Cala Major: stroll around the King’s garden
Cala Major is a suburb of Palma that has it all – the summer residence of the Spanish King, an art museum of international standing, a beach for swimming, surfing, kitesurfing, sunbathing and relaxing…
Real Estate Mallorca – Cala Major
Fit for a king
Where on earth can you experience a stroll around the garden of a sitting king? Marivent Palace, the Majorcan holiday residence of King Felipe VI and his family, has beautiful gardens that are open to visitors – in part at any rate. Just stride through the mighty gateway of the palace and into the royal gardens, Jardins de Marivent. Here, you can feast your eyes on the palms, giant strelitzia (with their bird of paradise flowers), bougainvilleas and roses, sauntering through pergolas and cypress avenues while listening to the rippling of fountains.
Art in the gardens
These urban gardens also contain art for you to enjoy. Bronze sculptures by Catalan painter and sculptor Joan Miró give the grounds their special atmosphere. The artist lived and worked in his adopted home of Majorca from 1956 until his death in 1983. The Jardins de Marivent are open all year round, closing only over Easter and while the Royal Family from Madrid are staying there for their summer holiday. Admission is free.
Joan Miró museum
If you just can’t get enough of Miró, carry on a few steps further, albeit uphill. In a matter of moments, you’ll find yourself in front of the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró. This foundation showcases numerous paintings, drawings and sculptures by Miró. Not only that, but here you can also visit his studio. Easels, paintbrushes and paints are all still sitting there – as if the maestro had only just left the room and would be back at any moment. A bit beyond this building lies Son Boter, an 18th century manor house to which Miró frequently retreated.
Beach recreation
Cala Major has a sandy beach just waiting for you, 200 metres long and 80 metres wide. There are beach bars…you can rent equipment for surfing or stand-up paddleboarding…everything is catered for. The water’s also perfect for taking a plunge because it’s mostly calm and this is a Blue Flag beach.
Who lives in Cala Major? The inhabitants are a diverse bunch – a mix of locals and residents of various nationalities who have bought a property here. Many Scandinavians and Germans have discovered this neighbourhood just four kilometres from Palma centre. It’s a very interesting location, with the sea and the lively Mediterranean metropolis of Palma right on the doorstep. You also have international schools close by.