Cala Mayor Tourist Information
Cala Mayor is the first resort west of Palma. Back in the 1980s it was a boom
town packed with visitors and with some of the liveliest bars and clubs on the
coast. However, the resort suffered a severe decline which it has only recently
started to climb out of. Today it is more residential than touristy though new
businesses catering to both markets are starting to reappear.
Arriving from Palma you'll pass Marivent Palace on your left as you enter Cala
Mayor. This is the occasional home of the King of Spain where he welcomes
international dignitaries from time to time. Charles and Diana spent a holiday
there overlooking Cala Mayor's sandy beach below the palace. How do I know this?
Because at the time I lived in the main block of flats on Cala Mayor beach with
direct views across to the palace though I didn't spot any royalty!
The 5 star
Nixe Palace Hotel
with its stunning sea views is on your left as you
descend into Cala Mayor. On both sides of the street you'll find a selection of
shops, bars and restaurants. Take a left at the bottom of the hill which takes
you onto Cala Mayor's very pretty beach where the Cala Mayor hotel has a limited
seaview.
The rest of the town has a range of services for locals and tourists alike.
One outstanding little restaurant is Shu-Bi-Dua next to Scots Corner on the road
opposite the taxi rank. This place has been serving up the best stroganoff on
the planet since the mid-eighties and all his other dishes are excellent. If
you're in the area don't miss it! Beyond Cala Mayor is the exclusive residential area of Illetas which has a fine
beach and a few small hotels. Neighbouring Bendinat was originally just a golf
course but has since expnded to include some exclusive residential areas. In the
hills above Cala Mayor is the traditional village of Genova which is well known
by citizens of Palma for its fine Mallorcan restaurants. Tourists also visit the
village to take a look at the Genova caves.
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