Although described as the liveliest resort on Majorca's east coast, Cala d'Or will never compare to the south coast resorts for daytime attractions. However, you may be tempted by a trip on one of the numerous glass bottomed boats that leave throughout the day from the coves that make up Cala d'Or. Also for the kids there are trampolines and mini karts at Mallorcalandia.

As we briefly mentioned on our general introduction pages, one of the most striking features of Cala d'or, that you cannot fail to miss, is the marina at Cala Llonga, which has moorings for 565 vessels up to a maximum length of 20 metres. This facility has on more that one occasion been described as being "the best on the east coast of Mallorca" and although clearly an exaggeration of the truth, it certainly helps to raise the profile of the resort to have a number of expensive yachts moored here.

If you wish to push the boat out for the day, no pun intended, the 'Vita Bel II' is an elegant 16 metre Van Dam yacht, that is based at Cala d'or and is available for summer charter. Skippered by Nigel Lewis and his multi-lingual crew, the Vita Bel has regularly featured on the BBC television programme 'Passport to the Sun' besides other UK and international TV channels, advertisements and countless home videos. Contact details for more information and bookings is:
Telephone: +34 649 189 595 (May to October)
Fax: +34 971 657 068
Telephone: +44 7917 40 4000 (October to April)
Web site: www.vita-bel.com

It would be a shame to visit the island and miss the local fiesta. The main event of the year in Cala d'Or is called the Fiesta of la Mare de Déu del Mar, which roughly translates into English as "Our Lady of the Sea", and takes place around August 15th each year. The highlight of the event is always the maritime procession around the harbour, although there's always other musical concerts and sporting events taking place too.

Although not to everyone's musical taste, the annual Cala d'Or International Jazz Festival, is nevertheless an important part of the towns cultural calendar. The festival is held during July of each year, and has over previous years attracted a considerable number of internationally recognised performers to the town. Further details of forthcoming performances and venues can be obtained from the Oficines d'Informacio Turistica de Mallorca offices at the contact details given above.

Majorca has always been a popular destination for cyclists. However, if you find the mountains over in the west of the island a little too challenging you might want to consider an organised tour around the east coast with Mallorquin Bikes of Cala d´Or. Founded in 2001 by Johannes and Anke they offer a popular family tour through the gardens of the valley of S´Horta and then on towards Porto Colom. After a break for a picnic lunch at a small secluded beach, you then head back to Cala d´Or. All tours start at their shop and cost 35 Euro, including bike hire, picnic lunch and tour guide. Further information and contact details are:
Avda. Fernando Tarrago 19
Cala d´or
Telephone: +34 609 237 637
Fax:+34 971 648 679
Web site: www.mallorquin-bikes.de

If you've hired a car and can get out of the resort, the east coast does have a number of other attractions worth a visit.

Sitting high above the village of S'Horta, near to Cala D'or is the "Castillo de Santueri". At the beginning of the 13th century King Jaime tried to drive the Moors from Mallorca, and this castle was found impossible to conquer. So one night the villagers held a dance below the castle, and on hearing the music, the Moors looked over the walls and watched the fiesta.

As they watched they were attacked from the other side. The Moors were defeated and killed, their heads cut of and put in large pot jars which were thrown down the cliffs from the castle walls to the valley below.

However, some of the Moors escaped to a cave and a siege was set. During the following weeks the Moors would hold up fresh fish every day to show they would not die of hunger. Little did the troops know, but there was a tunnel in the cave leading to the sea.

Discovered by Pedro Caldentey in 1905, the Caves of Hams are famous for their peculiar formations, and for their marvelous underground lake. If you are driving they are 2km west of Porto Cristo. Opening times from March to October is 10am to 6pm and from November to February 10:30am to 5:30pm. Entrance fee for adults is around £8.00. Full contact details are:
Cuevas dels Hams
Carretera Mancor
Porto Cristo s/n
07680
Porto Cristo
Telephone: +34 971 820 988
Fax: +34 971 820 271
Web site: www.cuevas-hams.com

Nearby are the more famous Caves of Drach which are open daily from April to October from 10am to 5pm, and from November to March 10:45am to 12:00 and 2pm to 3:30pm. Admission for adults is around 13.50€, and children under 7 are admitted free. Full contact details are:
Cuevas del Drach
Carretera Cuevas s/n
07680
Porto Cristo
Mallorca
Telephone: +34 971 820 753
Fax: +34 971 815 089
Email: cuevasdeldrach@cuevasdeldrach.com
Web Site: www.cuevasdeldrach.com

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