Cala Gracio

Put on a mask and swim to the rocky edges of the cove: that is where the fish are, over rock, in water that stays clear and turquoise above the sand. The bay is shut off from currents and large waves, so the swim out is calm and there is plenty of room for it.

Pine trees stand at the side of the cove and give the beach its shade. Locals fish from the rocks with a plain line and hook. Cala Gracioneta, the second beach in the same bay, sits just next door. Between the busy hours the cove goes quiet enough to read a book with only the waves and the gulls for company.

• The car park sits on sloping, uneven ground and fills early at weekends; arrive early or come by bus.
• On crowded days the sand runs out of room, and the low rocks at the side of the cove take towels and bags.
• Food and drink at the beach bar are expensive, and sunbeds and parasols are paid for separately.
• Bring a mask: the rocky sides of the cove are the best snorkelling.
• Sand and sheltered water make it an easy beach for children.

Most people drive. A free car park on bare ground lies about 120 m away; it is sloping and uneven, and at weekends it fills early. A second car park, about 280 m away, is for customers only. The bus stop, also named Cala Gració, is about 370 m away in a straight line. From the parking a path leads onto the sand, and an information board stands by the beach.

Best: early in the day on a weekday, and the end of the season, when the water is still warm in October.

Avoid: summer weekends, unless you arrive early.

The car park fills early at weekends and in high summer the sand fills with it, while the sheltered water stays warm enough for swimming and snorkelling well after the crowds thin out.