Playa de Fornells Holidays

Playa de Fornells gets a clean sweep when you run through the classic beach holiday tick list. It’s perched on a hillside that’s like a bracket around the neighbouring cove, so the sea views are on point. And because it’s a good distance from the likes of Mahon and Cala’n Bosch, you’ll have loads of space to spread out on Cala Tirant beach.

The beach here deviates from the tried-and-tested Spanish recipe – instead of a buzzy, hotel-backed sweep, you’ve got tufty dunes and a barely-trodden shoreline. The sands make for sofa-soft sunbathing conditions. Hotel-spotted hills sandwich each side of the bay, so the waters are stiller than a statue, and ideal for paddling or snorkelling sessions.

Despite spa-like levels of peace and quiet, there are plenty of low-key daytrips to pencil in. The next-door village of Fornells, on the eastern side of the headland, is prime fishing territory. Steaming bowls of lobster stew are a speciality here, and you can order similar dishes in Playa de Fornells’ restaurants. The seaside hamlet of Ses Salines is another nearby neighbour, and makes a living from sailing trips along the craggy coastline. Head west, instead, and a half-an-hour drive gets you to the Far de Cavalleria lighthouse – perched at the island’s most northern point.