are calm, it is ideal for practicing paddle surfing, and also canoeing
If we have a touring kayak we can venture out to explore the nearby coves, or even reach Cala Ratjada.
Cala Morlanda also offers many possibilities for lovers of hiking, being the starting point for a good number of excursions
- Route 1: easy walk to Cala Petita, near Porto Cristo, less than 6 km
- Route 2: if we have time we can get to Porto Cristo, round trip, about 9 km
- Route 3: in the opposite direction we can go to Sa Coma, another easy walk of just over 10 km
- Route 4: again to the south, we can travel along the coast to Cala Varques, passing through some other beautiful coves of Manacor, 16 km of route
- Route 5: another beautiful excursion, this time to Costa de los Pinos, almost 20 km
For cyclists, Cala Morlanda is also a good starting or finishing point for their routes
- Route 1: inland itinerary with origin and return to s’Illot-Cala Morlanda, 22 km
- Route 2: round trip to Cala Millor, Artá and Son Servera, 32 km
In the heart of s’Illot there is a site from the Talayotic and post-Talayotic period (from 850 BC to 123 BC, when the Roman conquest)
The site is freely accessible and there are signs and explanatory posters. There is also a museum and visitor center where guided tours can be arranged.
Somewhat more recent (5th century) are the Paleo-Christian basilicas of Son Peretó (next to San Lorenzo) and Sa Carrotja (at the eastern end of Porto Cristo), a few kilometers from Cala Morlanda.
Also in Porto Cristo are the famous Caves of Drach, and the not so famous but equally spectacular Caves of Hams.
In the Cala Morlanda area there are no bars or restaurants, as it is residential
But in s’Illot, in the Cala Moreia area, there is plenty to choose from: from simple menu or Italian restaurants to tapas bars or seafood restaurants.
Lodging
Near Cala Morlanda there are some houses available for holiday rental. In s’Illot there are more hotels, abounding with three stars, but there are also up to four, and a couple of two stars. There are also tourist apartments, so we have a good range of options for all tastes and budgets.
Take a look at Cala Morlanda in 360º
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