Cala Varques

Cala Varques is located 12 kilometers from the Levante municipality of Porto Cristo. This beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, still unspoiled and virgin, perfect for escaping the maritime traffic and mass tourism that characterize popular Mallorca. It is the result of a rectangular-shaped sea inlet, whose natural breakwaters are of little height and are crowned by pine trees and low cliffs. The east coast is divided into two paradisiacal and tranquil beaches of small size, which go to form two coves, separated by a hectometer and a half of prickly rocks.

The western cove is smaller in size than its neighbor. The fine, white sand is surrounded by a rocky amphitheater, from the top of which it is possible to observe the outlet of the stream that originated it. In contrast, the eastern cove is characterized by an extensive and magnificent pine forest that invades the beach, and by a real rocky spectacle: it is possible to admire a natural arch and visit an immense cave.

The best option for accessing it is by sea. Underwater conditions are suitable for anchoring boats, exceeding six meters depth at 200 meters from the shore on sandy bottom covered with crystal clear water. At 3.6 nautical miles is the nearest marina, the Port of Porto Cristo. Arrival by land is more difficult than by sea, an inconvenience that explains the low turnout of bathers, most of whom are residents. Small but important caveat: nudism is practiced even though it is prohibited.

In addition, in this cove with crystal-clear waters, there are several caves and underwater tunnels that are very popular with speleologists, totaling almost 500 meters, in which bathing is also possible. The cove is also known because for the past few years it has been visited by cows from a nearby farm, an element that animates the interest and curiosity of tourists its visitors.

Cala Varques is located in the municipal area of Manacor, on the east coast of the island. Its heterogeneous landscape is characterized by a high coastline, numerous coves, but especially for the mysterious sea caves: among the best known are the caves of Hams and Drac. Inland, on the other hand, lies the Serres de Llevant mountain range, divided into two sections by a plain. In these flat areas, plantations such as wild olive and pine trees, typical trees of the island of Majorca, prevail.

Traditional activities, jewelry making (manufacture and sale of imitation pearls), carpentry, intensive agriculture, and fishing, have since 1970 joined the dominant occupations of furniture industry (manufacture and marketing of furniture and building equipment), tourism, and other commercial activities on the island.

The cultural richness of this municipality is surprising; you can learn about it by walking through its no less than 101 archaeological sites. Strongly recommended is a visit to the Talayotic village s’Hospitalet Vell, to learn about the history of protohistoric Majorcan and Minorcan civilizations. Other recommended sites include the s’Homonet cave, the early Christian basilica of Son Peretó and the Convent of St. Vincent Ferrer.

Manacor is known worldwide thanks to the tennis player Rafael Nadal, and this municipality is also famous for its equine and horsemanship tradition: their horses and trotting competitions that take place every year at the Municipal Hippodrome are famous.