Discover the best things to do in Capdepera, Mallorca.
This little area at the East end of the island offers some great landscapes and attractions: Capdepera castle, beaches, lighthouse, cave and more.
Don’t miss it!
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Mallorca:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Mallorca: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: dolphin watching from Alcudia
My favorite excursion from Palma: Port de Soller and Valldemossa
My favorite places to stay:
- Palma de Mallorca: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Posada Terra Santa
- Port d’Alcudia: see best rated hotels – e.g. Bonavida apartments
- Cala d’or: see best rated hotels – e.g. Casa Ceiba Maria
- In a Finca in the heart of the island – I suggest Finca Cas Sant
Why visit Capdepera in Mallorca? Top things to do in Capdepera
Is Capdepera worth a visit?
Absolutely.
Capdepera is a lot less known than other towns such as Palma or Alcudia. Yet, the area is stunning and has a lot to offer.
It is worth the drive to the Eastern tip of the island.
Consider including it in your itinerary!
Best things to do in Capdepera
I will introduce all the best places in more details in this article, but here is a top level list of the best things to do in Capdepera:
- Visit Castell de Capdepera, the castle
- Enjoy the views at the Capdepera lighthouse
- Relax at Cala Agulla
- Visit Arta Cave, just 15min away
- Discover the archaeological site of Ses Paisses, in Arta just 10min away
Brief history of Capdepera
Capdepera was created in 1300 following the Capdepera treaty.
It was first a way to gather the population in the area and it grew as a fishing village.
The fortifications were a way to protect the inhabitants from the pirates.
Later, people moved out of the castle but it was revived as a military strategic fort in the 18th century.
And in the middle of the 19th century, it became a seaside resort.
More photos and things to do in Capdepera after the planning tips.
Planning Tips & Map – Capdepera, Mallorca
Where is Capdepera located? Map
- On the East side of Mallorca, in the middle
- Palma de Mallorca to Capdepera = 1h10 drive
- Alcudia to Capdepera = 55min drive
- At the end of Road Ma-15
- Below is a map to help you get oriented:
All locations listed in this article are included in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Mallorca road trip:
Plan your dream trip in Mallorca thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 140+ pre-selected locations
- GPS + tips to make the most of your time
- Planning tips
- 270+ original photos to help you choose
How to get to Capdepera
- Your best option is to rent a car and drive to Capdepera
- You can visit the town by bus, but exploring the region will not be possible by public transportation
- I have not found any organized tours
Need to rent a car in Mallorca?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t choose a car too large, since some roads are very narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Capdepera Parking
Parking options in Capdepera is limited.
There is some side road parking and a couple of small carparks.
You best bet is to visit earlier in the day to find a spot more easily.
Visit Tips
- Some good restaurants in town with tapas
- Steep walk up to the castle
- If you are not staying around Capdepera, combine the castle tour with Arta Caves and one of the beaches in the area as a day trip.
- Plan 1 to 2 hours to visit the castle (depending on how much you read in the museum)
- There is a medieval fair on the 3rd weekend of May
- On 18th December, there is also an event dedicated to La Esperenza, protector of Capdepera
Accommodations and Cala Ratjada
- Capdepera is the inland town around the castle and Cala Ratjada is the seaside part of town with a harbor.
- If you want to stay in the area, check out the best rated accommodations in Capdepera
- The main seaside town is Cala Ratjada – check out best rated accommodations
- But just 15min away from town, you can find Canyamel, a charming seaside area which I enjoyed a lot – see best rated accommodations in Canyamel
Where to stay in Mallorca?
My favorites:
- Choice of restaurants + main town: see best-rated options in Palma
- Beach + practical location to explore: see best-rated options in Port d’Alcudia
- Party area – see best-rated options in S’Arenal
- Quiet in the mountains – see best-rated options in Valldemossa
- Quiet, charming seaside place – see best-rated options in Canyamel
- Access to the best calas – see best-rated options in Cala d’or
- Families – see best-rated options in Cala Millor or in Colonia Sant Jordi
#1 – Climb to the Capdepera castle
First thing, first.
The carparks are located in town, so lower than the castle.
You have to climb stairs for 5 minutes to reach the castle.
Several ways are possible, with charming old stone houses and beautiful plants.
#2 – Visit Castell de Capdepera – main attraction
The main attraction of Capdepera is, of course, the castle.
It is one of the largest on the island (8000 m2). Located on a hill (159m high) it offers stunning views of the region.
Capdepera Castle Map
Below is the map of the castle with
- The trapeze fortification and the gates “Torres”
- The Governor’s house (#7)
- The lookout historical tower Torre Migual Nunis (#8)
- The church (#1)
Capdepera Castle Entrance
You arrive first next to Torre Boira where the entrance is located.
The castle is open 10 am to 7pm for a small fee (to 5pm in Winter).
Find out the last information on the official website.
Fortifications
The fortification all around the castle town are in very good shape.
You can see appreciate the walls, the protective towers, and the houses were people used to live, protected from the pirates.
The East and South sides, were the easiest ones to attacks, therefore you can see several towers built to protect the castle. They are made of sandstones.
During the 14th century there were up to 70 hours and 200 inhabitants.
Governor’s House / Museum
As you walk uphill, your next stop is the Governor’s House.
From the 17th century, the population started settling outside the fortification walls.
In the 18 century, the Bourbon dynasty led a political and military restructuring. And a group of soldiers, called the dragoons, settled at the castle, commanded by a governor. They were here to protect the coast.
They left the castle in 1856
Today, you can enter the house where you will find a small museum with artefacts from the area and lots of explanation about the island and its towers. And there is also a miniature version of the castle worth checking out.
Tower
Once out of the Governor house, you can keep climbing to reach a tower in the middle of the castle.
This is the Miguel Nuis Tower.
It was erected before the castle on top of the hill.
This defence tower date back to the Islamic area, between 10th and 12th century.
The Church
And behind the tower, you can find a church.
You can first enter it at ground level.
And then you can pass the water tank, climb on top of it, enjoy the stunning views and to ring the bell!
The church terraces were one of my favorite part of the visit. And I saw kids having a lot of fun ringing the bell!
The Eglesia de Esperenza, was built over 3 phases: Gothic style in the 14th century, getting larger in the 16th century, and adding baroque-style chapels during the 18th century.
Views from the Capdepera Castle
As you walk all around the castle, you can enjoy stunning views over the town and towards the Minorca channel.
The sea is not far, and the location on top of a hill offers views in many directions.
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
#3 – Relax in Capdepera town
Don’t forget to walk around in the city center, you will get glimpses of the castle here and there.
There is a very enjoyable main square (Plaza de Orient) with restaurants. It is a nice place to enjoy lunch.
#4 – Lighthouse – Far de Capdepera
My second favorite attractions around Capdepera is the lighthouse.
Capdepera has one of the best lighthouses on the island.
Located on Punta de Capdepera, the lighthouse started in 1861 and its light is at 76m (250ft) above sea level.
First the lighthouse can be admired from quite close (although not visited).
And then, you can appreciate its location on a rocky headland with coves.
It is possible to hike around on the rocks, go down, opposite the lighthouse for great perspectives and sea views.
I had a lot of fun exploring the area and enjoying the scenery for 20 minutes.
#5 to #8 – Capdepera beaches around Cala Ratjada
If you are looking to relax and cool down, Capdepera also has some beaches close to town.
Some small, some large…
#5 – Cala Gat
Cala Gat is my favorite but it is quite small and parking can be difficult.
It is a small charming cove with clear water and rocks, making it a good snorkeling spot.
#6 – Cala Agulla
Cala Agulla is completely different.
This is a large sandy beach with a huge carpark (5 euros for the day).
This is not my type of beaches as I find it less scenic, but to lay down or have fun in the water it is a great option.
However, I did enjoy walking further from the water, behind the beautiful trees.
#7 – Cala Molto
From Cala Agulla, you can walk for 5 minutes towards the North to reach the rocky bay of Cala Molto.
There are not signs at all though!
It is a 5min walk.
Facing the water, head for the buildings to the left. After the bridge, walk to the white house, there is a path on the left. Follow it.
#8 – Cala Moll
Cala Agulla is located on the North side of the headland.
While Cala Moll is located on the South side of the headland.
It is the largest beach of Cala Ratjada, the seaside town of Capdepera. It is 150m long and sandy.
Plan your trip to Mallorca:
#9 to 15 – other attractions close to Capdepera
And within a short drive from Capdepera, you can find a wide variety of attractions to enjoy.
Below are a few of my favorite:
#9 – Arta Caves (Coves d’Arta)
The Arta Caves (Coves d’Arta) were my absolute favorite of all the caves in Mallorca (see my ranking list). They were rediscovered only in the 19th century.
They are not the best for photography, but the visit brought me to tears.
I visited it last, so I was worried about getting bored, but on the contrary, I had a blast!
I especially loved:
- The impressive entrance in the sea cliff facing the water,
- The impressive size of the columns and stalagmites,
- The quantity of columns,
- The nice size of the group, not too big,
- The music experience. Exactly what I was hoping (as I was disappointed in the other caves… no details, I am not spoiling the surprise for you!).
Just know that because of its situation, the cave has been inhabited a long time, and there are a lot of dark colors compared to other caves, because of that.
#10 – Torrent de Canyamel (and beach)
For something different, head to Canyamel near the Arta Caves.
The charming bay has a long sandy beach and also, a lagoon wetland!
#11 – Cala Mesquida
Cala Mesquida is the most famous beach in the area, and one of the best on the island.
It is a long stretch of fine sand (350m) with sand dunes at the back.
Contrary to many calas, the wind can be strong here and create onshore waves.
A whole resort town has developed around it, but does not bother once on the beach.
The area is very popular. Parking can be impossible in the afternoon.
#12 – Arta Sanctuary San Salvador
10min drive inland from Capdepera is where you can find the town of Arta.
Its main attractions is the Sanctuary.
Located on top a 182m (597ft) high hill, the Arta Sanctuary is mostly interesting for the 360° views of the region.
The well-restored walls surround an oval area with the sanctuary, a house and the cistern from the 17th century.
The current church dates back to 1832 as the 13th century one was burnt down following the bubonic plague.
#13 – Ses Paisses archaeological site
However, my favorite attractions in Arta is the archaeological site.
Ses Paisses is a Bronze Age Talayotic settlement and one of the best preserved on the island.
Its most interesting feature is the surrounding wall with the main entrance. The size and set up of the rocks is fascinating.
Inside, the visitor can discover the typical structure of houses around a central tower.
2 Euros
Open 10am to 5pm (to 2pm on Sat and closed on Sun)
Plan 30min to 1h depending on your level of interest.
#14 – Talayot S’Heretat
Another archaeological site between Capdepera and Canyamel.
Its central structure, “el Claper del Gegants” dates back over 3000 years.
#15 – Capdepera golf
And, of course, Mallorca is a great destination for golf players. Capdepera has its own golf: visit website.
Want to see more of Mallorca?
- 40 most beautiful landscapes in Mallorca (with pictures) – read article
- 7 Best Mallorca caves – read article
- 10 best calas in Mallorca (coves) – read article
- 12 Mallorca hidden gems, off the beaten path – read article
- 21 most beautiful views in Mallorca – read article
- Mallorca travel tips – read article
- Driving in Mallorca – read article
Planning a trip to Mallorca?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your trip to Mallorca:
And keep track of your own trip!
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