Things to do in and around Cala Ratjada

Opening times and prices below come from each attraction's own website where one exists. They change, so have a quick look before you set off.

The town and harbour

Cala Ratjada began life in the 19th century as a fishing settlement, when men from Valldemossa came over by the season for coral, sponges and longline fishing. Summer visitors were coming by 1860, and the little harbour that everything now revolves around was built between 1930 and 1945. Boats still go out from here: the fishermen's guild helps run the Mostra de la Llampuga on the quayside each October, a festival built around the fish also known as dorado.

A car-free coast path runs from the harbour to the cove of Cala Gat, 10 to 15 minutes on foot and at its best in the evening. Excursion boats leave the harbour in season, some bound for the Coves d'Artà and one with a glass bottom. Departures and fares move around, so ask at the quay.

Sa Torre Cega

The estate of the Fundación Bartolomé March grew up around an old watchtower, called "blind" because it couldn't be seen from the neighbouring towers. The gardens were reworked by the landscape designer Russell Page, and 20th-century sculptures from the foundation's collection stand among the planting.

You can only visit on a guided tour booked online, at least two hours ahead and with a minimum of six people. Tours run Monday to Friday at 10:30 or 12:00 depending on the day, and at 9:30 or 10:00 in July and August. Saturday at 11:00 is by request only, and it's closed on Sundays and public holidays. If you've filled all six beds at the apartment, you're already a quorum.

Castell de Capdepera

This is the one to see. The castle sits on the hill above Capdepera, built in the 14th century on the orders of Jaume II as a refuge from pirates. It was abandoned in 1854, auctioned off two years later, and has been in municipal hands since 1983. The walls give you long views over the countryside and the coast. Go in the afternoon as the heat drops off.

It opens from 10:00 to 17:00 from October to March, 10:00 to 19:00 in April, and 10:00 to 20:00 from May to September, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. It's shut on 25 December and 1 January. Adults pay €3, or €2 each in groups of 12 or more.

Far de Capdepera

The lighthouse on the very tip of the headland has been working since 1861. The compound is fenced off and you can't go in, but the view from outside costs nothing and improves as the light goes. Get there along the coast path past Cala Gat, or on one of the longer walks around the headland.

Coves d'Artà

Despite the name, these stalactite caves aren't in Artà at all but on the coast by Canyamel. The guided visit lasts 35 to 40 minutes and leaves roughly every half hour, and parking is free. They're open 10:00 to 18:00 from May to October and 10:00 to 17:00 from November to April. Adults pay €17, children aged 7 to 12 pay €10, and under-7s go free.

Everyone has the same idea when it rains, so get there early. On a good day, combine them with a swim at Canyamel beach, only about 500 metres away.

Along the road to Canyamel you'll also pass the medieval Torre de Canyamel, which now houses a small museum of local life. Check it's open before making a special trip.

Artà and Sant Salvador

After a few days of beach town, Artà makes a good contrast: a proper inland market town with a life of its own. Above it, inside an old Moorish walled enclosure, stands the Santuari de Sant Salvador, begun in 1825. About 180 steps lead up, or you can drive. Tuesday is the day to come, for the market.

Just outside town is Ses Païsses, a settlement from the Talayotic period. Artà is also where the Vía Verde from Manacor ends, which you can read about under cycling routes.

Cala Ratjada market and the others nearby

Festivals through the year

The Mercat Medieval fills Capdepera's old town and castle for three days each May, and in 2026 it ran from 15 to 17 May. In August Cala Ratjada celebrates Sant Roc, with fireworks on the 16th, and Capdepera follows with Sant Bartomeu around the 24th. The Mostra de la Llampuga took place on 9 to 11 October in 2026. The 2027 dates haven't been published yet, but when to go will help you see what's on in the months you're considering.

Somewhere quieter

Very little here is truly unknown. Your best bet for some peace is one of the coves the council lists as lightly used, such as N'Aguait along the shore path from Son Moll, or Na Llòbriga. There are no lifeguards at either. The beach guide shows how they fit around the bigger sands, and if you're bringing children, look at Cala Ratjada with kids first.

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