Cala Conta Beach Review

Located side by side, 30minutes by car or bus from the main west coast town of San Antonio, they are also on most of the ferry routes from San Antonio Port and the major hotels nearby so accessing these beaches is not in any way difficult and most definitely worth it. With a remote location, soft white sand, turquoise, clear glass water and a view to die for you’ll be glad you headed out of town for day at these beaches. A third tiny cove can be found to the south if you go exploring, it’s accessible by stone steps and popular with the nudist contingent.

As stunning as these beaches are, unfortunately the world does know about them. They are advertised and recommended all over the hotels and resorts, and locals also favour them. So if you go in peak season you have to expect crowds, to the point where if you arrive in the afternoon you will struggle to find space to lay out your towel. If you want to avoid the crowds completely you need to visit at the start or end of the season October to May, but in the summer just try to avoid weekends and arrive early in the day to find somewhere to park and to stake out your space on the beach. If you arrive late and you can't find a spot of sand to claim then clamber out onto the rocks in either direction and set up camp where you can.

The coastline only gets more dramatic the further from the sand you walk so once you’ve found a place to camp, drop your stuff and then just keep on walking. You’ll find yourself up on top of cliffs with dusty deserted land behind you and a dramatic drop down to the water and unbroken views out to sea in front. The sea is dotted with islands and close up you’ll see ‘Illa des Bosc’ - the island of woods; although the trees for which it was named have long been cleared. You can swim to this island and explore it as it’s only 400m off shore, but only strong swimmers should try it because there can be strong currents here. Past that you’ll see the mystical iSa Conillera, an island with several local legends attached to it; these days its popular with scuba divers who explore its rich and rocky coast line.

Both of the beaches here, beautiful though they are overshadowed by the stunning water that surrounds them, crystal clear blue and teeming with fish that are unafraid of swimmers and weave around you in the shallows. These beaches and the surrounding coastline are a paradise for snorkelers and the crowded nature of the sand will entice most people in to spend their day in the water. The usual array of water sports centres and pedalo rentals are here to help you do that.

The other thing that attracts people to these beaches are the restaurants. The renowned Sunset Ashram, hewn out of the rocks and looking like something from the Flintstones; and S'illa des Bosc restaurant, named after the island and displaying a white tablecloth, sparkling glassware elegance that contrasts nicely with the Ashrams boho vibe. Each has a stunning view out over the water and an even better one come sunset. The ashram has DJs on every night in the summer and a festival atmosphere arises as the crowds gather on the stone terrace to drink, dance and watch the sun go down. Neither of the restaurants are cheap although considering their location they're not extortionate - expect to pay €5 for a beer €12 for a gin and tonic at the Ashram, €20 for a starter or salad and €30 upwards for a main. You will also definitely need to book ahead if you want a table with a view at sunset.

Cala Conta, the two-for-one beach that feels much further away from civilisation than it really is. Dramatic coastlines, dusty roads and endless sea views will have you feeling like you’re far away from the town. The volume of people will have the opposite effect but doesn’t detract too much from the beauty of the area. The beaches have all the amenities you need including lifeguards, bars and toilets but do not have grocery shops so be sure to stock up on water and beach necessities before you go.

Cala Conta is best for snorkelling, sunset and stunning scenery.