Anyone wishing to discover the charms of Mallorca mustn’t pass up the chance to visit Porto Cristo, a small fishing village suffused with tranquillity and beauty in a natural setting. This destination is perfect for those looking for a well-merited holiday far removed from the madding crowd, but with a host of activities to enjoy.
The areas surrounding this village are ideal walking and cycling country, but in the coastal regions you can also enjoy such activities as diving, kayaking and sailing.
There is an increasing number of people looking for sporting holidays, since they’re an ideal way of switching off from the routine and focusing on other activities. This is the reason many people choose sports hotels , enabling them to enjoy the finest sporting facilities and an ideal setting to continue training in the open air.
Summer is fast approaching and with it the best months of the year to enjoy Mallorca, which is why at Hotels VIVA we’ve put together this selection of activities you can enjoy in Porto Cristo.
For almost 800 years the coastal village of Porto Cristo has rendered tribute to its name, chosen by its own inhabitants, and literally meaning “Port of Christ”. The village is the holiday destination of many inhabitants of the town of Manacor and the place that the tennis player Rafa Nadal normally calls home. It constitutes an oasis for enjoying direct contact with the sea and the Mediterranean climate.
When you stroll through the streets of Porto Cristo it’s impossible not to succumb to the charms of its traditional architecture, its stone dwellings, detached white houses and the old and modern boats tied up in its harbour.
If you visit the fishing village of Porto Cristo make sure you stroll along the promenade, revealing the beauty of the landscapes that surround it and leading you to Porto Cristo beach. In this small paradise, sheltered by a rocky wall, you’ll find calm waters that are perfect for family enjoyment.
And that’s not all!
In the vicinity you’ll find bars and restaurants for savouring a culinary experience and sampling the flavours of Mallorca. Moreover, facing the beach, in Calle Bordils, you’ll find Paseo de la Sirena, a venue for cultural encounters where artistic events are held and on Sundays becomes a market for natural produce.
You’ll find various caves in the village where you’ll be able to enjoy a special day with your friends or family exploring the underground mysteries of Porto Cristo. Located at the end of the promenade are the White Caves, also known as the Cova del Patró Pelat, which were the area’s first inhabited caves.
You’ll also be able to visit the Cuevas del Drach, or Caves of the Dragon, and enjoy the considerable number of stalactites, which stretch out for more than one and a half kilometres. On the road between Manacor and Porto Cristo you’ll also find the Cuevas dels Hams, which are very popular for their tree-like vegetation and underground lakes.
The best thing?
The most awe-inspiring aspect of the visit is encountering a species of prehistoric crustacean that will leave not a few visitors agog.
Porto Cristo is not the only fishing village that exists on the island. Despite the quantity of tourists that Mallorca receives, coastal villages can still be found on the island where you can unwind, strolling through a traditional fishermen’s port, savouring the local fish, buying traditional products, gazing at a marvellous sunset or relaxing in a tucked-away cove.
Alcúdia is one of the island’s most touristy fishing towns, as well as being considered one of Spain’s most attractive coastal locations. Founded by the Romans in the 2nd century AD under the name of Pollentia, it still preserves its Roman-era ruins to this day, and its imposing Arab wall is an outstanding feature. Along with Palma, Alcúdia is also one of the oldest settlements anywhere in Mallorca.
Portocolom is a delightful fishing town located on the eastern side of the island, less than 10 km from Felanitx. It’s a traditional sort of place, notable for remaining a haven of peace and quiet even at the height of summer: one of the last authentic fishing towns remaining on Mallorca. Even so, its culinary offering is highly varied and is notable for its delicious local fish and shellfish dishes.
This is one of the least-known places on the island. And alongside Valldemossa and Deià it undoubtedly represents one of the Sierra de Tramuntana’s finest gems. Banyalbufar is surrounded by terraces of vineyards that overlook the sea; you mustn’t leave without trying the local wine of Masalvia. Just a matter of metres away from the village are a considerable number of quiet coves.
Andratx is notable for its enchanting streets, where every Wednesday you can enjoy a traditional market with more than 200 stalls; there’s also a Christmas market on the first Sunday of December. Andratx is also known for the landscape surrounding its port, with such idyllic places as the Cala en Basset cove and the nearby settlement of Estellencs, one of the least inhabited and best preserved on the entire island.
To complete your visit to Porto Cristo on Mallorca, don’t forget to book your accommodation at Hotels VIVA. We offer all manner of hotels: Adults-only Hotels, Spa Hotels, Sports Hotels, and Family Hotels
We have major discounts if you book early for this summer, enabling you to save much more without missing out on the best months of the year.