Cas Catalá: Exclusive and relaxed living
Cas Catalá, Illetes, and Sant Agustí – Living like a God in Mallorca
In the midst of pine-covered hills and kilometers of beaches lies Cas Catalá. Palma’s luxurious suburb offers a mix of exclusivity and tranquility like no other. The picturesque bays and nearby beaches provide not only scenic beauty but also excellent recreational opportunities. With such summer tranquility, even the Spanish royal family cannot resist spending their annual summer vacation just a stone’s throw away.
Together with Illetes and Sant Agustí, Cas Catalá forms a residential area. All three towns share proximity to the beach and Palma’s hustle and bustle, rich in historical, cultural, and culinary attractions.
Cas Catalá – At a Glance
Location: With their enviable coastal location, the towns of Cas Catalá, Illetes, and Sant Agustí offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and a relaxed lifestyle. Cas Catalá and Illetes belong to the municipality of Calvià – the wealthiest municipality in Mallorca – and are characterized by upscale residential complexes, charming villas, and modern apartments surrounded by lush gardens and well-maintained green spaces. Cas Catalá and Illetes together have 3,500 inhabitants, with the majority residing in Illetes. Cas Catalá is located just a few kilometers southwest of Palma’s center. As a quiet suburb, it offers a beautiful environment with easy access to Palma’s amenities. Illetes, with Ses Illetas, also boasts a remarkable beach and stunning landscapes. In the more down-to-earth Sant Agustí, about 14,500 people reside. This is a tranquil place with many bakeries, bistros, and the Cala Nova Marina harbor as its center. However, many new shops, restaurants, and apartment buildings have opened in recent years.
Language: The linguistic landscape is primarily influenced by Spanish and Mallorquín. Due to the diverse international community, English and German are also widely spoken.
International Schools: The Baleares International College (BIC) hosts a school for children aged 3 to 11 in Sant Agustí. The care and instruction take place in large, bright, and well-equipped classrooms, with specific support in sports, music, and art.
The secondary school of BIC is located 11 kilometers away in Sa Porrassa. Both BIC schools are recognized by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and the National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS).
Adjacent to Sant Agustí, Bellver International College accompanies students from primary school to A-levels under one roof. Founded in the 1950s, it is the oldest British private school in Mallorca.
Bellver International College is also recognized by both the British Department of Education and the Spanish Ministry of Education. The school’s level is outstanding: 99 percent of those who attend the 6th grade at Bellver International College later enroll in university studies.
For a German school, you will find Eurocampus. As the only German school in the Balearics, Eurocampus is licensed by the Conselleria de Educación and is authorized to operate a regular school. Eurocampus is also the only German school in the Balearics that, according to the Conference of Ministers of Education, can conduct final exams for secondary education I on-site in Palma. The Abitur exams are held in cooperation with the German School in Barcelona.
Doctors and Hospitals: In Cas Catalá, there is basic medical care with an internist, dentists, and a gynecological practice. A large number of other doctor’s offices are located in the center of Palma, about eight kilometers away. The renowned Hospital Universitari Son Espases is a 15-minute drive from Cas Catalá.
Distances by Car: 20 minutes to the airport, 20 minutes to Palma.
Living in Illetes
The residents of Illetes include locals and families from the UK, Germany, and Sweden, who live here year-round and enjoy a tranquil village life. The location directly on the beach with the famous Platja d’Illetes and the turquoise blue bays is breathtakingly beautiful. The fine white sandy beaches are particularly attractive to tourists and locals who appreciate the paradisiac and unique nature of the beaches. In the village, there are some cozy restaurants like Arrels or La Escama, which serve fresh Mallorcan cuisine and seafood.
In winter, it is very quiet here, but the mild temperatures invite you to take walks along the coast. If you want to buy a property in Illetes, you should expect high prices for holiday homes and villas near the beach.
Living in Sant Agustí
Sant Agustí offers an ideal location for those who appreciate the proximity to the city and the sea. The residents enjoy a lively international flair, as the place is popular with tourists and long-term residents from various countries.
The beach club feeling, which ensures a holiday mood all year round, is particularly noteworthy. The gastronomy in Sant Agustí is diverse, offering both local and international cuisine with restaurants like the traditional Franzetti or the Danish Shu-Bi-Dua.
Recreational activities include water sports such as sailing, diving, and snorkeling in the nearby Port Calanova, as well as golf at the nearby Son Vida and Bendinat courses. The beaches offer clear and shallow water, ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts.
In winter, Sant Agustí remains lively, making it a popular place for year-round living. The proximity to Palma allows for easy shopping and entertainment options.
Compared to Illetes and Cas Catalá, the quaint Sant Agustí offers more affordable prices. The real estate market mainly features apartments in high-rise buildings with sea views and pools, which are particularly in demand by international buyers.
The People of Cas Catalá
Cas Catalá attracts an international and affluent community that appreciates the exclusive and peaceful atmosphere of the place. The residents come from various nations such as Germany, the UK, Sweden, and Spain itself. Many are expatriates or wealthy locals who have settled by purchasing a property in Cas Catalá.
The architecture is characterized by luxurious villas, fincas, and estates with sea views that reflect a high-end lifestyle. In the early 1950s, the place served as a refuge for celebrities from film and politics – such as Rita Hayworth and the King of Saudi Arabia – and even today, it regularly attracts celebrities who appreciate the privacy and tranquility of the exclusive location.
In Cas Catalá, there is a warm and respectful atmosphere. The community celebrates festivals together and maintains a strong sense of togetherness. Overall, Cas Catalá offers a cosmopolitan yet relaxed atmosphere for its residents.
Cas Catalá – Our Gastro Tips for You
Restaurant Port Cala Nova
The Restaurant Port Cala Nova offers a breathtaking view of the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you can enjoy a varied menu with fresh local ingredients, ranging from seafood to Mediterranean classics. The stylish atmosphere and attentive service make it an ideal place for a relaxed dinner or a special occasion.
Bruno’s Restaurant
Bruno’s Restaurant is picturesquely located in the harbor of Calanova and offers first-class Mediterranean cuisine based on fresh seasonal ingredients. The restaurant impresses with a mix of classic and modern dishes that delight in taste, aroma, and aesthetics. With its extensive wine list and excellent service, Bruno’s is a popular destination for gourmets.
Fine Foods & Groceries in Cas Catalá
For all your daily (culinary) needs, you will find the Folk Supermarket, located directly between Cas Catalá and Sant Agustí. In Illetes, a small SPAR market provides all daily necessities.
For larger purchases, a trip to the supermarkets in neighboring towns, such as Eroski in Illetes or the numerous markets in Palma itself, is recommended. The Mercat de l’Olivar, one of Palma’s largest markets, is only a few minutes’ drive from Cas Catalá and offers a wide range of fresh produce and specialties.
Festivals & Events
Every year in mid-September, the Cas Catalá folk festival takes place. In addition to lots of music, the music festival features foam parties for children and teenagers, as well as Fideuá for the neighbors – a Valencian dish similar to paella but made with thin noodles instead of rice.
Leisure Activities and Beaches in and Around Cas Catalá
Living by the sea invites you to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy water sports. The beaches of Cas Catalá are right on your doorstep, and the resort of Palmanova is only a 10-minute drive away. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts can explore the colorful and untouched underwater world, which can be explored with little equipment.
You can enjoy nature and explore the surroundings on foot on the many hiking trails in the large forest area north of Cas Catalá. Take in the fresh air on hikes and discover highlights like the cave at Cova dels Pastors or the viewpoint Mirador de n’Alzamora.
Cyclists will also get their money’s worth in Cas Catalá. You can, for example, cycle along the coast to Palma and take a break in bars and cafés.
In addition, you will find golf courses and a marina in and around Cas Catalá for your leisure activities. The Marivent Palace, where the Spanish royal family spends their summer vacation, is just a few kilometers away.
Thanks to the proximity to Palma, you have numerous activities available in the vibrant capital, including shopping, cultural, and entertainment options. By car, you are only 20 minutes from the city center.
Working in Cas Catalá
The area is known for its luxurious hotels and holiday apartments, which create numerous jobs in the hospitality industry. Local shops, restaurants, and small businesses are also important employers in Cas Catalá.
German, English, and Swedish language skills are advantageous in this international community, especially in the areas of customer service and tourism. Furthermore, Cas Catalá attracts international real estate developers, leading to new construction projects and thus to further jobs in the real estate sector.
Winter in Cas Catalá
With typical daytime temperatures between 14-18°C, winter in Cas Catalá is much milder than in Central and Northern Europe. Although the rainfall is slightly higher in winter than in summer, there are still many sunny hours.
Some restaurants, bars, and leisure activities on the island may have reduced opening hours or closures in winter since the main season is the summer months. However, as a year-round residential area, a basic level of infrastructure and supply is available all year round, so winter does not detract from the excellent quality of life in Cas Catalá.
Buying a House or Apartment: Cas Catalá
Cas Catalá is not only an attractive destination for holidays but has also developed into one of the most sought-after residential areas in Mallorca in recent years. Cas Catalá, Illetes, and Sant Agustí offer a variety of accommodations, from holiday homes to luxury villas, most of them with sea views.
The prices for accommodations in these places vary depending on location, size, and amenities. A design hotel in Cas Catalá, for example, can cost between 200 and 500 euros per night, while a holiday home in Illetes can be rented for about 100 to 300 euros per night.
With many modern buildings and good infrastructure, the urbanization of the area is progressing without losing sight of the untouched character of the surrounding nature. The proportion of foreigners in the region is very high, giving it a high degree of internationality. While property prices are very high, there are also more affordable options available in Sant Agustí.
Buying Property in Cas Catalá
Cas Catalá is one of the most exclusive and sought-after residential areas in Mallorca. Those who want to buy property here usually have to dig deep into their pockets. Luxury villas with sea views and direct beach access are traded for double-digit million amounts. Buyers must also expect high prices for apartments and townhouses in the elegant complexes.
In the highly exclusive real estate market of Cas Catalá, demand far exceeds supply. Many wealthy individuals, celebrities, and investors from around the world are willing to pay a lot for the location directly on the picturesque coast and the high-quality, peaceful surroundings. Prospective buyers may have to wait months for a suitable property.
Beautiful properties at more affordable prices can still be found in the lively Sant Agustí. The up-and-coming town scores with its location, infrastructure, and real estate offerings. It is a good alternative for those who want to benefit from the prime location but do not want to pay the corresponding prices.
Cas Catalá: A Place with Consistently High Quality of Life
As an exclusive and sought-after residential area, Cas Catalá stands out with its elegant homes, luxurious hotels, and idyllic beaches. The proximity to the vibrant offerings of the island’s capital, Palma de Mallorca, makes Cas Catalá an ideal place for discerning buyers. The villas with sea views amid pine-covered hills guarantee a green and tranquil environment with an upscale lifestyle.
Cas Catalá offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere with an international and affluent community that appreciates the exclusivity and tranquility of the place. Thanks to the excellent infrastructure and proximity to international schools and medical facilities, Cas Catalá is a desirable residential area with the highest living standards. Buyers who want to benefit from the region’s advantages but prefer not to spend as much will find suitable options in the district of Sant Agustí.
In Cas Catalá, every discerning buyer will find their ideal home, whether in one of the breathtaking villas with sea views or the charming apartments surrounded by lush gardens. Cas Catalá is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive residential areas in Mallorca, impressing with its unique location and high quality of life.
