So our little Spanish Balearic Islands junket has come to an end. In 8 days we’ve seen so much, so many beaches.
I am by no means an expert on Spain, but I have a lot of emails requesting info and thoughts of a Mallorca or Ibiza holiday.
Mallorca
Awesome island, a lot bigger than I thought. Beautiful beaches but quite spread out – lots of driving. Sa Calobra beach blew my mind, but is far from anything. The windy road in wouldn’t be good with kids in the back (50 or so hairpins). Calos De Moro is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. We stayed in the town of Santanyí at Cal Reiet (very, very nice, amazing food, decent coin, 30 minutes from Palma town). This place, Cap Rocat is epic, and dinner on the beach is next level – it’s an old fortress and very unique, but I think it’s huge cashola to stay (perhaps just have dinner!). Cala Deia is incredible for lunch and a swim – a must. It’s far from town, like everything, but I hear the Belmond is the only place to stay on the west side of the island near Deia.
Ibiza
What a fun, loose place. Nudists everywhere. It’s not all clubbin’ – far from it. 57 amazing beaches on a much smaller island than Mallorca (smaller distances to drive daily). Loved Cala Saladeta + Cala Conta for beach hangs. Dinner – La Paloma, Giri Cafe, La Granga (Loved this one). Formentera was amazing, we chartered a boat for the day but I think you need more time there. Stay there for a night – take the ferry and a car. We ate Juan y Andrea, nice old restaurant but overpriced (and a bit flashy).
As you all know, I love The Med in summer. It’s just so different to Australia. If we go back to the Balearic Islands, we’d definitely charter a catamaran and stay on it – kids and all.
I’m stinging for a surf and hear it’s been pumping back home. I’m not excited about the cold weather especially after 37 degree days on the beach. The weather was impeccable the whole time.
Adios, Ugios
P.S. No one is paying me to mention anything in the above, and it’s just from our experiences.
Stayed 24 hours in Ibiza 20 years ago and still remember it like yesterday. Beautiful island for it’s landscapes. We raved but it was the beauty I still remember. And the nudity!
Fun place to hang out for sure. You should go back.
I am from Melbourne and have been living in Palma for the last five years. We swim at a little beach near Ses Illetes, 30 minutes from Palma Centro on the No 3 bus. It used to be an military base but all that is left is a club for retired Army officers that looks down on the beach. The said retired officers and their wives (who adopt the same status and rank as their husbands) watch over the beach, and nothing is ever stolen.
In the “Odyssey” Homer described the Mediterranean as the “wine dark sea”. The only colour I see is turquoise.
Ses Illetes is on Formentera no? Not on Mallorca? or is there two same name?
It’s south west of Palma between portals nous and cas catala. Tourists miss that area so a locals only place.
A huge “TA” for all of the info. We are off to Spain next year hopefully and will now adjust to include Mallorca.