Recently, I wrote a series of articles about my trip to Porto earlier in the year. Just before that particular adventure, I found myself in 2 classic Spanish islands…
I was based in Valencia March/April time (including the famous Fallas festival), had my accommodation coming to an end, and knew I’d be back to England for a bit in a few weeks. I fancied a change or scene but not too far away. Bingo: the Balearic Islands!
Ibiza was calling, and although we weren’t in the main summer season yet, I thought that would be ideal. I found some very reasonable accommodation and cheap flight and off I went. It’s only about a half hour flight, so you’re pretty much up and down. You can get a boat which is a little adventure in itself but obviously takes a few hours, is a bit more expensive and depends on your schedule and inclination. Of course, it’s probably better for the environment.
This was around Easter time, so there was plenty going on, spring like weather but not the insanity of Ibiza in the peak of summer. I can’t say I did all that much, other than sampling most places in San Antonio for brunch (and a few for drinks). The weather was a bit varied so not much frying on the beach or swimming. Plenty of walks around the bay and beyond.
Before I left Valencia, I also planned the following leg (ie. after Ibiza). Where’s the next obvious place? Well, the next island along - Mallorca! After a little research, I booked a very well priced hotel in Cala Ratjada (breakfast included) in the north-east of the island. This would be my home for another week or so.
It was a fairly small aircraft that took us between the islands but we made it ok. My plan for Mallorca (well, for Ibiza too really) was to write and sunbathe. I didn’t manage to do much of either. My accommodation in Mallorca was superior and far nicer, so a better set up for doing some work but I only really kept on top of existing client projects rather than anything else. The weather there was also mixed. Some decent sunny days but some a bit murky.
Whilst the hostel/hotel in Mallorca was much better, I think it was the other way round in terms of the town. San Antonio (Ibiza) is known as a party town, and that may well be the case at times. But it (and Ibiza in general) is about so much more. Very much idyllic in a lot of ways, a good vibe and an excellent place to spend some time. There’s something for everyone really, and a certain attitude that permeates through. That could include hedonism of various kinds, but doesn’t have to.
Mallorca of course is much bigger, so more going on in general. Good for families and package holidays. Arriving at the airport, there’s a big operation and they’re well prepared with various coaches buzzing round the island for transfers. Ibiza has less of that and more of the individual traveler or groups of young people doing their own thing. Indeed, I took the public bus to where I was staying… and as it was out of season, I had to take 2!
I’m not sure about the whole of Mallorca, but the tourists (and maybe some expats?) in Cala Ratjada were predominantly German. They were everywhere! Nothing against Germans but that was very much who this place was catered for. Often the first language was spoken, rather than Spanish, with English being third (or joint second). No problem for me… well, I was in Spain and can speak a little Spanish. My German however, is not so good. A lot of the boards outside restaurants were in German and the types of bars were in the style of beer halls there.
Whereas San Antonio has a nice vibe, Cala Ratjada (in the main central areas) not so much. It had a weird feel to it at times. Hard to explain, but slightly saturated and not really my kind of place. There were some lovely coves etc when out and about walking.
And no, I didn’t make it to Menorca ;). It was back to Valencia for a week and on to my Porto extravaganza.
Next up for me - Kraków! Then on to Amsterdam… something going on there I think??
~ Adam
@adambarratt
www.AdamBarratt.com
* Images all my own