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Portopetro

Pretty fishing village on the south-east coast of Mallorca

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Portopetro
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Porto Petro or Portopetro can be found within the district of Santanyí. This fishing village which retains much of its traditional charm, with most of its buildings, developed in the early 20th century, being handsome, colourful houses with authentic Mallorcan shutters.

The seafront is the place to be in Portopetro. It contains a small harbour full of yachts and fishing vessels, and is home to the Real Club Nàutic de Portopetro as well as a departure point for some boat trips visiting the local area. You will also find a selection of traditional cafés and seafood restaurants dotted around the village.

The lack of a beach in the town makes it a wonderful place to stay if you're keen to keep away from commercial tourist resorts in the summer months. At the same time, it has everything on its doorstep, from some of the island's most stunning beaches in the surrounding area to the picturesque Cala Mondrago Natural Park a short walk away. If you want to visit a more touristy area for a day, the popular family-friendly resort of Cala d’Or in the next bay and only a short taxi ride away.

There are just over 500 residents in Portopetro and most of them are local Mallorcan so, in the winter, the main language you will hear is Spanish. As summer arrives, so do the tourists, which means you might hear some Germans, English and other European languages in the area. However, in comparison to most of Mallorca’s coastline, this area has managed to escape the claws of tourism.

History & Culture in Portopetro

Portopetro's early history

There are records of Portopetro dating back to between 1281 and 1298, coinciding with the delineation of the estates which bordered the road between Santanyí and this town. Portopetro was a trading port dating back to the 15th century, used for exporting Santanyí stone and importing wheat between the 15th and the early 19th centuries. 

By the 17th century there was a watchtower, Torre d'en Bossa, built to keep an eye out for pirates, and there was even a customs office to control maritime trade. 

Modern times

At the end of the 19th century, trading came to a halt. Portopetro has since become a fishing port.

The area where Portopetro now resides was originally a part of Sa Punta Estate but the beginning of the 20th century saw the land divided up and sold off. After this, the first hamlet developed, and, since then, the population rose from less than 100 to more than 500 over the course of the 20th century.

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in Portopetro

History, architecture and culture in Portopetro

When you arrive in Portopetro you quickly notice that it is not like the bigger resort towns of Mallorca. It has grown gently from its origins and kept the charm of a working harbour.

The buildings in the centre mostly date from the early twentieth century. They follow the traditional Mallorcan style, with pastel facades and wooden shutters that give the village its soft and welcoming look. Along the seafront you will find a working marina with fishing boats and small yachts. The Real Club Nàutic Portopetro adds a touch of local pride and tradition.

Standing at the mouth of the harbour you can see the Torre d’en Bossa, the old defensive tower that tells you this was once a coastline that needed watching. A more modern highlight is Can Lis, the summer house designed in the 1970s by Jørn Utzon, the architect of the Sydney Opera House. Built from golden sandstone, it blends perfectly with the cliff and sea views.

Portopetro is still very much a fishing village at heart. You will often see fishermen mending nets or setting out at dawn. Around the harbour there are plenty of restaurants serving freshly caught seafood and traditional Mallorcan dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried, which makes dining by the water a simple pleasure.

See our Main Attractions

Beaches in Portopetro

There are no beaches within the resort, which is largely why it has escaped the tourist boom. However, some of the island's most beautiful sheltered sandy beaches are nearby. Cala Barca, S’Amarador Beach and Cala Mondrago can be reached from Portopetro on foot or by car. They are all relatively small but extremely sought after. 

Cala Mondrago is perhaps the most famous for its beauty, thanks to its sand dunes, pine forests, beautiful coastline and rocky coves. It's so highly regarded that it has been protected from development. There are sun loungers, parasols, a bar/restaurant area, showers and a car park available here.

Beaches in Mallorca

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Dining in Portopetro

Being a sleepy fishing village, you can expect to pick up traditional seafood in Portopetro. For typical Mediterranean fare and paella at reasonable prices you won't need to look far.

Restaurants in Portopetro

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See our Where to Eat

Events in Portopetro

Events in Mallorca

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Things to do in Portopetro

Just outside the village lies Mondragó Natural Park, where you can walk along pine fringed paths, swim in turquoise coves such as Cala Mondragó and s’Amarador, or simply enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the coastline. Smaller coves like Caló des sa Torre are perfect if you want more seclusion.

You can also join a boat trip to stunning coves, try diving, or set out on a bike ride through the countryside. If golf is your game, the Vall d’Or course is a short drive away.

There is even a local legend that the name Portopetro comes from a visit by Saint Peter himself, though that is more story than history.

See our Activities Guide

Cycling in Portopetro

It’s possible to cycle through Cala Mondrago Natural Park, it’s a leisurely cycle ride which is good news because you won’t want to cycle too fast as you might miss some of the best views.

Cycling Routes in Mallorca

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Hiking in Portopetro

Hiking trails are clearly marked and you can soak up the beautiful surroundings and meet some of the wildlife the park is home to. 

Walking Routes in Mallorca

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See our Hiking & Walking Guide

Holidays Rentals in Portopetro

Staying in short-term rental accommodation in Portopetro gives you the freedom to enjoy the town at your own pace. Whether in the historic centre or near the mountains, it’s a relaxed and flexible base. With extra space and the option to cook or dine out, it’s ideal for a comfortable holiday.

Holiday Rentals in Portopetro

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Hotels in Portopetro

There is a good range of accommodation to choose from in Portopetro, from luxury, large-scale hotels to budget-friendly apartment blocks and traditional style rustic fincas.

Hotels in Portopetro

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How to get to Portopetro

By car

Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and Portopetro is a 50 minute drive from Palma airport. Or take the worry out of getting from the airport and book a transfer.

Public transport

There is a direct bus from the airport. Check for times.

Transfers for Mallorca

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See our Getting Here Guide

Location

Map of the surrounding area

Events

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Ella International Lesbian Festival, Mallorca Island
Les Festes del Rei en Jaume, Santa Ponsa
What's On in Mallorca September 2018
Lobster Club Full Moon Party
A steinway & sons piano with a violin on the keys
Algaid'Art Fair