A touch of Ibiza on Mallorca
There are places in Mallorca that are simply different. Cala d'Or ("golden bay") is definitely one of them. It's not just a village on the coast, it's a story full of coincidences, visions and, it seems, a little irony of fate. After all, who would have thought that an Ibizan architect, who actually had great plans for Ibiza, would reinvent a small piece of his homeland here on Mallorca of all places? Welcome to Cala d'Or, where white houses are not built by tradition, but by principle.
Picarol's vision: a white village by the sea
It all began in the late 1930s, when Josep Costa Ferrer - better known as Picarol - decided that Mallorca would benefit from a little Ibizan flair. Instead of enriching the island with the natural stone houses that were popular at the time, he decided to erect white, cubic buildings on the bay of Cala Llonga. After all, it had worked wonderfully on Ibiza. So why not here too? Yes, you heard right: Cala d'Or is basically an architectural "déjà vu" from Ibiza - just a few kilometers further east.
The change to an insider tip
Back then, in the 1930s, it seemed like a revolutionary idea. Picarol envisioned an idyllic little fishing village, all in white. No big hotels, no noisy crowds of tourists, just peace and quiet, the sea and a bit of sunshine. You could say it was a romantic dream. And it worked - at least until tourism discovered Mallorca in the 1950s. The first guests arrived and fell in love with the white facades and the peaceful bay. Cala d'Or became an insider tip - at least for a while.
Glamor in the 1970s: yachts and the jet set
But as is the case with insider tips: they spread faster than you'd like. Especially when they are as charming and photogenic as Cala d'Or. In the 1970s, when the yachts suddenly entered the harbor and the place became a meeting point for international jetsetters, it was clear that the small, quiet fishing village had changed discreetly but surely. On the yachts off Cala d'Or, you suddenly met more millionaires than fishermen - and all without even building a high-rise. Quite impressive, isn't it?
The balance between simplicity and luxury
And yet, despite this transformation into a magnet for upmarket tourism, Cala d'Or has held up surprisingly well. The town has remained what it was originally intended to be: a quiet, white village by the sea. Perhaps this is because the architects and town planners have refused to give in to the temptation of mass tourism. There are no hotel blocks, no bulky hotel complexes - everything remains low, simple and (of course!) white.
The beaches of Cala d'Or: bays straight out of a picture book
The beaches of Cala d'Or are not just stretches of coastline - they are true pearls nestled between rocks and pine trees. Each beach has its own character and together they form a paradise for sun worshippers and nature lovers.
Cala Granthe largest bay, is the heart of Cala d'Or. The soft, golden sand stretches into the turquoise water, which is so clear that you can watch the fish swimming curiously around the swimmers' feet. Surrounded by white houses and shady pine trees, Cala Gran is the perfect place to spend the day - whether swimming, reading or simply enjoying the sound of the waves. Families love this beach because of the shallow entry into the water, and the beach promenade lined with cafés also adds to its special charm.
A little further on is the smaller but equally enchanting Cala Esmeralda. The name says it all: the water here shimmers in bright shades of green, almost as if it were bathing in liquid emerald. This cove, framed by rocks and trees, offers a quiet, intimate atmosphere. Cala Esmeralda is perfect for those who want to combine sunbathing with a touch of privacy. Here you can relax in peace and quiet, while the cliffs all around provide a natural screen.
The Cala Ferrera is livelier and larger than Cala Esmeralda, but also attracts many visitors with its fine, white sand and bright blue water. This cove offers a pleasant mix of liveliness and relaxation, with small cliffs that invite the adventurous to jump into the sea. The beach is family-friendly and ideal for those who want to enjoy a classic beach day with sun, sea and sand.
For those who like it even quieter, there is the hidden Cala Serena. This small, picturesque bay is surrounded by high cliffs and gives the feeling of having landed in a private lagoon. The clear, calm water and secluded character make Cala Serena an insider tip for those who want to escape the crowds. Only those who know the true magic of Cala d'Or and are looking for peace and seclusion come here.
A place that has preserved its soul
Today, you walk through the narrow streets of the village and wonder how Cala d'Or has managed to retain its tranquillity. You can see the glittering sea, hear the gentle sound of the waves and could almost forget that this place was once a fashionable meeting place. The white houses stand there as if they had never known anything other than peace and sunshine. And yet there is a hint of luxury here and there - in the form of chic boutiques, fancy restaurants and, of course, the marina, which is still full today.
The quiet irony of Cala d'Or
But perhaps that is precisely the irony of Cala d'Or: it has always wanted to be simple and modest, and yet it has attracted luxury like a moth to a flame. Only in its very own, charming way - quietly, unobtrusively, but consistently. Perhaps this is the secret of its success: who could really be bothered by a place like Cala d'Or?
Cala d'Or: between insider tip and pearl of the island
In the end, Cala d'Or remains a place that has not sold its soul. It is still a retreat for people who love beauty, but not necessarily the loudest. A bit like a hidden diamond - or rather, like a pearl that has managed to remain secret and yet famous at the same time. Cala d'Or seduces you with its simplicity while offering you a touch of luxury in the sun.
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