Porto Cristo combines a sheltered natural harbour with a bay open to the southeast, a sandy beach and striking caves. Throughout history, the former fishing harbour served as a refuge for many seafarers. The town’s history includes the remains of an early Christian baptismal font, as well as buildings from the 16th and 19th centuries.
Harbour, Bay and Beach
Porto Cristo is Manacor’s natural harbour. Alongside the sandy beach are both a fishing harbour and a marina. The beach measures 300 metres long and 30 metres wide; these measurements may vary depending on the condition of the coastline. The bay and the two harbours are therefore an integral part of the town’s coastal landscape.
The small bay opens to the southeast and appears almost enclosed on one side by the large rock Es Morro de sa Carabassa. A lighthouse, built in 1851, stands at its end. Cala Petita is also near the destination and can only be reached on foot. As path conditions can change, check them before setting out.
Promenade and Coastal Paths
A tree-lined promenade runs along the beach and invites visitors to take a stroll. The Passeig de la Sirena runs along carrer Bordils, directly opposite the sea and Porto Cristo beach. In summer, it serves as a venue for markets, celebrations and concerts; if you plan to attend a specific event, check the dates.
Near the seaport, trips on local Golondrina motorboats may be an option. For a specific trip, check the current timetable. A coastal route through Manacor, described in 2020, also starts in Porto Cristo. Check its current status before using it for navigation.
Two Cave Experiences
The Cuevas del Drach and the Cuevas dels Hams offer different geological highlights. The Cuevas del Drach feature a 1,700-metre cave route with large, irregularly shaped stalagmites and numerous slender stalactites. The Cuevas dels Hams are known for their hook-shaped formations: “Hams” means hooks in Mallorcan. The Cuevas dels Hams are also associated with a music show at the underground lake Mar de Venecia. If you are planning a visit, check the current arrangements and performance details.
The Coves Blanques are also at the end of the beach promenade, at sea level. They were inhabited until the mid-19th century; fishermen were already staying there in the early years of the 19th century. This history differs from a visit to the large cave systems and adds another historical dimension to the coast.
History by the Sea
Porto Cristo is home to 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 on plaça del Carme; the first church dedicated to this title was built between 10 May and early July 1890. Together with the lighthouse from 1851, these buildings represent different stages in the town’s history, though they do not all date from the same historical period.
Manacor as a Destination in Its Own Right
Manacor itself also has attractions of its own. The 29-kilometre VĂa Verde Manacor-ArtĂ follows the route of a former railway that connected Manacor and ArtĂ . It starts in Manacor and is suitable for hikers and cyclists of all ability levels. Those interested in architecture will find the church of Nostra Senyora dels Dolors in Manacor, a single-nave, Neo-Gothic basilica with chapels between the buttresses.
Discover more destinations: Cales De Mallorca, Cala Morlanda, Son MaciĂ , Cala Murada, Cala Romantica
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