Mallorca is a popular holiday destination for all kinds of travellers, with a diverse range of locations and resorts. Cala Bona is a relatively quiet holiday resort located in the north-east of Mallorca.
Despite being quiet, Cala Bona still offers travellers a range of benefits, including beautiful surroundings, excellent hotels, and great facilities (more on that later).
What is Cala Bona Like?
Cala Bona is a harbour town rooted in its fishing history that has become a popular tourist destination.
The beautiful coastal town makes the most of its small size, as everything it offers is easily accessible.
During peak seasons, Cala Bona can be popular with families making it a bit busier, while the winter months are significantly quieter.
The beaches, harbour, and easy access to the larger Cala Millor area make Cala Bona an ideal holiday spot.
History & Culture of Cala Bona
The main historical significance of Cala Bona that can still be seen today is how it started life as a fishing village.
The Mediterranean still plays a significant role in day-to-day life for locals and visitors. Fishing, seafood restaurants, boat trips, and beach life are easily accessible at the resort due to its location on Mallorca’s east coast.
The harbour of Cala Bona sees a rich diversity of boat types, including traditional Llaüt fishing boats.
Beaches in Cala Bona
Mallorca’s east coast is a great destination for travellers looking for beach holidays – and Cala Bona is home to a variety of beautiful sandy beaches. Other nearby beaches are also easily accessible, making it a wonderful choice for people who want to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
Cala Bona Main Beach
The main beach of Cala Bona has good facilities, including parasols and sunbeds that can be hired individually or together for a reduced rate.
Access from the promenade is easy, and the beach even has a lifeguard to ensure all visitors (and families with children, especially) are safe.
Cala Millor Beach
Neighbouring Cala Millor is home to a few sandy beaches and is just a 20-minute walk from Cala Bona. The 2000-meter-long Cala Millor beach is well worth a visit.
The beach has disabled access, lifeguards on duty, various water sports, and easy access to local bars, cafes, restaurants and shops.
Sa Coma Beach
Sa Coma Beach is around a 10-minute drive from Cala Bona and is popular because of its beautiful sand and clear water.
As well as offering easy access and the supervision of lifeguards, Sa Coma Beach also has three food and drink kiosks with toilets – a great convenience.
Sa Marjal Beach
Sa Marjal beach has unique, fine grey sand, a selection of sunbeds and parasols to rent, and free parking. If you have hired a car, Sa Marjal can be an excellent day trip.
The Mediterranean cove is sheltered by a pine grove and has a beach bar for visitors to enjoy refreshments.
Things to Do in Cala Bona
As you might imagine, there are lots of water-based activities for a small traditional fishing village to enjoy in and around Cala Bona.
Scuba diving, water sports, and boat trips are all great options for visitors that want to make the most of the water.
Trips on a glass-bottom catamaran are popular as they allow people to see some of the diverse marine life up close without getting wet.
Alternatively, tourists can enjoy horseriding, tennis, and golf for more active land-based things to do. Day trips to Palma, the island’s capital, offers a far wider selection of restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops.
Hotels in Cala Bona
Cala Bona is not as built-up or developed as some other Mallorcan resorts which adds to its quaintness and charm. There are still some excellent hotels to choose from, including:
Hotel Cala Bona
The Hotel Cala Bona is a seafront hotel that has been open for almost 100 years.
Rooms are brightly decorated with modern furnishings, and some rooms have great sea-view balconies and terraces.
Easy beach access, a large pool with lots of sunbeds and space for relaxing, a modern bar, and a versatile restaurant offer guests a great stay.
Son Corb Boutique Hotel
The Son Corb Boutique Hotel is an excellent choice for a unique stay in Cala Bona. Nestled in more than 30 hectares of Mallorcan countryside, the hotel offers easy access to nearby Cala Millor and the charming town of Cala Bona.
Son Corb’s tranquil accommodation has a range of rooms available, from standard and superior doubles to suites and smaller, more basic options.
Guests will love the outdoor pool, sundeck, gardens, and outdoor exercise equipment. The relaxing atmosphere is perfect for a laid-back break – and the range of treatments available at the spa is a bonus.
You can loan complimentary bikes if you want to get out and explore the local area.
Gran Sol Hotel
The Hotel Gran Sol is a first-rate, four-star option that provides an excellent beachfront location and is close to the centre of Cala Bona and its bars, restaurants, shops, and harbour.
The four-floor hotel has 58 rooms, a large swimming pool, and a sun terrace for guests to relax. The large freshwater pool has a kid’s section attached.
Rooms are fully air-conditioned, have en suite bathrooms, and balconies or terraces holidaymakers to take in sea or garden views.
Guests can make the most of the mini spa, heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and gym. There is also a range of evening entertainment options and a versatile restaurant to cater for all tastes.
Alicia Hotel
The Protur Alicia Hotel is another excellent seafront option that caters for adults only. Because of this, you can expect a sophisticated and relaxing stay at this 4-star option.
Views across the Cala Bona bay and to Cala Millor can be enjoyed on the terrace.
There is an excellent choice of pools, including indoor, outdoor, and rooftop infinity pools.
A well-equipped gym will help you keep fit, or you can spend your holiday making the most of the Biomar Beauty facilities that offer a range of treatments and massages.
Anyone who has taken advantage of the car hire options in Mallorca will have access to the private car park and electric vehicle charging station.
There are half-board options that include buffet breakfasts and dinners. Alternatively, Sarah’s Restaurant offers a range of great meals that make the most of fresh local produce and seafood.
Restaurants in Cala Bona
Cala Bona has a number of great restaurants for visitors to explore. Seafood lovers, in particular, will love the fresh food available in this old fishing village.
There is something for everyone in Cala Bona, and many hotels also have excellent menus. If you plan on eating out, the following options may be perfect for you:
Tapas De Sa Caleta
Tapas De Sa Caleta is located in Cala Millor but is close enough for a mention – and well worth a visit.
They specialise in Spanish tapas and seafood. One of the best things about this eatery is the great variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes.
Alma Mia
Alma Mia offers a wide range of local and Italian food. They have a great selection of pizzas, salads, and vegetarian options to please hungry tourists.
Janet and John’s
British travellers who want a taste of home will love Janet and John’s. As well as great British food, the menu makes the most of fresh fruit, local produce and seafood in European dishes.
Nightlife in Cala Bona
Cala Bona is not known for its busy nightlife and is more commonly thought of for its small working harbour. The family-friendly resorts don’t attract many people looking for nightclubs, and Magaluf or Santa Ponsa are more likely to appeal to them
That is not to say that visitors won’t enjoy their evenings in Cala Bona, as there are some great bars and restaurants to relax in.
Events in Cala Bona
Cala Bona is best suited to people that like a quiet environment and laid-back atmosphere. However, at some points through the year, tourists can enjoy local events.
July 16th sees the Festes de la Mare de Déu del Carme, a festival that honours Verge del Carme, the patron saint of fishermen.
As a traditional fishing village, this is an important local festival that is celebrated in a number of smaller locations around the island.
You will get to enjoy processions, fireworks, displays, and great food when the festival is in full swing.
Nearby Cala Millor also has a tourist festival in September that includes markets, workshops, and concerts.
Shopping in Cala Bona
Cala Bona has a range of shopping options tailored to the needs of locals and visitors, including supermarkets, chemists, and tourist shops.
For a better shopping experience, Cala Millor has a better range of options. Alternatively, day trips to Palma will give you access to an excellent selection of high-street and high-end fashion stores.
How to get to Cala Bona
Cala Bona is relatively accessible from all areas of Mallorca, with travel by hire car or taxi from Palma taking roughly an hour. Taxi costs will vary but can be expensive at around €80 to €110. Hiring a car may be an option that works out cheaper if you plan to travel a lot, you will also have the convenience of your own transport.
Busses from Palma to Cala Bona can take in excess of two hours but are cheaper, costing from €10 to €15.
It is also possible to get a train across the island which generally takes from an hour and a half to two hours. Tickets will typically cost around €20.
Surrounding areas of Cala Bona
The northeast of Mallorca tends to offer a range of quieter destinations without larger developments. This is ideal for people who want a peaceful break, and you can enjoy lots of natural areas that are largely unspoilt.
Porto Cristo is another quiet fishing village that offers a great range of excellent restaurants and walks, or you could take a boat trip to enjoy beautiful views. This is also home to Cuevas del Drach, one of the world’s biggest underground lakes.
Alternatively, the historic walled town of Capdepera is excellent for people looking for a more cultural trip. Arta is another great historic town, while Manacor offers a larger option with more shops, bars, and restaurants.
