Cala Romántica Mallorca: complete guide to discovering S’Estany d’en Mas
The east coast of Mallorca is home to some of the island’s most beautiful treasures: hidden coves, pine-covered cliffs and crystal-clear waters that invite you to lose yourself. Among them, Cala Romántica, originally called S’Estany d’en Mas, has become one of the most popular beaches in the area. Its name evokes idyllic images of a romantic getaway, but the truth is that this cove is also an ideal family destination, with all the necessary amenities and a natural setting that makes it unique.
A bit of history: from S’Estany d’en Mas to Cala Romántica
Although most visitors today know it as Cala Romántica, its real name is S’Estany d’en Mas. This place name refers to the small inland pond that used to exist in the area, but in the 1970s, with the tourism boom in Mallorca, hoteliers decided to give it a more appealing name for international visitors. The move was a success: in just a few decades, Cala Romántica went from being a relatively unknown cove to one of the most visited destinations on the east coast.
Despite the urban growth, the beach retains a natural feel thanks to its cliffs covered with Mediterranean vegetation and the fact that most of the buildings in the area are low-rise and blend in with the surroundings.
What is Cala Romántica like?
Cala Romántica is a wide, welcoming beach, approximately 100 metres long and 160 metres wide, making it the largest of the three main coves on this stretch of coastline (along with Cala Anguila and Cala Mandia).
- Sand and water: fine, white and soft to the touch, perfect for laying out your towel or playing with children. The sea slopes gently, allowing for safe and comfortable swimming, with crystal-clear turquoise waters reminiscent of Caribbean landscapes.
- Surroundings: on both sides are cliffs covered with pine trees and Mediterranean scrub, offering hiking trails and natural viewpoints.
- Services: the beach has a blue flag, which guarantees cleanliness, safety and quality of its facilities. In summer there are lifeguards, showers, toilets, sunbed and parasol hire, a wooden walkway for people with reduced mobility and several bars and restaurants on the seafront.
- Atmosphere: despite being very busy in high season, especially with German and British families, Cala Romántica maintains a relaxed and safe atmosphere.
An important detail is that on days when the east wind blows, small waves can form, adding fun without compromising safety.
Activities in Cala Romántica
Although it is not a beach with a wide range of water sports, Cala Romántica offers several options for those looking for more than just sunbathing and swimming:
- Games on the sand: as it is a family beach, there is no shortage of impromptu volleyball matches, sandcastles and activities for children.
- Snorkelling: the clear, calm waters are perfect for snorkelling. Most of the marine fauna is found in the cliff areas, as the presence of swimmers on the shore scares the fish away.
- Kayaking and pedal boats: in high season, pedal boats and kayaks are available for hire, ideal for exploring the bay and discovering small hidden coves.
- Coastal hiking: from Cala Romántica, there are paths leading to nearby coves such as Cala Anguila, Cala Mandia and the wilder Cala Varques, located about 3 km away.
- Boat trips: glass-bottomed tourist boats set sail from the cove’s pier and travel along the east coast, visiting coves and caves that are inaccessible by land.
Where to eat in Cala Romántica
On the beach itself, you’ll find a beach bar and a tourist restaurant with a terrace facing the sea, serving simple dishes such as paellas, fresh fish, tapas and hamburgers. It’s a convenient place to eat without leaving the sand, although prices can be higher than inland. In the nearby residential area there is a small supermarket and several cafés. For a wider variety of cuisine, it is best to head to Porto Cristo, just 10 minutes away by car, or Portocolom, where there are plenty of restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine and high-quality seafood.
What to see near Cala Romántica
Cala Romántica is perfectly located for combining a day at the beach with cultural or nature excursions. Some of the most recommended places to visit are:
- Punta de n’Amer Castle: a protected natural area with an ancient castle offering panoramic views of the coastline.
- Puig de Sant Salvador: near Felanitx, a monastery on top of a mountain offering one of the best views of the south-east of the island.
- Cuevas del Drach: just a few minutes’ drive away, these caves are home to the largest underground lake in Europe and offer a unique spectacle with live classical music concerts.
- Cuevas dels Hams: another nearby cave system, with a spectacular illuminated tour and multimedia shows.
- Cala Varques: an unspoilt beach surrounded by cliffs and forests, very popular with those seeking tranquillity and wild landscapes.
- Porto Cristo: a coastal town with a family atmosphere, a marina, restaurants and seaside promenades.
- Manacor: Mallorca’s second largest city, famous for its Majorica pearl factory and home to the Rafa Nadal Academy & Museum Xperience.
Practical tips for visiting Cala Romántica
Respect the environment: although it is a tourist beach, the cove retains part of its natural essence thanks to the care taken to preserve the Mediterranean ecosystem.
- Combined excursions: take advantage of the proximity of the Caves of Drach and Porto Cristo to organise a complete day out.
- Arrive early: in summer the beach fills up quickly and the sun loungers are snapped up fast.
- Bring a parasol: there is little shade, and if you don’t rent a parasol, it can be uncomfortable during the middle of the day.
- Snorkelling on the cliffs: if you have your own equipment, stay away from the swimming area to find more marine life.
Accommodation in Cala Romántica
The tourist centre of Cala Romántica consists of small hotels, apartments and holiday homes, which are more low-key than in other crowded areas of Mallorca. You won’t find huge hotel complexes like in Cala Millor or S’Arenal, which makes for a more relaxed atmosphere. The accommodation on offer focuses on tourist apartments and private villas: perfect for families and groups of friends. As for hotels, we’ve listed the best hotel in the area below:
How to get to Cala Romántica
The cove is located in the municipality of Manacor, on the east coast of Mallorca, between Porto Cristo and Portocolom.
- By boat: boats are allowed to anchor off the beach, with depths of up to 15 metres, gradually decreasing towards the shore. Porto Cristo is the nearest marina.
- By car: this is the most recommended option. From Palma, take the Ma-15 to Manacor and then the Ma-4014 towards Porto Cristo–Cales de Mallorca. The turn-off to Cala Romántica is clearly signposted. The journey from Palma takes around an hour. We leave you with the option of renting a car. if you need one.
- Parking: there is a free car park next to the beach with limited capacity (around 35 cars), as well as spaces reserved for people with disabilities. You can also park along the streets of the residential area.
- By public transport: it is possible to get there by bus, but it is not very practical. From Palma, take the 401 bus to Manacor, and then change to the 427 bus, which stops at Cala Romántica. The entire journey can take over an hour and a half.
If you prefer a wider range of options or all-inclusive resorts, Porto Cristo and Portocolom are good nearby choices.
Cala Romántica: between tourism and wilderness
Cala Romántica is a good example of how Mallorca has managed to balance its tourist tradition with nature conservation. On the one hand, it is a comfortable, accessible beach with all the amenities families look for. On the other hand, it has preserved the unspoilt beauty of its cliffs, Mediterranean vegetation and crystal-clear sea.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple looking for peace and quiet, with friends to explore nearby coves or with your family to enjoy a safe and fun day out, Cala Romántica is a safe bet on your route around Mallorca.
If you decide to take a trip to Cala Romántica, here is a list of items that may come in handy on your trip so that you are as well equipped as possible:
- Portable Parasol
- Waterproof Beach Blanket
- Portable Cooler
- Snorkelling Equipment
- Beach Slippers
- Waterproof Mobile Phone Case
- High Protection Sunscreen
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