Things to Do in Calas de Mallorca: Glass Bottom Boat Trips Along the East Coast
If you're planning a holiday to Calas de Mallorca, you've chosen one of the most naturally beautiful resorts on Mallorca's east coast. Tucked between dramatic clifftops and crystal-clear Mediterranean water, it's a world away from the busier resorts of the west coast — and all the better for it.
Whether you're travelling as a family, a couple, or a group of friends, there's far more to do here than simply lie on the beach (though that's very much worth doing). This guide covers everything: the beaches, the best day trips, things to do with kids, places to eat, and the one activity that gives you a completely different view of this stunning coastline.
Why Visit Calas de Mallorca?
Calas de Mallorca is a purpose-built resort on the south-east coast of Mallorca, sitting between Cala Millor to the north and Cala d'Or to the south, roughly 70 kilometres from Palma and its airport. It's quieter and more relaxed than many of the island's larger resorts, which is exactly why so many families and couples return year after year.
The resort has everything you need within easy reach — restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, and shops — while the surrounding coastline puts some of Mallorca's most dramatic scenery right on your doorstep. Summers are warm and sunny, with temperatures regularly hitting 30°C and sea temperatures reaching a very swimmable 26°C by August. The season runs from May through to October, making it a great destination for both early and late-summer holidays.
The Beaches of Calas de Mallorca
The resort is built around three beautiful coves, all within easy walking distance of one another and connected by clifftop paths with spectacular views.
Cala Domingos Gran is the largest and most popular beach in the area, with Blue Flag status, golden sand, clear water, beach bars, and sunlounger hire. It gets busy in peak summer, but it's easy to see why — it's one of the finest beaches on the east coast.
Cala Domingos Petit is a smaller, quieter version right next door — ideal if you want a little more space and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.
Cala Antena sits at the far end of the resort and feels like a different world. Narrower, more sheltered, and surrounded by low golden cliffs, it's the one to head for if you're looking for a quieter swim in beautiful surroundings. The clifftop walk to reach it is worth doing in itself.
A little resort train runs between the hotels and beaches during the day, which is handy if you don't fancy the walk in the heat.
Things to Do in Calas de Mallorca
Moonfish Catamaran Glass Bottom Boats on the Llevant Coast or East Mallorca
1. Glass Bottom Boat Trip Along the East Mallorca Coast
Without doubt the standout activity from Calas de Mallorca — and the one that gives you a completely different perspective on this stretch of coastline. Moonfish Glass Bottom Catamaran departs directly from the resort, so there's no need to travel to another port or arrange transport.
The boats feature glass viewing panels that let you see the sea life below as you glide along the coast — fish, marine plants, and the extraordinary clarity of the east Mallorca water. Above the water, the views are just as impressive: dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden sea caves, and secluded coves that are impossible to reach from land.
The full-day excursion is the most popular option, departing at 10:00am and lasting 4.5 to 6.5 hours including your stopover. Choose between two destinations:
Porto Cristo — a charming fishing town famous for its pretty harbour and the world-renowned Caves of Drach nearby. You get around two hours ashore — enough time to explore, have lunch at one of the excellent waterfront restaurants, or visit the caves if you book in advance.
Cala Millor — one of the east coast's liveliest resorts, with a long sandy beach, water sports, shops, and cafés. Great if you want a change of scene with a bit more energy.
2. Explore the Caves of Drach (Coves del Drac)
One of the most impressive natural attractions on the whole island, the Caves of Drach in Porto Cristo are only around 20 minutes from Calas de Mallorca. The caves contain one of the largest underground lakes in the world — Lake Martel — and the guided tour includes a magical classical music concert performed on boats floating on the lake. It's genuinely breathtaking. Booking ahead is strongly recommended as tours sell out during peak season.
3. Visit Porto Cristo
Even without the caves, Porto Cristo is well worth a visit in its own right. It's one of the most authentic towns on the east coast — a working fishing harbour with a pretty marina, excellent seafood restaurants, a small sandy beach, and a completely different feel to the tourist resorts. A great place for a long lunch or an afternoon wander. You can reach it by glass bottom boat with Moonfish, or by car or bus in about 20 minutes.
4. The Felanitx Sunday Market
The nearby town of Felanitx hosts one of the best markets on the island every Sunday morning — local produce, traditional Mallorcan food, clothes, crafts, and souvenirs. It's a proper local market rather than a tourist one, and well worth an early start. Felanitx is only about 15 minutes from Calas de Mallorca by car.
For something similar on a different day, Manacor (about 25 minutes away) holds a market on Mondays and is also home to the famous Majorica pearl factory, where you can watch the manufacturing process and browse the shop.
5. Clifftop Walking and Cycling
The coastline around Calas de Mallorca is spectacular on foot. The clifftop paths connecting the three coves offer easy walks with big views, and there are longer coastal routes if you want to push further. Bike hire is available in the resort — the flat roads along the east coast are ideal for cycling, and it's a lovely way to explore at your own pace.
6. Safari Zoo Sa Coma
About 15 minutes north of the resort, Safari Zoo Sa Coma is a firm favourite with families. Drive through the wildlife park in your own car or join a guided safari bus, then explore the walking zoo with exotic animals, a reptile house, and a bird show. A great half-day out with younger children.
7. Cala d'Or and the South Coast
The charming resort of Cala d'Or is about 20 minutes south of Calas de Mallorca. Known for its whitewashed buildings, marina, and a string of beautiful small coves, it's well worth a half-day trip. Further south, the Cala Mondrago Nature Reserve is one of Mallorca's most beautiful protected areas — pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, and walking trails through unspoilt pine forest. No sunbeds, no beach bars. Just one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the island.
8. Golf
Calas de Mallorca is brilliantly positioned for golf. Vall d'Or Golf Course is only about 15 minutes away, Son Servera and Pula around 25–30 minutes, and Capdepera and Canyamel Golf about 45 minutes from the resort.
Where to Eat in Calas de Mallorca
The resort's restaurants cluster around the town centre, a short walk from the beaches — Mediterranean and international menus, with some good seafood. Look out for the menú del día at lunchtime: usually two or three courses with a drink for around €13–17, and by far the best value way to eat in Mallorca.
For more choice and a more local feel, Felanitx and Manacor are worth the short drive. Porto Cristo's harbour restaurants are excellent for seafood and pair perfectly with a boat trip day.
Getting Around from Calas de Mallorca
Having a car makes the most of the surrounding area — hiring at the airport is the easiest option. If you'd rather not drive, TIB bus routes 401 and 416 connect the resort to Manacor (25 minutes) and Palma (just under 2 hours). The resort train is handy for getting between hotels and beaches during the day.
The Best Way to See the East Mallorca Coastline
Of all the things you can do from Calas de Mallorca, getting out on the water is the one that tends to stay with people longest. The coastline here is genuinely extraordinary — limestone cliffs, hidden caves, secret coves — and most of it is simply invisible from land.
A glass bottom catamaran trip with Moonfish gives you the whole picture: the sea life below, the dramatic coastline above, a swim stop in open water, and a couple of hours ashore at Porto Cristo or Cala Millor. It's the kind of day out that families talk about long after they get home.
Trips depart daily from Calas de Mallorca throughout the season. Booking online in advance secures your space and the best rates.
👉 Book your Moonfish glass bottom boat trip from Calas de Mallorca — moonfishcat.es/calas-de-mallorca