Among the towns worth visiting in eastern Mallorca is Capdepera, a town where history is still very much alive in its streets. Much of its landscape is dominated by the Castell de Capdepera, a medieval fortified complex located in the upper part of town and one of the top attractions in the municipality.
If you’re looking for things to see in Capdepera, the castle is a good place to start—but it’s not the only one. The historic center, the market, the local cuisine, and the proximity to the coast make it easy to plan a varied visit without traveling long distances. Plus, from Capdepera, you can easily explore various natural areas in this part of the island. At East Mallorca, we’ll tell you which places you can include on your itinerary.
Castell de Capdepera: History and Views of Eastern Mallorca
Located in the upper part of town, the Castell de Capdepera is one of the municipality’s best-known landmarks and forms part of the historical heritage of this area of Mallorca. From the castle grounds, you can take in much of the surrounding landscape, the Llevant coastline, and, on the clearest days, even the island of Menorca.
Its location is no accident either. The elevated position made it easier to protect the town from potential attacks from the sea and allowed for control over a large part of the territory.
History and Interesting Facts About Capdepera Castle
Although this area preserves vestiges from earlier periods, the origins of the fortified town date back to the early 14th century. In 1300, King Jaume II ordered the creation of a walled settlement where the population, which had been scattered throughout the surrounding area, could be concentrated.
Another important episode in local history is the Treaty of Capdepera, signed in 1231, decades before the construction of the current enclosure. This agreement between James I and the Muslim representatives of Menorca allowed the island to be brought under the Crown of Mallorca without the need for a military conquest.
Over the centuries, the population gradually abandoned the area inside the walls and spread out into the area that today forms the historic center of Capdepera. The enclosure subsequently served military purposes, and in 1983, the municipality regained ownership of it. It is currently protected as a Site of Cultural Interest and is open to visitors year-round.
Hours, Admission, and Access to Capdepera Castle
Before visiting Capdepera Castle, it’s a good idea to check how to get there, the admission price, and the hours, which vary depending on the time of year.
How to Get There
The castle is located in the upper part of Capdepera. It’s about a 700-meter walk from the town center, and the climb takes less than 20 minutes. The route passes through sloping streets and includes a few steps.
If you’re arriving by car, you can park in the designated areas in Capdepera and walk the last stretch. It’s also possible to take a bus to the town center from various towns in Mallorca and walk up to the fortress from there.
Admission Prices
General admission is €3 per person, while pre-arranged groups of 12 or more pay a rate of €2 per person.
Guided tours are also available by prior reservation. If you’d like to take one, it’s best to contact the Castell before visiting to check availability.
Hours
The Castell de Capdepera is open daily, with different hours depending on the season:
- October 1 through March 31: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Last admission at 4:30 p.m.
- April 1–30: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Last admission at 6:30 p.m.
- May 1 through September 30: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Last admission at 7:30 p.m.
The site is closed on December 25 and January 1. Before visiting, we recommend checking the official website of Capdepera Castle in case of any last-minute changes.
What to See During Your Visit to Capdepera Castle
Exploring the interior offers insight into how this ancient fortified settlement was organized and allows you to observe various elements that have shaped its history. The walls and defensive towers are among the complex’s most notable features.
It’s also worth visiting the Torre d’en Miquel Nunis, one of the oldest preserved structures within the complex, and the church located at the top. From the highest points, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Capdepera and the coastline of this part of Mallorca.
Another element linked to the town’s history is the “llata,” a traditional craft made from garballó palm fronds. For generations, this craft played an important role in the local economy and continues to be part of the cultural heritage of Capdepera, Mallorca.
What to See and Do in the Town of Capdepera
Beyond the Castell de Capdepera, it’s worth spending some time exploring the town center, which features narrow streets, traditional houses, and some of the characteristic sights found in the towns of eastern Mallorca. The town center lies at the foot of the castle, making it easy to combine both visits into a single tour.
One of its main gathering spots is Plaça de l’Orient, where you can stop by before or after climbing up to the castle. If you’re looking for things to do in Capdepera on a Wednesday, you can also check out the weekly market held in the morning. Its stalls offer a variety of products and give you a glimpse into the town’s everyday life as you stroll through the center.
Local Cuisine: What to Eat When Visiting Capdepera, Mallorca
Cuisine is another way to round out a visit to Capdepera. In the town’s bars and restaurants, you’ll find dishes and products tied to Mallorcan cuisine, which is traditionally based on simple ingredients and recipes passed down from generation to generation.
Among the island’s best-known products are cured meats such as sobrasada and camaiot, as well as dishes made with olive oil and other Mediterranean ingredients. Depending on the restaurant and the season, you can also find various specialties of Mallorcan cuisine.
To finish with something sweet, the ensaimada is one of Mallorca’s most famous pastries. You can also find traditional island drinks, such as Mallorcan herbal liqueurs or Palo de Mallorca, two common choices to enjoy after a meal.
Nature Near Capdepera and the Llevant Natural Park
A visit to Capdepera can also be combined with a day in nature. Its location allows you to explore various coastal areas and discover landscapes within the Llevant Natural Park, where the coast, mountains, and Mediterranean vegetation blend together.
Among the options you can include when visiting Capdepera, Mallorca, Cala Torta and Talaia de Son Jaumell stand out. These are two different ways to round out your visit to the town—whether you’d prefer to spend time by the sea or take a walking tour.
Cala Torta
Cala Torta is located on the Artà coastline, near Capdepera, and is notable for its largely undeveloped setting. The beach is surrounded by hills and Mediterranean vegetation, making it a great option for those who want to explore a more natural part of the coast.
Before heading out, it’s a good idea to check the access conditions and the state of the beach, especially if you plan to drive there. Since it’s a natural setting, it’s also advisable to bring everything you’ll need for your visit and to pick up all your trash before leaving.
Talaia de Son Jaumell
For those who prefer to walk, the hike up to the Talaia de Son Jaumell offers the chance to explore another part of the area’s landscape on foot. The trail ascends to an old watchtower located on a high point near the coast.
From the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Cala Agulla, Cala Mesquida, and the coastline of this part of Mallorca. Before setting out on the hike, be sure to check the route, elevation gain, and weather conditions, and bring water and proper hiking shoes.
How to Get to Capdepera from Cala Millor
If you’re staying in Cala Millor, getting to Capdepera is easy and allows you to plan a visit of a few hours or spend the day exploring other nearby places. The two towns are about 14 kilometers apart by road, and you can travel by car, bus, or taxi.
- By car: The journey is about 13.8 kilometers and takes approximately 16 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact starting point. The route passes through the Son Servera area and continues along the Ma-4040 highway toward Capdepera.
- By bus: TIB bus line 424 connects Cala Millor with Capdepera. The trip takes approximately 32 to 35 minutes. It’s a good idea to check the schedules before leaving, as they may vary depending on the date.
- By taxi: This is another option for traveling directly between the two towns, especially if you don’t have a car during your stay.
The proximity of the two locations means you can visit Capdepera, Mallorca, without spending a significant part of the day traveling. After exploring the town and the castle, you can continue toward the coast or discover other nearby attractions.
At East Mallorca, you’ll find more itineraries and practical information to help you plan your days in this part of the island.