Travel Eye on Cala Bona (Mallorca, Spain)

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Overview:

Cala Bona is not a purpose built holiday resort, but more of a small traditional fishing village that has grown and adapted to cater for the islands tourist market. The town today still has its original narrow streets, which from a drivers point of view can be a absolute nightmare to navigate without incurring the wrath of another drivers horn, along with a small working harbour, around which you'll find a wide variety of open air cafes and bars. Although, many of the other resorts on the island have developed a very German feel, Cala Bona still remains a favourite of the British tourist. Local fishermen can be seen mending nets and sipping strong coffee laced with brandy, and traditional fishing boats bob in the harbour. Narrow, tree-lined streets lined with tourist shops, cafes and bars lie at the resort centre.

Locality:

Cala Bona is located on the E coast, 14 mls E of the town of Manacor, 46 mls E of Palma. The area is set on land sloping gently down to the sea from low pine-covered hills, pastoral fields and orchards. Rocky coastline with several small bays and inlets is a feature of the area.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Cala Bona is a popular package-holiday destination with wide appeal, though not the best of bases for exploring the rest of the island. The area is primarily popular with British and German tourists.

There is a wide range of accommodation available mainly in the middle to budget range; higher concentration of older properties than more modern Cala Millor, the neighbouring resort.

Cala Bona's main beach (Cala Bono) is a reasonable sand and gravel beach (500 yds wide by 90 yds deep), is enclosed by rock breakwaters and has sunbeds and few thatched parasols. There is a similar beach at Costa de los Pinos; both are augmented with extra sand dredged up from beneath the sea. A better, longer beach with smooth, light sand can be found at Cala Millor, separated from Cala Bono by a rocky section. There is a nudist beach at Punta Amer.

"Artesanias" (handicraft shops) are a feature of the area and sell tourist bric-a-brac. Boutiques, leather and jewellery stores are adequate but nothing special. There is a market in Son Servera on Friday; in Arta on Tuesday; in Sa Coma on Wednesday; and in Manacor on Monday. The latter also has a renowned pearl factory.

Popular daytime entertainment include the 18- and 9-hole golf courses nearby; range of water sports; several tennis clubs; go-karting. There is also a dive centre, cycle hire, crazy golf, horse riding/trekking. By night there are discos and music bars. There is also an Auditorium/theatre with international programme as well as a seasonal open-air disco just outside town.

Excursions include a range of half day trips to the interesting old town of Arta, boat trips, glass-bottomed-boat trips. Full day excursions are available to the Reserva Africana wildlife park on the edge of town; caves of Drach, San Salvador monastery and Cala Figures; caves of Ham (8 mls); Palma shopping; Alcudia, Formentor and monastery; Pollensa; Valldemosa and the west.

In all fairness, Cala Bona is not particularly suited for those families seeking an active holiday, but perhaps more so for those looking for a relaxing break with the option of the "bright lights" of the more lively Cala Millor around 5 minutes away by taxi.