Situated on the eastern coast of Mallorca, Porto Cristo is a quaint fishing town and tourist resort that offers a quieter experience of the Spanish island than other top destinations. The small village was one of the first tourist hotspots in Spain, but has since been surpassed by other resorts like Cala Millor. However, it still retains much of its charm and is perfect for travellers looking for a sunny getaway without large crowds.
In this article, we discuss the best things to do in Porto Cristo that will make your visit exceptional. We highlight the top attractions in Porto Cristo and tell you how to best visit them. So if you’ve been thinking about jetting off to this charming resort in Mallorca but aren’t sure what to do in Porto Cristo, read on to discover all the wonderful things you can do on your visit.
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Though it is much smaller than other Spanish holiday destinations, Porto Cristo still has a wealth of tourist attractions which make it an excellent choice for a holiday. Whether you want to delve into the ancient caves or explore the beautiful town and aquarium, you will find an activity in Porto Cristo that suits your style.
Below, we highlight some of our recommendations for places to visit in Porto Cristo that are certain to be the highlight of your trip.
One of the best things to do in Porto Cristo is visiting the iconic caves. The main caves which attract countless tourists to Porto Cristo are the Cuevas del Drach or Dragon Caves. These immaculate limestone caves are millions of years old and feature rock formations and even an underground lake, making them one of the best places to visit in Porto Cristo.
The caves get their name from the stalagmites and stalactites which resemble dragons’ teeth and create a sense of wonder as you enter into the deep caverns. The caves have had lights installed in modern times which improves visibility and creates a dramatic atmosphere that is perfect for subterranean exploration.
One of the standout features of the Dragon Caves is Lake Martel, a picturesque underground lake which is thought to be one of the largest in the world. The acoustics in the underground chamber are perfect and as such, classical concerts are performed for visitors at no extra cost to make use of this unique feature. It adds so much charm to the caves and is a splendid way to spend a day in Porto Cristo.
The best way to visit the Porto Cristo caves is via a guided tour as you can gain more context about the local geology from your knowledgeable guide. The caves are located just outside of Porto Cristo and can be reached via taxi or public transport.
There is a bus stop located right next to the ticket office for the caves which makes it very accessible. It is worth noting that while efforts have been made to ensure the safety of visitors, you should take care when traversing the caverns and be sure to wear comfortable footwear as the floors can be slippery and uneven.
Located near the Dragon Caves is the Porto Cristo Aquarium which is one of the best things to do for families visiting the town. It is smaller than other aquariums so you can see it all within an hour or two. We suggest you pair it with a trip to the caves for an educational experience.
The aquarium features a variety of fish species from all over the world, some from as far as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The highlights of the aquarium include the piranha and eclectic eel tanks which allow you to see these eerie animals up close.
The aquarium is by no means extensive, but is a fun activity for anyone visiting Porto Cristo. If you are wanting a more robust aquarium experience, consider taking a day trip to Palma Aquarium in Palma de Mallorca which is just an hour away and has an excellent selection of marine species.
One of the most impressive features of Porto Cristo is its serene beach with inviting turquoise waters. The hallmark of any Majorca holiday is spending time lapping up the sun and relaxing in the soothing waves. In this section, we will tell you everything you need to know about Porto Cristo Beach and give recommendations for other beaches in the area that you should consider visiting.
Porto Cristo’s beach is celebrated for its idyllic setting and golden sands. The sheltered cove stretches along for 300 metres and is surrounded by cliffs and greenery which makes it a beautiful place in Porto Cristo to relax and enjoy the tranquil ambience. It is by no means the largest beach on the island, but is a great place for visitors who want to spend time relaxing by the waves.
The beach has a variety of amenities which makes it a great place to spend your Porto Cristo holiday. It is very close to the port, so there are plenty of local eateries where you can grab lunch. The beach also includes wooden parasols which will protect you from the sun and you will find operators providing diving trips into the nooks and crannies of the eastern coast.
While Porto Cristo Beach is breathtaking, it can get crowded, especially in the peak summer months. There are other beaches nearby like Cala Petita, which is a small serene cove but lacks any facilities. Thankfully there are a variety of boat trips available which can take you to other beaches on the island like Cala Anguila, Cala Mendia and Cala Romantica.
On a boat trip, you can enjoy a guided tour of the stunning east coast before stopping off at your desired destination. The duration of these trips can last anywhere from half a day to a full day, giving you plenty of time for beach exploration and fun in the sun. You can even hire a private yacht to take you to popular beaches for a more intimate experience, which is perfect for couples visiting Porto Cristo.
While boat trips are offered by a variety of operators, some of them cease their activities in off-peak months. Boat trips are also heavily weather dependent and adverse conditions could affect your plans. Be sure to check the local weather forecast before embarking on a boat trip from Porto Cristo as you don’t want to risk your plans being spoiled.
One of the best things to do in Porto Cristo is to explore the ancient ruins and historical sites that can be found in and around the town. There are burial sites just outside Porto Cristo which are an excellent place to visit for travellers who enjoy soaking up the past. Likewise, the port has an astonishing watchtower that is a historical landmark of Porto Cristo and is an absolute must-do when visiting.
One of the most striking landmarks of Porto Cristo is the Torre des Falcons watchtower which resides on a cliff top at the southern end of the town. It was originally built in 1577 and functioned as a defence mechanism, as the island was suffering from pirate attacks at the time. It was badly damaged during the Spanish Civil War, but has since been restored and stands as a symbol of Porto Cristo.
The tower itself is not open to the public, so visitors will only be able to admire it from the outside. Due to its hilltop location, it’s an excellent place to visit in Porto Cristo for panoramic views of the town and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a great place to soak up the natural beauty and take scenic photos which capture the charm of Porto Cristo.
Within the town lies the picturesque church dedicated to Mare de Deu del Carme, the patron saint of seafarers. It’s a great place to visit in Porto Cristo as the architecture is exquisite and offers insights into local religious practices. It’s rather small, so it is easily visited while exploring the town proper.
The church is situated at Plaça del Carme in Porto Cristo and was constructed in 1890, but has since undergone periods of expansion as it was too small to suit the needs of the community. The church stands out from other buildings thanks to its gleaming white walls which radiate under the Mediterranean sun. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Porto Cristo and the centre for religious festivals in the town.
Mallorca is celebrated for its spirited nightlife and delicious food and Porto Cristo is no exception. There are a variety of restaurants in Porto Cristo that offer local delicacies and fresh seafood which will tantalise your tastebuds. There are also several bars in the town where you can enjoy an evening drink, but the atmosphere is much more relaxed compared to other resorts in Mallorca.
As it is a coastal town, the main culinary offering of Porto Cristo revolves around seafood. There are plenty of restaurants in Porto Cristo where you can enjoy delights like paella (a rice dish with seafood and other ingredients), caldereta de langosta (lobster stew), and pescado a la mallorquina (Mallorcan-style fish). We also suggest you pair your meals with local wines as Mallorca produces an incredible variety of red, white and rose.
Another significant element of Spanish cuisine is tapas and you will find a variety of tapas bars in Porto Cristo. Some are more traditional whereas others are more creative and make efforts to cater to the pallets of visiting tourists. If you are eager to enjoy tapas in Porto Cristo, be sure to try dishes like albondigas (meatballs), patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce) and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp).
Compared to other resorts in Mallorca, Porto Cristo’s nightlife is much more laid back. It picks up during the summer but is overall much calmer, making it a great place to visit for families or travellers seeking a peaceful break.
Porto Cristo has many restaurants and bars which offer outdoor seating which allows visitors to enjoy the warm evenings and drink in a splendid setting. Porto Cristo hotels are often a top place for nightlife seekers as they host their own events and have exceptional bars which are great places to spend an evening.
One of the best bars in Porto Cristo is Twist, which offers patrons a sumptuous menu alongside a charming terrace which is perfect for a relaxed evening. If you are looking for a more animated nightlife offering, you may want to consider getting a 15-minute taxi to Cala Millor. It is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Mallorca and features a variety of pubs and bars which provide a lively atmosphere for an evening in the town.
Though the nightlife in Porto Cristo pales in comparison, its quaint charms and relaxed atmosphere make it a great place to visit in Mallorca. With other top destinations just a short drive away, you can still enjoy parties and raucous events before returning to the humble fishing village.
Porto Cristo is a quiet town that is perfect for all sorts of travellers looking for beachside bliss. There are a variety of things to do in Porto Cristo which will make your trip one to remember, like the fascinating dragon caves and hilltop watch tower. The beach is a serene spot that enjoys less crowds than other destinations and the shallow waters make it a great place for families.
The food in Porto Cristo is excellent, with traditional Spanish dishes served alongside international cuisines. Likewise, the nightlife is much more relaxed making it a great place to visit in Spain for those who want to avoid tourist crowds and late-night party-goers.
Thinking about heading off to Spain on holiday? Check out our other posts like What to Do in Seville for 3 Days and The Best Things to Do in Barcelona With Family for more great travel advice.
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