Southeast Mallorca: A Week in Spain's Most Beautiful Coves
Swimming in the Turquoise Water of Cala Llombards in Mallorca
Seven nights in Cala Figuera, the clearest water I've ever swum in, a cheesecake in Palma that deserves its own post, and the part of Mallorca most visitors completely miss.
Of all the places I've travelled over the last 18 months, I can say without doubt that the South East of Mallorca is my favourite. While most people picture package resorts and crowded beaches when they think of the island, this corner around Santanyí tells a completely different story.
Picture quiet fishing villages like Cala Figuera, where life hasn't changed in decades, and hidden coves like Cala Santanyí and Cala Llombards with water so clear you can see every ripple beneath you. There are sleepy stone harbours, lazy lunches that stretch into the afternoon, and a pace of life so far removed from the UK that it feels like a different planet entirely.
In a single week you can swim in a different turquoise cove every day, wander the centuries-old market town of Santanyí, eat your body weight in Mediterranean gelato, and take a day trip to Palma to see La Seu Cathedral and it still feels like you've barely scratched the surface.
I came home already planning my return to see the North East of the island. Hands down, this was the very best trip I've ever taken and if South East Mallorca isn't on your list yet, it should be.
The Short Read
Flight: RyanAir, Birmingham to Palma de Mallorca, 1 small bag each, £183.96 for two people.
Where I stayed: Seven nights at Hotel Santanyi Port (Twin Room with Terrace) in Cala Figuera £647.
How I got about: Car Rental from Go By Car £168.11 (free shuttle van to the site from and to the airport) 300km of petrol cost £27.00
Total: £1026.07
When I went: May warm in the 20’s and the water in the coves doesn’t have the plankton causing green algae, so the water is crystal clear. One of the best times to visit.
Visa (UK): No visa required. Spain is in the Schengen Area, passport valid for 6 months from travel date is all you need but the biometric recordings of your fingerprint and eye scans are now in place.
Don't miss: Cala Figuera port, Cala Llombards, Cala Santanyí, Playa de S'Amarador, Cala s'Almunia,Santanyí on market day (Wednesday), Cuevas del Drach (Caves of Drach) and Palma.
Skip: Es Pontàs unless its part of a hike.
Tickets: Book Cuevas del Drach (Caves of Drach) online to ensure you have a time slot and Mama Lockers to stash your bags in Palma to explore without luggage.
Best Places to Eat in Cala Figuera: The hotel restaurant is nice but just a bit more expensive than eating out, Restaurante Pura Vida Mallorca and Restaurante Pizzería Es Port.
Best Places to Eat in Santanyi: Terra Origens and Laudat.
Best Places to Eat in Ses Salines: Cassai Gran Cafè i restaurant and about 5mins out of the town, Finca Hotel Rural Es Turó.
Best Places to Eat in Palma: Hotel Hostal Cuba Skybar and Hotel Cappuccino.
Best photography spot: The former fishing huts at Cala Llombards (cassettes varadors) are picturesque, traditional boat houses located on the left hand side of the bay with crystal clear waters.
Final Thoughts: I had the very best time exploring the southeastern coast of Mallorca. It is more peaceful and tranquil than mainland Spain and I’ve been completely won over with its beautiful coves, crystal clear water and relaxed pace of life. It is easy to see why so many people fall in love with this side of Mallorca.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+
Keep Scrolling for the Long Read and Pictures
What It Cost: The Full Breakdown
Seven nights in Mallorca for two people, including flights, hotel and car hire, came in at just over a thousand pounds. For what I got for the southeast coast specifically, which delivers a quality of experience that resort towns charge twice as much for, for me that represents great value.
FULL TRIP COST — TWO PEOPLE, SEVEN NIGHTS
Flights: Ryanair Birmingham to Palma de Mallorca, 1 small bag x2 was £183.96
Hotel: Hotel Santanyí Port, Cala Figuera, Twin Room with Terrace, 7 nights was £647.00
Car Rental: Go By Car (includes shuttle transfer to and from airport) was £168.11
Petrol: Approximately 300km across the week was £27.00
Total: £1,026.07 for two people
The car hire is essential on the southeast coast as the coves are spread out and not easily connected by public transport. Go By Car operates a shuttle van from the airport to their site, which means no taxi costs on arrival or departure. So if you're planning a rental this is something to factor into any comparison if you're pricing alternatives.
Where I Stayed
Hotel Santanyi Port (Cala Figuera)
Outdoor Pool
I'm not going to lie, this has been the best hotel of any of my travels around the world so far! I have had an absolutely fantastic stay. From the moment I arrived, the staff were incredibly welcoming, friendly and genuinely helpful, making us feel at home straight away. The hotel itself is beautifully modern, spotlessly clean and has such a calm, relaxed atmosphere that instantly helps you switch off.
Our room was spacious, comfortable and immaculately maintained, with a really comfortable bed that made it hard to get up in the morning! The whole hotel feels fresh, stylish and very well looked after. The pool area was also a lovely place to unwind after exploring Mallorca as it was very peaceful and never overly busy, I throughly enjoyed a cold sangria by the pool!
The location is brilliant, tucked away in the beautiful fishing village of Cala Figuera, which was literally a 5 min walk helping everything feel far more authentic and peaceful than some of the busier resort areas. There are also some lovely restaurants nearby that are within walking distance and mostly importantly some of Mallorca’s most stunning coves are only a short drive away, Cala Llombards & Cala Santanyi. I chose to only have breakfast on the first morning but it was fresh, varied and a great way to start the day, the fresh orange juice and yoghurt hit the spot! and there is plenty of choice to suit most diets. I ate several times in the restaurant and found the food well cooked and presented, so if your in a rush coming back after a day exploring you can get a good meal without stressing about finding a restaurant.
I enjoyed the Slow-Cooked Sliced Iberian Pork Secret with roast potatoes and asparagus and the Oven-Roasted Lamb Shank with Potatoes, Rosemary & Garlic. I honestly couldn’t fault much at all and would happily stay here again without hesitation so If you’re looking for a clean, stylish, peaceful base in a beautiful part of Mallorca, this hotel is an excellent choice.
Why May Was Right For Me
I finding it difficult when the heat is too high as it make exploring and relaxing uncomfortable (like when I was in Marrakech and it was 48˚C). The Temperatures in Mallorca in May whilst I was there were in the low to mid twenties, so warm enough to swim and sunbathe comfortably without the full summer heat.
More importantly, the water in May is crystal clear as the summer plankton bloom that causes the green algae haze in the coves hasn't arrived yet. If clear water matters to you (and once you've seen the southeast coves in May, it will matter enormously), locals told me that visiting before June is the difference between extraordinary and merely very good.
The beaches and coves of southeast Mallorca are noticeably quieter in May than during the peak summer months of July and August. Even popular spots such as Cala Santanyí can fill up quickly, so arriving early is still worthwhile, but you'll have far more space and a much more relaxed experience than in high season.
For me, May and early June are perfect as the water temperatures are perfect for swimming, and the crowds remain manageable, so it doesn’t ruin the experience. Later in the summer the coastline is still stunning, but early mornings will become essential if you want to enjoy the coves before the heat and visitors arrive.
Getting There: Flights, Entry and What's Changed Post-Brexit
Ryanair from Birmingham to Palma is the easy answer for Midlands-based travellers, £183.96 return for two with one small bag each is hard to argue with. Palma Airport is well connected to most UK regional airports so check your nearest departure point. I use Skyscanner to find the best deals.
No visa is required for UK citizens visiting Spain. Spain is in the Schengen Area and you will need a valid passport less than 10 years before the date you arrive with an expiry date at least 3 months after the day you leave the Schengen area. However, there is one change worth knowing about before you travel and it's a direct consequence of Brexit.
Biometric entry recording is now in place at Spanish airports. When you arrive, you'll be asked to provide fingerprint scans and an eye scan as part of the entry process. The process itself is painless and quickish, it took a few minutes but there can be some hold up’s with the guards checking the computers to approved your entry via the gate, so bear with them.
Cala Figuera Port The Heart of the Trip
Boats Moored in Cala Figuera Harbour, Mallorca
Traditional Fishermen's Boat Houses at Cala Figuera, Mallorca
Cala Figuera is not a beach resort. It's a working fishing port or rather it was, but it still feels that way. You will find that it is tucked into a narrow inlet with whitewashed houses and fishing boat garages lining both sides of the water. The light here, especially in the early morning and the last hour before sunset, is amazing. Sitting in a restaurant watching the boats bobbing gently as the water catches the colour of the sky is very relaxing, especially with a nice red wine in hand.
Walking the port should be done slow as it is beautiful and you will want to take your time to take it all in. It was the first thing I did on my first morning to get into my exploring mode. If your taking pictures I like a wide angle lens as as the path is narrow round the port you don’t always have the luxury of space to work with so will help to show a lot of what is going on. So I used my 28mm as my main choice on this trip, if you don’t have a camera simply change your lens setting on your camera to go wider.
The great thing here is there's nothing to tick off, no attraction to queue for. You walk from one side of the inlet, around the very bottom and then across at the top at the other side and then walk back. Just stop when something catches your eye.
That's it, oh I would treat yourself to an ice cream tho from Murmui, I can recommend the mango flavour.
Mango Sorbet at Murmui Gelato Mediterráneo, Mallorca
The Calas: Southeast Mallorca's Hidden Coastline
The southeastern coast of Mallorca is defined by its calas that are small, sheltered coves carved into the limestone cliffs, each with its own character, its own quality of water, and its own reasons to stay longer than planned. Here's an honest account of each one I visited.
Cala Llombards
Boat Sheds and Sunbathers at Cala Llombards
BEST FOR PHOTOGRAPHY · SWIMMING · THE TRADITIONAL BOAT HOUSES
This was the cove that originally made me book the trip. The moment I saw photographs of it I knew I had to see it for myself and it's even better in real life than any image prepared me for. The water is genuinely unreal. Crystal clear, completely calm, the kind of blue-green that doesn't look real until you're floating in it looking down at the seabed.
I loved sunbathing here and then running into the sea to have a swim to cool down, it was so nice I didn’t really want to get out. I found myself just floating in that water, looking up at the limestone cliffs and the little waterfront houses, watching the clouds drift by, it’s relaxing, very relaxing.
There is also a fruit seller there, so you can pick up some water melon, which is great for staying hydrated. There is also a bar and toilets as you walk off the car park onto the beach area. I found a spot on the right hand side that was great for sunbathing but also offered some shade when the sun became too much.
The photography subject that sets Cala Llombards apart from every other cove on the coast is the casetes de varadors, the traditional fishing boat houses on the left side of the bay (see the image above and at the start of the blog). The coloured wooden doors set into the cliff face, the crystal clear water directly in front of them, are very scenic.
Shoot the boat houses from the water's edge on the left side of the bay, using the 28mm allowed me to get the boat houses in the shape of the cliffs and the water with some activity going on. One thing I wish I had done is go early morning for the softest light on the fishing houses coloured doors.
Cala Santanyí
White Sand Beach at Cala Santanyí
Crystal-Clear Swimming Cove at Cala Santanyí
BEST FOR A FULL DAY · SWIMMING WITH FISH · CLIFF-TOP RESTAURANT
Out of all the coves on the southeast coast, Cala Santanyí was one of my favourites for spending serious time relaxing. The water is unbelievably clear and one of the best moments of the whole trip was swimming near the entrance to the cove where shoals of tiny fish swim around you in the water. This was where my new DJI Osmo Nano came into its own as it allows you to separate the camera from the viewing monitor so that you can take it to capture underwater footage of the fish and the waves crashing, the kind of thing my Leica M11 can't capture.
What makes Cala Santanyí work as a full-day destination is the infrastructure around it. Parking is free and a short walk from the beach. Sun loungers and umbrellas hire for around €16 each. The Bistro Bar Bonavista at the back of the beach does a genuinely good sangria. And if you take the steps on the left-hand side of the beach and climb to the top, you'll find a restaurant with tables on the cliff edge directly above the cove, one of the better lunch settings I've found anywhere.
Arrive early as this beach is popular and fills up on good days.
Cala s'Almunia
Rustic Fishermen's Houses at Cala s'Almunia
Secluded Rocky Inlet at Cala s'Almunia
DRAMATIC VIEWS · THE BLOWHOLE · HONEST WARNING ABOUT THE STEPS
Cala s'Almunia has something the other coves don't, a genuine sense of drama. The views from the clifftop are extraordinary, the rocky landscape is wild and photogenic, and there's a blowhole in the rocks where the sea surges up through a gap in the cliff that people jump into. I watched someone build up the courage to do it even with the water choppy, a proper moment of held breath and then relief when they surfaced. If I could swim well I’d have given it a go.
A word of warning: the walk from the car park and then the steps to get to the beach are a serious consideration (you will see the bottom section of the steps in the video below). The descent to the cove and the climb back up are hard on the knees steep, uneven, and relentless. The beach section at the bottom is small and gets busy with the Instagram crowd. You can sunbathe on the rocks instead, which is actually more interesting.
I wouldn't go back purely because of the steps, but if you're happy with the climb and want the dramatic setting, it's 100% worth doing once.
Cala s'Almunia is a one-time visit for most people. Go for the views, but know what you're committing to with the steps and don't wear anything you wouldn't want to scramble in.
Playa de S'Amarador
S'Amarador Beach at Mondragó Natural Park, Mallorca
Stone Boat House at Playa de S'Amarador
BEAUTIFUL EVEN IN THE RAIN
I visited on my last day in Cala Figuera which turned out to be the only rainy day of the whole week, which meant no sunbathing and no swimming, but even under a grey sky the water was still that extraordinary blue.
There's something worth saying about a place that looks stunning in conditions that would make most beaches look miserable. On a clear day with the sun on it, S'Amarador would be something special, again there are sun lounges and umbrellas along with a bar at the back of the beach, if you walk along the rock face to the far side and fallow it round you there another beach and restaurant, so this is one that is on the list for a return visit in better weather.
Es Pontàs: Worth a Stop, Not a Dedicated Trip
Es Pontàs Natural Sea Arch near Cala Santanyí, Mallorca
Es Pontàs is a natural sea arch in the cliffs near Cala Santanyí, that photographs well from the right angle. I stopped to have a look and got lucky, whilst I were there, a climber was making their way up the arch and began abseiling back down, which turned a nice view into a genuinely unexpected spectacle.
If I’m being honest , once you've seen it, you've seen it. There's nothing to do there beyond look at it. It's worth stopping for twenty minutes if you're passing by on a hike which I was, but I wouldn't build it into an itinerary as a destination in its own right, even if you happen to catch a climber on it.
Cuevas del Drach
(The Caves of Drach)
Cuevas del Drach, Stalactite Cave and Underground Lake, Mallorca
The Caves of Drach on the east coast are one of Mallorca's most visited attractions and genuinely deserve their reputation. The cave system is vast, you will walk through chambers of stalactites and stalagmites for about a kilometre and to an underground lake at the centre of it, Lake Martel, which is one of the largest underground lakes in the world.
The highlight, and the moment that makes the whole visit worth it, is the concert on the water. A small ensemble of musicians play classical music from rowing boats on the underground lake in near-total darkness, the sound and the setting combined are genuinely extraordinary.
It lasts about ten minutes, which sounds brief was the right amount of time in that setting. After the concert you can then board rowing boats to exit the caves via the lake, which is a perfectly judged ending to the experience.
Things you should know: it's cold down there, take a layer regardless of the temperature outside. The paths can be slippery so sensible footwear matters too. Photography is very difficult due to the low light and you can not use flash or take videos or images during the concert.
Book tickets online before you visit as the Caves of Drach sell out regularly in season and there's no flexibility on entry times without a booking.
Santanyí Market Wednesday Morning
Weekly Street Market by the Church in Santanyí, Mallorca
Santanyí is the nearest town to Cala Figuera and on Wednesday mornings it transforms into one of the better markets in the southeast of the island.
The market runs through the main square and the surrounding streets, artisan products, local food, clothing, ceramics, olive oils, and the kind of browsing that doesn't have a specific purpose but rewards the wandering. It's unhurried and genuinely local rather than purely tourist-facing, which makes it a more relaxed experience.
Go in the morning when it's coolest and the stalls are fully stocked. The town itself is worth an hour beyond the market with good cafés and a beautiful main square.
Where to Eat on The Southeast Coast
The tourist trap problem that affects Athens and Rome is less severe on the southeast coast of Mallorca, but it exists around the busier coves and at the obvious spots near the main car parks. The places below are the ones I'd go back to without hesitation.
In Cala Figuera
Restaurante Pura Vida Mallorca
RESTAURANT · CALA FIGUERA PORT
The starter here set the tone for the meal, cod and feta baked balls that were better than they sound on the menu. The main was a slice of roasted suckling pig with roasted potatoes: properly cooked, the skin right, the meat falling apart. The sangria was excellent. This is the kind of meal that earns the setting at the port — eat here in the evening when the light drops and the boats are quiet.
Bistro-Restaurant Ventura RESTAURANT · MEDITERRANEAN · CALA FIGUERA
Set in the hotel I stayed in, this bistro is a dependable, relaxed choice for an unfussy evening. Honest Mediterranean cooking and a warm atmosphere, with a tucked-away setting near the natural harbour that does plenty of the work for you.
In Santanyí
Terra Origens
RESTAURANT · LOCAL PRODUCE · SANTANYÍ
Calamari done properly — tender, not rubbery, with the kind of care that signals a kitchen taking its ingredients seriously. The Spanish bravas potatoes and cod bites alongside it made for one of the better lunches of the week. This is Mallorcan cooking using local produce and it shows.
Citrus Cocktails on a Sunny Café Terrace, Mallorca at Laudat
Laudat
RESTAURANT · SANTANYÍ
Worth a visit in Santanyí, particularly if you're in town on market day and want somewhere to eat after the morning browsing. I only had drinks but the food looked very good, relaxed atmosphere, and a good representation of what the town does well.
In Ses Salines
Cassai Gran Café Restaurant, Santanyí, Mallorca
Sushi Roll Platter at Cassai Gran Café Restaurant
Cassai Gran Cafè i Restaurant
CAFÉ · RESTAURANT · SES SALINES
The sushi tray here was a genuine surprise so I ordered that straight away, it was well-prepared, fresh, and not what you'd necessarily expect from a café in a small Mallorcan town. Ses Salines is a beautiful little salt-flat village about ten minutes from Cala Figuera and worth stopping in for lunch. Cassai is the place to do it but also look out for Bodega Barahona.
Finca Hotel Rural Es Turó
RURAL HOTEL RESTAURANT · ABOUT 5 MINUTES OUTSIDE SES SALINES
A short drive outside the town, the Es Turó restaurant is set in a traditional Mallorcan finca, a rural stone farmhouse with an infinity pool and spa facilities it is also worth staying here, I ordered a cappuccino with a almond brownie, worth booking ahead on a sunny day and worth the slight detour.
Palma: A Day Trip Worth Making
La Seu Cathedral and Parc de la Mar, Palma de Mallorca
Palma is about an hour from Cala Figuera by car and worth a full day rather than a quick stop, I dropped off the rental car and then got the shuttle back to the airport before getting a uber to the city centre.
At which point I dropped off my bags at Mama Lockers in Palma which offers bag storage so you can explore without luggage which is useful if you're visiting on a travel day, cost about £5, which is a total bargain.
The old town is walkable and genuinely very beautiful with narrow stone streets, courtyards, independent shops and the kind of café culture that Mallorca's capital does extremely well.
The cathedral La Seu is a must.
It is one of the great Gothic buildings in the Mediterranean, sitting directly above the sea with a presence that hits you from the moment you arrive at the waterfront. As you look down at the lake in the Parc de la Mar, you'll spot a crocodile floating on the water, the Drac de na Coca, a three-metre sculpture unveiled in 2025 at the foot of the cathedral. It nods to an old legend of a beast said to prowl Palma's sewers, which actually turned out to be a crocodile, likely escaped from a ship. You can still see the actual embalmed crocodile that still hangs in the Sacred Art Museum just behind the cathedral.
Inside is where it earns the visit: a soaring nave on slim pillars, lit by 87 windows and seven rose windows that have earned it the nickname the "Cathedral of Light." The great rose window above the altar, the "Eye of the Gothic," is one of the largest in the world. Look out for Gaudí's wrought-iron canopy over the high altar, Miquel Barceló's bold ceramic mural in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, and what's venerated here as a relic of the True Cross.
A short walk away, the Palau March Museum is easy to miss but worth it. Set in a palace beside the cathedral, its courtyards hold sculptures by Rodin, Henry Moore and Chillida, and the rooftop terrace looks out over the old town and harbour.
For something modern, head to the Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Built into the city's old Renaissance walls, it holds 800-plus works with pieces by Picasso, Miró and Barceló though the building and its terrace views over the bay are half the draw.
And for a great coffee on the go, go to Cafésphère. A cosy place in the old town serving organic single-origin coffee and homemade pastries grab a cup and sit on the benches in the square outside.
Where To Eat and Drink in Palma
Hotel Hostal Cuba Skybar
ROOFTOP BAR · CATHEDRAL VIEWS · PALMA
The best view of Palma Cathedral you'll find from any bar or restaurant in the city. The rooftop terrace looks directly across to La Seu, and on a clear day the combination of the Gothic cathedral, the sea behind it and the old town below is spectacular. I had fish and chips and a fresh-pressed orange juice and it was good. Book a terrace table and time it for late afternoon when the light on the cathedral stone is at its best.
Tropical fruit cheesecake at Hotel Cappuccino
Hotel Cappuccino
CAFÉ · GRAND CAFÉ · PALMA
The cheesecake here was the best I have ever eaten.
I don't say that lightly and I'm not going to walk it back, it was outstanding. Hotel Cappuccino is a grand café in the classic European tradition with high ceilings, beautiful interiors, excellent coffee and food that takes the café format seriously. It felt very 1930’s so a little like I was in a Poirot movie.
Go for the cheesecake and get a cool drink.
Shooting Southeastern Mallorca With the Leica M11 and 28mm
I have been favouring the 28mm quite a lot lately and properly should start to use the 35mm a little more, I’ve practically stopped using the 50mm which was always my go to lens.
That said the 28mm is good for shooting in tight spaces which I often find myself in so on the southeast coast a wide angle earns its place constantly.
The narrow fishing port at Cala Figuera where you want the boats, the houses and the water in one frame; the calas where the scale of the cliffs above and the water below require a wider field of view to make sense and the market in Santanyí where getting into the scene is better than observing it from outside it.
The May light in Mallorca is harsh on a god day at mid-day but the morning and evening are soft and I did witness some amazing evening red skies.
The Osmo Pocket 3 came into its own on this trip in a way it hadn't fully clicked yet in Japan or Athens. Walking down steps to coves, the smooth stabilised footage captures the scenery and the atmosphere of the cove in a way that a still image can't, these are subjects that video serves better than photography. I have footage from the Pocket 3 of the port walks and the cove approaches that I'll share alongside the stills.
The DJI Osmo Nano went underwater at Cala Santanyí. Footage of the shoals of fish moving around you in the clear water and the waves breaking from below the surface is exactly what that camera was made for and why I brought it to add something different into content. I’m also trying to use it for POV when I have my camera or walking through streets so will be sharing more content like that soon.
My favourite images are the two images of the casetes de varadors boat houses at Cala Llombards, at the top of the blog and then under the Cala Llombards heading. I’ve shoot these on the 28mm at f/8 to hold the texture of the doors and the detail in the water simultaneously.
Manage Your Expectations
The southeast coast of Mallorca is not entirely undiscovered. Cala Llombards and Cala Santanyí in particular have a significant social media presence and the influencer crowd is real, Cala s'Almunia and Cala Llombards especially attract this.
On busy days the popular spots fill up quickly and the experience at peak hours is different from early morning. The solution is simple, go early. The coves before 9am are a different world from the same coves at midday.
The southeast is still significantly quieter and more authentic than the resort towns in the north and west of the island, but managing expectations around solitude at the most famous spots is worth doing before you arrive.
Final Thoughts and Would I Go Back?
Without any hesitation YES.
This was my favourite trip of the last few years and I already know I'll return for a relaxing week and then also to explore the North East of the island. The southeast coast of Mallorca has something that is genuinely rare in a popular holiday destination: it feels authentic and builds for recharging.
The fishing villages feel like fishing villages rather than theme park versions of them. The food tastes like somewhere that takes its produce seriously. The water in the coves is the most extraordinary I've swum in anywhere, even better than Croatia and Cornwall.
What surprised me most was how different it felt to mainland Spain. The pace, the character, the quietness of it, Mallorca's southeast coast operates at its own frequency and it's one I found immediately and completely restorative.
No huge resorts, no loud beach clubs.
Just the Mediterranean, the limestone cliffs, the clear water and that particular quality of light in May that makes everything look like it was made to be photographed.
Genuinely my favourite trip yet. Five stars plus, no caveats.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+
Go for the water. Stay for the light. Eat the cheesecake in Palma.
How to Structure Seven Nights in Southeastern Mallorca
Day 1 — Arrive, settle in, walk the port: Fly into Palma, collect hire car from Go By Car. Drive to Cala Figuera (about 45 minutes). Check in to Hotel Santanyí Port. Walk the port at golden hour with the camera.
Day 2 — Cala Llombards: Early morning to the boat houses before 8am for the photography. Swim after. Lunch back in Cala Figuera. Evening walk to Cala Llomards and Dinner at Restaurante Pura Vida Mallorca.
Day 3 — Cala Santanyí (full day): Arrive early for a good spot. Swim, watch the fish near the cove entrance, hire a sun lounger, lunch at the cliff-top restaurant above the beach. Sangria at Bistro Bar Bonavista.
Day 4 — Santanyí market morning, Ses Salines afternoon: Wednesday market in Santanyí in the morning. Lunch at Cassai Gran Cafè in Ses Salines or Es Turó finca restaurant.
Day 5 — Caves of Drach: Book the morning or early afternoon session online in advance. Take a layer it's cold. Plan the day around the drive east to Porto Cristo. Lunch nearby, back to Cala Figuera for the evening.
Day 6 — Cala s'Almunia and S'Amarador, final port evening: Morning to Cala s'Almunia for the views and the blowhole (sensible footwear). S'Amarador if the weather is right. Final evening walk of the port with the camera. Dinner at Es Port.
Day 7 — Palma day trip: Full day in Palma before leaving. Cathedral from the waterfront in the morning. Old town and browsing. Lunch at Hotel Hostal Cuba Skybar for the cathedral views. Cheesecake at Hotel Cappuccino.
Follow along on Instagram @deanomooreo and let me know if you have been to Mallorca and did anything different?
My next blog will be on a day trip to Oxford, exploring its honey-coloured historic colleges, and tranquil gardens enjoying riverside walks in one of England's most beautiful and storied university cities.