CALA SAN VICENTE
Area: Majorca
Country: Spain
Location:
On the N coast, 35 miles by mainly good road NE of Palma and airport, 3» miles NE of Pollensa.
Telephone code from UK:
34
Position:
Deeply incised bay at the foot of a lovely valley between towering mountain ridges.
Description:
A fishing village of character, with older houses, a church and several beach restaurants clustered about the larger beach, one side of which is still used by fishermen for repairing nets and storing goods. Two further beaches have more recent, but still small-scale development while the large area behind is the site of a leafy and rather wealthy suburb of villas, not unlike one to be found in the better parts of Surrey. The cliffs of Formentor peninsula are spectacular.
Suitability:
Mature couples and families with older children; this is a quiet retreat for the discerning, and those who enjoy exceptional coastal and rural scenery.
Accommodation:
A clutch of hotels from simple to middle grade, with one or two small luxury establishments. Many of the regulars own their own property.
Shopping:
Basics and souvenirs can be bought here but greater variety is found in Pollensa, which also has a colourful Sunday market.
Beach:
Cala Barques is the principal and prettiest, separated by a rocky knoll and an hotel from the tiny Cala Clara. Around a sizeable headland is Cala Molins, a third sandy beach, this one augmented by imported sand each May. The waters are beautifully clear and the views tremendous.
Entertainments:
Daytime: beach and local walks. Nightlife: the larger hotels put on shows but this is more a place for quiet enjoyment than organised nightlife. Puerto Pollensa is nearest port of call for this.
Eating:
Hotels and beachside restaurants should satisfy most needs but the variety is necessarily limited.
Public-transport:
2 buses daily to Inca, Palma; 4 to Puerto Pollensa; 5 to Pollensa.
Local-excursions:
Several excellent walks; prehistoric caves just inland. Inca Market on Thursday. Old town of Pollensa and its port. Alcudia.