Even if Palma is the best-known location on Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands is characterised by an infinite number of little villages famous in their own right (nationally and internationally) for their beauty, their history, their atmosphere in summer and – of course – for the gastronomy they offer. Calvià is one of the places that offer the most variety when it comes to restaurants and bars, probably because this is a region that sees a lot of tourism in high season.
Based on this premise, and since we are lovers of international cuisine at Hotels & Destinations, we’ve decided to make a route through the most prominent villages of this famous Majorcan municipality (the largest on the island) so that you’ll get it right first time if you decide to visit.
Portals Nous
One of the things that the municipality is famous for – and particularly so here in Portals Nous – is the number of restaurants you find along its main avenues. On Mallorca eating well is almost a religion, so rest assured there won’t be any unpleasant surprises in places like this. We’re talking about Portals Nous village, quite a majestic place.
Apart from having numerous places where you can enjoy a drink with friends or beers with the football on in the background, this place also features high-level restaurants such as La Ópera (Italian) or Chameli’s Restaurant (famous for its delicious paellas).
Palmanova
Less than five minutes by car from Portals you’ll find Palmanova, a small village located by the beach by the same name, famous for its impressive promenade by the sea full of bars and restaurants.
From beach bars (such as Il Chiringo de Palmanova) to elegant places like Campino Bar or Cappuccino, visitors can also sample delicious pizzas at Il Tano or hamburgers at Abracadabra.
Santa Ponça
One of the most international corners of Calvià Bay is Santa Ponça, a place where outstanding festivals such as the Moors and Christians (typical for the island), the Oktoberfest and St Patrick’s Day take place. This mix of nationalities ensures that the gastronomic offer is very much up to par.
Apart from traditional restaurants like El Balcón de María, this town also offers unique, peace-filled spots like the restaurant at the Yacht Club. A place surrounded by nature with a definite Mediterranean scent.
Hotels in the southeast of Mallorca
As we mentioned in the beginning of this article, together with the city of Palma, the south-east of Mallorca is one of the areas of the island that is most frequented by tourism. This is something that can be seen in the sheer variety of hotels on offer: here you can find all styles and prices (especially now during the quieter months of the high season).
Hotels in locations like Magaluf and Portals may be aimed at individual travellers, couples or groups of friends, but in other areas like Santa Ponça it is family tourism that prevails. Those looking for a family hotel might opt for high-quality establishments such as Pirates Village Hotel or Plazamar Serenity Resort, two well-known hotels that belong to the Mallorcan hotel chain Gran Isla Hotels.