Calvià
Discover the best of Mallorca, from beaches and nightlife to sports and gastronomy. All in one town
IT’S COOL TO BE IN CALVIÀ
IT may sound like a cliche, but Calvià really does have it all.
You need look no further if you seek a captivating blend of stunning beaches, charming villages, and lively nightlife.
For a large number of visitors, the main attraction is the beautiful coastline, which boasts 35 beaches, each with its own charm and catering to different preferences.
For example, Santa Ponça is a family-friendly resort with a beautiful bay, perfect for swimming and water sports. Many families head over to Palmanova and Magaluf, which are known for their lively atmosphere and extensive water sports facilities and gastronomy. Meanwhile, Illetas and Cas Català and
By Dilip Kuner
Portals Nous are more exclusive and upscale areas with pristine beaches and luxury amenities, while Peguera is a quieter alternative offering beautiful coves and a relaxed ambiance.
Of course, while beaches are a major draw, Calvià has much more to explore for those willing to venture away from the costa.
Top of the list of must see attractions is Calvià Village itself. Here you can immerse yourself in the charm of the town’s historic centre.
It is an opportunity to stroll through nar-
row streets lined with traditional Mallorcan houses, visit the Church of Sant Joan Baptista - which dates back originally to the Christian reconquest of the region in the 13th century - and enjoy local cuisine at one of the restaurants and cafes that are seemingly round every corner. For nature lovers, the nearby Serra de Tramuntana mountains offer hiking and cycling trails where visitors can discover hidden waterfalls, charming villages, and panoramic views.
Sports lovers are spoilt for choice, with several world-class golf courses to choose from as well as the full gamut of water sports from the thrills of jet skiing to more sedate paddleboard-
ing, or sailing. An excellent option is to take a boat trip to explore the stunning coastline and hidden coves.
For gastronauts, or those simply looking for a decent meal, the region boasts a selection of top class restaurants that cater to the most discerning palates, as well as more down to earth establishments which often showcase the best of Mallorcan produce.
Expect to find fresh seafood, locally sourced meats, and an abundance of aromatic herbs and spices.
Beyond the cuisine, Calvià’s restaurants provide an ambiance that complements the culinary artistry. Expect elegant décor, impeccable service, and breathtaking views.
4000 years of history
HEAD for the tourist hotspots and it is difficult to imagine that 4,000 years ago our ancestors were treading the very same ground.
In fact, Calvià boasts a rich and diverse history that dates back millenia.
From its prehistoric origins to its transformation into a popular tourist destination, the area has witnessed significant changes while preserving its unique character.
By Dilip Kuner
Evidence suggests that Calvià was inhabited as early as 2000 BC, during the Copper Age. The island’s strategic location in the Mediterranean made it an attractive settlement for various civilizations. The Talayotic culture, known for its distinctive stone talayots (Bronze Age megaliths), flour-
ished in the region, leaving behind intriguing archaeological sites (see Puig de sa Morisca Archaeological Park sidebar).
The arrival of the Romans in 123 BC brought a new era to the area. Although their influence is less evident compared to other parts of Mallorca, the Romans undoubtedly left their mark on the local culture and infrastructure.
During the Islamic period, Calvià became part of the Al-Andalus caliphate. The Moors introduced new agricultural techniques and architectural styles, which can still be seen in some of the region’s buildings.
A turning point in Calvià’s history occurred in 1229 when King James I of Aragon conquered Mallorca. New settlers arrived
at that point.
The church of Sant Joan Baptista is the most iconic building in town. Originally it was built in 1248 soon after the Christian reconquest. Initially it stood alone but gradually the village grew up around it, with many of the present properties dating back to the 17th century. The present church is more recent as it was rebuilt around the remains of the first church in the late 19th century.
Calvià town emerged as an agricultural centre, with farmers cultivating the challenging terrain of the Tramuntana mountains.
For centuries, Calvià remained a predominantly agricultural community. However, the mid-20th century brought a dramatic transformation.
The stunning coastline and pleasant climate attracted tourists, and Calvià
Dining out
MALLORCA is a great destination for foodies and Calvià boasts three restaurants recognised by the Michelin Guide.
Sa Clastra, found in the Castell Son Claret, is the owner of one Michelin star.
The delightful gardens are topped only by head chef Jordi Canto’s creative cuisine.
A concise a la carte and varied tasting menu show traditional Mallorcan cooking infused with modern flair.
Inspired by Canto’s childhood, each dish comes with an in depth explanation, great finesse and depth.
The restaurant is also known for its experienced sommelier, Javier Gomez.
Gomez has been dazzling guests at Son Claret castle with the art of sabrage, or opening champagne bottles with a sabre.
It is recommended to park out front and
By Yzabelle Bostyn
take a stroll through the romantic garden, dining on the charming patio.
Although it won no stars, Arrels by Marga Coll has also been recommended by the Michelin Guide
Found in the Melia hotel, Ses Illetes, the restaurant offers ‘lovingly prepared, honest cuisine’ with stunning sea views.
The Arrels experience offers a five course breakfast including cheeses, meats, fruit, yoghurts, empanadas and pastries.
For lunch and dinner, try the tasting menus including the homemade coca de trampo, tomato gazpacho and deep fried prawns.
Each dish is Mallorcan cuisine and uses
became a focal point for the development of the tourist trade.
Today, Calvià is a thriving municipality that combines its rich heritage with modern amenities. While tourism is a major industry, the area has also preserved its agricultural traditions. Visitors can explore charming villages, hike through the Tramuntana mountains, and enjoy the beautiful beaches, all while immersing themselves in the history and culture of this fascinating region.
DISCOVERING THE ANCESTORS
The Puig de sa Morisca Archaeological Park, a collaborative venture between Calvià Town Council and the University of the Balearic Islands since 1997, spans over 45 hectares in Santa Ponça.
It is home to one of Mallorca’s most significant concentrations of publicly owned archaeological remains.
Visitors can take a walk through history through remains from the Talayotic period (6th century BC) through to the Almohad era, when the site was finally abandoned in 1229 with the Christian reconquest.
The park encompasses various distinct areas, primarily concentrated on the summit, eastern and northern slopes, and a lower hill.
Extensive exploration has uncovered a diverse array of architectural structures including talayots (Bronze Age megaliths), towers, dwellings, wall remnants, caves, and shelters, distributed across three main zones.
tional and avant garde.
Another restaurant praised by the Michelin Guide is Es Fum, Palmanova.
Headed by Canary Island native, Miguel Navarro, the restaurant showcases taste, technique and innovation at the St Regis Maradvall hotel.
Mentored by 12-Michelin star chef, Martin Berasategui, he is an expert in crafting creative menus.
His first menu, Origen, features the recreputation.
Then, diners can try more adventurous dishes with Recorrido, inspired by his recent travels to Jamaica, South America and the south-eastern USA.
These are complemented by his a la carte and vegetarian menus, all to be enjoyed on the hotel's enchanting, sea view terrace.
However, Michelin establishments aren’t to everyone's taste, so if you’re looking for a more chilled out vibe, why not visit Calvià in April or October when restaurants open their doors to show off their best dishes.
La Mostra Calvia sees participating restaurants lower their prices with complete menus starting at just €18.
Run in participation with Calvia council,
each establishment offers options for all the family, including kids, gluten-free and vegetarian menus.
This year’s first edition included celebrated restaurants El Faro del Todo, La Gran Tortuga and La Gritta.
Even more casual are Calviàs beach clubs, such as UM Beach House and Puro Beach Illeta.
UM Beach House boasts traditional Mediterranean flavours, with seafood, prime cuts of meat and flavoursome paellas
Meanwhile, Puro Beach fuses international flavours from Miami to Marrakech to create healthy, tasty food made with organic ingredients.
ONE STAR: Sa Clastra is headed by Jordi Canto, while (left) eating by the beach is a real pleasure
TRADITION: Calvià celebrates its agricultural heritage, with the best of its produce finding its way onto local menus
ANCESTORS
Mallorca’s sports paradise
Calvià has become a global reference point for sports tourism, combining an exceptional climate, a privileged natural environment, and first-class sports infrastructure.
It offers the possibility of enjoying a variety of sports, attracting both amateurs and professionals from all over the world.
Calvià enjoys an unbeatable climate with more than 300 sunny days a year, allowing outdoor sports to be practiced almost all year round. Its 54 km of coastline are home to some of the best beaches and coves on the island, while the proximity to the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a mountainous landscape with more than 100 km of trails ideal for hiking and trail running. This combination of coast and mountains creates a perfect environment for activities such as cycling, mountain biking, open water swimming, and various water sports.
Calvià has positioned itself as a leader in sports tourism at both a national and international level, thanks to the more than 30 international sporting events held in the municipality during the mid and low seasons.
Among the most outstanding events are competitions in triathlon, football, athletics, beach volleyball, regattas, motorsports, tennis, rugby, trail running, and crossfit. These events attract thousands of athletes from all over the world, contributing to the local economy and deseasonalising tourism activity.
Calvià has more than 30 public facilities dedicated to various sports. Among them, six football fields stand out, attracting elite teams from all over the world for their training and pre-season. These facilities, located in quiet but well-equipped areas, offer all the necessary amenities, such as large stands, changing rooms, and floodlit fields. In addition, the Vicente del Bosque Football Academy and events such as the Mallorca International Football Cup reinforce the municipality’s image as a nerve center for youth and professional football.
Calvia also hosts many professional cycling teams who appreciate the roads and mountain routes as an excellent venue for warm weather training. The municipality also shows a strong commitment to sustainability. An example of this is the Julián Ronda football
field in Costa d’en Blanes, which has just implemented microplastic-free artificial turf, anticipating future European regulations that will come into force in 2031. This initiative reflects Calvià’s commitment to the environment, offering modern and ecological sports facilities.
Beyond sports, Calvià offers a wide range of experiences for its visitors. Tourists can sail the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, relax on the white sands of its coves and beaches, enjoy nature on the paths and trails of Galatzó, and savor the delicious local and international cuisine. All this makes Calvià a destination that combines sport, nature, and culture, providing a complete and enriching experience 365 days a year.
Calvià continues to work to expand its sports offer and attract more high-level competitions. The City Council has implemented an ambitious plan to continue positioning the municipality as an epicenter of sports and quality tourism, allocating a significant investment to events and infrastructure improvements. Calvià is a model of success in the integration of sports and tourism, offering first-class facilities, international events, and an unparalleled natural environment. With
Sports lovers flock to Calvià to enjoy the outdoor life
a firm commitment to sustainability, the municipality not only attracts elite athletes but also guarantees a unique experience for all its visitors.
IDYLLIC: The bays and beaches of Calvià are stunning and have hosted visitors for thousands of years
FRESH: Fish is taken straight from the sea to the table, with a brief visit to the kitchen in between
