PORTO COLOM, MALLORCA THE BEACH RESORT LOCATED ON MAJORA’S EAST COAST

Porto Colom is a small fishing village that retains many of its traditional and historic qualities, being the birth place (loosely based) of Christopher Columbus himself. Porto Colom was also once the port to Felanitx and is becoming increasingly popular with many Mallorcan and Spanish tourists, who love the atmosphere and authenticity of this natural harbor. There are many boats lining the docks, with house all along the coast (in an assortment of different pastel styles), and each with their own landing areas for small boats.

Porto Colom’s main role leading up to the 20th century was that of supplying and trading wine for France, straight from the village’s Felanitx region. However, when pestilence swept the grape vines and many other crops, Porto Colom’s value decreased steadily and was eventually useless. Without the Pla and Llevant grape vineyards from the beginning of the 20th century on, Porto Colom became role less, and was eventually discovered once again as a fantastic and relaxing/peaceful resort for visitors and many tourists around the world.

While it can’t be proven that Porto Colom was the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, the town of Felantix (which is very close by) is where the great artist Miquel Barcelo, of UN Palace of Nations and Chamber of Human Rights fame. It is he who was responsible for the designs and artwork in the installation of these facilities.

Porto Colom is an amazing place to vacation, but if you feel there is more to see, then it always advised to hire a car and effortlessly arrive at some great areas to the east. There is the Natural Park of Mondrago and also the sandstone village, Santanyi to visit, just for a start.

THE BEACHES OF PORTO COLOM

Cala Marcal is the best beach that you can visit when heading to Porto Colom, and is located south of the marina/village. Covering up approximately 500 meters of the coast and ending towards the south of Porto Colom, it is a beautiful beach with white, soft sand, shallow, blue water and only gets deeper as you head out further into the ocean (very gradually). The main point of this beach is that it is family and child friendly, allowing you and your children to relax, play along the beach, or swim without fear of any physical repercussions.

There are a few other beaches that can be accessed located around the harbor’s region, which are named S’Arenal Grand and S’Arenal Petit. If it isn’t obvious, one beach is the larger and one beach is the smaller (hence the names) and is found by visiting the peninsula near Porto Colom. If you keep going a bit further north, you will also find S’Algar, and if you head further south, you will find Cala Sa Nau. In other words, there are beaches everywhere you go!

THE EVENTS OF PORTO COLOM

Finding yourself in Porto Colom and spending a bit of time there will help you understand the frequent events that occur throughout the region. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, throughout the course of the year, fruit and vegetable markets are frequent. Not only fruit and vegetables, but souvenirs and other items or produce are available for purchase. If you head to Felanitx (the larger town near Porto Colom), you will find that they host their produce and item markets once a week on Sundays. That’s three days where you can check out the quality goods from Porto Colom and the surrounding region.

Fira Gastronomica D’es Pop is also celebrated every year, in June’s final weekend. A number of restaurants get involved and offer many tourists and villagers alike their best delicacies which involve ‘pop’ (Catalan for octopus).
The TriStar Mallorca triathlon is also a fantastic event that more than 600 volunteers take part in. It is hosted in Porto Colom and usually comes in to forms, 55.5km or 111km. Either way, the event is a fun and memorable day for all, not just the competitors.

The Rockin‘ Matxin Festival has been a staple of Porto Colom for two years now, and doesn’t seem to be heading anywhere soon. It is usually hosted towards the end of June and has a number of local Mallorcan rock bands strutting their stuff on stage, and entertaining the populace until the end!

THE RESTAURANTS OF PORTO COLOM

If you head down to the marina, you will find an amazing assortment of fresh fish and meat meals reminiscent of Mallorcan culture. You’ll be happy to also know that you can find a number of options here, such as ‘a la carte‘ and many specials to boot!
A restaraunt that is highly recommended can be found in the Calle Cristobal Colon area, with a fantastic environment and friendly atmosphere.
If you are looking for something a little more authentic, then look no further than the main road of Carre Vapor Santueri. Here you will find Es Pamboliet, which offers a number of paellas, pa amb olis, and other traditional Mallorcan meals.
If you find yourself along fisherman’s street (Carrer Pescadors) and Christopher Colombus street (Carrer Cristofor Colom) have a diverse selection to choose from, especially Celler Sa Sinia, one of Porto Colom’s oldest restaraunts.
You can also find the Restaraunt Colom here, another fantastic restaraunt with an inviting aura about it.
Lastly, if you head a little further from the harbour/port down Ronda Creuer Balea in Bassa Nova Cala, you can find the Ses Portadores and Es Retorn restaraunts.

NIGHTLIFE IN PORTO COLOM

Enjoy a relaxing evening drinking cocktails, listening to some great music, and mixing in a great social environment at the Fidel Club. Named after the Cuban leader himself, it is one of (if not THE) best bars open late that you can find in Porto Colom. The building itself is a charming one of great appeal and can be found along the Carrer de Cristobal Colon (the main road). On the other side of Porto Colom, you will find La Costa; a beautiful alfresco terrace which grants a great view over the calas. In the early night, you can oprder dinner with drinks, and when the night truly sets in, you can dance and enjoy the night away. You can find La Costa sitting in Calle de los Sivines.

PASSTIMES OF PORTO COLOM

With a number of beaches surrounding Porto Colom, it only makes sense that there are a number of scuba diving activities available in the east calas of Mallorca. The Mallorca Diving School can provide a number of PADI sessions, located on the Calle Pescadors, and you can also find some other great water activities, such as:

Kayaking

Paddleboarding

Snorkelling

Cave Exploring

As mentioned earlier, the Pla y Llevant area is right around the corner and can offer you some great options for wines and tours. Get involved in the many tastings available.
None of the above your type of thing? That’s okay as there is the Vall D’or Golf Club to take part in just outside the edges of Porto Colom, which includes a variety of features, such as:

• Pool
• Driving Range
• Paddle Courts
• Restaurant
• Sun Terrace
• 18 Hole Session

If it’s history that you are interested in then Naveta is the place to visit. It is a burial site that shows prehistoric life dating up to 2000 B.C! Other historical tourist attractions are the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador, Santueri Castle, Coves des Hams, and the Cuevas del Drach. These are all fantastic to visit and gain a little insight into Mallorcan history and culture.

THE HOTELS OF PORTO COLOM

If you envision postcard worthy views and beautiful cliffs, then Hotel JS Cape Colom is the place to stay. Unfortunately, the hotel only caters to visitors 18 years and above, but the JS Es Corso (their sister hotel) offers accomodation for the entire family, complete with swimming pool, kid’s playgrounds, and tennis courts.

Another adults only abode is the hotel El Vistamar, which is connected to the chain of Ola hotels. With just a short walk to the beach complete with unbelievable ocean views, El Vistamar also offers a number of massage options, spa, gym, wellness centre, and sunbathing areas.

Speaking of Ola hotels, the Cecila Aparthotels are also available, located near Porto Colom’s main beach of Cala Marcal and offers a grand pool/sunbathing terrace.  The Cecilia offers modest rooms, with minimal decor, and can provide accomodation in rooms for up to 2 adults/2 children.

HPC Hostal in Porto Colom offers a beach themed decor and rooms type, with a cool, cokctail bar, wine store, and restaraunt.
BelleVue Belsana is the hotel for you if you require some peace and quiet, along with a poolside bar and some local beaches.
If you want to take a dive on the wild side, Hotel Bahia Azul offers diving and scuba sessions, but is available to the entire family for accommodation. Located near the Ronda Creuer Balea bay, you can find beginner to advanced scuba classes.