Cala d'Or

Cala d'Or, or 'the golden cove', is a collection of small sandy coves and rocky creeks set on the southeast coast of Majorca. Once a small Mallorcan fishing village, Cala d'Or has developed into a modern purpose-built holiday resort with a definite air of sophistication. However, thanks to tight building regulations, the resort has managed to maintain much of its traditional charm.

Cala Llonga is the largest cove in the resort and boasts a lively marina with a selection of chic waterside bars and cafes. The title for the longest beach goes to Cala Gran, which is accompanied by a wide selection of shops, bars and restaurants. The pretty beach of Cala d'Or itself is bordered by pine trees, but is also small and has a tendency for over-crowding. The main shopping street, Avinguda Tagomago, is jam-packed with boutiques, designer shops and art galleries. Evening entertainment is quite low-key making it a perfect for families and couples.

Those looking to escape the bustle of Cala d'Or can take the bus to Es Trenc, where they will find a peaceful pine-fringed beach with golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Alternatively, those with their own transport can haggle for a bargain at Felanitx's Sunday morning market. Situated 40 miles from Palma, Cala d'Or is approximately an hour and a half from the airport by coach. Public transport around the east coast is somewhat limited so visitors may find it useful to hire a car.