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.