Holiday rentals in Cala d'Or

Although this patch of southeastern Mallorcan coastline is famous for its pretty beaches, the name “Golden Bay” doesn’t refer to sand, but rather the long sunny days that are guaranteed here, far from the island’s Tramuntana Mountains. A resort that has rejected high-rise developments in favour of attractive, Ibizan-style whitewashed villas, Cala d’Or comprises five separate calas, each with its own cove and amenities that include tennis courts, golf courses, and a wide range of dining options.

The woodland-fringed beaches are small — the largest, Cala Gran, is only 40 metres from end to end — and get crowded quickly, but there are many more on the surrounding coastline, mostly accessible by boat. The crystal waters are perfect for snorkelling and diving, and the Port Petit marina, where you can arrange boat trips, is a glamorous destination in itself. The towns of Santanyí and Felanitx, each a 25-minute drive away, offer shopping and weekly markets, while the nearby fishing village of Portopetro, which dates back to the Middle Ages, offers a taste of a more traditional Mallorca.

Cala d’Or is very much a summer resort; many of its attractions are closed during the winter season. The tiny beaches can become very busy at the peak of summer, with holidaymakers claiming their spots near the seafront first thing in the morning. If you want to avoid that hassle, consider booking an apartment for late or early summer. Temperatures remain mild in spring and autumn, which are also quieter, and the water is comfortable for swimming almost all year round. There’s a six-day jazz festival in May, and during the first half of August there’s a chance to join in a more traditional Mallorcan festival, Santa Maria del Mar, with live music, dancing, sports, and fun events for children, as well as the annual saint’s procession.

Mondragó Natural Park

You can quickly find your way back to the island’s untouched beauty at this nature reserve, which also happens to be home to two of Mallorca’s best beaches. The secluded cliffs and white sands of Cala Mondragó and S’Amarador have been protected from development, while the surrounding wetlands are a birdwatcher’s delight.

Santueri Castle

The 18th-century garrison of Es Fortí is a short and popular walk from the marina, but this castle, a 30-minute drive from Cala d’Or and surrounded by hiking trails, is also well worth your time. Not only are its 14th-century walls impressively preserved, but its hillside location makes for fantastic sea views that include, on a clear day, the islands of Cabrera.

Felanitx

On a Sunday morning, the nearby town of Felanitx offers an excellent change of pace from resort life, when its narrow streets are filled with stalls selling bread, wine, cheese, and fruit as well as clothes, ceramics, and flowers. There’s also a beautiful monastery, the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador, that welcomes visitors and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.