General Overview
The East encompasses the southern part of Alcudia Bay down to Manacor and Portocristo. The area has a diverse mix of rolling green mountains, remote beaches, ancient towns, caves and lively resorts (which we don’t cover here!). For those wishing to explore the outdoors, the Serra de Llevant is greener and gentler than the Tramuntana range but still has lots of hiking opportunities. This corner of the island is also popular with golfers with five courses in the vicinity.
Towns and Villages
The ancient town of Arta sits against the dramatic backdrop of the rolling Serres de Llevant mountains. The town is a maze of steep alleys and streets that lead up to the hill top chapel of Santuari de Sant Salvador. It’s worth the climb up for the panoramic views of the east and its gentle mountain range.
Colonia de Sant Pere is a low key, laid back resort on the south side of the Alcudia Bay. The resort is sandwiched between the sea and the Serres de Llevent mountains and offers a sandy beach, a harbour and a few eateries on the waterfront.
Capdepera is a pretty ancient town dominated by a medieval fortress. A walk along its walls is a popular past time with amazing views over the east coast.
Manacor is the second largest town on the island (after Palma). It’s an industrial town so doesn’t have the charm of other places, but if you’re looking for furniture or pearls this is the place to visit.
Favourite Beaches
Calas Torta Mitjana and Estreta are secluded sandy beaches at the end of a very bumpy track through the Serres de Llevant. Backed by dunes and mountains they have an unspoilt feel and are less populated because of their location.
Cala Mesquida and Cala Agulla are more accessible but still maintain an unspoilt air. The water here is crystal clear.
Other Places of Interest
The east coast is dotted with numerous caves, however the best can be found at the Coves d’Arta, located on the coast about 5km southeast of Arta. The entrance is quite dramatic, with a long staircase leading into a gigantic hole that is the start of a cave system 450m in depth. An English speaking guide is available to highlight all the interests including chambers of stalagmites and stalactites. Other caves are the Coves dels Hams and Coves del Drac
Just 1 km from Arta is Ses Paisses, one of Mallorca’s two prehistoric talayotic village. Ruins here date back as far as 1300-1000BC.
Ermita de Betlem is a hermitage and tiny church that nestles at the top of the Serres de Llevant mountain range. It’s quite popular with local hikers and offers speculator views of Alcudia Bay.