Majorca is a hugely popular holiday destination, with areas like Palma and Magaluf being well-known for their vibrant atmospheres. However, don’t dismiss the idea of visiting this island if you are looking for a scenic, tranquil retreat or a fun family holiday.
Cala d’Or (Golden Bay) on the south east coast of Majorca offers warm summer temperatures, beautiful beaches and picturesque scenery. Alongside this, Cala d’Or has a fantastic choice of restaurants and a rich history, which we want to share with you in Cala d’Or: exploring the history:
Early beginnings
Majorca was first inhabited in around 2000 BC by the Talayotic people who built earthen towers known as Talayots. Many of the stone structures that they constructed are still on the island to visit.
The Roman era
Majorca was used as a strategic base for the Romans and the area of Porto Pedro, just a few kilometres away from Cala d’Or, was a key place for settlement by the Romans. The Santueri Castle is located a short distance from Cala d’Or, where you can see some of the remaining Roman ruins on the island.
Medieval times
During Medieval times, Majorca was invaded on multiple occasions, with different reins of power. In the 10th century, the Moors invasion had a significant impact on the island, with their development of architecture and agriculture. This period had a large influence on the culture of Majorca and Cala d’Or, and there are many historic buildings remaining from this era.
Christian influence
The ruling of the Moors was ended in the 13th century by King James I of Aragon, helping to earn him the name of ‘James the Conqueror’. Following this landmark in history, the island began to be shaped by the Christian influence, with many religious buildings being built in this time.
The transformation of Cala d’Or
Up until this point, Cala d’Or had been a small fishing village but towards the end of the 20th century, the area was transformed into a modern town. Architect Josep Costa Ferrer designed the town drawing on Ibizan inspiration. This involved the construction of white-washed homes and developments around the beach area. The project crucially aimed to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of Cala d’Or while ensuring contemporary amenities were built to support the growing tourism industry.
1960s tourism
From around the 1960s and 1970s, Majorca emerged as a popular tourist destination for holidaymakers looking for a combination of warm weather, beaches and tourist activities. The town’s allure was largely due to the picturesque coves with clear waters, historic architecture and modern restaurants and hotels.
Today, Cala d’Or is one of the top Spanish destinations for travellers seeking a sunny coastal getaway with high-end restaurants and stunning coves. The historical charm of the town and exciting transformation it has undergone ensures it is the ideal location for every type of holiday. Whether you are looking for a getaway to explore the local culture, spend family days having fun at the beach, hiking or doing watersports, Cala d’Or has it all.
If you want to elevate your holiday with a luxury stay at a Spanish villa, Prestige Villas Spain has a great choice of villas in Cala d’Or to help you experience the majestic beauty of Majorca.