a river running through a forest
Destination

Porto Petro

Book your hotel in Porto Petro

On the southeast coast of Majorca there is a sun and beach destination that must be enjoyed without haste. We are talking about Porto Petro (or Portopetro) - one of the pearls the Santanyí area and, ultimately, of the whole coastline of the Balearic Islands. This protected territory of great beauty, located very close to a traditional fishing port, yacht club and bays with fine sand and transparent waters, is a perfect choice for your holidays in Majorca. We encourage you to check out this destination in person and invite you to stay at one of the best Majorca resorts in Porto Petro - Iberostar Waves Club Cala Barca hotel.

Located next to the well-known tourist spot Cala d’Or and the idyllic Cala Mondragó, this spectacular corner is a safe and peaceful environment, suitable for any type of holiday.

What to see in Porto Petro

If you are making a list of places to visit in Majorca near Porto Petro, Cala d’Or should definitely be at the top of your list. It is a residential area surrounded by various settlements such as Cala Ferrera, Cala Serena and Porto Petro itself. Previously known as Ses Puntetes, Cala d’Or comprises three photogenic bays.

The first, Cala Llonga, is the largest, with an avenue of the same name running alongside the bay, where the Cala d’Or port, also called Cala d'Or Marina, is located. It was built in 1969 in a natural opening of the coast, and it now offers a wide range of leisure activities.

Another special feature of Cala Llonga is its origins, represented even today by certain buildings in the town. In fact, Ibizan architect Josep Costa Ferrer founded the area in 1932. It was he, who created the town, built in 1950s houses and the Anglican Church, located on Plaza de la Figuera, in the architectural style of Ibiza. Cala Llonga was even originally called Cala d'Hort, as it reminded the archgitect of a garden cove in his homeland of Ibiza.

One of the main places of interest in Cala Llonga is Es Fortí which was built in 1730 during the War of the Spanish Succession and which stands on the eastern end of the Es Fortí Avenue.

The other two bays of Porto Petro are Cala Petita (officially Cala d Or), located beside Cala Llonga, and Cala Grossa which lies right next to Cala Petita.

Moreover, don’t forget the magnificent Mondragó Nature Reserve. The park acquired its status in 1992 and since 1995 has been considered a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the European Union Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds. In addition to the undeniable ecological and aesthetical value of the place (the Park boasts spectacular pinewoods and cliffs), Mondragó is also interesting from an ethnological point of view as it still exhibits some typical stone huts (barracas de roter) typical of the region. These are small constructions made of dry stone which were used to store tools and to shelter animals and people from the cold and rain.

This protected area has two beaches with fine sand and crystal-clear shallow waters. The most important one is Cala Mondragó. Also known as Sa Font de n'Alis, it is considered one of the most beautiful and one of the best beaches in Majorca.

Finally, it takes just 25 minutes from Porto Petro to get to the impressive caves of Drach - one of the most famous tourist attractions in Majorca.

Things to do in Porto Petro

The range of activities in Porto Petro is huge. In fact, lovers of the sea, water sports and outdoor activities in general are more than welcome in the Royal Sailing Club of Porto Petro (Real Club Náutico), where all kinds of leisure boats are available. In addition, you can take excursions from there along the magnificent coast and visit the Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park.

But if you want to go shopping, there is no better place than the two most important pedestrian shopping streets in Cala d Or: Avenida de Bélgica and Calle de Andreu Roig, where you will find many stores and restaurants to your taste.

At the same time, the two streets are an ideal place to try some of the best of typical Majorcan cuisine, starting with sobrassada and ending with the famous ensaimadas. But don’t forget to try the sweet empanadillas and buñuelos, the dried sausages and, of course, the exquisite vegetables, cultivated in the gardens of the island.

Enjoy our hotel in Porto Petro

To allow you to fully enjoy all the luxury and beauty of Porto Petro, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts invites you to the Iberostar Waves Club Cala Barca hotel. This luxurious 4 star hotel in Majorca puts modern facilities at your disposal such as eight swimming pools, a wide range of services and a team of professionals that will make you stay an unforgettable experience. The Iberostar Waves Club Cala Barca is without a doubt one of our best hotels in Majorca.

This sea front hotel is perfect for those planning family holidays to Majorca, as it has everything necessary to make sure your kids have a great holiday too. For example, check out the children’s activity programme or the children’s pools offered by Iberostar Waves Club Cala Barca. Additional to help parents make the most of your holidays without worrying about cooking, Club Cala Barca offers you an option for all-inclusive Majorca holidays.

And as for adults, they can pamper themselves with a relaxing massage session at any time in our Spa.

Plus, fans of physical activity also have an opportunity to keep themselves in shape by practicing all kinds of sports in Majorca. Attend Zumba or Pilates classes, have fun and test your marksmanship trying archery, or hike through the most beautiful places of the area, there is so much to choose from.

Iberostar Waves Club Cala Barca hotel in Porto Petro is an ideal choice for those who seek rest and relaxation in a magnificent setting.

Don’t think twice! Book a room at our hotel and enjoy your Majorca holidays. We are here waiting for you!

a large pool of water

Beaches for the whole family in Porto Petro

The beaches in Porto Petro are characterised by a welcoming family atmosphere, a well-preserved natural setting and the clean waters of the Mediterranean. The shoreline of this municipality in south-eastern Majorca is cliffy, broken by sea inlets. With time, the cliffs and inlets have given rise to delightful coves for quiet sunbathers and peaceful holidays. Sa Barca Trencada, Mondragó and Porto Petro are among the most popular.

Main beaches in Porto Petro:

  • Sa Barca Trencada beach: One of the most beautiful little coves in Porto Petro and Santanyí, Sa Barca Trencada opens to the sea in a natural stream, offering visitors its fine sand and pebbles, and the shelter of leafy Mediterranean pines. The calm, shallow water makes it ideal for families with kids.
  • Cala Figuera beach: This cove evolved into a fishing village, complete with Mediterranean houses, wooden and stone piers, and colourful boats. Since it comprises two sea inlets, it is known under the names of the two coves formed: Caló d’en Busques and Caló d’en Boira. Figuera is the best-sheltered natural fishing harbour on the Balearic coast.
  • Porto Petro beach: This quiet and small cove is a typical Mediterranean enclave, with flour-like sand and shiny turquoise blue water. Close to the port and the yacht club, it is still well sheltered and very charming. Its lively atmosphere has a lot to do with the presence of locals.
  • Mondragó beach: Part of the Mondragó Nature Park, this beach is a natural paradise inviting relaxation. Its calm water is as good for anchoring vessels as it is for splashing about with kids. The fine white sand, the surrounding pine forest, the picnic tables, the walkway connecting with another cove, S’Amarador, and the trails leading to the heart of the park all ensure a perfect beach day for families.
  • S’Amarador beach: This beach, also part of the Mondragó Nature Park, lies opposite Mondragó beach, facing north. A walkway carved out of the rocks connects the two beaches, which have clean and clear waters, brimming with sea life. They are perfect for swimming or snorkelling, framed by unspoilt fine forests to have a snack or take a nap in the shadow.
  • Caló de sa Torre beach: Only 35m in length, this is one of the smallest beaches in the area. However, it is incredibly beautiful and quiet, and this makes it really popular. It features white sand, majestic cliffs and quiet, clear water. Many yacht owners choose it to anchor their vessels in the shelter of winds and sea currents.
beach from the air in Mallorca at Iberostar Waves Club Cala Barca

Activities in Porto Petro

The activities to do in Porto Petro and the surrounding area bring visitors close to the real essence of south-eastern Majorca. Historical buildings, museums, nature parks like Mondragó and, above all, small villages full of magic customs and traditions turn a holiday in Majorca into an unforgettable experience.

What to do and what to see in Porto Petro

  • S’Alqueria Blanca: Together with Calonge, this village on the outskirts of Porto Petro offers a glimpse of the area’s cultural and ethnographic heritage. There is a humble church dedicated to Mare de Déu de la Consolació (Our Lady of Consolation) and one of the region’s most important archaeological sites: Cova de Sa Madona (Cave of Virgin Mary).
  • The Walled Gate in Santanyí: The gate is one of a few traces of the fortified city of Santanyí, the capital of the Migjorn region, also encompassing Porto Petro. A tour of Santanyí takes visitors to narrow alleyways, traditional houses and the church of the patron saint, Saint Andrew.
  • Mondragó Nature Park: One of the most beautiful natural areas in Majorca, Mondragó is the largest park of its kind in the south-eastern part of the island. Cliffs, junipers, little pine forests, unspoilt white-sand coves, rocks battered by the sea, and one of the best bird-watching spots in Majorca.
  • Es Fortí in Cala d’Or: Sitting next to Porto Petro, Cala d’Or is one of the liveliest districts in Majorca. It boasts one of the most emblematic defensive constructions along the coastline, just on the tip of Cala Llonga: Es Fortí, a military fort built in 1730, now converted to cultural centre.
  • Cala Figuera: One of the most charming coastal villages in Majorca, Cala Figuera attracts huge crowds and makes the setting of many a snapshot. The small fishing harbour and the peculiar geography (two sea inlets forming two little coves) add charm to it. The fish market and quay were built in 1950. There is also a sea promenade offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

Experiences in Porto Petro

A holiday in Porto Petro is full of exciting experiences. This elegant and exclusive district affords special moments and unforgettable memories. Dining by the Mediterranean Sea as you watch the rocking boats at the port, taking a horseback ride or sailing across the small bay while taking a glimpse of the bottom of the sea are but a few of the things you can do in Porto Petro. The possibilities are endless.

Experiences in Porto Petro: What to do

  • Boat rides across the bay: One of the most entertaining and least exhausting things to do in Porto Petro is renting a boat, either a sailboat for a romantic or group ride in the Mediterranean or a cruise ship with a glass floor to take a look at the sea life beneath your feet. A great choice for families travelling with kids.
  • Chill-out cocktails at sunset: Sunset is one of the best times of day to take a stroll in downtown Porto Petro. The sea promenade is lined with chill-out bars and restaurants serving delicious cocktails and appetisers to start the evening off in the best of atmospheres.
  • Night market in Cala Figuera: Browsing the stalls, having a traditional almond ice-cream, buying traditional Majorcan crafts or just soaking in the lively and colourful atmosphere… Cala Figuera’s night market turns this charming little fishing village into a world-class shopping district where no-one regrets to get lost.
  • Horseback rides in Porto Petro: Short guided horseback tours are available in Porto Petro (two to three hours). A different, thrilling experience to take in the idyllic landscape, be in contact with nature and have fun with your family.

Events in Porto Petro

Os eventos e festas populares em Porto Petro atraem visitantes de toda a ilha, e oferecem atividades para todos os gostos: desde gincanas para crianças, concertos ao ar livre e verbenas a atos de celebração tradicional como as festas de São José e São Roque em Porto Petro, ou a procissão marítima que se celebra cada ano em Agosto em Cala d’Or.

Eventos mais importantes de Porto Petro:

  • 17 de janeiro. Sant Antoni. O centro da celebração é Santanyí, em cuja praça e ruas se acendem fogueiras, e se realizam churrascadas de vizinhos ao ar livre e jogos e bailes durante toda a noite. As festas celebram-se em honra de San Antonio Abad, um dos santos mais venerados em Mallorca.
  • 19 de março. São José em Porto Petro. Junto com as de San Roque, são as festas principais da localidade, e todos los residentes celebram este dia com numerosas atividades: jogos infantis, competições desportivas, exposições, verbena e bailes tradicionais enchem de cor as ruas desta pequena localidade de marinheiros.
  • Mês de maio. Romaria da Ermida de la Consolación. É uma das festas mais importantes de S’Alquería Blanca, ao lado de Porto Petro, e tem lugar no primeiro domingo de maio. Nesse dia todos os habitantes locais sobem a pé até à ermida para compartir uma eucaristia e bailes regionais.
  • Mês de julho/agosto. Festas de San Jaime. Santanyí veste-se a rigor para celebrar as suas festas em honra de San Jaime, que têm início no final do mês de julho, e se prolongam até ao princípio de agosto. O programa está repleto de propostas de verão: verbenas, concertos, desporto, teatro, correfocs de dimonis, fogo de artifício, gigantes, cabeçudos e xeremiers…
  • Mês de agosto. Festas da Virgen del Mar em Cala d’Or. É famosa pela sua vistosa procissão marítima,que percorre com a figura da virgem toda a costa de Cala d’Or, mas a sua programação inclui muitas atividades e eventos para todas as idades: festa da espuma, festa da juventude, cinema ao ar livre, jantar popular, jornada infantil, mercado artesanal…
  • Meados de agosto. Festas de San Roque. Celebram-se em Porto Petro e em várias localidades dos arredores. O clima de verão e a grande afluência de público que acode a estas festas converteram-nas numas das mais importantes do calendário local. Bailes típicos, desfiles, bandas de música, verbena... A programação varia cada ano, mas oferece sempre opções para todos os gostos.

Water sports and much more in Porto Petro

Sports in Porto Petro are related to the sea, as most districts in the area are fishing villages overlooking the Mediterranean. Diving, spearfishing, catamaran riding and sailing are the classical holiday sports in the south-eastern coast of Majorca. For those who want to stay out of the water there are golf, hiking and cycle touring.

Sports in Porto Petro

  • Diving in Porto Petro: Porto Petro boasts one of the region’s best diving schools, offering courses for beginners or kids and giving PADI certification cards. In spring or the early summer, amateur divers are invited to join in special reef cleaning activities in Porto Petro.
  • Sailing across Porto Petro bay: The quiet water of the Mediterranean in this area in Majorca invites visitors to rent a sailboat or a catamaran in Porto Petro and have a sailing day about the cliffs, caves and coves, which are so difficult to reach by other means.
  • Tennis and paddle tennis in Porto Petro: Porto Petro is not far from Manacor, the birthplace of top-ranked Majorca-born tennis player Rafael Nadal. There are many tennis lovers in the region, as well as public and private well-equipped facilities where players can book courts by the hour.
  • Spearfishing in Porto Petro: Spearfishing is a really popular sport in Porto Petro among both locals and out-of-towners. What is more, the Balearic Spearfishing Championship is held here on an annual basis. The amazing diversity of sea life here adds interest to the event.
  • Golf in south-eastern Majorca: From Porto Petro to Cala d’Or, there are several professional golf clubs offering a wide variety of 18-hole courses. Vall d’Or, at the Es Turó estate, and Golf Son Servera to the north are among the best known. They play host to tournaments and competitions all year round.