One of the most famous views appearing in travel agency catalogues and photos in internet search engines is from the resort of Cala Ratjada on the east coast of Mallorca. In Spanish, the name is often transliterated without the "t" to Cala Rajada.
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Cala Gat beach and other coves
Specifically, this is the small beach of Cala Gat on the edge of town in an idyllic bay. The fine sand of the beach flows freely and very gently into the turquoise waters of the shallow bay, with pine forests and low rocky stretches surrounding it.
The beach is ideal for children due to its fine sand and gradual entry into the sea. Its major drawback, however, is overcrowding, which can be extreme in high season. You won't find umbrella rentals or bars here, but the centre of Cala Ratjada is only about 250 metres away.
But of course Cala Ratjada also offers many other beaches, headed by the popular Cala Agulla or Cala Moll, where you will find all the facilities you are used to from a seaside holiday.
The Capdepera Cape and Lighthouse
Around 1.5 km from the centre of Cala Rajada, you can enjoy beautiful sea views from the rocky promontory of Far de Capdepera, where the romantic white lighthouse from 1861 stands.
Accommodation
Although Cala Ratjada is a relatively small and quiet resort, there are more than enough hotels, guesthouses and apartments to choose from. Prices in the summer season start at around 51 eur per night for a double room, and in the holidays from around 73 eur. This means that Cala Ratjada is one of the cheapest resorts in Mallorca.
What are the cheapest and best accommodations in Cala Ratjada? Take a look at our tips:
- Hostal Cala Ratjada - a very simple but clean hotel in the centre of town is the cheapest and a great choice for accommodation with prices below 55 eur per night
- Bell Port Hotel - a relaxed 3* hotel in a quiet part of the resort close to the centre and the beaches to the north
- Hotel Cala Gat - one of the best 4* hotels in town, plus it's just a few metres from the popular Cala Gat
How to get here?
Most travellers head here by car. From Palma, most of the road is a comfortable motorway, so you can cover the 70km journey in about an hour's drive. You can park for free on the streets or in public car parks.
But Cala Ratjada also has decent bus connections. There are several lines that run here (click on the line number for the schedule and a map of the route):
- 411 (Capdepera, Manacor, where you can change to Palma)
- 422 (Cala Mesquida) - only in summer
- 423 (Font de sa Cala, smaller resort south of Rajada) - only in summer
- 424 (Capdepera, Cala Millor, Sa Coma, s'illot, Porto Cristo) - only in summer
For more information on ticket prices and payment, see the Transport chapter.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Mallorca.
