S’Estany d’en Mas – the "romantic bay" on the east coast of the island

The rugged east coast of Mallorca welcomes its visitors with numerous fantastically located coves. Cala Romantica, also known as S'Estany d'en Mas, is undoubtedly one of the most scenic places on this stretch of coast. The bay is enclosed on both sides by white cliffs where pine trees and Mediterranean scrub grow. The fine-grained, light-sand beach is a bathing paradise and has a gradual and shallow descent into the sea. Due to the protected location between two rocky headlands, there is only a small swell at Cala Romantica.

Location of Cala Romantica

Cala Romantica is located on the east coast of Mallorca in the municipality of Manacor. The town is a centre of pearl production and processing and after Palma de Mallorca, is the most populous city on the island. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the city centre by road.The resort of Porto Cristo on the southeast coast of Mallorca is even closer - just a 10-minute drive away.

The bay of S'Estany d'en Mas is the largest of three picturesque coves on this stretch of coast. The triumvirate also includes Cala Anguila on the southeast coast of Mallorca and Cala Mendina. The town of Cala Romantica has developed into a regional tourist centre on the east coast. Some low houses stand on the rocks on the north side of the bay. The southern cliffs have not been built upon. They fall steeply from a height of 20-30 m into the sea.

If you have not rented a holiday Holiday house and apartment in Mallorca on this part of the island, you can still reach the place quickly and easily by rental car.From the main road leading from Porto Cristo to Cales de Mallorca, access roads branch off to Cala Romantica. Follow the signs and after a short drive you will arrive. There is a small car park, or you can park in the side streets. As an alternative there is a public bus service which operates between Porto Cristo and Cala Romantica.

Equipment and infrastructure

Cala Romantica has a family-friendly sandy beach that slopes gently into the sea. The waters shimmer turquoise blue or bottle green depending on the time of day and the sun's rays. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Since the beach is hugely popular with visitors, especially in the high season, it is advisable to arrive early due to high demand. Cala Romantica has unrestricted access and caters for wheelchair users.

During the summer months, the beach is monitored by a lifeguard. Nevertheless, you should always keep an eye on your children when they are playing close to the water's edge. In this region, the wind can occasionally build up and create some big waves. In general, however, the Mediterranean is calm and is far better known for its sunshine than its surf. In the immediate vicinity of the fine sandy beach, a restaurant and a snack bar look after visitors' needs. The adjacent residential settlement has street cafes and a small supermarket.

Pedalos, swimming and snorkelling

Cala Romantica is limited for water sports - this means Snorkelling in Mallorca is the only real adventure you will have on the water due to the limited space. A Scuba Diving in Mallorca can be found in the nearby resort of Porto Cristo. During the high season pedalos are rented by the hour on the beach. In the bright summer sunshine, pedalling on the calm sea along the cliffs is a pleasure that really helps you to appreciate the Mediterranean ambience.

The cliffs on the southern edge of the bay are ideal for snorkelling. However, you have to swim out a bit to catch a glimpse of the underwater animal life as there are very few fish to be seen near the beach due to bathers in this beach, which is popular with families with young children who like to play on the soft sand at the water's edge.

For those wanting to complement an afternoon on the beach with some physical exercise, there are nice Hiking Trails in Mallorca to the neighbouring coves of Cala Mendina or Cala Anguila on the southeast coast of Mallorca. Up on the cliffs, narrow trails lead to the beaches at the end of the coves. There is an enchanting Hiking & Climbing in Mallorca destination beyond the bay of Cala Varques on the southeast coast of Mallorca.

The 90 m long beach is one of the most beautiful in Mallorca and is in a heavenly natural landscape with a naturally formed rock bridge, a grotto and a pine forest. Cala Romantica has a dock for glass bottom boats, which head to the bay several times a day. You can board here and return on the next boat from Porto Cristo.

Restaurants and accommodation

Apart from a beach bar and a restaurant, there is nothing by way of dining options at Cala Romantica beach. The Coco Beach Bar has a handful of tables with umbrellas and offers chilled drinks and cocktails. In the summer months live artists perform on some evenings in the beach bar. The restaurant offers typical Spanish treats such as paella and Tapas in Mallorca.

There are only a few hotels in the settlement of Cala Romantica, which extends in the hinterland of the bay. This is a place for self-catering tourism. Some holiday apartments and chalets are within walking distance of the beach. The buildings blend into the landscape due to their low height. There are none of the architectural monstrosities of Cala Millor on the northeast coast of Mallorca and S'Arenal here with their sprawling hotel complexes and noise. Larger hotel complexes with all-inclusive offers can be found in Porto Cristo however.

Excursions in the area

Romantics and nature lovers should not miss a hike to the cove of Cala Varques. The secluded bay is located three kilometres from Cala Romantica and after the walk you will be rewarded with a stay in an idyllic natural landscape with crystal clear water and a white sandy beach.

A spectacular destination, just a few minutes' drive from Cala Romantica, is the Cuevas del Drach - Dragon Caves of Porto Cristo. This is a huge stalactite cave near Porto Cristo, which is home to the largest underground lake in Europe. It is a unique experience to witness a concert from the side of the lake when musicians sitting in the dark suddenly appear and start to play from illuminated boats on the underground lake.

Souvenir hunters should not miss a visit to Manacor. The second largest city in Mallorca is around 20 minutes Mobile in Mallorca from the East Coast and is the pearl processing centre of the island. Jewellery made from Majorica cultured pearls are coveted souvenirs and you can buy handmade Majorica Perles at the factory outlet. Manacor is also home to the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy, founded by the eponymous tennis star.

The magical bay of Cala Romantica is a popular destination on the east coast of Mallorca. If our report has aroused your interest, plan a trip to this bathing paradise on your next visit to Mallorca or choose to stay in the neighbouring settlement.