Things To Do in SAlgar

S’Algar is characterised by a rocky coastline that’s dotted with bathing platforms, but there’s a lovely sandy beach in Punta Prima, less than 10 minutes’ drive away. What the town lacks in sand, though, it more than makes up for in sea life. The waters here are said to have around 50 metres’ worth of visibility, making it easy to spot local marine life. You can sign up for dive trips and guided snorkels at the PADI centre on the seafront.

This café-come-restaurant is tucked away in the plaza behind S’Algar’s seafront, and visitors rave about its English breakfasts, cheese and ham toasties, and spicy curry dishes. If you’re in the mood for Italian, meanwhile, try the pizzeria inside the Las Palmeras apartment complex. The wood-fired ovens in here churn out ultra-thin and crispy varieties.

Dinky’s is open until 2.30am, and it’s the only real cocktail bar in S’Algar, so it’s usually packed with locals toasting the weekend over jugs of sangria. It’s right on the seafront, and has a decked terrace that’s ideal for watching the sunset. Arrive early to get a seat – entertainment is laid on here every night, and the Eighties nights and DJ sets draw big crowds.

This hotel restaurant does what it says on the tin. On the menu, you’ve got vegetable tempura, Thai curry, Asian-style duck and coconut-coated shrimps. It’s quite a swanky place where you can eat at candlelit tables under a white, canopied tent. You’ll need to book in advance, as it’s only open Thursday to Sunday.

S’Algar might be happy in the slow lane, but it still knows how to have fun at night. The hotels here have entertainment covered, with karaoke, live music, children’s shows and mini-discos. Things usually finish around midnight, so if you want to stay up a little later then head for the waterfront bar, which stays open ’til 2.30am.

For a retail fix, head to Mahon – there are regular daily buses if you don’t want to drive. Here, the narrow streets are filled with local designers and independent boutiques. You’ve also got an old gin distillery down at the harbour front – after you’ve had a nose around you can pop into the shop for a bottle.

Rocky outcrops and 50 metres worth of visibility make S’Algar a prime spot for fish-spotting. The dive school here gets you all the kit, and their 2-hour starter pack covers tuition, pool practice and your first dive in the waters of the bay. Or if you’re not quite ready for the depths, you can take a guided snorkelling trip instead.

With S’Algar being such a small place, you can count on making friends at the resort’s one and only bar. You’ve got nightly entertainment here, from Hip Hop sessions to Eighties parties – or you can just lounge on the terrace and take in the coastal view with your cocktails. Either way there’s no rush – it’s open ’til 2.30am.

The resort of Es Castell – about 20 minutes’ drive away – will interest military buffs. The museum here is in a former barracks and has a collection of cannons and uniforms. Afterwards, you can pop down to the harbour where shops and restaurants are built into caves in the walls. Have a drink at one of the waterfront places and you’ll get views across to Illa del Llatzeret.

Locals pay tribute to their patron saint during Fiesta Sant Jaume, and there’s music, dancing and processions in Es Castell’s main square, just along the coast. The main event, though, is the horse parade and the ‘jaleo’, an act which sees the animals rear up into the air as locals surge forwards to place their hands on their chests for good luck.

The town of Es Castell is only about a 20-minute drive from S’Algar. It’s home to an interesting military museum that displays cannons and uniforms. Once you’ve had a wander round, head to the pretty harbour. The dinky shops and cafés here are built into cliff-side caves, and they offer sweeping views across to Illa del Llatzeret.

Locals pay tribute to their patron saint during Fiesta Sant Jaume, and there’s music, dancing and processions in Es Castell’s main square, just along the coast. The main event, though, is the horse parade and the ‘jaleo’, an act which sees the animals rear up into the air as locals surge forwards to place their hands on their chests for good luck.

Mahon, 20 minutes’ drive north of S’Algar, is heaving with leather boutiques, clothes shops, and jewellery dens. You’ll also spot some names you recognise, like Mango and The Body Shop. Seek out Galerias Parpal for some really special souvenirs. It’s stacked with shelves of paella pans, sangria jugs, and salt and pepper shakers, so it’s a bit of a treasure trove for foodies.