Portopetro
Pretty fishing village on the south-east coast of Mallorca
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.
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.
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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Cala Barca Beach, South-East Mallorca
Cala Barca is a small but pretty bay on the edge of Mondrago Park in the south east of Mallorca. It's 35 metres long by 25 metres deep and has golden sand.
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Calo d'es Burgit Beach, South-East Mallorca
Calo d'es Burgit is a small bay on the south east coast of Mallorca, just around the corner from Cala Mondrago and within the protected Mondrago Natural Park.
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Cala Mondrago Beach, South-East Mallorca
Considered one of Mallorca's most beautiful areas with its sand dunes, pine forests, beautiful coastline and rocky coves, Cala Mondrago, (often referred to as ‘Caló de n’Alis’) has formed part of Mondrago National Park since 1992, greatly benefitting from the disallowing of any further development.
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S'Amarador Beach, South-East Mallorca
S’Amarador is an award-winning glorious white sand beach that is part of the protected Mondrago National Park (south east Majorca, close to Cala d'Or), and so is beautifully unspoilt.
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Cala d'Or Beach
Spread over a continuous stretch of Mallorca’s southeast coastline, the beach resort of Cala d'Or is made up of several inlets and a group of beaches that can be found in smaller coves, more commonly known as ‘calas’.
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Cala Sa Nau Beach
Escape the crowds on the beaches of Cala d'Or by heading 3 km north to the bay of Cala Sa Nau. This relaxed beach is surrounded by pine trees and is very picturesque.
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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Na Petra Restaurant
This restaurant is located in the small fishing village of Porto Petro. Enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine with stunning views.
Events in Portopetro
Events in Mallorca
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Ella International Lesbian Festival
With DJs, artists, activities, beach clubs, seminars, conferences, art and much much more!
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Les Festes del Rei en Jaume
Cancelled in 2020.
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Melon Fair, Vilafranca de Bonany
Melons, figs and related fruits are celebrated in one of the first autumnal harvest fairs on Mallorca, at the small town of Vilafranca de Bonany.
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Full Moon Party at Lobster Club
Dance beneath the stars with top DJ sets, signature cocktails, and an unbeatable seafront atmosphere.
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Deia International Music Festival
In 1978, a group of professional and amateur musicians came together under the name ‘Paramusical Workshop' and began performing concerts in Llucalcari and the Deià church. This marked the humble beginnings of what is today known as the Deià International Music Festival. The quality and quantity of the guest artists have been growing steadily ever since.
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Algaid'Art Fair
The streets fo the small town of Algaida turn into a giant open-air art gallery for one night in September.
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.
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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Colonia Sant Jordi to Cap de Ses Salines Cycling Route
22km point to point but a longer day out at 44km if you do the return journey by bike instead of catching the bus.
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Cala Millor to Porto Cristo Cycling Route
A great way to explore this part of the coast and easy enough for the whole family to enjoy...especially with beach breaks along the way.
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S' Arenal to Capocorb Cycling Route
A flat road cycle but at a distance of 60km this could be a long ride for a beginner so be prepared!
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Cala Ratjada to Cala Mesquida Cycling Route
Although parts of this route can be tricky to negotiate for the less seasoned bikers it is worth the effort to enjoy the beautiful beaches.
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Cycling C'an Picafort to Pollenca & Alcudia
100,000 cyclists cannot be wrong. Mallorca is one of the most popular and idyllic islands for cycling with it's plentiful flat farm roads and challenging hill climbs.
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Puerto Pollensa to Sa Pobla Cycling Route
An easy ride if you are used to road biking and at 44km this route could be a good challenge for a beginner!
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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An Uphill Walk from Felanitx to Monastery of San Salvador
Felanitx is located in the south-east of Mallorca.
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Coastal Walk from Ses Salines to Es Trenc Beach
Ses Salines is located on the south-east coast of Mallorca. This is a summer walk which you can start from Ses Salines itself, or at the beach resort of Colonia de Sant Jordi.
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Hike from Petra to Hermitage of Bonany
Petra is located towards the middle of the island, about 8km west of Manacor. The walk up to the hermitage starts in Petra, following the paved road and involves a walk of a little over an hour, you can also get there by a trail going up from Vilafranca.
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Hiking up the Puig de Randa Review
Good Friday is often a great opportunity for a spring time walk, especially in Mallorca where there was not a single cloud in the sky and temperatures were in the mid 20s.
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Hiking from Algaida to Cura Sant Honorat Gracia & Randa
Algaida is located towards the middle of the island, about 15 km east of Palma. This hike can start from the town of Algaida, walking towards Castellitx, where there is a beautiful hermitage, the "Ermita de la Pau" that is well worth visiting, and then on to Aubella, where the climb to Cura starts.
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Hike from Arta to Hermitage of Betlem
Arta is located in the far north-east of Mallorca.
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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Acebuche Villa
This beautiful villa is located close to two pretty sandy beaches; Cala Esmeralda is 250m and Cala Gran 500m. It is a 10/15 minutes walk (700m.) to Cala D'Or centre. This bustling resort which is in the heart of a pedestrian area, offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafeterias, bars with live music, shops and boutiques. Its exclusive marina with superb restaurants where enjoy a nice meal looking at the yachts moored at the pier is a 5 minutes drive. Here you can also practice water sports or enjoy and excursion with a sailing boat or the glass bottom boat and visit the beautiful south coast of Majorca with its lovely sandy coves, charming fishing ports or even the natural Park of Mondrago.
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Forti 57 Villa
The large villa Forti 57 enjoys a privileged seafront position with astonishing sea views where you can often see the yachts on their way to the Cala D'or marina.
Price: €4,445
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El Jardin Villa
Villa El Jardin is a truly traditional Mallorcan farmhouse, accessed via an attractive archway and surrounded by extensive gardens with flowers, shrubs and orange trees. Located just 5 minutes drive away from the unspoilt beach of Cala San Vicente and sheltered by the high Tramuntana mountains, this villa is a perfect retreat to enjoy all the peace and atmosphere that Mallorca can offer.
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Daria Villa
This villa is situated in a quiet residential area in Sa Punta des Port, a part of Cala D'Or. The rocky cove Cala Llamp is 500m. away and about 10 minutes walk you will reach the small the sandy beach Cala Egos and Cala Egos centre that offers shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.
Price: €2,135
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Mar Gran Villa, Cala d'Or
This pretty villa is situated in a great position on the Cala Esmeralda that enjoys beautiful sea views. Cala Esmeralda is a beautiful sandy cove located in the resort of Cala D'Or on the South eastern coast of Mallorca. The villa is only a 10 minute stroll from two lovely beaches and the town centre is also no more than a 12 minute walk away. The heart of this little town is the pedestrian area with its boutiques, open air bars, restaurants and cafes. His famous marina is dotted with luxury vessels and large yachts.
Price: €2,065
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Delfin Villa
Large villa perfect for a group of friends or two families. The villa is located in a quiet street close to Cala Esmeralda sandy beach. Cala Gran sandy beach and Cala D’Or centre with shops, restaurants and leisure activities are a short walk away.
Price: €2,786
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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Sa Tanca des Garbello B&B
Located in the South East of the island, between the small town of Calonge and Cala Dor. Furnished with attention to detail, the estate is located in a unique and quiet location, among the pristine countryside.
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Na Martina Hotel, Porto Petro
This rural hotel is eco-friendly, including systems to save water and energy, as well as better waste management.
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Melia Cala d'Or Luxury Hotel
Decorated in a traditional Mallorcan style, with smart new furniture this hotel offers a choice of family rooms, suites and junior suites all with airconditioning and heating.
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Robinson Club Cala Sirena Hotel
For sporty types who are keen to keep moving whilst away, this family-friendly resort offers a whole host of sports, including golf and cycling as well as excursions.
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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Luxury Chauffeur Services & Airport Transfers
Experience luxury and convenience with this company. Arrive at your yacht charter, sunset tour or boat trip in unparalleled style in a Rolls Royce Ghost.
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Janer Bus Airport Transfers
The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
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Taxi PMI
Taxi PMI is the Association of Taxi Drivers of Palma de Mallorca, who provide visitors with an efficient and reliable airport transfer service, whilst also eliminating the need to stand in a queue and wait for the next available taxi.
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Mallorca Taxi Car
This taxi company offers 24-hour service from the airport to your accommodation all around Mallorca.
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Majorca Taxis Company Transfers
Multilingual company offering transfers from the airport to your destination.
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Easy Majorca Taxi
A group of taxi drivers with many years of experience in the sector of airport transfers in Mallorca. You can book online in advance or call to book last-minute.