Why nature lovers should visit Calvia, Majorca

Pri Kaur

Majorca has long been loved for its sugar-soft sands and dazzling blue waters, whetting the appetite of those who wish to laze under the sun. But you'll find that it's just as meditative, if not more, when you lift its green veil and uncover its natural splendour.

Views from Puig de sa Morisca © Pri Kaur

There's oodles to do outdoors with those majestic UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountains, Talayotic archaeological sites, secluded coves, frill-free beaches, marine reserves and even Michelin-starred dining in the most verdant of settings.

Here's why Calvià, both a municipality and resort town in the southwest of Majorca^*, is the place to experience the island's more rural side.

Getting there: find deals and online offers on year-round breaks to Majorca with TUI^*, which departs from airports across the UK.

Dive into Calvià's cinematic past

Diverge from the popular beaches and you'll find more rugged, locally frequented spots that are no less alluring and have even graced the Hollywood screen. As the first municipality in the Balearic Islands^* to join the Spain Film Commission, the Calvià es Cine, or Calvià is Cinema, route links inevitably beautiful places featured in film and TV productions.

The bright blue waters of Portals Vells © Pri Kaur

Among the stops on the cinematic-themed trail is the first nudist beach in Majorca, Playa del Mago, or Magician's Beach. Once known as Portals Vells II (Old Portals), it was later renamed after the film The Magus, which was shot there in 1968 starring Michael Caine.

It's a remote refuge of ethereal waters and fine, buttery sand that beckons you to sink your toes in, best suited for couples who want a no-frills feel. Rent a sunbed or bring your own snorkel and explore beneath the water's surface.

For BTS lovers, there's Portals Vells where V (Kim Taehyung) filmed his 2023 music video, Slow Dancing. Practically next door to Playa del Mago, it shares the same swoonworthy waters, but there's more space to spread out, plus a humble beach bar, though you'll want to arrive early to get a space.

There are also interesting sandstone formations and caves nearby, which were once quarried to help construct the Palma Cathedral.

Fans of Agatha Christie's Poirot should make a stop at Caló d'en Monjo, where scenes from Evil Under The Sun were filmed in 1982; a rocky cove and nudist beach, it epitomises the island's coastal beauty.

Explore ancient ruins

Cloaked in pine and olive trees, the free-to-enter Puig de sa Morisca Archaeological Park has rocky trails that lead to panoramic views in every direction. While the leafy hiking routes and seaside sights are enticing, the park's cobbled remains also hint at a fascinating past.

Looking out to the sea and mountains, Puig de sa Morisca © Pri Kaur

During the Iron Age, the Talayotic people created a settlement of houses and towers here, forming a communal and defensive network.

It's believed they left before the Romans, and centuries later, King James I of Aragon led the island's first Christian conquest in 1229, ending Moorish rule. In the museum, you'll see artefacts excavated on site from across the Mediterranean, such as amphorae from Iberia and Punic pottery.

You can explore 8 km of routes to reach five towers overlooking the likes of El Toro, Santa Ponça and Son Ferrer. You'll need reliable shoes as the hills are steep, but the pine-clad scenery is undeniably rewarding.

Sample award-winning fine dining

Immerse yourself in nature and savour its appetising produce by dining within Castell Son Claret, a five-star retreat at the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains.

Walking through Castell Son Claret © Pri Kaur

A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, swaying palms frame the restored 19th-century castle and its pruned garden. It comprises luxury rooms and suites, two restaurants, including the one-Michelin-starred Sa Clastra, an award-winning spa, and an outdoor pool and bar.

The Olivera restaurant uses ingredients from its organic garden, and every bite is a Mediterranean flavour bomb. Tuck into freshly-baked bread rubbed with juicy tomatoes and drizzled with estate-pressed olive oil, crispy artisan croquettes and salt-crusted sea bass, best washed down with a tangy-sweet lemonade or a generous glass of wine.

Better yet, it's committed to sustainable practices. Part of the EarthCheck Certification programme, the estate donates €5 from every online booking to the marine conservation charity, Marilles Foundation. If staying overnight is beyond the budget, consider one of the day passes, which include access to the pool and grounds, starting from €150 per person.

Take an eco-cruise to a marine reserve

Home to diverse habitats and abundant Posidonia seagrass meadows, the Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve is a sanctuary for marine life and a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA).

Unsurprisingly, it's brimming with wonderful wildlife, from groupers and lizard subspecies to the critically endangered Balearic shearwater. To help protect the reserve, boat charter companies like On Boat Mallorca offer eco-friendly tours which are 100% electric and deliver zero emissions.

Out at sea on the electric boat © Pri Kaur

The added bonus of sailing in an electric llaüt, a traditional Balearic boat, is that it's as smooth as silk on the waves. Even with my fear of deep water, I was so at ease and able to enjoy the open, sapphire sea, tracing swirling birds overhead as we passed craggy cliffs, which was every bit as cinematic as it sounds.

Hop on a three-hour eco-tour from Port Adriano and drift through the reserve with soft drinks, fresh fruit and Majorcan olives, before stopping for a refreshing dip. You can snorkel or paddle surf, or if you're brave enough, try the sea scooter.

Did you know? Calvià has 15 Q-certified beaches, highlighting its commitment to high standards of safety, water and maintenance. This puts it in the lead in the Balearics and in a respectable third place in Spain overall. One such Q-certified beach is Magaluf's seafront, which has undergone restoration of its natural environment, or renaturalisation, through investment from the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS) and Next Generation EU Funds, in partnership with Sustainable Balearic Islands.

Climate in Calvià

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C	13	14	15	17	21	25	28	28	26	22	17	14
Hours of sunshine (daily)	5	6	6	7	9	10	11	10	8	7	5	5
Days with some rainfall	14	12	12	11	9	6	4	6	7	11	12	14
Sea temperature °C	15	14	14	15	18	22	25	26	25	22	19	16

The above guide shows the climate in Santa Ponça, which is just south of Calvià. Find out more about conditions across the island in our complete guide to the climate in Majorca.

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