The Hidden Gem of Cala Varques

Dreaming of a beach holiday? Imagine staying at a luxurious beachfront hotel in Mallorca, with the Mediterranean sea at your doorstep and breathtaking views from your balcony. Mallorca offers some of the best seafront accommodations on the Balearic island.

Reaching Cala Varques involves a bit of an adventure. You'll need to drive down a gravel road off the main road, park your car in the free parking area, and then trek for about 15 minutes through a pine forest before you reach the beach. Due to this, the beach isn't wheelchair-friendly or suitable for strollers. Public transport isn't available either. An alternative way to visit is by boat, anchoring offshore where the water is deep enough, and then swimming or taking a dinghy ride to the beach. However, keep in mind that there are no port facilities, with the closest ones being in Porto Cristo. There's no lifeguard on duty, and the beach lacks showers, changing stations, or toilets.

The pristine stretch of Cala Varques is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and unwinding. The low rocky cliffs provide some diving spots, and the water gets deeper further out. The cliffs and surrounding pine forests also offer beautiful walks. You might find a few vendors selling handmade items or fresh drinks, but mostly, the beach is for those who simply want to enjoy the beach.

Cala Varques itself doesn't host any restaurants or hotels. The closest accommodations can be found in Porto Colom or Porto Cristo, which offer luxury holiday villa rentals and some of Mallorca's top hotels.

There's no shortage of fantastic beaches around Cala Varques, including Cales de Mallorca and Cala Murada. The nearest resort towns, Porto Colom to the south and Porto Cristo to the north, offer a variety of hotels, restaurants, shops, and other amenities like a tourist office. Despite its relatively small size, Porto Colom boasts a remarkable number of excellent restaurants, making it an ideal stop for a meal. This fishing village/resort town, named after Christopher Columbus, who is said to have been born here, is a great base for exploring the beaches along the southeast coast. For golf enthusiasts, the Vall d'Or Golf Club offers a beautiful 18-hole course with top-notch facilities and a delightful restaurant named Maxime's. Porto Cristo is another charming, family-friendly resort town and an old fishing harbour. It's brimming with restaurants, shops, and activities, making it an excellent choice for a holiday base or an afternoon visit. One of the must-do activities for both children and adults is a trip to the Cuevas del Drac or the Cuevas d'Arta, which are within easy driving distance from Cala Varques. These guided tours take you deep beneath the cliffs to marvel at the spectacular formations.