Located approximately 70 kilometers east of Palma de Mallorca, Cala Bona is a picturesque holiday resort on Mallorca’s north-east coast. The town was once a cluster of fishermen’s cottages surrounding a small harbour which has developed into a charming holiday destination for families and peace-seeking tourists. Cala Bona is connected to the neighboring areas of Port Verd to the north and Cala Millor to the south. Walking or cycling along the scenic promenade between these resorts is one of the many things to do in Cala Bona. You can also take short day trips to visit the famous caves near Porto Cristo or even head back to Palma de Mallorca for a day exploring the island’s capital.
Getting There: Cala Bona is easily accessible by road from Palma Airport in around one hour. Just head out of Palma on the Ma-15 towards Algaida and Manacor. Car hire is the most popular form of transfer, although there are private transfer options, taxis and the A42 Cala Bona – Aeroport public bus which takes 1 hour 45 minutes with numerous stops including Manacor, Portocristo and Cala Millor.
Getting Around: A rental car will prove the best way of getting around once you arrive in Cala Bona, however, there’s also the option of using the local bus network. Buses 424 and 425 are the most useful for getting around locally. You can also take boat tours from the harbour to visit nearby towns such as Porto Cristo and Cala Ratjada.
Top 13 Things to Do in Cala Bona
Visit the Fishing Harbour
Located in the shadow of the Hotel Cala Bona, the charming fishing harbour of Cala Bona is home to a small fleet of Mallorcan fishing boats known as “llaüts”. Get there early and you’ll be able to watch the fishermen unloading their catches of the day. Surrounding the harbour are a number of attractive bars and seafood restaurants serving fresh fish dishes and other local specialties.
Spend the Day at the Beach in Cala Millor
Whilst Cala Bona has three beaches they are quite rocky and a farcry from the beautiful, sandy beaches just down the coast at the neighbouring resort of Cala Millor. You can walk there along the pedestrianised promenade or take a local bus. Its long sandy beach is lined with bars, shops and restaurants and water sports activities are available for the more adventurous. A little further afield you’ll find some lovely beaches such as Platja de sa Coma and Platja de s’Illot.
Take a Boat Trip to Cala Ratjada
From Cala Bona harbour you can take a boat trip to the picturesque fishing port of Cala Ratjada, a journey which allows you to appreciate the stunning coastline. Some of the region’s most beautiful beaches are in this region such as Cala Agulla, Cala Mesquida and Font de Sa Cala.
Visit Porto Cristo and the Caves of Drach
You can also take boat trips to the charming beach resort of Porto Cristo which lies just 12km south of Cala Bona. From here you can explore the famous Caves of Drach which one of the island’s most visited attractions. Guided tours lead you through chambers adorned with stunning rock formations and you’ll be treated to a mini-classical music concert on one of the underground lakes. For an equally impressive cave experience, consider visiting the lesser-known Cuevas del Hams located nearby. You can also take Bus 425 Cala Bona – Portocristo to get there.
Go to the Friday Market in the Village of Son Servera
Friday morning is market day in the village of Son Servera which lies just 3km inland from Cala Bona. Buses 412 and 424 make the short journey to the village. There are many stalls at this street market selling local produce, handicrafts, textiles and leather items. It’s a good idea to get there early and have breakfast at a terrace overlooking the charming Plaça de Sant Joan.
Treat Yourself to Some Fine Mediterranean Cuisine
With a large number of British tourists visiting Cala Bona you’ll find a few places serving good ‘pub grub’ and there’s an excellent Indian restaurant with sea views. However, if you want to find a special place for dinner there are a few excellent restaurants around including Restaurante Son Floriana and Restaurante Sa Punta. Both offer top notch cuisine served at outdoor terraces.
Take a Full Day trip to Palma de Mallorca
Just an hour’s drive from Cala Bona is Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital which is home to more than 400,000 people. Its main attractions include the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. The cosmopolitan city is also known for its boutique shopping and fine restaurants. You can get there as part of a tour group or take the 401 bus service which departs from neighbouring Cala Millor. See our post on the Best Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca for more information about the city.
Visit the Historic Castle of Capdepera
The Castell de Capdepera is situated 15km north of Cala Bona. Its history dates back to the 14th century when a fortified village was constructed to protect the locals from pirate attacks. Visitors can explore the well-preserved castle walls and enjoy panoramic views of Cala Ratjada. Don’t miss the ‘Talaia de Jaume II’ which is an optical telegraph originally used for communication with Menorca. Before leaving you can stop for lunch at one of the attractive terrace bars in Placa de l’Orient.
Explore the Sanctuary of San Salvador in Artà
Uncover the hidden gem of Artà, a historic town located 9km inland from Capdepera. Its main attraction is the Santuari de Sant Salvador which stands on Calvary Hill in the town centre. This sanctuary offers panoramic views of the countryside and houses a beautifully carved wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. It is accessible by means of a winding road or a staircase from the Iglesia de la Transfiguración del Señor.
Marvel at the Caves of Artà
Just 15km northeast of Cala Bona lies the network of limestone caves known as the Cuevas de Artà (Coves d’Artà). Guided tours take visitors through chambers full of impressive stalactites, stalagmites and other mesmerizing rock formations. The tours, which depart every 30 minutes and last about an hour, also feature an exhibition area displaying archaeological finds from the caves, including pottery fragments and prehistoric human remains.
Discover the Natural Park of the Levant Peninsula
Located 13km north of Artà, the entrance to the Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant provides free parking for visitors. This protected area includes 13 hiking routes through a region of outstanding natural beauty, making it a popular destination for hikers and birdwatchers. The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife including booted eagles, peregrine falcons, Audouin’s gulls and red kites. Visitors can also spot turtles, hedgehogs, stone martens and genets. Within the park you can also explore ancient farmhouses with olive oil presses and a watchtower and take part in guided visits and nature activities at weekends.
Enjoy a Round of Golf
There are a total of 24 golf courses on the island of Mallorca with most of them accessible from Cala Bona if you don’t mind the drive (excuse the pun!). The nearest ones are Club de Golf Son Servera, Pula Golf Resort, Canyamel Golf and Capdepera Golf. You can pre-book your dates and tee times online through the websites of each individual course. If you’re travelling with children you’ll find several mini-golf courses in Mallorca.
Visit the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience in Manacor
Rafa Nadal was born in Manacor in 1986 and became a professional tennis player at the age of 15. He hit the big time in 2004 when he won the Davis Cup with Spain. Since then he has gone on to win 22 Grand Slam victories in the most remarkable of careers. In his hometown there is now a Rafa Nadal Museum Experience which is located 22km inland from Cala Bona. The museum showcases an extensive collection of memorabilia and trophies and includes interactive exhibits which allow visitors to test their skills on a virtual tennis court. This a must-see for sports fans visiting this part of Mallorca.
