S’Illot is an alluring little resort on the southeast coast of Majorca which preserves all the charm of the original fishing village. You can still watch the fisherman haul their boats up to shore each day in time-honoured tradition. The town is perfect for relaxing holidays in the sun, with a curved beach enclosed by picturesque headlands and spellbinding coves with turquoise waters. There are several nature reserves with excellent walks in the area, plus a wide choice of bars and restaurants. There is a host of things to see and do nearby, from fantastical caves with underground lakes to a huge weekly market in Manacor. The gorgeous island capital of Palma, with its boutiques and tapas bars, is under an hour away by car.
S'Illot, Majorca
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The brilliant blue sea, broad sandy beach and stunning coastline have long captivated visitors to S’Illot. You can laze on the beach, watch the fishermen bring back their catch, and enjoy a cocktail by the sea as the sun goes down. Try your hand at some of the water sports on offer, seek out your own private cove in a kayak, or go diving to explore the underwater marvels. The Punta de n’Amer headland is a protected nature reserve, crowned by an ancient watchtower which you can climb for fabulous views. There’s also a small café where you can relax over a drink. Some of Majorca’s most celebrated caves are less than 15 minutes away by car: the Cuevas del Drach and the Cuevas del Ham. These are each visited by boat and endowed with a fairytale landscape of stalactites and stalagmites, atmospherically lit by candle-light. And, if you're interested in the island's mysterious standing stones, one of the best preserved Majorcan talayotic settlements is located on the edge of town.
at one of the atmospheric tapas bars.Majorcan cheeses, ham and cured meats (a thick potato omelette), along with the excellent tortilla or patatas bravas such as classic Spanish tapas, a spiral of pastry dusted with icing sugar. You can also tuck into ensaïmades made with offal and vegetables flavoured with herbs and spices. For breakfast, don't miss out on the frit mallorquí,, which is a hearty stew made with rice, pork and vegetables. Daring gourmets might want to try the arros brut or the Majorcan favourite, paella such as the famous Mediterranean rice dishes, of course, has a starring role, and many restaurants will serve the catch of the day simply grilled to make the most of its freshnesss. There are also classic Seafood. traditional Majorcan cuisineWhile S’Illot has plenty of pubs and restaurants catering to international visitors, it’s also a wonderful place to try
Endless sunshine, a sandy beach with calm, clean waters and a host of places for cold drinks and ice-creams make S’Illot an ideal destination for all the family. If your kids want a little more action, they could bob about the bay in a pedalo, have a go at mini-golf, or even go on a pony trek at the local stables. There is a small safari park in Sa Coma, where kids can feed the moneys and giraffes, and cuddle rabbits and smaller animals in the petting zoo. The Cuevas del Drach and Cueves del Ham are two fabulous cave systems that are among Majorca’s top attractions: kids will enjoy the boat ride in the underwater lakes and the amazing patterns formed by the stalactites and stalagmites.
, ideal for climbing fans, where you climb along the cliff face (with a guide) to leap into the water and swim.coasteering (a 10-minute drive up the coast) for a host of hair-raising experiences including Cala Millor that reward hikers with hidden bays. Adrenaline-junkies can head to the larger resort of coastal walks to explore the tiny coves that dot this beautiful coastline, and there are some wonderful kayaks destination, thanks to its crystal clear waters and underwater caves. You can rent divingS’Illot is an appealing, sleepy little resort, but it still offers plenty to keep adventurers happy. It’s an excellent
S’Illot’s main beach, Cala Moreia, is a picturesque curve of fine sand, with handy facilities such as parasol and sun lounger rental and a clutch of beach bars. The beach shelves gently, making it ideal for families with young children. You can rent a dinghy from the nearby harbour, or race around the bay in a pedalo. Behind it stretches the main promenade, packed with shops, bars and restaurants, so you won’t have to walk far to find somewhere great for lunch. Nearby Cala Morlanda is a tiny rocky bay, a favourite with locals for its transparent waters, where you can jump off the rocks into the sea or explore the underwater world with a snorkel. If you’re looking for a picture-postcard cove, head to Caló d'en Rafalino, a pebbly beach which is just 30 metres wide but boasts breathtaking azure waters framed by tumbling rocks. There are no facilities, so bring drinks, shade and snacks, and note that clothing is optional.
The nightlife in S’Illot is laid-back and mostly centred on the beachfront promenade and surrounding streets. Relaxing at a beach bar, glass of wine or ice-cold beer in hand, and gazing out over the bay is one of the town’s simplest yet most enjoyable pleasures. There’s a wide choice of bars and tapas bars, some of which might host live music or karaoke nights in the height of the summer season. If you’re in the mood for a lively night out, the neighbouring resort of Sa Coma has lots of options, and you can hop in a taxi to Cala Millor which is just 10 minutes away and has plenty of fantastic clubs and bars.
. Palma, ideal for picking up local crafts and souvenirs, or head into the vibrant island capital of weekly market at Manacorheadland to enjoy spectacular views. If you want to explore further afield, you could visit the atmospheric Punta de n’Amer together to marvel at the marine life and underwater caves. Enjoy an evening amble along the coastline, go horse-riding along the beach, or hike up to the top of the divingaround the coastline, or go boat tour. You could take a candle-lit dinners and long, languid lunches makes it idyllic for couples in search of a relaxing holiday in the sun. Laze on the beach, take a dip in the turquoise sea, and soak up each other’s company over charming natural setting and laid-back, peaceful vibeS’Illot’s
Majorca is strewn with Bronze Age megaliths called talayots, erected between two to three thousand years ago. S’Illot has got one of the best preserved talayotic settlements on the island, located just on the edge of town. It dates back to between 850 and 123 BC, and there is a fascinating on-site museum that puts the great stones in context. The Majorcan capital of Palma is less than an hour away by car, and is packed with outstanding art museums and galleries, plus a Gothic cathedral and splendid Royal Palace. Don’t miss the superb Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation, dedicated to one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, and the Es Baluard museum of contemporary art, set in a 16th-century fortress.