Holidays to Cala Bona

There are some spectacular Majorcan attractions only a short distance away, making a holiday to Cala Bona the perfect base from which to explore the island. Boat rides around the coast are bookable from the ticket office at the harbour. From there, some of the excursions include a trip around the coast on a Glass Bottom Catamaran, trips to nearby Cala Ratjada and Porto Cristo, and outings on a speed-boat or Sea-Rider. There is also a diving school, and stables at Rancho Willy, where trips through the island’s countryside on horseback can be arranged.

The Safari Park Zoo is only a few kilometres outside of Cala Bona, where the zoo train takes a daily journey through the enclosures, and nearby Cala Millor has its own karting track. The famous Caves of Drach are also nearby in Porto Cristo, where the caves are hung with majestic stalagmites and stalactites. The caves have perfect acoustics, and Majorcans take full advantage of this natural wonder, rowing musicians out onto the water to play for the crowds.

A Cala Bona holiday can be the perfect beachside getaway, with plenty of options both in Cala Bona itself and at the nearby resorts. The main beach in Cala Bona is a small are of golden sand and calm waters, with exceptional swimming conditions, sunbeds for hire and plenty of bars and restaurants for some midday refreshment. The promenade that stretches down to Cala Millor is peppered with small sandy spots between rocky outcrops, and the beach at Cala Millor is possibly one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

The beach at Cala Millor is a Blue Flag beach of white sand and turquoise waters over a kilometre long. There are parasols and sun loungers for hire, toilets and showers, and excellent disabled access, as well as a range of watersports for more adventurous beachgoers. The Albatross Diving Centre serves both Cala Millor and Cala Bona, and Cala Bona has excellent snorkelling conditions, home to barracuda shoals, goatfish and tuna.

Right along the seafront from the Harbour and down the promenade are a fantastic selection of restaurants, cafes and bars to complete any holiday to Cala Bona. Some of the cuisines on offer include traditional Spanish and Majorcan, Scandinavian, British, Italian and Indian, among others. In the village itself there are also plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from in the pedestrianised centre, as well as some little out of the way places on the narrow streets.

Café Thalassa at the harbour is right on the waterfront, where you can sip sangria or enjoy a light snack while watching the boats come in. The marina is also lined with restaurants featuring daily caught seafood and fish, with lobster being a local favourite. It is also a great place to try the island’s staple dishes like paella, and the Restaurant Son Floriana serves artistic Mediterranean cuisine, complemented by a fabulous wine list, in a charmingly dim lit stone establishment on the edge of the resort.

The night scene on a Cala Bona holiday is relaxed and low-key, with most of the hotels in the resort organising their own in-house entertainment for guests. There are a few cafes and bars that stay open throughout the evenings along the promenade and by the harbour, and the Sanddancers Bar on Main Street is reportedly one of the friendliest in the area. It is open for Karaoke on a few nights, as well as showing live sports.

For a more upbeat and lively night out, the resort of Cala Millor is only a 15 minute walk along the promenade, and here there are plenty of late night clubs, bars and discos. With British pubs, Germanic bars, and more Karaoke, most places here are open until 2am, with some clubs and discos along the promenade open later. Palace Q is the largest and most popular, split over two levels, playing Spanish and international hits right through until 6am.

There is plenty of family entertainment on a Cala Bona holiday, with many popular attractions and activities within easy reach and a relaxed night scene in the resort that it won’t keep the kids up too late. The waters at Cala Bona beach are clear enough to snorkel in without having to dive, and kids will love meeting the local marine life. Opposite the beach there is a playpark for younger children, and towards the harbour there is the Fantasy Park with trampolines, a bouncy castle and electric cars among other kids’ rides.

Kids will also love meeting the animals at the Safari Park Zoo, and riding the train that travels around the enclosures, and there are chances to ride horses through a trail inland from the Rancho Willy stables. Jump on a wave rider and take a trip around the coast, or visit Son Servera on a Friday morning for some family souvenir shopping at the 200 market stalls there.

Set the perfect romantic scene with a Majorcan couple’s holiday to Cala Bona. On the beach, by the pool, in the midst of the beautiful Majorcan landscape, this charming resort is the perfect place to spend some time in each other’s company. Start the day with breakfast on the beach at one of the cafes along the promenade. Spend the day lazing in the sun on a couple of sun loungers, or having a dip in the sea, or take a walk to neighbouring Cala Millor and enjoy the soft white sands there. In the evening, sip a cocktail or two at one of the bars overlooking the harbour while the sun sets, and enjoy a romantic meal at one of the many restaurants serving that day’s fresh catches.

Many of the hotels near the water at Cala Bona are perfect for couples. Hotel Protur Alicia is a stunning adults-only hotel, with a rooftop infinity pool with its own bar playing chill-out music while the sun sets. Or indulge in a couples spa treatment, Turkish bath or sauna session.

Cala Bona is a peaceful haven surrounded by opportunities for an active and adventurous holiday. The Auto Safari Zoo lets you drive your own car around the enclosures, or hop on their train to meet the elephants and other animals. The Albatross Diving Centre is a PADI certified diving school, offering scuba diving lessons and outings, and snorkelling trips to the pirate cave. There are horse riding trips available from the stables at Rancho Willy just outside of Cala Bona, and a 15 minute walk along the promenade will take you to the nearby Cala Millor where there are a range of watersports on the beach.

Watersports at Cala Millor include jet-skiiing, parasailing and banana boats. The tennis courts at Son Floriana are available for hire for those in the mood for a game, and there is a 9-hole golf course at Son Servera.

Cala Bona originated as a small fishing village on the east coast of Majorca, and the resort has naturally grown from that to accommodate a lively tourist trade. The village has kept its charm and personality with active harbour and pretty winding streets. Although it is not famed for its nightlife, there are a few cultural festivals in the area that are worth visiting if you’re there at the right time.

In July, the Festival of Mare de Deu del Carme, the celebration of their patron saint, takes place in the harbour, with a procession of boats and a street parade along the promenade, and ends with fireworks and a street party. In neighbouring Cala Millor during the summer the festivals of Mare de Déu dels Àngels and Festival of the Tourist feature more festivities, including competitions, beach sports and concerts for Mare de Déu dels Àngels, street music, beach activities, a street parade, exhibitions, concerts and themed markets for the tourist festival.