Cala San Vincente, Majorca

Cala San Vincente is a small seaside resort located in a beautiful rocky cove on Majorca’s beautiful and rugged north-west coast. The resort boasts three fine sandy beaches and access to some of the most unspoiled wilderness countryside on the island - including the mountainous Cap de Formentor, the northernmost point on the island, known locally as "the meeting place of the winds." The resort is part of the Pollenca district, an area famed for its prosperous farms and fisheries, and today Cala San Vincente remains - at least in part - a working fishing village. Local fishermen use parts of the beaches for repairing their nets, and unload their day's fresh catch just a short way from the many seafood restaurants along the waterfront. The resort is distinctly low-key and relaxed compared to Majorca's large southern resorts, and as a result is more popular with mature couples and families than with party-seekers. Much of the village is comprised of whitewashed residential cottages and villas, and there are relatively few large tourist developments. The main hotels host live entertainment in the evenings, but most visitors to Cala San Vincent are content to dine and drink in the local restaurants. The resort's largest and most popular beach is Cala Barques, which is backed by small promenade and a few restaurants, bars and shops. Parasols, sun-loungers and pedal boats are available for hire from operators on the beach. From Cala Barques a small path leads across some rocks to the smaller beach of Cala Clara, which tends to get crowded in the peak summer months with guests from a nearby hotel. The beach at Cala Molins is further around the same headland, and is especially popular with swimmers for its fine golden sand and exceptionally clear waters. All three beaches are patrolled by life guards during the peak summer months. The old market town of Pollenca, about two miles inland from the resort, was founded in the 14th century, and became a wealthy agricultural centre before the advent of tourism on Majorca. Today its narrow cobbled streets are lined with old stone houses and chic cafes. Its historic buildings include the town hall, built in a former Jesuit convent. The town square in front of the convent hosts a major market on Sundays, selling locally produced vegetables, fruit, nuts and flowers, as well as local craft items such as pottery and ceramics. The mountainous Formentor peninsula is just a few miles from San Vincente. This landscape of sea-cliffs, windy hilltops, pine forests, fig orchards, and ancient stone farm buildings recalls a wilderness from centuries ago. the peninsula is one the foremost bird-watching areas in Majorca, and particularly famous for the many sightings of birds-of-prey, including ospreys, black kites, and booted eagles. Several trails criss-cross the peninsula and link the nearby towns and villages with the Cap de Formentor, the northernmost point of the island of Majorca and the site of an ancient lighthouse. A walk from the foot of the peninsula to the lighthouse and back takes about four hours.