Cala Ratjada
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Cala Ratjada

Cala Ratjada

Northeastern Mallorca fishing port turned resort, with working boats and beaches around the Llevant peninsula.

Cala Ratjada is a fishing-port-turned-resort at the northeastern tip of Mallorca, the part of the island that has changed least from its pre-tourism character. The small harbour still has working fishing boats alongside the pleasure craft, and the surrounding area has some of the best beaches on the island — Cala Agulla to the north is a long arc of white sand backed by dunes and pine forest, and Cala Mesquida beyond it is wider and wilder. The rugged Llevant peninsula is within easy reach for walking and cycling.

The Castle of Capdepera, 4 km inland, is one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications on the island and worth the short detour. The town itself is busier than it once was but retains a more local character than the mega-resorts on the southern coast, and the harbour front is a fine place to eat fresh fish as the fishing boats come in.

Guide

Eating Out

Cala Ratjada's restaurant scene clusters around the harbour and the pedestrian streets just behind it. Fish and seafood are the obvious choice — the local boats bring in good hauls of Mediterranean species, and the better restaurants buy directly from the fleet. Mallorcan staples like sobrasada (cured red sausage), pa amb oli (bread with oil and tomato), and tumbet (a vegetable and potato gratin) appear on most menus alongside standard Spanish fare.

Guide

Things to Do

Cala Ratjada is best explored on foot or by bike. The town itself is compact and pleasant enough, but what draws people here are the beaches and the walking paths along the rocky cape. The coastal path north of town passes some of the best swimming spots in northeast Mallorca, and the lighthouse at Cap de Capdepera is an easy walk from the harbour.