Property GuideCalvia

Calvia – ancient town and modern administrative centre

Around 7km above the bustling resort of Palma Nova, lies the town of Calvia. But both in culture and ambiance the two towns could be a million miles apart.

Calvia is both an historic Mallorcan town and a municipality (administrative area). In fact the municipality of Calvia in Mallorca's south west is the most popular area for buyers of property on the island.

The town of Calvia benefits from an outstanding geographical location. Nestling cosily in the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains, the town is in easy reach of many of Mallorca's popular resorts such as Portals Nous, Santa Ponsa, Peguera, Camp de Mar and Puerto Andratx.

Calvia can simply be described as a traditional old Mallorcan town; delightful ochre coloured houses lying amongst almond and carob trees. However, the small town has more of a village feel to it - fairly sleepy most of the time, but brought to life every Monday morning by the Calvia open-air market.

A little history

If you are in any way interested in Mallorcan history, you will love Calvia - it has it in spades.

Originally settled as far back as 2000 BCE, Calvia has always been centred around agriculture. From the 13th century onwards, local landowners have farmed this sometimes dry and arid land, irrigation being an important resource.

The first signs of modern tourism really began in Calvia in the mid 19^th century. In those days, adventurers, writers and artists would flock to Calvia and its environs, inspired by the region's beauty and gentle way of life.

Calvia's major attractions

It would be difficult to find a less touristy town than Calvia. So it's a little ironic that the huge town hall that oversees the day-to-day running of this important municipality, as well as the modern sports centre, were paid for by profits from the tourist industry.

Apart from the Monday market, you won't spot many tourists here, apart from those venturing up the hill to the town to eat at one of the town's fine restaurants.

However, Calvia town has for many years been a popular destination for those wishing to buy a Mallorcan property far from the madding crowd. (But not too far as some of Mallorca's liveliest tourist resorts are just a short distance away!)

As mentioned earlier, one of the major draws of Calvia town is the sheer feeling of history about the place. Many buildings date back to the 17th century, and there is also an ancient Roman villa dating even further back in time.

The town's star attraction is undoubtedly Sant Joan Baptisa, Calvia's imposing Gothic church originally dating back to the 13th century. There is a carving of the Garden of Gethsemane above the main door. The square just outside the church features an attractive mural showing Mallorca's history.

But it's not all just ancient history and splendid architecture that gives Calvia its reputation as a place to visit or own a second home, there are some excellent cafes and restaurants here too. One 'must do' has to be Meson Ca'n Torrat, an exquisite traditional family-run Mallorcan restaurant. The meat and fish dishes here are to die for!

Around Calvia

Calvia's location in the south west of Mallorca means that it is a good base for exploring some of Mallorca's many attractions. Not far from the town lie some of the Island's major coastal resorts. Santa Ponsa, Peguera, Magaluf and Puerto Portals are all nearby, and also all within the Calvia administration district.

It should be noted here that many of the stunning beaches near to Calvia proudly fly the Blue Flag awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education, so you know you're going to have a good beach experience.

There are also several major theme parks nearby, all offering hours of family friendly fun. There is the Katmandu Theme Park for example, often regarded as the finest on the island. Look out for the spectacular 'upside-down house' as well as a splendid waterpark.

Western Waterpark is a must too. Here you can spend a fun-filled day enjoying attractions such as water rapids, a wave pool, and a huge water slide.

And then right on Calvia town's doorstep is Marineland, where you can witness performing dolphins and seals and much more besides.

But that's not all. Calvia also provides easy access to the stunning mountain range that is the Tramuntana.  Here you can choose from a wide selection of hiking trails as well as some of the best cycling routes in Mallorca.

At Balearic Properties we would be delighted to help you find your dream home for sale in Mallorca. If you would like any information or advice please feel free to contact one of our friendly, helpful property professionals. Or simply give us a call on +34 971 53 22 21

Calvia is known for two things. First of all, the municipality of Calvia is one of the most sought after places in the whole of Mallorca to own a property. Secondly, the administration centre of the region is the lovely little town of Calvia itself, situated just a few miles inland from the coast.

Calvia dates back to 1249. It’s a lovely, sleepy old town surrounded by pine-clad hills and accommodating a modern town hall and sports stadium. The heart of Calvia is the church of Sant Joan Baptista, originally dating back to the thirteenth century with the current edifice being constructed in the nineteenth century.

Golf lovers are in their element in Calvia. There are several fabulous golf courses; the Real Golf de Bendinat being amongst the best. This par-70, 18-hole course nestles in a beautiful wooded valley overlooking the sea. Calvia is blessed with a superb climate. The average temperature of 30ºC in summer and 14ºC in winter attracting people far and wide.

Being just 20 minutes away from Palma International Airport, it’s easy to see why Calvia is such a highly popular place to look for a house for sale in Mallorca.

Calvia is a perfect place to look for a house for sale in Mallorca, due to the beauty of the area and the proximity to the capital Palma. This delightful residential town is a popular haunt for homebuyers in the market for houses for sale in Calvia. Whatever type of home in Calvia that appeals to you, whether it’s a cosy apartment, a luxury villa, a converted townhouse or even a nearby rural finca, we at Balearic-properties.com/en can help you in your search for that dream house for sale in Calvia.