DISCOVER CALA MENDIA BEACH SPAIN: A MEDITERRANEAN GEM!
DISCOVER CALA MENDIA BEACH SPAIN: A MEDITERRANEAN GEM!
INTRODUCTION: DISCOVER CALA MENDIA BEACH SPAIN
Welcome to Cala Mendia, a picturesque beach nestled on the east coast of Mallorca on the Mediterranean Sea! Known for its serene beauty and crystal-clear waters, Cala Mendia is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. From sunbathing on sandy shores to exploring nearby attractions, let’s find out what makes Cala Mendia a must-visit in 2024! As someone who has lived in the area for over a decade, I’m happy to share my inside tips and knowledge of this beautiful beach holiday destination in the Balearic Islands. Let’s dive in and discover Cala Mendia Beach in Spain and find out why it should be on your travel radar this year!
(To find out more about the Coast of Spain and The Mediterranean, see our related posts: “Best Things To Do In Mallorca” and “Discover Porto Cristo“)
What Is There To Discover in Cala Mendia Beach?
The Allure of Cala Mendia Beach
Cala Mendia is a beautiful beach located in a sheltered cover on the east coast of Mallorca. The water is crystal clear, the beach is made of soft golden sand, and the cove is flanked by rocky cliffs on either side. The excellent underwater visibility makes this an excellent spot for snorkeling, especially along the cliffs. The calm waters provide a perfect spot for kayaking and paddle boarding. With a combination of rocky cliffs, golden sand, pine trees, and lush vegetation, a spectacular backdrop is created for all your vacation photos. It doesn’t get better than this!
The beach offers facilities such as showers, toilets, and a large parking area, making it convenient for visitors. The beach has a slight grade making it relatively safe for kids and it provides ample space for families to enjoy the sand and sea. With the town being nearby, you are just a 2-minute walk from beach stores, grocery stores, and restaurants.
BONUS: As a bonus, Cala Mendia is within a short walk from two other excellent beaches: Cala Romantica and Cala Anguila. Both beaches are definitely worth visiting, offering beautiful cliffside views, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
Top Outdoor Adventures and Activities
With the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean shores and miles of undeveloped countryside nearby, there are plenty of outdoor activities to do. During the summer the waters are calm and provide an ideal place for snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking. For some of the activities listed below, check with local tour operators regarding schedules and fees. Note, that for many of the activities, equipment can be rented at the beach, at local shops, or from local tour operators.
- Snorkeling
This is an excellent spot for snorkeling. The water is crystal clear and the nearby cliffs provide ample opportunity to see various marine life and different rock formations. - Kayaking
The sheltered cove provides a safe area for kayaking. The cliffs, pine trees, and Mallorcan houses that line the cliffs provide an excellent backdrop along the coastline. - Hiking
There are trails and paths throughout the area for walking or hiking. Walkers can experience the local flora and reach viewpoints. - Boat Tours
A great way to see the area is from out at sea and the best way to do this is by boat tour. Check with local tour companies for available tours, timings, and prices. Tip: book a tour with a snorkeling option, they can bring you places that would be otherwise inaccessible. (A great local company is Moonfish which offers glass bottom boat tours). - Paddleboarding
As with kayaking mentioned above, this is an excellent and safe area to get out on the water. This sport is beginner friendly and the views from the water are spectacular. - Beach Volleyball
The beach offers enough area for beach volleyball and if your group is big enough you might be able to get a friendly match going. - Cycling
Cycling routes are available around Cala Mendia and the surrounding area. Some of the roads have a paved shoulder and there are also some bike trails available as well. A great way to visit some of the nearby towns. - Swimming
With the sheltered cove, there are no undertows or dangerous currents making this an excellent place to swim for both beginners and more seasoned athletes. And during the high season, there are lifeguards on duty for that added level of safety. - Sailing
Sailing offers a way to navigate the coastline using wind power. Participants can manage the sails and learn about the sea.
Local Dining and Cuisine
Taste Local Wines
Here are five local Mallorcan wines to try when visiting the area:
- Macia Batle Blanc de Blancs – A white wine known for its fresh and fruity profile. It typically features notes of citrus and tropical fruits. An excellent choice for pairing with seafood and light Mediterranean dishes.
- Ànima Negra AN/2 – A red wine that blends native grape varieties (like Callet and Mantonegro) for a unique taste. Has notes of dark berries, spices, and a hint of earthiness.
- Jose L. Ferrer Veritas Blanc – Offers a crisp and aromatic white wine, made using local grape varieties such as Prensal Blanc. Known for its fresh and lively palate, with floral and citrus notes.
- Binigrau Nounat – A white wine with a balanced and smooth character. Crafted from a blend of Prensal Blanc and Chardonnay grapes. Features notes of ripe fruit and subtle oak.
- 4 Kilos Vinícola 12 Volts – A red wine with a complex and rich flavor profile, featuring notes of ripe fruit and spices.
Traditional Mallorcan Dishes
When in the area, make sure to try the following traditional Mallorcan dishes:
- Tumbet: Tumbet is a traditional dish consisting of sliced potatoes, eggplant, and red bell peppers. The vegetables are fried and layered, then topped with a tomato sauce before being baked.
- Sobrassada: Sobrassada is a cured sausage made from ground pork, paprika, salt, and spices. It is typically spread on bread or used in various cooked dishes.
- Ensaimada: Ensaimada is a circular pastry made from flour, water, sugar, eggs, and lard. It is baked until golden and often dusted with powdered sugar before serving.
Tapas Tour
“Ir de tapas” is a social tradition in Spain where people hop from bar to bar, enjoying small plates of various dishes, known as tapas, often accompanied by drinks. It’s a casual and communal way to sample a wide range of flavors and enjoy the local culinary scene. You can sample a range of modern tapas such as patatas bravas, jamon iberico, and fresh seafood.
Day Trip Suggestions
Visit Palma: Old Town/Royal Palace/The Cathedral
You can take a day trip to Palma and explore the city’s old town. It features narrow streets and historic buildings such as the Almudaina Palace (the official royal residence on Mallorca of the Spanish royal family), the Cathedral (right near the palace), and the Arab Baths. There are tons of cafes, shops, and markets to visit making it a great relaxing outing.
Visit Capdepera
Capdepera is only about 20km from Cala Mendia and is home to one of the oldest medieval castles in the region. The castle is open to visitors daily from 10 am to 6 pm with admission around €4 per person (discounts also available for children and seniors). The castle tower offers excellent views of the island and the Mediterranean. You can also explore the town, stroll through its small winding streets, and visit one of the local cafes.
Visit Arta
Located just a few kilometers away, Arta is definitely worth a visit. The Sanctuary on top of the hill provides an excellent view over the town and surrounding hills. This old town is mainly untouched by tourism and offers an authentic Mallorcan experience.
Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips
Peak Tourist Season in Mallorca
The peak tourist season on the island is during July and August when most regions of Northern Europe have their school breaks. With everybody heading to the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands at the same time, it does get busy so be prepared, plan ahead, and book accommodations, rental cars, plane tickets, and tours well in advance.
Tip: If you are looking for a less hectic experience, you might want to consider traveling in May/June or in Sept/October. The weather is still exceptionally nice and you can escape the large crowds. In fact, we just visited the beach towards the end of September and the temperature was 28C making for an excellent beach day.
Transportation options
- Flying: Cala Mendia is about 50 km east of Palma Airport which serves both domestic and International flights.
- Transport on Mallorca: Taxis can be found all over the island, car rentals are also available and there is also the public transport company TIB (or Transports de les Iles Balears), which operates a network of bus routes that services major towns, cities and popular tourist destinations across the island.
Accommodations
Accommodations are available in Cala Mendia, Cala Romantica, and Cala Anguila. The tourist infrastructure in the area is well developed so there is no shortage of accommodations in the area. These range from luxurious beachfront resorts to budget-friendly youth hostels and guesthouses.
To help you out with planning and checking out availability for your next trip, I’ve included an app to help you out. For full disclosure, this is an affiliate link and if you end up booking accommodations through this link, I will earn a small commission. Be assured though that you will not be paying a higher price because of the commission, and the commission does help me to cover my costs.
Book in Advance
I mentioned it above but it bears repeating, make sure to book well in advance, especially if you are planning to come during July and August. This basically goes for everything. Your best bet is to check online for available accommodations, car rentals, flights, restaurants, activities, and equipment and book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Discover cala mendia beach
Cala Mendia is more than just a stunning beach; it’s an experience that captures the essence of Mallorca’s beauty and culture. Whether you’re lounging on its pristine sands, exploring nearby attractions, or savoring local flavors, Cala Mendia promises an unforgettable getaway. Plan your visit today and discover why this hidden gem is the perfect destination for 2024!
“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!”
How about experiencing the Mediterranean first hand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!
