Mar 31

Mar 31 Cala Ratjada - the perfect spot for a Majorcan mini-break

For various (very lovely) reasons I’m not doing any travelling at the moment, so I’ve dug into my adventure archives to bring you this thoroughly delightful destination.

I love Majorca (Mallorca? I’m really not sure which. Perhaps you can tell me) - so easy to get to and around. So many pretty places to visit. Such great weather for so much of the time - but had never been to the eastern part of the island. So when I had the chance to escape for a few days of solo r&r, I decided to head to Cala Ratjada. With its fishing port, harbour, attractive beaches and pretty coves, this resort on the far north eastern point of the island was the perfect, friendly, welcoming spot, for my Majorcan mini-break.

How I spent my days

I hired a car at the airport, so I could be independently mobile for the four days I was on the island, but spent the best part of my first day having the loveliest, long walk along the sea front promenade passing the harbour and along the costal path to pretty little Cala Gat beach with it’s excellent café/bar.

Then on up through the woods to the lighthouse at Punta de Capdepera where the views from the rocky escarpment (you can’t go into the lighthouse) were over the beautiful coast and across to neighbouring island Menorca.

Of course it would be rude to stay on the coast and not visit at least one beach. So I wasn’t (rude that is)

The town’s main beach – Son Moll – gets very busy during the summer months, but there are excellent alternatives nearby at Cala Mesquida

and Cala Agulla, which is reached via a lovely drive through the pine forest.

I also spent a couple of enjoyable hours strolling round the weekly Saturday market in the town’s main square - Placa del Pins - with its typical mix of stands selling clothes, jewellery, bags, shoes and food.

My hotel

The Sea Club is a delightful family-run b&b (they serve lunch and dinner in high season) right on the promenade about 150m from Son Moll beach. A collection of colonial style buildings clustered round a main courtyard with a swimming pool, the 17 charming, simply furnished, shabby chic style rooms are comfortable with excellent bathrooms. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, with lots of comfy spots to sit and chill, and you are encouraged to help yourself to the honesty-bar drinks and ice creams.

The owners and staff are absolutely lovely and will even go the extra more-than-mile when you, ahem, accidentally lock the keys of your hire care inside the boot……

The Sea Club, with its cluster of buildings grouped around the pool

The terrace is a great spot to relax and enjoy the sea views

My simple but comfortable bedroom. There was a little balcony through the double doors

Where I ate

Delicious breakfasts each morning at the hotel, which you can eat at the communal tables or anywhere else that takes your fancy. Like on that lovely terrace

I enjoyed a fabulously hearty tuna nicoise salad at the sea-front Son Moll restaurant just along from the hotel . Was recommended Ses Ancores near the marina for the best fish and seafood but sadly it was fully booked (so be sure to book in advance). I can report though that two of the other guests ate there and said it was excellent.

I’ve never had a trip to Majorca/Mallorca that hasn’t returned me home feeling happily replete with sunshine, memorable experiences, good food, and the warmth of the locals. And this trip to Cala Ratjada was no exception.

Other island holiday posts you’ll enjoy

A bit of a guide to a bit of Crete

A heavenly island-hopping holiday in the Philippines

Be beguiled by Belize (yes, I know Belize isn’t an island, but the trip involved a stay on a very fabulous one)