A Hidden Gem in the Mediterranean: Cala Ratjada Resort Exceeds Expectations

I've been to Mallorca twice now, and I have to say, this trip was even better than the first. We wrote about our first trip and the island in detail here. The first time we traveled with our 4-year-old son, so we chose the Alcudia resort on the shallow waters. This time, I wanted a more 'grown-up' resort. After researching all the reviews, I settled on the picturesque Cala Ratjada resort.

Cala Ratjada is a German tourist stronghold and a fairly large resort with over 40 hotels that can accommodate around 12,000 guests. However, what's rare for Mallorca and a 'German resort,' it's also popular among the French.

The Crowd

And it's true, the majority of the guests are Germans or people living in Germany. Occasionally (rarely) we'd hear French on the way to the beach.

Cala Ratjada belongs to the municipality of Capdepera. The town itself, home to just over 7,000 residents, is located in the northeastern corner of Mallorca and sits on a hilly peninsula. The resort's center is the marina, surrounded by a promenade, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Infrastructure is seriously well-developed here. You've got everything you need for a comfortable holiday, or even a permanent stay, in my opinion: from shops to vets, car rentals, and clothing, shoe, and accessories stores. But, honestly, the prices in local cafes were way higher than even in Germany - around 15-20€ per dish. That's ridiculously expensive for Spain... (Probably because it's a German pensioner hotspot, and they're not afraid to splurge on holiday. Or maybe prices just skyrocketed since our last visit, given how much time has passed.)So, it's better to stay in hotels with meals included, usually BB (breakfast) or HB (breakfast and dinner), sometimes oll. Most hotels are 4*. There are also plenty of apartments without meals, so in the morning and evening, all cafes are packed. I wouldn't want to hunt for a table with a kid during rush hour, so my choice is HB! Spanish hotel food is amazing, with plenty of options to suit any taste. Desserts might be a bit lacking compared to Turkey, but there's still enough. And everything tastes fantastic! I've gotta say, the design of this thing really caught my eye. The sleek lines and compact size make it a great addition to any room. The image shows it in all its glory, and I think it's a real head-turner. Whether you're looking to upgrade your home decor or just want a unique conversation piece, this product is definitely worth checking out. Plus, the fact that it's so easy to set up and use is a major bonus in my book. I mean, who doesn't love a product that's hassle-free and gets the job done?

Having a kitchen in many of the hotels on Mallorca was a bonus – we could cook our own meals. There was a big Spar supermarket right next door where we'd buy prawns and cook them up for lunch in our room. The local supermarkets had a great selection of products, especially seafood, and I still remember how they cleaned and filleted the fish for me right in the store during my first trip to the island. Cooking was a real pleasure. We could also pick up affordable wine for around 2-3 euros a bottle, and everything tasted great. Spain is a foodie's paradise. Public transport wasn't a problem, but getting to the airport or capital required a change of buses, so it took up a lot of time. And the tickets weren't cheap either (9 euros per person). It was better to rent a car right at the airport – the prices were similar, but we had more comfort. On the resort, the price in October was 50 euros per day, which was a bit more than booking online in advance.BeachesI'm obsessed with the beaches in Cala Ratjada - there's something for every taste! The public beaches on the island are a major plus, as you can access any of them for free. We explored the entire coastline and, of course, had our favorites...

So, the nearest beach to our hotel was Cala Agulla (Cala Agulla Beach). It's a huge stretch of sand with a gentle slope into the water. There are designated areas with sun loungers, cafes, and lifeguards. But when we arrived in the afternoon, we were surprised by the crowds. I guess we were lucky to have avoided the chaos for most of our stay. The beach is serviced by a little train, but we didn't use it. I can imagine it would be a great option for families living a bit further away or with young kids. The beach also has a very gentle slope, making it perfect for families with little ones. And here's what the same beach looked like on a quieter day. We visited on our last day, and it was great to have the place to ourselves.I've had the chance to explore some amazing beaches nearby, and I've gotta say, Cala Literas is a hidden gem. If you head along the coast to the right, you'll stumble upon this tiny but incredible beach, perfect for snorkeling and spotting fish, octopuses, and sea urchins.

Cala Literas might be small, but it's got a certain charm to it. The only hotel with the same name is right next to it, and it's mostly catering to a European crowd. One of the best things about this beach is that you can easily find some shade behind the rocks after lunch, and you won't need an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun. The entry into the water is a bit rocky, but it's still pretty accessible.

There's also a bigger beach on the southern part of the resort, Son Moll, which has a more gradual entry into the water and some nice waves in the afternoon. To be honest, Son Moll has a few beaches, including a large sandy one and a couple of smaller ones with pebbles. The main beach has sunbeds, while the smaller ones are pretty deserted.

One of the things that really stood out to me was the abundance of hotels right along the waterfront in Son Moll. It was super convenient, but our favorite beach, Cala Gat, was actually a bit of a hike from our hotel. We had to walk along the entire waterfront to get there, but it was worth it!And then there was our absolute favorite – the beach at Cala Gat on the eastern edge of the resort. It was a bit of a trek to get there, but it was totally worth it!

The beach itself was absolutely stunning. We loved swimming with a mask, exploring the villa above, and then jumping off the natural pier. We ended up going there almost every day. The best part was that there were no hotels nearby, just that one super expensive villa. You could either walk along the waterfront from the port or drive up and hike down to get there. There was a little cafe with drinks and some lounge chairs, but most people brought their own towels and umbrellas.

If you're looking for something to do in Cala Ratjada, I'd recommend checking out the local lighthouse on a rainy day. The views from the top are pretty amazing. The road to the lighthouse is pretty scenic, even if it is a bit of a hike from the center of town. I saw people walking, driving, and even hiking with groups - it's a great way to enjoy the views. You can also take a boat tour from the port in nearby Canyamel or catch the bus to the 'Dragon's Cave'. The schedule is posted on a board in the port. I've got to say, I was blown away by Calà Ratia - I highly recommend it. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just looking for a relaxing getaway, there's something for everyone. My only suggestion would be to book an all-inclusive hotel, as eating out can be pricey. Also, consider renting a car or booking a transfer to avoid the hassle of a long bus ride with multiple changes. That's my two cents. Have a great vacation!

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