The Coastal Jewels: Illetas, Cala Mayor & Cas Català
The western fringes of Palma, Mallorca’s capital, extend into the picturesque inlets of Illetas, creating a coastal expanse that is not only highly developed but also one of the most desirable residential zones on the island. This series of neighborhoods, each with its distinct allure, merge effortlessly into a harmonious blend of laid-back beach resorts, lush hillside communities, and a diverse populace of locals and international inhabitants. The area even has a royal touch, being the site of Marivent Palace, the Mallorcan summer residence of the Spanish royal family.
Related: Discover Illetas Beach: Your Next Summer Destination
Cala Mayor, closest to Palma, is progressively shedding its old-school resort image, with modern renovations and new businesses injecting a fresh vibrancy into the area. Its neighbor, San Agustin, is quietly surfacing as one of the region’s property hotspots, as demonstrated by the completion of the luxury residential complex, Bendinat Mar. Cas Català, with its pine-covered hills and sea-view villas, has rightfully claimed its status as one of Mallorca’s most exclusive residential areas. Illetas, another understated yet more polished resort, is defined by its wealthy vacation home community, best represented by the highly coveted Anchorage holiday village. However, the real treasures of Illetas are its two pristine coves that draw a healthy blend of local residents, day visitors from Palma, and seasonal sun seekers during the warmer months.
Insights into Illetas, Cala Mayor & Cas Català
Local Language
Catalan (or its local dialect, Mallorcan) holds official status alongside Spanish, or Castellano as it is often locally referred to. The diverse international community also ensures that English and German are widely spoken.
Main Industry
Tourism plays a significant role in the local economy, with a considerable number of hotels and tourist-focused restaurants. The real estate and construction sectors are also flourishing due to the area’s growing residential appeal.
International Schools
Baleares International College has one of its two campuses in San Agustin, while Bellver International College is near Cala Mayor. Both offer British-style education and an English curriculum for students aged from infancy to 18 years.
Related: Cala Mayor Beach: Your Next Vacation Spot
Port Calanova
With the rising prominence of its San Agustin neighborhood, the refurbishment of the once-outdated Port Calanova was a natural progression. First opened in 1976 by the then king and queen of Spain, it underwent a significant modernization in 2018, morphing into a multifunctional marina. Unlike the much larger and more ostentatious Puerto Portals along the coast, Port Calanova is a more intimate and subdued affair, yet it boasts an impressive range of facilities within its compact size. As expected, most of these are centered around nautical activities and water sports, offering everything from kayaking and SUP to windsurfing and sailing classes. It also provides 172 berths for boats between 6 and 25 meters, along with round-the-clock mooring and maintenance services.
The marina also serves as a vibrant social hub where locals gather to eat and drink. The bustling bar upstairs offers a fantastic outdoor terrace where you can enjoy chilled afternoon beers or evening cocktails while taking in expansive sea views. Downstairs, there’s indoor seating and a marina-front terrace for enjoying full lunch and dinner menus. All these elements come together to create a local highlight for those seeking a sea-facing lifestyle, as well as a delightful waterfront spot to hang out with friends.
Related: 15 Best Beaches in Mallorca
Discovering Illetas, Cala Mayor & Cas Català
Stretching several kilometers along the coast, these three neighborhoods boast some of the best urban beaches in the Balearics, equally popular with locals and tourists. On one end, Cala Mayor beach is the largest and most tourist-oriented, with several spots for refreshments, including a beachfront chiringuito, and ample parasols and loungers for rent. Off-season, it also becomes a surf spot when conditions permit. On the other end are the twin bays of Illetas and Contesa, two stunning coves that beach-loving residents fully utilize during the warmer months. In between, there are a few smaller beaches and coves, known mostly to locals, tucked away down steps off the main coastal road. This stretch of coast also houses an excellent beach club, Purobeach Illetes, for those seeking a slightly more exclusive seafront experience away from the summer crowds.
Related: 4 hidden beaches of the Island
Events in Illetas, Cala Mayor & Cas Català
Nit de San Joan at Zhero Beach Club
The stylish beach club from the Zhero chain hosts a party in celebration of Palma’s biggest night, the Nit de San Joan, at the end of June. Expect live DJs, fire shows, and dancers, along with plenty of delicious food and fantastic cocktails.
‘Nomade’ at Purobeach Illetas
Every year around mid-August, the Purobeach club hosts this nomad-themed event, focused on fun and connecting with your free spirit. The atmosphere is carefully curated with incense and flaming torches, complemented by suitably exotic cuisine.
Mallorca BJJ and Yoga Festival
Held at the Gran Melia De Mar Hotel around mid-October, this festival offers a full program of seminars and workshops on the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and yoga. The festival takes over the entire hotel grounds, against the backdrop of a stunning sea panorama.
Related: Speedboat Adventure in Calvià with Activities Included
Dining in Illetas, Cala Mayor & Cas Català
While the area may not boast the island’s best high-end cuisine, there’s certainly a wide variety of choices, as well as numerous spots where you can enjoy a traditional ‘menú del día’. Dining around Cala Mayor tends to cater to the tourist crowds, with a mix of standard Spanish fare and international favorites. Some of the region’s freshest seafood can be found at La Parada del Mar, just opposite Marivent Palace. Closer to the beach and offering elevated sea views, the South African owners of The Crow’s Nest infuse their grill-based menu with flavors from their homeland. For gourmet dining, there are two excellent choices: A Popa at the Nixe Palace and Il Paradiso, both offering stunning sea views and top-quality cuisine.
Further, along the coast, Mojo Beach serves as a real community hub, offering everything from English breakfasts to Spanish tapas in a very friendly atmosphere. Just opposite, the Muelle 327 at Port Calanova offers a more sophisticated marina-front setting and a high-quality, varied menu. In Cas Català, the Maricel Hotel is the only dining spot, offering high-end ‘avant-garde’ cuisine. Options increase again in Illetas, with some pleasant sea-view eateries such as Sorrento’s Garden Grill and Balneario Illetas — right on the beach. Next door, Purobeach Illetas offers a menu of fresh Asian flavors in stylish surroundings.
Related: Purobeach Palma: Your Slice of Paradise in Mallorca
Nightlife in Illetas, Cala Mayor & Cas Català
While this part of the island isn’t known as a nightlife hotspot, there are plenty of lively bars and social hubs scattered around the various neighborhoods. As expected, most of the evening action happens at theCala Major end, especially as the summer season gets into full swing. Argentine-run El Point is a popular café and meeting spot for locals, which transforms into a trendy bar by night. Right on Cala Major beach, the all-day Kokomo Surf Café is another great place to grab a cocktail as the sun sets, while The Anchor is the area’s closest thing to an English-style pub. The spacious roof terrace at Port Calanova’s Nova Del Mar is a big draw amongst locals, and Soda Pop Caffe is a fun and friendly bar with a vintage vibe. For those wanting to dance to House and Techno into the early hours, the area’s only nightclub is Subzhero.
Related: Discover Mallorca’s enchanting nightlife
Accommodation in Illetas, Cala Mayor & Cas Català
Hotel Hospes Maricel & Spa
When it comes to vintage glamour, few hotels in Mallorca can compete with the Maricel. Opened in the 1950s, it was a regular haunt for international celebrities and jet-setters, and it still retains much of its upscale elegance. It consists of the original stately building overlooking the water at Punta de Cas Català, as well as newer architectural additions just across the road. Guests can enjoy a deluxe spa with an indoor-outdoor pool, while the hotel’s main pool is right on the waterfront.
Hotel Santos Nixe Palace
Another hotel from the 1950s and similarly ritzy, the Nixe Palace has also attracted stars of the silver screen such as Grace Kelly and Errol Flynn. Palatial architecture is combined with first-class service, plush interiors, and five-star facilities that include three restaurants and a heated outdoor pool. A full-service spa offers some serious pampering with sea views, while its location, right on Cala Mayor, adds the final touch of direct beach access.
Gran Melià De Mar
Overlooking its own private cove just along the coast from Illetas Beach, the Gran Melià de Mar boasts a truly wonderful setting. Its terraced gardens are dotted with pine trees and Bali beds from which to enjoy panoramic vistas over the sea. Every one of its guest rooms also offers sea views, as does the hotel’s deluxe Clarins spa. An adult-only environment also ensures total tranquillity.
Related: Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá Palma de Mallorca: A Luxurious Seaside Retreat
Real Estate in Illetas, Cala Mayor & Cas Català
Illetas, Cala Mayor, and Cas Català hold a strong position in Mallorca’s southern property market, which is one of the most sought-after on the island. They primarily appeal to second-home buyers looking for a holiday residence to enjoy the summer months near the Mediterranean Sea. 4–5 bedroom villas with sea views can easily exceed the €5 million mark, a price that is justified given the landscape in this part of the island.
In recent years, there has been a surge in property sales in Illetas, Cala Mayor, and Cas Català, with buyers purchasing older apartments and renovating them. This trend is likely to enhance this part of the coast and push even more of its real estate into the luxury market, as some parts of Cas Català, for example, are still looking a bit worn.
For a comprehensive overview of buying in the area, we recommend consulting with local real estate agents and exploring properties that are ready to move into today!
Related: The Significance of Legal Assurance in Real Estate Transactions
Business & Work in Illetas, Cala Mayor & Cas Català
A significant portion of the local economy is geared towards tourism, especially in and around Cala Major, where most of the area’s commercial activity is based. Increasingly, new businesses are opening up and rejuvenating the area, with a mix of boutiques, bars, restaurants, and other services. The area is also home to several international schools, which provide employment opportunities for teachers and other staff. Real estate and construction are also significant sectors, with numerous agencies and developers operating in the area.
Related: Touristic highlights of Palma Majorca on a Private half day tour with a local
People: Locals & Celebrities
Encompassing several distinctive neighborhoods, a broad spectrum of people have made this coastal region their home. Cala Major, in particular, has a village-like mix of residents, with the British dominating among the non-Spanish settlers.
A younger crowd who work in the yachting and hospitality industries have also been drawn here, thanks to its beach, bars, and proximity to both Palma and several holiday hotspots. Neighboring San Agustin attracts a cosmopolitan mix of mostly families, while Cas Català has drawn an international community of the well-to-do.
The neighborhood of Illetas tends to have the highest number of second-homers, with English, German, and Swedes being the most common nationalities who choose to live here for part of the year.
Related: The Must-Know Personalities of Mallorca: Unveiling the Top 40 for 2023
Final Thoughts
It’s no surprise why this stretch of shoreline has become one of the most sought-after on the island in recent years. To its residents, it offers the best of both worlds. On one hand, it’s urban and animated, with a cosmopolitan community and lively social scene. On the other, its gorgeous shimmering coves, understated resorts, and chic beach clubs provide access to an instant holiday vibe right on your doorstep. Add a sophisticated yacht marina, several exclusive enclaves, and some ultra-elegant high-end hotels, and the result is a region of Mallorca that is truly unique.
Related: Mallorca From A to Z The Only Guide You Need to the Islands Best in-2023
