A location of adequate mediocrity (Cala Bona)

Member Name: Plymyphil

Product:	Cala Bona
Date:	12/11/05 (1747 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quick to travel there, pleasant weather, good base for island exploration

Disadvantages: Developed for quantity of tourists - exists as a network of large hotels and related services

Cala Bona sits on the East Coast of Majorca. It is the most northerly of a triumvirate of similar but subtely different resorts. Immediately to the south of Cala Bona is Cala Millor, indeed the two resorts blend seemlessly together with the promenade joined and no gap between the large fairly non-descript hotels that impose themselves on the otherwise pleasane seaside views. (The only way of telling the two resorts apart rests on the presence of a fish motif on the pavement - the saying goes - "fish on the floor ... Cala Millor ... fish a gonna ... Cala Bona"). The most southerly of this triumvirate is Sa Coma - arguably the most suited to British holiday makers as both Cala Bona and Cala Millor are fairly evenly split as destinations between English and German holidaymakers.

The East Coast of Majorca has plenty to offer, especially for families with smaller children and older holiday makers. Younger adults without children may prefer the activity of Alcudia to the North or the notoriously party centred South West tip of the island around resorts such as Palma Nova and Magaluf.

The East Coast by contrast is quite quiet. Cala Bon and Cala Millor share a large and busy beach but they are the only resorts on the east coast developed to this extent. Nearby Porto Christo - home to the famous Cuevas de Drach (possibly the most stunning set of underground caves you would ever see) is a smaller resort but far prettier and well worth a visit.

So back to Cala Bona - what should the visitor expect?

Fairly large hotels clutter the seafront - they present a fairly impersonal concrete facade to what is an otherwise very welcoming resort. In an effort at keeping the seaside slightly less tacky most tourist shops and restaurants are located on block inland. This approach continues on into neighbouring resort, Cala Millor. Cala Bona itself has a pleasant bistro atmosphere around the jetty where boat trips around the coast to Porto Christo can be booked. The alternative way into Porto Christo is to takea bus (about 5 euros should see you there and back).

The resort itself is reasonably clean but disappointingly non-descript. It offers hotels - supporting services including a range of Bistros and a pleasant but not outstanding beach. The resort runs for about a mile along the coast and is about four or five blocks of hotels deep. That's it. Nothing more - nothing special. If you want a week of relaxation in the sun that's only a couple of hours flying time away then this makes for an ideal base. If you are prepared to hire a car and explore the island then again this resort may well be ideal. (Car hire should cost around 30 euros a day plus fuel.) However, if you like the entertainment to be in resort then you may be disappointed as most of the entertainment on Majorca is well away from this coastline.

Overall:
Sufficiently mediocre. Would I return? Yes, I think I would but only for the quick week of sun and happy to sit around the pool or in Bistros drinking cheap Sangria. If I wanted a holiday of experiencing new and vibrant places and a different culture I think I would consider elsewhere as this tourist trap cocoons all visitors from anything more Mallorcan than a plate of Paella. It depends what you want from a holiday - if the sun is the driving force and price is important then this could be your resort. If your quest is for a greater variety of entertainment and a taste of local life then you should look elsewhere.

Summary: Pleasantly mediocre and good value for money.