Manacor is located just 52 kilometres from Palma de Mallorca, about 45 minutes by car or 1 hour by train. This Mallorcan town stands out not only for its proximity, but also for its cultural and natural wealth, making it a destination worth visiting. From the impressive landscape of the Drach caves to the natural harbour of Porto Cristo, and of course the famous centre of the tennis player Rafael Nadal. Without a doubt, Manacor offers a unique experience for its visitors.
Rafa Nadal Sports Centre: innovation and sporting excellence in Mallorca
In 2016 the Rafa Nadal Sports Centre was inaugurated, a space of more than 40,000m2 located on the island of Mallorca. It is now fully operational with a wide range of sports programmes – it’s much more than just tennis!
But it’s not all about sport, it also has its own restaurant where meals are balanced and designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of sportsmen and women.
Sports facilities and offer
The Rafa Nadal Sports Centre offers a wide range of sports facilities and activities that go far beyond tennis. Among the activities available are:
- Swimming pools: Several pools, including an Olympic size indoor pool, ideal for both recreational and competitive swimming.
- Football pitches: Natural and artificial turf pitches that facilitate training and competition in optimal conditions.
- Gymnasium and fitness centre: Equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and a wide range of supervised classes such as yoga, pilates, spinning and functional training.
- Padel and squash courts: Areas dedicated to these racket sports, with training programmes for all levels.
- Bicycle hire: Allows you to explore the island of Mallorca and enjoy its landscapes in an active way.
Specialised programmes and activities
The centre offers a variety of programmes and activities for different ages and skill levels:
- Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy: One of the most prestigious tennis academies in the world, where young talents and professionals are trained under the methodology and philosophy of Rafael Nadal and his technical team.
- Summer Campus: Programmes that combine sports training with recreational and educational activities, designed for children and young people.
- Clinics and Intensive courses: To improve specific skills in sports such as tennis and padel.
- Fitness and wellness programmes: Personalised classes and sessions that promote a healthy lifestyle, combining physical exercise with relaxation and recovery techniques.
Education and Personal Development
The Rafa Nadal Sports Centre also values academic education and personal development:
- International School: Provides a high quality academic education that allows young athletes to balance their studies with their sports training.
- Workshops and seminars: On nutrition, sports psychology and personal development, aimed at both athletes and coaches.
Events and competitions
The centre organises and hosts numerous tournaments and sporting events at different levels, encouraging participation and competitive spirit among athletes. These events also allow participants to measure their skills against other athletes and improve their performance.
Rafael Nadal Museum Xperience
The Rafael Nadal Museum Xperience is not only a tribute to Manacor’s most famous tennis player, but an interactive attraction that allows visitors to test their skills in various sports using state-of-the-art simulators. In addition, the permanent exhibition traces Nadal’s career from his early days to his multiple Grand Slam triumphs, offering an inspirational insight into his career.
Things to do in Manacor, leisure and sports
Visit the caves of Drach and the caves of Els Hams
The limestone geology of Mallorca has given rise to the formation of spectacular caves. The Drach caves, with a maximum depth of 25 metres, are home to one of the largest underground lakes in the world: Lake Martel. Here, visitors can enjoy a short classical music concert in an incomparable setting. In the nearby caves of the Hams, located in the picturesque village of Porto Cristo, you will witness how the lighting brings out every detail of the rock formations, creating a spectacle of colours that will transport you to another world.
Discover the historical heritage of Manacor
Among the most outstanding monuments in Manacor is the church of Nostra Senyora dels Dolors, designed at the end of the 19th century by the engineer José Barceló. Its neo-Gothic bell tower is one of the most recognisable symbols of the city. The church of San Vicente Ferrer, with its beautiful Gothic cloister, is also a point of interest, despite having served as a telegraph office and prison in the past. Other notable sites include the tower of the Royal Palace and the Manacor History Museum, located in the elegant Enagistes tower.
Beaches of Manacor
Manacor’s coastline is one of its main attractions, with many beaches and coves to suit all tastes. Here we highlight some of the best:
- Playa de Porto Cristo: With its wide expanse of white sand, it is surrounded by the fishing village of Porto Cristo and flanked by imposing cliffs on both sides. The marina is located next to the beach. Its serene and transparent waters make it a perfect place for families and small children.
- Cala Morlanda: Located in the urbanisation of the same name, near s’Illot de Manacor, this is a rocky cove. About 100 metres long and 12 metres wide, it can disappear under the strong swell. However, when the sea is calm, it transforms into a magnificent natural pool. This quiet and uncrowded place has no services, but its clear waters make it a perfect place for snorkelling.
- Cala Varques: An unspoilt cove that can be reached after a four-kilometre walk. Its fine sand and natural surroundings reward the effort, another option is to get there by boat. Its fine sand and incredible turquoise waters, possibly the most impressive in Mallorca, make it well worth the effort. Moreover, the tranquillity of the surroundings is incomparable. This cove is also home to one of the largest underwater cave systems in Europe, an authentic paradise for diving and snorkelling lovers.
For a relaxing stay, choose holiday accommodation on our platform. The houses and flats offer a tranquillity and privacy that is hard to find in crowded hotels. Enjoy your own space, flexible schedules, and more serene surroundings, away from the hustle and bustle of tourism. This option will allow you to disconnect and recharge your batteries in an authentic and peaceful environment.
