Things To Do in Cala Tarida

This place has nabbed a winning spot – it’s built into the rocks at the side of the beach, and the tables are parked on a split-level terrace right over the sand. It serves up everything from quick lunchtime toasties to bowls of paella and fiery Spanish burgers later on. It’s always busy, so you might want to book ahead to get the best views.

Shopping-wise, Cala Tarida comes with a clutch of little supermarkets and souvenir places. But if you want to release your inner Carrie Bradshaw there’s a raft of designer boutiques over in San Antonio Town. You’ll find top-quality shoes, handbags and clothes, plus the big clubs like Pacha have their own well-stocked shops, too.

Most of the restaurants here are up on the hill, doing friendly battle for the best sunset view. With it comes freshly-netted fish with an Ibizan twist – like chunky marinated tuna with balsamic vinegar, and monkfish in clam and shrimp sauce. It all goes down well with the locally-produced wine. During the summer it’s worth booking in advance, especially on a Sunday.

As festivals go, this one’s an oddball. Clowns, circus acts, magicians and comedians bowl over to San José to show off their skills over a long weekend. It doubles up as a training convention for would-be funny-men, and there’s a straight-faced clowning conference, too. For you, there are street performers and live shows plus a big comedy gala on the last night.

This is a real hippie shack. It’s got low-slung couches, big soft cushions and mood lighting, all under the corrugated iron roof. Plus, everything served up is made of 100% natural ingredients. The cocktail menu reads like a fruit salad recipe – it’s all kiwi-this, and pineapple-that. Come from 9pm to catch the live bands.

At Cala Tarida’s beach, the water is only about waist deep for a long way out and comes with a soft sandy floor, making it a real winner with swimmers and snorkellers alike. Wade out a few metres and you can lay claim to one of the little rocks to sunbathe on. If you’re feeling more active, you can hire a pedalo or jet-ski.

Just 10 minutes’ drive away is San José, a village perched on a mountain. You’ve got a 15th- century church to root around – from the outside, you can see all the way to the mainland. After that, you can wander round the cobbled streets to the dinky tapas places. You might want to bring the guidebook – people tend to speak only Spanish here.