Cala Ratjada

Cala Ratjada sits at the island's far northeastern tip — the closest point on Mallorca to Menorca, which you can see across the water on a clear day. It is a former fishing village turned lively coastal resort, wrapped around the Capdepera headland, with a working harbour, a string of excellent beaches, and a more energetic, sociable atmosphere than the quiet north or the exclusive southwest.

This is the corner of the island for the traveller who wants beaches and activity over seclusion. The coastline here is some of the best in the northeast — a mix of accessible town beaches and wild, protected coves a short drive or hike away — and the resort has the restaurants, the marina and, yes, the nightlife to match. It is less polished than Port d'Andratx but more alive, and for the right guest that is exactly the appeal.

The beaches

The jewels are just outside town. Cala Agulla and Cala Mesquida — the latter backed by one of the island's great dune systems — are wide, white-sand, turquoise-water beaches set in protected nature reserves, among the most beautiful in the northeast and gloriously undeveloped. Closer in, the town's own beaches and the harbour give easy swimming and the full range of water sports. A boat trip along this coast — the coves, the clear water, the run toward Menorca — is the thing to do from here.

What to do

Above the neighbouring town of Capdepera stands the Castell de Capdepera, a remarkably well-preserved fourteenth-century fortress with sweeping views — the area's great historic set-piece. The wild Llevant coast makes this prime territory for hiking, trail-running and cycling (a well-known trail links Cala Ratjada, Artà and Canyamel), and the surrounding hills hold four golf courses within easy reach. From the harbour, catamaran cruises, dolphin trips and the day-ferry to Menorca all set out.

Where to stay

Cala Ratjada offers a range from lively town hotels to the more refined country and coastal properties in the surrounding hills. For the discerning guest, the move is usually away from the busy centre — a private villa or a country-house hotel in the quieter hinterland toward Artà and Canyamel, with the beaches and the harbour a short drive. That gives you the northeast's wonderful coast and activity by day and calm seclusion at night. We steer guests to the right side of that balance.

Where to eat

The harbour and town are lined with Mediterranean and seafood restaurants — relaxed, generous, and best where the fish comes straight off the boats. The more ambitious dining is at the country and coastal hotels nearby, and the neighbouring resort of Canyamel adds its own refined options. As everywhere, the better tables want booking in the busy months.

When to come

Late spring through September is the season — the beaches and boat trips at their best, the water warm, the resort lively. The shoulder months are ideal for the hiking and cycling the Llevant coast is known for, with the wild beaches near-empty. Come for the beaches and the activity, base in the quieter hills around the town, and you have the liveliest, most beach-rich corner of the island at your door.