Edith Minkner in conversation with architects Anna Tarragona and Lars Höhne

Calvià is known for its proximity to the sea, its excellent infrastructure, and its wide range of residential areas, from established urbanisations to exclusive enclaves. Today we want to talk about why building and living in Calvià is so unique.

Edith Minkner: You have been living and working in Calvià for more than 20 years. What made you choose Calvià as your base back then?

Anna Tarragona: Calvià is perfectly connected in the southwest of Mallorca, with short distances to Palma or the airport, but also to Andratx or the protected areas of the Serra de Tramuntana. There is excellent infrastructure with international schools, shops, doctors, sports facilities, swimming pools, great gastronomy, and endless leisure opportunities both on the water and on land. All of this makes life here very pleasant, year-round and completely independent of the tourist season. We like this diversity between coast and mountains, between urban structures and rural idyll.

Lars Höhne: Calvià consists of 18 towns, including highly sought-after residential areas such as Portals Nous, Nova Santa Ponsa or Costa d’en Blanes. With more than 50,000 inhabitants it is the second largest municipality in the Balearics, covering practically everything between Palma and Andratx, from the sea up to the more than 1,000-meter-high Galatzó mountain. There are exclusive residential areas and prime villa locations such as Nova Santa Ponsa, Portals Nous, Costa d’en Blanes, Sol de Mallorca and others, all originally parcelled into generous building plots. This made – and still makes – Calvià an ideal location for us as architects.

Edith Minkner: What advantages does building in Calvià offer compared to other municipalities in Mallorca?

Lars Höhne: After the first real estate boom, in the 1980s the municipality began to establish urban planning regulations and more efficient administration. The result was the General Plan of 2000, along with a modernised town hall. Although these instruments have evolved over the years, they have established a very consistent regulatory framework. In addition, building permits and completion certificates are processed significantly faster here than in other municipalities. The General Plan is clearly written, has hardly changed since, and is aligned with the Regional Plan of Mallorca – something very rare among Balearic municipalities.

Anna Tarragona: In general, collaboration with the town hall is very good. With more than 20 years of experience as architects in Calvià, we can say that projects here can be carried out quickly and securely. Even if there is sometimes reason for criticism, the differences compared to other town halls are huge.

Edith Minkner: What particular challenges do you see when planning in Calvià?

Anna Tarragona: The coastline of Calvià was developed very early, and naturally the best locations with sea or mountain views were taken first. Therefore, we increasingly work on plots where older houses are demolished to make way for modern, up-to-date homes.

Lars Höhne: The most beautiful views usually come with hillside plots. This requires particularly careful and sensitive planning, integrating the building levels into the outdoor areas while making the most of the often incredible views, and at the same time blending harmoniously into the landscape.

Edith Minkner: What advice would you give to someone considering starting a building project in Calvià?

Anna Tarragona: Because of the strict summer noise regulations, it is important to establish a clear and realistic schedule early on. The start of construction should be planned wisely so that the different building phases can adapt to these regulations. This may mean some delays, but it avoids the situations seen in other municipalities where construction noise in summer can be very disturbing.

Lars Höhne: We always recommend starting early with the town hall of Calvià and with an experienced architect specialised in villa construction in Calvià. The local administration is professional and cooperative, but it is always an advantage to know how to deal with specific regulations and deadlines to ensure that the project runs smoothly.

Edith Minkner: Would you choose Calvià again?

Lars Höhne: Absolutely. We agree with many friends and former clients: the quality of life we enjoy in Calvià can rarely be found anywhere else in the world.