Capdepera Resort Guide

Nestled on Mallorca’s beautiful northeastern coast, Capdepera is a picturesque town with a rich history and plenty to see and do.

With its breathtaking beaches, fascinating attractions, and excellent restaurants, it’s no wonder Capdepera is a favourite destination for tourists and locals alike.

Introduction

Capdepera is located on the eastern tip of Mallorca, approximately 80km from Palma. It covers an area of around 60km2 and has a population of just under 10,000 people. The main town is situated a few kilometres inland, while most tourism development has occurred along the coast.

Capdepera offers the perfect combination of beautiful beaches, historic attractions, outdoor activities, shops, and restaurants.

The pace of life is relaxed and easy-going, yet there is still plenty to keep visitors entertained. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to experience authentic Mallorcan culture away from the busier resorts.

The main town has a quaint old quarter centred around the imposing Castle of Capdepera. The coastline is dotted with pristine coves and beaches, as well as excellent hotels and amenities.

The surrounding countryside is ideal for walking, cycling, and exploring Mallorca’s rugged interior.

Capdepera Beaches

Capdepera boasts some of the best beaches in Mallorca, with crystal clear waters and soft golden sand. Here are some of the highlights:

Cala Agulla

This spectacular beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Mallorca. Fine sand gives way to azure waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Sun loungers and parasols can be rented in summer. There are also three beach bars providing refreshments.

Cala Mesquida

A wildly beautiful beach backed by sand dunes and pine trees. The waters are crystal clear with a turquoise hue. It’s popular with locals and tourists alike. Sun loungers and parasols are available to rent during summer.

Cala Ratjada

A family-friendly blue flag beach with soft sand and shallow waters, making it excellent for paddling and swimming. There is a wide selection of water sports available including paddle boarding, kayaking, and diving. The promenade behind the beach is lined with cafés, restaurants and shops.

Cala Agulla

This spectacular beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Mallorca. Fine sand gives way to azure waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Sun loungers and parasols can be rented in summer. There are also three beach bars providing refreshments.

Cala Torta

A secluded rocky cove with crystal clear waters encircled by pine forest. The rugged landscape provides plenty of nooks and crannies to lay down a towel and enjoy the peaceful setting.

Things to Do In Capdepera

Facilities

Capdepera has all the amenities and services you’d expect in a modern tourist town.

• Supermarkets – There are several supermarkets in Capdepera including Eroski, Mercadona and Lidl.
• Banks – Major banks such as La Caixa and Banco Santander have branches here. There are also ATMs scattered around town.
• Medical Facilities – The main health center is located on Carrer Na Cametes. For emergencies, Hospital Mateu Orfila is a 15-minute drive away in Mahon.
• Post Office – The main post office is located on Plaça Orient.
• Petrol Stations – Petrol stations can be found on the outskirts of town near the main road. These include Repsol, BP, and Petromiralles.
• Taxis – Taxis can be found at taxi ranks around town or booked by phone. Popular taxi companies include Radio Taxi Cala Rajada and Taxi Servicios.

Activities and Excursions

There’s plenty to see and do in and around Capdepera to keep visitors of all ages entertained. Here are some top picks:

• Scuba diving – The crystal clear waters make for excellent scuba diving and snorkeling. Dive centers in Cala Rajada can arrange trips and equipment rental.
• Boat trips – Several operators such as Cruceros Margarita and Cala Rajada Vell run boat trips along the coastline and to secluded coves and islands. Dolphin watching expeditions are also available.
• Cycling – Hire a bike and explore the country lanes and trails. Routes can be tailored to suit different levels. Bike hire is available in Capdepera town.
• Water parks – Cool off at one of Mallorca’s top water parks like Hidropark in Alcudia or Western Water Park in Magaluf. Both offer slides, pools, and rides for all ages.
• Golf – Mallorca is renowned for world-class golf courses. The nearest to Capdepera is Canyamel Golf around 10km away.

Attractions

Capdepera offers a mix of historical sights, family-friendly attractions, and cultural experiences. Top picks include:

• Castle of Capdepera – This imposing 14th century castle is the jewel of Capdepera’s old town. It hosts a museum with artefacts excavated from the site and offers panoramic views from the ramparts.
• Caves of Artà – Marvel at the underground lakes and gigantic stalactites on a tour of these captivating caves just outside Capdepera.
• Palma Aquarium – One of Europe’s biggest aquariums with over 8,000 marine creatures including sharks, stingrays and seahorses. Located an hour’s drive from Capdepera.
• Marineland Mallorca – A top family attraction with dolphin and sea lion shows, parrot demonstrations plus rides and play areas. Also just an hour’s drive away.
• Cap Vermell Aquatic Park – Kids will love the pools, slides and rides at this waterpark in nearby Canyamel.
• Weekly Market – Every Wednesday and Sunday, Capdepera hosts a local market selling fresh produce, street food, crafts, and more.

Bars, Pubs & Restaurants In Capdepera

Capdepera has an excellent selection of places to eat and drink, from traditional Spanish restaurants to lively beachside bars. Here are some highlights:

• Clivia – Set in a 19th century house, this restaurant serves creative Mediterranean cuisine made from local ingredients. The pretty courtyard is ideal for al fresco dining.
• Celler Sa Sinia – Housed in a 13th century olive oil press, enjoy authentic Mallorcan dishes served in a rustic setting.
• Es Coll d’Os – This popular restaurant near Cala Agulla specializes in Spanish rice dishes and fresh seafood. Dine on the terrace overlooking the sea.
• Euforia Tapas – Located right on Cala Ratjada beach, this lively bar hosts live music and DJs at night. The terrace offers uninterrupted sea views.
• Noahs Lounge – An easy-going beach bar in a prime seafront spot. Sip cocktails and tuck into tapas while watching the waves roll in.
• Le Seazon bistro– Cocktail bar and restaurant in Cala Rajada.

Capdepera Port

Capdepera doesn’t have a commercial port. However, there are small fishing harbors at Cala Rajada and Canyamel where visitors can admire the coming and going of local fishing boats.

The main passenger and goods port for this region is located around 35km away in Alcudia. Ferries run from here to Menorca and Barcelona. Cruise ships also dock at the port during summer.

For those arriving by private yacht or boat, there are mooring facilities available at the Club Nàutic in Cala Rajada harbour. This full-service marina has 220 berths and can accommodate vessels up to 20 meters long.

Capdepera Golf

Mallorca is renowned for having some of the best golf courses in Europe and Capdepera puts you within easy reach of several top championship courses.

The nearest is Canyamel Golf just 10km from Capdepera. This 18-hole course was designed by architect Phil Wayne and provides amazing sea views from several holes. Facilities include a driving range, putting green, club rental and lessons.

Other acclaimed golf courses within a 30-45 minute drive of Capdepera include:

• Pula Golf – 36 holes spread over two courses designed by Ross and Olazabal.
• Alcanada Golf Course – A spectacular clifftop course with breathtaking sea vistas.
• Capdepera Golf – Challenging 18-hole course with a peaceful setting Capdepera.

So whether you’re a seasoned pro or casual golfer, Capdepera puts you close to some of the Mediterranean’s best fairways.

Capdepera History

Capdepera has a long and fascinating history dating back thousands of years.

The first settlers were the Talaiotic people who inhabited the island from 1500-123 BC. They built the famous talayot stone structures including the Talaiot de Ses Païsses near Capdepera.

Later, the Romans arrived and called the town Arta. Ruins of a Roman settlement can still be seen at Cales Coves.

In 902 CE, Moorish forces conquered the island and built defensive towers along the coastline. The town’s name Capdepera derives from the Catalan for ‘headstone’ referring to these towers.

King Jaume I recaptured the island in 1229 and Capdepera town was established inland away from pirate raids. Construction began on the imposing castle in 1300.

For centuries, Capdepera remained a quiet agricultural and fishing community. It wasn’t until the late 1950s that the tourism industry began to develop in the area.

Today, the town successfully blends its historic past with its modern role as a popular tourist destination. Ancient sites rub shoulders with lively bars and restaurants, creating a fascinating tapestry.

Best Places to Stay In Capdepera

Capdepera offers a great range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and requirements:

• Hotel Creu de Tau Art & Spa – Luxurious modern hotel with excellent spa and leisure facilities including indoor and outdoor pools. Located just in the old town.
• Mar Azul Pur Estil Hotel & Spa – Modern hotel set right on Cala Agulla beach. Stylish rooms, lovely restaurant and pool area.
• Agroturisme na Set-centes – Good value farm-stay in the Capdepera countryside. Catered and shared pool.
• Cap Vermell Grand Hotel – A hilltop location overlooking Canyamel. 24 hour room service.
• VIVA Cala Mesquida Suites & Spa – Adults-only. 400M from Cala Mesquida beach. Airport shuttle.

Capdepera Weather

Capdepera enjoys a typically warm Mediterranean climate making it ideal for sun-filled holidays.

• Summer (June-August) is the hottest season with average temperatures of 28°C. Highs can reach 35°C at the peak of summer. The sea temperature gets up to 24°C, perfect for swimming and water sports.
• Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) see average temperatures of around 22°C. Pleasant weather makes sightseeing and hiking comfortable. The sea remains warm enough for swimming into November.
• Winter (December-February) is the coolest season with average daytime highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Rainfall increases during these months.

The best time to visit Capdepera is late spring or early autumn when temperatures are warm but not too hot for sightseeing.

Summer is peak season with more crowds and higher prices. Winter offers the benefits of fewer tourists, lower rates and still mild sunny days.

Getting There

Capdepera is easy to reach via air, land or sea:

• Air – Fly to Palma de Mallorca Airport which is just 80km or around an hour’s drive from Capdepera. Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport.
• Bus – Regular bus services run from Palma bus station to Manacor, when you can get a connecting bus to Capdepera. The journey takes around 3 hours. Buses in Mallorca are run by a company called TIB.
• Train– Take the train from Palma to Manacor and then switch to the local bus for the remaining 20km to Capdepera. Total journey time is around 2 hours.
• Boat – For those arriving by sea, Cala Rajada marina offers mooring facilities just 3km from Capdepera town.
• Car – Driving from Palma takes just over an hour via the MA-15 motorway. Exiting at Sant Llorenc taking the MA-4030. When you reach Son Servera take the Ma-4040 to Capdepera. Car rental is available at Palma airport and around Capdepera.

So in summary, Capdepera gives you the perfect combination of idyllic beaches, historic sites, outdoor activities, excellent food and Mediterranean allure.

Whether it’s families, couples or solo travellers, this charming town on Mallorca’s northeast coast offers an unforgettable Spanish getaway.