Northeast Coast of Mallorca - lively holiday centres and fantastic beaches

On the northeast coast of Mallorca, long golden sandy beaches alternate with small sandy bays. Historic monasteries, medieval fortifications and spectacular dripstone caves are attractive destinations when you stay in this region.

Northeast Mallorca - beach paradise

The north coast has a huge selection of well-kept sandy beaches and picturesque bays for water lovers and sun worshipers. The long sandy beach of Cala Millor; which is nearly 2km long, is the heart of the tourist industry in the summer. Umbrellas and sun loungers are available for rent and the beach promenade, which does not allow cars, is lined with cafés, restaurants and bars. From here you can stroll under palm trees to the seaside resort of Cala Bona, where the sandy beach is partially divided into sections by stone jetties.

In the middle of a nature reserve you will find the 300 m long sandy beach of Canyamel. Here it is quieter than in the tourist hotspots and children can play safely by the gentle and shallow shore. Several fantastic sandy beaches stretch around the resort of Cala Ratjada. The Cala Mesquida can be reached via a three-kilometre hiking trail, while Cala Gat is just a few minutes' walk from the middle of the village. South of Cala Ratjada, the sandy beach of Cala Son Moll runs along the coast and may not be the most perfect beach for small children.

Lively resorts on the northeast coast

Cala Millor, Cala Ratjada and Canyamel are the tourist hotspots on the northeast coast of Mallorca. Numerous holiday homes are rented each year in the coastal resorts. Small apartment complexes with communal pools and several comfortably furnished units are located in the streets immediately behind the beach esplanade. Cala Ratjada is a great draw for late night revellers with its array of nightclubs booming until the wee hours.

The resort of Cala Millor, which is connected to the neighbouring village of Cala Bona is a great location on a palm-lined promenade. Numerous shops, restaurants and fashion boutiques are situated in the car-free shopping mile. Just behind the coast lies the small town of Artá with its medieval centre. It is dominated by the ramparts of Almudaina, whose foundations date back to the Moorish occupation of Mallorca. Part of the fortification contains the church of San Salvador, a pilgrim retreat.

Self-catering in the north east of Mallorca

As an alternative to the multi-storey hotel complexes on the northeast coast of Mallorca a wealth of comfortable apartments and houses are available for holiday rentals. This type of accommodation enables you to enjoy independence and flexibility. There are several properties close to Artá, in a beautiful location, surrounded by a garden with Mediterranean plants and a private swimming pool. In this region, seaside chalets are sought after, which rise up on small rocky coves and offer unobstructed views of the waters of the Med. If you prefer a rich and varied nightlife in while hoildaying in Mallorca, opt for a holiday apartment in Cala Ratjada. Not far from the beaches there are several apartment complexes with comfortable studios as well as family apartments.

Cultural monuments and historical sights

Numerous cultural monuments are located in the northeast of Mallorca. They recount tales from bygone times and are popular tourist destinations. Between Artá and Canyamel you will find the medieval Torre de Canyamel tower. The excellently preserved building was built in the 14th century in the Gothic style and is now part of a country estate. It is possible to visit and then well worth stopping by the quaint restaurant, Porxada de Sa Torre, which is located next to the watchtower. One of Mallorca's less visited attractions is the Ermita de Betlém, which is located on top of a mountain.

The monastery was founded in the year 1805. Slightly higher up is the Mirador viewpoint, where you have a fantastic view over the whole bay of Alcúdia. A trip to pre-Roman Mallorca is possible with a visit to the old Talayot settlement near Artá. The stone buildings are the remains of a settlement built by the Mallorcan indigenous people more than 4,000 years ago. Close to Cala Ratjada, you can visit the 700-year-old Castell de Capdepera. The fortified castle was built by the Mallorcan King Jaume II in the 14th century to protect the population.

Great days out and holiday fun on the northeast coast of Mallorca

Among the most visited attractions on the island is the network of caves Cuevas de Artá by the town of the same name (Artá). Deep in the rock you will find a mysterious underworld with huge dripstone formations that have formed over millions of years. Less known are the more natural Cuevas de Genova, whose stalagmites and stalactites are not illuminated by elaborate lighting effects. During a family holiday on the northeast coast of Mallorca, you should not miss a visit to the safari park in Sa Coma.

The area is populated by numerous animals that are native to the African savannah. You can join a bus tour of the area or explore the wilderness at your own pace. Nature lovers will find the Parc Natural de la Peninsula de Llevant a natural haven, which serves as a retreat for numerous bird species. On a hike through the protected area, you will encounter feral goats that run wild as part of a landscape management programme and you will really get some insight into the true natural diversity of the Mediterranean.