Porto Cristo - quiet retreat (Porto Cristo)

Member Name: Bewitched

Product:	Porto Cristo
Date:	20/02/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quiet & relaxing, with more lively Cala Millor nearby

Disadvantages: Can be too quiet for some people - sometimes gets busy during the day with tourists from other resor

The resort of Porto Cristo is located in the area of Manacor - and is situated on the east coast of Majorca and is about 40 miles from the airport.

There are two interesting theories on how the resort got its name - which literally translates to Port of Christ. The first theory comes from 1260AD , a fishing boat carrying a crucifix was washed ashore here, and the 2nd theory is 2 oxen where carrying an icon of Christ through the town, they stopped here and refused to move any further, so the icon stayed and the town was renamed in its honour.
No matter whether they are true or not, many tourists like hearing the story from the locals or the holiday reps that like to tell it.

Unlike other areas of Majorca, the economy of Manacor is solely dependent upon the tourism. Porto Cristo is still a very typical fishing village - whilst Manacor has a long tradition with the manufacture of quality furniture and is also the centre of the pearl industry. These artificial pearls are produced in a special process that somehow combines glass with pulverised fish scales - resulting in being barekly distinguishable from the genuine article.

The focus of Porto Cristo is its natural harbour, which with its neighbouring resort of Porto Colom also - is one of the largest of the east coast. Over the years it has provided safe mooring for fishing boats aswell as leisure craft too.

Porto Cristo is a very quiet resort in the evenings, perfect if you want a quiet relaxing retreat to get away from it all - but still within easy reach of the more lively Cala Millor which is a shrot taxi ride away.

There are Caves of Drach & Caves of Hams (biggest tourist attractions on the island) nearby so during the day the resort can sometimes get a little busy with tour buses stopping off to allow tourists to have a look around.

Porto Cristo is popular with middle aged couples and the accomodation is quite modest and low key. There is a nice selection of bars, restaurants and cafes - and for those that are self catering, there are a few SPAR like shops nearby too - but they can get a little expensive, so the best advice would be to shop around.

All things considerd - Porto Cristo is more of a quiet family orientated resort - for those that dont require constant entertainment, but prefer leisurely walks around the town and the quayside.

Summary: A lovely quiet relaxing retreat for those enjoying leisurely strolls