Porto Cristo & Porto Colom

The two Portos of the east coast are authentic harbor towns that have preserved their Mallorcan soul — quiet alternatives to the resorts, with real village life, fishing boats, and restaurants where locals sit alongside tourists.

Porto Cristo

Porto Cristo is known to most as the access point to the Dragon Caves — but the town deserves more than a quick drive-through stop. The natural harbor is one of the most beautiful on the east coast: a deep, sheltered bay lined with restaurants, cafes, and small shops. At the harbor, there is a small sandy beach (Platja de Porto Cristo) — not the most beautiful on the island, but practical and family-friendly.

Above the harbor stretches the town with its tranquil center: parish church, weekly market (Sundays), a few good restaurants. The Passeig de la Sirena (promenade) with the mermaid statue is the meeting point in the evening. For children, the Aquarium de Mallorca (entry about 14€, sharks, rays, sea turtles) right next to the Dragon Caves is worth a visit.

Porto Cristo is also the hometown of Rafael Nadal — his tennis center Rafa Nadal Academy is located on the outskirts (visits possible, sports-interested families can also book tennis courses there).

Porto Colom

Porto Colom (Portocolom) is located 15 km south and is the quietest and most authentic harbor town on the east coast. Legend has it that Christopher Columbus was born here — historically unproven, but the name Porto Colom suggests it. The natural harbor is deep and sheltered, surrounded by pastel-colored fishermen's houses and the colorful boat houses (Escars) on the southwest shore.

There is no notable beach in the town itself, but the beautiful Cala Marçal (10 min walk) — a wide sandy beach with shallow water, sunbed rental, and restaurants. Ideal for families.

What makes Porto Colom special is the atmosphere: Here, locals sit on the pier in the evening, children play on the harbor promenade, fishermen mend their nets, and in the restaurants, what was caught in the morning is served. No hustle and bustle, no tourist shops — just Mallorca as it once was.

The old lighthouse (Faro de Portocolom, 1861) at the harbor entrance is a nice walk (about 20 min from the harbor) with views over the entire bay and the coast.