Cala Ratjada Mallorca: A Complete Guide to Your Next Getaway

Cala Ratjada Mallorca: A Complete Guide to Your Next Getaway!

Cala Ratjada Mallorca: Capdepera Lighthouse overlooking the coast of Spain
Cala Ratjada Mallorca: Capdepera Lighthouse overlooking the coast of Spain
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INTRODUCTION: Cala Ratjada Mallorca

If you’re dreaming of a Mediterranean escape, Cala Ratjada Mallorca should be at the top of your list! Known for its crystal-clear waters, bustling port, and charming coastal vibe, this picturesque destination in Spain has something for everyone. Whether you’re craving relaxation on its golden beaches, exploring traditional Mallorcan fishing culture, or immersing yourself in thrilling water activities, Cala Ratjada delivers. Did you know it’s also one of the best places on the island to catch a stunning sunrise? Stick around, and we’ll take you on an insider’s tour of everything this incredible locale has to offer!

As someone who has lived on the Mediterranean for over a decade, I’m happy to share my inside tips and knowledge to help you make the most of your travels.

(To find out more about the Mediterranean see our related posts, “Discover Porto Cristo” and “Best Things To Do In Mallorca” , “Cala Mesquida Beach“)

Cala Ratjada Mallorca: The Mediterranean
Cala Ratjada Mallorca: The Mediterranean

Why Visit Cala Ratjada Mallorca?

Top Beaches in Cala Ratjada

Cala Agulla

Located directly on the north edge of town and within the regional park called “Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant” is Cala Agulla. This beautiful beach is wide and half a kilometer long. It has a gentle slope making it ideal for families with children. The water is crystal clear, there is a sandy bottom and the beach is located in a sheltered bay. Although untouched by over-development it still has amenities such as lifeguards, beach bars, and washrooms.

The beach is surrounded by a pine forest and dunes and is a great place to unwind and relax. (To find out more follow the link to our post about Cala Agulla that includes pics I took when visiting recently).

Cala Ratjada Mallorca: The nearby beach of Cala Agulla
Cala Ratjada Mallorca: The nearby beach of Cala Agulla
Cala Gat

On the south side of the peninsula where Cala Ratjada is located, there is a small but popular beach called Cala Gat. It’s compact but quite nice and a great place for snorkeling. Accessible pathways from nearby areas bring both locals and tourists to this tiny island paradise.

Son Moll Beach

A bit further south along the coast and right in town is Platja Son Moll. If you are looking for a livelier beach experience then this beach is for you. It’s close to the center of town, there are beach bars nearby, it has all the amenities you will need and is a beautiful sand beach with crystal clear waters. Its central location also makes it an easy point to visit between other attractions or activities in the area.

Best Things to Do in Cala Ratjada

Visit the Cala Ratjada Port

Take the time to visit the Cala Ratjada port which is located near the center of town. You can watch fishing boats and yachts coming and going all day long. There are several waterfront restaurants and cafes in this district, making this a great place to dine and hang out. You’ll also find shops nearby selling souvenirs and local crafts. The port area is a great place to spend time and immerse yourself in the Mediterranean vibe.

Explore the Capdepera Lighthouse

At the east end of the peninsula is the lighthouse, Far de Capdepera. Here, you can’t go any further east on Mallorca without leaving the island. This is an ideal place to take that “perfect” shot of the lighthouse on the rugged Mallorcan coast. From there it’s just a short walk to the ruins of Sa Torre Esbucada, one of the old pirate watch towers scattered across the island. 

Take the coastal trail to the Far de Capdepara
Cala Ratjada Mallorca: Take the coastal trail to the Far de Capdepara
Walk the Coastal Trails

The peninsula where Cala Ratjada is located and the Natural Llevant park are crisscrossed with trails. You can take some amazing walks along the trails and follow the coastline for miles with one incredible view after another. Be sure to bring swimwear because there are several secluded beaches that are ideal for swimming along the way.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and water to protect against the sun and dehydration. The sun is hot here and easy to underestimate. 

Water Activities

With the rocky coastline and sandy beaches, the area is great for both snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s also a great place for paddleboarding and kayaking. If you want to see more of the coast, sign up for one of the boat tours available at the port. Tours range in duration from just under an hour to the whole day.

Tip: Look for tour companies that include snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding and you can kill two birds with one stone. The boats will often take you to the best places for snorkeling and paddling in the region. 

Cala Ratjada Mallorca: Rent a Kayak at Cala Agulla
Cala Ratjada Mallorca: Rent a Kayak at Cala Agulla, Spain

Where to Stay in Cala Ratjada

Mallorca as a whole, is a major tourist destination so you can be sure that the tourist infrastructure is quite developed. Accommodations range from luxury hotels to youth hostels and everything in between. Whether you are traveling on a budget or are looking for a place to spend the night while your super yacht is being repaired, there is something here for everyone. 

To help you plan your next visit and to determine availability and price for the right accommodations, I’ve included a link below to assist. (For full disclosure, this is an affiliate link. You can search to your heart’s desire for free. And if it happens that you find that perfect spot and decide to book through this link I will make a small commission. Don’t worry though, you won’t be paying a higher price because of the commission and it does help me to cover my costs).

Dining in Cala Ratjada

There are over 100 restaurants in Ratjada so there is no shortage of options of where to eat out. The fishing around Mallorca is quite good so seafood features quite prominently on most menus. If you like fish then you won’t be disappointed. A popular Spanish tradition is Ir de Tapas, where you go on a tour and visit various bars that serve tapas. These are small dishes or snacks that are served as appetizers with your drinks. This is a great way to sample a variety of different foods like olives, cured meats, seafood, and vegetables and a great way to spend an evening with family and friends.

To help you get started, here is a small list of bars in Ratjada that serve tapas:

  1. Euforia Tapas 
  2. Cafe Noah’s
  3. La Bodeguita 
  4. Café Son Moll 
  5. Restaurante del Mar
Cala Ratjada Mallorca: Tapas in Spain
Cala Ratjada Mallorca: Tapas in Spain

Tips for Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

If you love the heat and don’t mind crowds, come in July and August. My recommendation however is to come in the off-season, either in May/June or Sept/Oct.. The weather is still very nice and there are far fewer people so most activities, restaurants, museums, galleries, and other venues are less hectic and you can take the time to enjoy the island. As an added bonus, travel costs are usually lower as well as accommodations.

Natural Llevant park, Spain
Cala Ratjada Mallorca: Natural Llevant park, Spain
How to Get There

Getting to Cala Ratjada is pretty simple. From the Palma airport, if you are driving, follow the signs to get on the Ma15 and just follow the highway east about 82km until you reach the end of the road. The Ma15 literally ends in Cala Ratjada. If you plan on taking public transportation, you can go by bus which is operated by TIB (Transports de les Illes Balears, click here for schedules and routes). Follow the link to find the most up-to-date schedules and routes. 

Things to Pack

Unless you are coming to Mallorca in the wintertime (November to March) make sure to bring sunscreen, swimwear, and a pair of good walking shoes (this one is non-negotiable). You may end up walking for hours either on the trails or in the various villages and a comfortable pair of walking shoes are going to be your best friend.

The summers are hot so you won’t need more than 1 sweater (just in case) and you will spend most of your time in shorts and T-shirts.

If you come in the off-season (either in May/June or Sept/Oct), the nights can become a little chilly so make sure to bring a jacket or sweater, and a pair of long pants. The days during the off-season are quite nice and at times can be exceptionally warm so you’ll be good with shorts and short sleeve shirts. During our visit in October, I didn’t have to unpack my trousers or jacket even once.

Day Trips from Cala Ratjada

Capdepera Village

Right nearby is the town of Capdepera (about 2km inland) where you can visit an exceptionally well-preserved medieval walled castle. It’s perched at the top of a hill and overlooks the surrounding countryside and coastline. There is a small fee to get in and the structures and landscaping are well maintained. We visited in early October and spent an hour walking around and taking pictures and thoroughly enjoyed the quiet atmosphere and incredible views. You can read a post about Capdepera by following this link. After the castle visit, we spent some time exploring the town, walking along the various walkways and cobble-stoned streets, and finishing off our visit with a coffee at a local cafe.

Day Trip to Capdepera, Mallorca, Spain
Day Trip to Capdepera, Mallorca, Spain
Arta and Sant Salvador Sanctuary

About 9km inland is the town of Arta. This town has been relatively untouched by tourism and so provides an authentic Mallorcan experience. We had some difficulty driving around the small streets in Arta that were clearly built for horse and buggies. Eventually we made our way to a local fortress/sanctuary where you can look over the entire town and the surrounding countryside. Arriving first thing in the morning, I took some excellent pictures of Sant Salvador Sanctuary which you can see in a related post. Highly recommend this town as a day trip excursion away from the main tourist traps.

Day Trip Arta: Sant Salvador Sanctuary, Mallorca, Spain
Day Trip Arta: Sant Salvador Sanctuary, Mallorca, Spain
Parc Natural de Llevant

One final day trip suggestion is to visit the Natural des Llevant park which borders the north edge of town and includes Cala Agulla. This corner of Mallorca has more or less escaped commercial and residential development and now with its status as a regional park, it is protected from development for future generations to enjoy. There are many trails throughout the park and along the coast for both experienced and novice hikers. If you want to experience how Mallorca would have looked like in the past, this is the best opportunity.

Day Trip to Parc Natural de Llevant,, Mallorca, Spain
Day Trip to Parc Natural de Llevant,, Mallorca, Spain

FINAL THOUGHTS: Cala Ratjada Mallorca – A Complete Guide to Your Next Getaway

Cala Ratjada in Mallorca offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural charm, and delightful activities. Whether you’re lounging on beautiful beaches, dining on fresh seafood, or exploring nearby gems, this destination has something for every traveler. Don’t wait—start planning your Mediterranean escape to Cala Ratjada Spain today!

Author at Cala Agulla, Mallorca, Spain

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Reg Auge

Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.

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