Porto Cristo: Harbour Cove, Caves and History
Accommodation in Porto Cristo
Porto Cristo combines a small, south-east-facing bay with a beach and harbour. The large rock Es Morro de sa Carabassa seems to almost close off the bay on one side; a lighthouse built in 1851 stands at its end. Beside the sandy beach are a fishing harbour and a marina. The beach is listed as 300 metres long and 30 metres wide; these measurements can vary with conditions along the shore. Porto Cristo is Manacor’s natural harbour. The former fishing harbour was well protected and served as a refuge for many seafarers throughout history.
Beach, Promenade and Coastal Paths
A tree-lined promenade runs along the beach and is ideal for a stroll. Passeig de la Sirena runs along carrer Bordils, directly opposite the sea and beach. In summer, it provides a venue for markets, festivities and concerts. If you would like to combine your trip with an event, check the dates in advance.
Nearby Cala Petita is accessible only on foot. As access may change, it is advisable to check before visiting. A coastal route through Manacor also starts in Porto Cristo. If you would like to use the route for your current navigation, check its status beforehand.
Caves and Historical Traces
At the end of the beach promenade, the Coves Blanques are located at sea level. The caves were inhabited until the mid-19th century; fishermen were already staying there in the early years of the 19th century. The Cuevas del Drach form a 1,700-metre-long cave route with large, irregularly shaped stalagmites and numerous slender stalactites.
The Cuevas dels Hams are in Porto Cristo and are known for their hook-shaped formations. “Hams” means “hooks” in Mallorcan. The visit begins with a descent into the Cueva Redonda, considered a large botanical garden with native fauna. A music show is performed at the underground lake Mar de Venecia. Check the current visiting arrangements before making plans.
You can also explore the coast from the harbour: boats set off on excursions along the shore. Near the seaport, it is also possible to take a trip aboard local Golondrina motorboats. For specific plans, check current times, operators and availability.
Other historical traces in Porto Cristo include the remains of an early Christian baptismal font. The Torre dels Falcons was built in 1577. The Iglesia de la Mare de Déu del Carme is located in plaça del Carme; the first church dedicated to this patron was built between 10 May and early July 1890.
Manacor: Architecture, Markets and Routes
The wider destination of Manacor complements Porto Cristo’s coastal attractions with an emphasis on urban culture and active experiences. The 29-kilometre Vía Verde Manacor-Artà follows the route of the former railway line between Manacor and Artà. It starts in Manacor and is suitable for walkers and cyclists of all abilities.
The church of Nostra Senyora dels Dolors in Manacor is a single-nave, Neo-Gothic basilica with chapels between the buttresses. Its bell tower is the tallest building in the town and is called Torre Rubí. The Torre del Palau is the only surviving element of the former royal palace, which Jaume II had built in the 14th century. A permanent exhibition covers the building’s history, its earlier study, and its renovation and restoration. Before visiting, check whether the exhibition is currently on display.
The Rafa Nadal Museum is also in Manacor, within the Rafa Nadal Academy complex. An admission ticket covers Rafael Nadal’s sporting career, major trophies he has won, and interactive sports experiences. Markets have different focuses: the weekly market takes place on Plaça Ramon Llull on Mondays from 9 am to 1 pm. A fruit and vegetable market is held on Plaça de la Constitució from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm. Check the times before planning your visit, as market dates can change.
When choosing a holiday apartment in Porto Cristo, you could first consider whether you want to focus your holiday mainly on the beach, harbour and caves, or also include Manacor’s architecture, markets and routes.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Cala Murada, Cala Romantica, Cales De Mallorca, Son Macià, Cala Morlanda.
Return to the destination overview: Manacor.
