Cala Ratjada

Cala Ratjada sits at Mallorca's northeast tip, built around a working fishing harbour where the day's catch still comes in at dawn. The transfer from Palma Airport is one of the longest on the island — about 70 minutes — but the destination rewards with a string of pristine coves to the north and a slower, more traditional resort feel than the south.

Cala Agulla and Cala Mesquida are two of Mallorca's most photogenic beaches, both backed by sand dunes and pine forest, both a short drive or 30-minute walk from town. The Far de Capdepera lighthouse on the headland marks the closest point on Mallorca to Menorca; on a clear day you can see the neighbouring island. The Cap Vermell area, including Sa Font de Sa Cala and Canyamel, offers quieter calas for those who want to escape the main beach.

Cala Ratjada is one of the longest transfers from the airport. The public bus involves multiple changes through Manacor and Capdepera. A Janer-Bus private transfer goes direct, fixed price, with vehicles up to 16 seats — and your driver knows the local back roads through Artà if there's congestion on the Ma-15.