Nestled along Mallorca’s eastern shores lies Porto Cristo, a quaint fishing village embraced by a natural harbor. For those seeking a serene, family-friendly getaway filled with an array of activities, look no further.
During the summer months, this charming portside town is packed full of lively restaurants and bars with both international and local cuisine. Porto Cristo is a popular tourist destination for Germans and British alike, and for good reason. With sparkling turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and jagged caves, Porto Cristo is the perfect spot for a tranquil coastal holiday or a day trip exploration.
How To Get To Porto Cristo
Porto Cristo is located on the eastern coast of the island. It will take about an hour to reach by car from Palma, and under an hour from the airport. There are many direct buses to Porto Cristo from both the airport and Palma de Mallorca.
Driving
From the Airport: Follow the Ma-19 towards Palma de Mallorca, then take exit 6 for the Ma-30 towards Inca, followed by the Ma-15 towards Manacor. Once at Manacor, you can follow the Ma-4020 all the way to Porto Cristo.
From Palma: Take Av. de Gabriel Roca to Ma-19. From the Ma-19, follow signs for the Ma-15 towards Manacor. Follow the signs to stay on the Ma-15, until you see the Ma-4020. The Ma-4020 will take you all the way to Porto Cristo!
Public Transportation
There is a direct bus to Porto Cristo from the main bus station in Palma de Mallorca, making it easily accessible by public transportation.
From Estació Intermodal, you can take the TIB 401 bus towards Cala Millor. This bus runs multiple times a day during all seasons, so it is easy to plan for. This bus journey takes just under an hour and twenty minutes, and will land you just a couple streets away from central Porto Cristo, at the Ctra. Son Servera 2 stop.
You can buy tickets for the TIB 401 online at tib.org for 5.40€. You are able to purchase online tickets for TIB buses up to 30 days in advance. Or, you can purchase a train ticket at one of the many ticket machines within Estació Intermodal and a bus ticket on board, for 9.00€. Unlike the EMT buses, TIB buses accept card, so you don’t have to worry if you’re short on cash. (Don’t forget to tap your card on the chip reader when you exit the bus, or you’ll be charged an additional 0.30€ fee.)
Where To Stay In Porto Cristo
Best Luxury Stay: Son Mas Hotel Rural
Son Mas offers a more rural getaway just inland of Porto Cristo, separated from the buzz of coastal holiday goers. The hotel is situated on a 17th century farm estate that has been fully restored, providing its inhabitants with a medley of luxury and culture. This hotel boasts a fully equipped spa, with an outdoor pool in the summer months, and a heated indoor pool and jacuzzi during the winter.
I particularly like this hotel as it offers its guests packages, like the biking or golfing package, making the holiday of your dreams even more easily accessible.
Best Boutique Stay: Sa Vaqueria
Located just over a mile from Playa de Porto Cristo, this former country home has transformed into the idyllic boutique getaway. Sa Vaqueria was built in an olive grove, and the cottage is flourishing with vines and brilliant bougainvillea flowers.
This charming hotel holds nine newly refurbished apartments, juxtaposed with classically Mallorquin rustic decor. Each apartment comes with a private terrace, as well as a kitchen, allowing you to prepare your own meals in your home away from home.
If you prefer something a little more handy, the rural cottage also provides breakfast and bar service in the main lounge. Aside from its intrinsic charm, Sa Vaqueria also boasts desirable amenities like a pool, sauna, and a children’s playground.
Best Value Stay: Porto Drach Aparthotel & Suites
If you want to explore all that Porto Cristo has to offer, there is no better location than Porto Drach. This hotel is situated directly above Porto Cristo’s famous port, offering stunning views as well as prime access to excellent bars, restaurants, shopping, and beaches.
Porto Drach also offers car and bike rental service to facilitate your island adventures. The overall appearance of the hotel is sleek and modern, with neutrally toned decor.
Where To Eat In Porto Cristo
Best Beachfront Dining: Cala Anguila Chiringuito
Cala Anguila Chiringuito is a charming restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere placed directly on the beautiful beach of Cala Anguila. The restaurant has a large outdoor patio, providing you with views of the stunning white sand and turquoise water cove while you enjoy your meal and drinks.
As a native Californian, I have had my fair share of salads, and I can confidently say that the Ensalada Cala Anguila is one of the best. The menu features classic Mallorquin dishes and Spanish tapas, as well as burgers, seafood, and a plethora of vegetarian options. This diverse menu is able to offer a little something to please everyone.
This restaurant is reasonably priced, with a main course dish costing between 12.00€ and 16.00€. It is worth noting that this restaurant is only open during the summer season, opening in May and closing at the end of October.
Best Trendy Restaurant: Vibes by Quince
Located directly above the main beach of Porto Cristo, Vibes by Quince offers trendy food, influenced by cultures all over the world, right at the pulse of your beach getaway. The central location of their large terrace offers views of the port, beach, and cliffside all in one. And, if you’re trying to escape the heat, the indoor space is just as charming with an assortment of pillows and walls filled with plants and ceramic plates, all inspired by the ambiance of the Mediterranean.
Its menu will provide you with a full world tour, with dishes from Mexico, Thailand, Mallorca (of course), and Japan, to name a few. This restaurant is a bit pricier, with a main course dish costing around 25.00€. It is worth noting that this restaurant is not open during the winter season, closing at the end of October, and opening up again in March.
Best Upscale Dining: Restaurant Roland
This restaurant carries the name of its founder and head chef, Roland Shrute, who boasts over 20 years of experience within the Mallorquin culinary scene. Restaurant Roland provides an international menu that is frequently changing in order to incorporate seasonal ingredients. This restaurant specializes in fresh and locally sourced fish and meat, so I would not recommend it for a vegetarian diner.
The restaurant has a sleek black and white interior, adding to its elegant ambiance. As this is an upscale dining experience, it has upscale dining prices, with a main course dish costing around 25.00€ and a starter costing about 17.00€.
What To Do In Porto Cristo
Explore Coves Del Drach
Coves del Drach are considered an absolute must-do while in Mallorca, and they are located right in Porto Cristo! These caves are one of the largest caves in all of Europe, stretching 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) in length and 82 feet (25 meters) below ground level. They also hide an expansive underground lake, Lake Martel, which is regarded as one of the largest underground lakes in the world.
These caves are open year round, with multiple tours offered each day. Tickets cost €16.00 for adults and children 13+, and only €9.00 for children between 2 and 12 years. If you purchase tickets online, you will receive a €1.00 discount.
Dinosaurland
Located just outside of Porto Cristo, this amusement park provides a unique experience for the whole family. Both children and adults can enjoy a distinctive adventure on the island, exploring the captivating realm of dinosaurs, the Earth’s largest creatures to have roamed. Encounter over 100 life-sized dinosaurs, among them the colossal TITANOSAURUS stretching an impressive 165 feet (50 meters).
Additionally, you can partake in paleontological expeditions within the explorers’ zone to uncover the park’s hidden treasures.
You can purchase tickets online, including a pack that includes entry to the Coves del Drach.
Cala Varques
Compared to many of the other beaches during the summer months, Cala Varques stands as one of the most serene and untouched. Nestled between the bustling resort towns of Porto Cristo and Porto Colom, this secluded spot exudes a laid-back, hippy ambiance. Here, you may encounter free-spirited individuals vending jewelry, beverages, or other small trinkets.
The beach itself, embraced by low rocky cliffs and verdant trees, stretches some 300 feet (90 meters) with soft white sands and deep blue waters. This Cala is popular among locals and tourists, especially couples seeking a tranquil retreat, and also draws naturists seeking a secluded spot.
Rafa Nadal Center
Rafa Nadal is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, with 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles. This Spanish sports legend created his own tennis academy based in Mallorca, just 15 minutes outside of Porto Cristo. The Rafa Nadal Center has 26 tennis courts, a padel court, as well as an elite tennis academy. It offers programmes suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Skualo
Amongst natural caves and coves, this town is the prime location to start your diving journey. Skualo is a company based in Porto Cristo that provides you with exciting scuba diving and snorkeling expeditions to further explore the best caves that the Mediterranean has to offer.
A group of specialists will be there with you during memorable adventures designed for individuals of varying skill levels, ranging from novices to experts.
Fires I Festes
Since Porto Cristo is mainly a tourist town, they don’t have many of the traditional Mallorquin festivals that other pueblos have to offer. However, this portside town has plenty of other unique festivities to enjoy!
Els Reis d’Orient – January 5th & 6th
As in the rest of Spain, January 6 is the main holiday of the Christmas season. On the night of the fifth, the Three Kings arrive and bring the children presents. Since Porto Cristo is Manacor’s port, the Kings arrive there by boat and pass through Porto Cristo in a parade before continuing on
Carnaval (Fresses) – February
No, it has nothing to do with strawberries. For Carnaval in February, there are parades around the municipality of Manacor, and that includes Porto Cristo. The children dress up in their desfresses, and walk around while the townsfolk applaud them.
Seafood Fair – Late April
The Portes Obertes Nautical Fair typically occurs during a weekend in late April along Porto Cristo’s harbor. A major draw is the delectable fresh seafood, expertly prepared by local restaurants and enjoyed in the open air. Alongside the tasty culinary delights, there will be entertainment for kids and live music. Previous seafood fairs have featured complimentary sailing excursions arranged by the local Nautical Club and voyages aboard a traditional trawl fishing boat known as a ‘llaüt’. The renowned Drach Caves typically offer special discounts during this festive weekend.
Festes del Carme – July
The festival occurs in July, with certain days featuring a greater number of activities than others. Key attractions include an evening fair and a variety of concerts and DJ performances during the warm summer nights. This festival also contains the traditional Spanish flare, with fire runs and fireworks.