DK Travel : Mallorca

Known variously as the “Golden Isle”, the “Wooded Isle” and the “Tranquil Isle”, Mallorca is all of these, despite its decades-long dependence on mass tourism. The island is laden with history and sights, from its castles and enchanted gardens to caves and spectacular mountains. The eastern and southern coasts still sport some of the cleanest, most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, and the city of Palma is more attractive, culturally alive and fun than ever.

Mallorca (or Majorca) gets its name from the ancient Roman name for the island, Balearis Major, meaning the “biggest Balearic”

Cala d’Or

Not just one cove, but many, with their respective beaches and pueblo-style villas, make up this garden-green, stylish zone. Each former humble fishing dock has metamorphosed into a classy marina catering for a discerning set of international clientele.
Cala es Gulló

One of several handsome coves just to the north of Cala Rajada, this one is particularly known for being gay-friendly.
Cala Figuera

This tiny old fishing hamlet is an underdeveloped gem. It probably owes its survival to the simple fact that it has no beach, the closest one being 4 km (2 miles) away at Cala Santanyí. What it does have is pleasant low-rise structures and a friendly array of eateries and people-watching cafés. The Villa Sirena is perched on the promontory (see Villa Sirena, Cala Figuera).
Cala Figuera, Cap de Formentor

Cutting a chunk out towards the very end of dramatic Península de Formentor, this cove lies at the bottom of a precipitous ravine. It’s accessible either on foot – you park up above, just off the road that winds out to the lighthouse – or by boat. Once there, the views of the surrounding cliffs are awesome, and the beach and water make it one of the island’s most inviting swimming spots.
Cala Fornells

A pleasant resort made up of coves with turquoise water, sandy beaches and large, flat rocks on which to bask. Families flock here, and it’s good for snorkelling. Nearby Peguera has the nightlife (see Peguera).
Cala Millor

One of the most popular resorts on the east coast of Mallorca. The first hotels began to appear here as early as the 1930s, but the real tourist invasion did not start until the 1980s. Similar to neighbouring Cala Bona and Sa Coma, Cala Millor has many beautiful beaches; the main one is 1.8 km (1 mile) long and is quite magnificent. There are bars, restaurants and clubs aplenty, all over-crowded in summer. To see what this coast used to be like, walk to the headland at Punt de n’Amer nature reserve.
Cala Pi

Lush and beautiful, with an immaculate beach and excellent restaurants. Perhaps because of the abundant vegetation, the air seems fresher here than elsewhere on the island.
Cala Pi

Cala Pi is frequented by locals and tourists alike. It is an idyllic little cove south of Llucmajor with a sandy beach and perfectly clear water. You have to tackle a long flight of stone steps down (and back up) but once there the beach is a lovely place to relax. The brightly painted fishing boats on the water and lent against the wall of the cove complete the picture.
Cala Rajada

Ideal for watersports of all kinds, but the town itself feels a little cramped and overused, though it is still a fully operational fishing port. Fine coves and beaches nearby include popular Cala Guyá, Cala Mezquida and Cala Torta, which allows nudists.
Cala Rajada

This fishing port on Mallorca’s eastern tip, surrounded by fine beaches and pretty coves, is a crowded resort in summer.