Things To Do in Playa de Muro

The Guinness, sangria and margaritas go down very well at this friendly Irish pub, but it’s the entertainment that really pulls in the regulars. Owner Brendan O’Brien – who used to be in comedy duo Tramp and Swank, apparently – sings Irish songs while playing a multitude of traditional instruments. And when he finishes at midnight, you’ve still got a couple of hours to get in an Irish coffee.

Take a walk around the S’Albufera National Park and you’ll spot sea daffodils growing in the sand, Iberian frogs jumping about the small lagoons, and birds nesting in tamarisk trees. There are more than 200 species of birds here, and you’ve a good chance of seeing many of them from the hides dotted around this vast place. And unlike some sights, the park is free.

Over in neighbouring Ca’n Picafort, a rather unusual fiesta attracts thousands of visitors in August. Known as Amollada d’Anneres, it’s an annual duck-catching competition where locals dive into the sea to catch yellow plastic ducks – the use of real ducks was outlawed some years ago. The fun starts around noon in front of the Hotel Sol Y Mar.

There’s a good mix to Playa de Muro’s nightlife. You could be treated to some authentic flamenco music at a beachfront restaurant, or entertained by a Kenny Rogers impersonator at one of the pubs and bars in Las Gaviotas area. And there’s dancing to be had at Mambo Buddha, formerly known as the Mambo Playa Café.

The beach is backed by sand dune and pines trees, which gives it a real away-from-it-all feel. And the warm sea couldn’t be more inviting – the water stays shallow quite a way out, perfect if you’re more of a splasher than a swimmer. Should you want an even quieter spot, try the more secluded stretch towards Ca’n Picafort.

When the sun sets, Playa de Muro comes out to play. It's not exactly a wild child, but the Las Gaviotas strip has a few Brit pubs and bars with live music. A German Kenny Rogers impersonator gives the younger acts a run for their money, while Hed Kandi fans have the club Mambo Buddha to Ibiza-it-up in.

This place has a reputation for the best Majorcan food in these parts – so it’s no wonder it’s always packed with locals. Stars of the Spanish-only menu include fiduea – seafood noodle paella – and the tumbet, which is aubergines and manchego cheese. The outside terrace comes with first-rate countryside views – if you want to bag a table, get here before things get busy at 9.30pm.

For holiday mementos, head for the resort’s Saturday morning market on Av. S’Albufera, between Romani and Rodgriguez de la Fuente streets. You can snack on bunuelos – Majorcan doughnuts – while you load up on shell jewellery, crafts, leather belts and local olive oil. It’s open from 8am to 1pm.

Over in the old town of Alcudia, the locals give their patron saint a week’s worth of celebrations. The streets are decorated with different themes, like Medieval and flower-power, and it’s all topped off with an extra-special fireworks display and philharmonic concert in the shadow of the old walls.

Playa de Muro comes with shops, though some people like to hold onto their euros for the Saturday morning market on Avenida S’Albufera. Leather belts, shell jewellery, handicrafts and olive oil are all on display at the stalls, which are open from 8am to 1pm. For more browsing, Alcudia old town has a market on Tuesdays and Sundays.

The Moustached Warbler. Purple Gallinule. Osprey. No, not the names of local rock musicians, but just a few of the birds that live in S’Albufera Park. This huge nature reserve comes with well-signposted paths and plenty of hides. And best of all it’s free – just pick up a permit as you pass through the reception area.

La Playa is very popular with the locals, who come here for paella on their day off on Sunday. This beachfront restaurant also serves up dishes like Majorcan lobster and pork in port wine, along with interesting desserts – do try the wasabi ice-cream if they’ve got it. A terrace gives you great sea views, and the flamenco entertainment is authentically Spanish.

There’s quite a British feel to the restaurants in Playa de Muro, so you can expect pizza, burgers and steaks on most menus here. Do look out for places that serve up more authentically local dishes, though – like sizzling barbecued fish, tapas and paella. And there are a couple of upmarket restaurants here, too.

You can’t miss the main eating-out area in these parts – just follow your nose to the beach. The aroma of barbecued fish and steak will soon tell you that what you’ve got here is an international affair, with pizza and burgers sharing menu space with paella. And kids are so welcome they get their own menu and crayons to scribble down their order.