Out & About

Main Areas

The Square/Plaza:

The village square is the hub of the community and can be found opposite the Hotel Balear right on the main road.

Here you will find the post office (Correos) which has two counters, the right-and one is for sending mail and the left hand one is to collect. There are also several cafe's and it plays host to a market selling fresh produce every Tuesday and Thursday.

There are several banks on the square and cashpoint machines as well as decent benches where you can just sit and soak up the local atmosphere under the trees. The main taxi rank is just off the square in the main street outside the news vendor and kebab shop.

Just off the square on the main street you'll find the large tobacconist (TABAC) which is run by Carlos and his family and staff. There is another smaller tobacconist on the beach at Cala Estancia, below the Alexandra Hotel. Tobacco and cigarette prices in Spain are set by the government and are considerably cheaper than UK prices, even with a poor exchange rate. For the latest prices check out the Balearic Government dedicated site here. The tobacconists also sell bus tickets and are open from around 9 til 1pm and 4 til 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1.30pm on Saturday. They are closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays, so don't get caught out or you'll pay through the nose from vending machines (if you can find one which works!).

The Beach (Playa De Palma):
If you go to the end of the square you'll find two larger cafe's on the corner, follow the small road down to the beach and you'll find both Burger King and KFC as well as a lot of cafe/bars. Note: Don't expect the KFC to taste like it does in the UK or you'll be disappointed. You can also reach this area going straight past the tobacconist and on to the main coast road which leads down to Arenal.

Cala Estancia Beach (The Little Beach):

You'll find this charming and shallow beach next to the Marina/Club Nautico and it is very popular with tourists during the summer. To reach it from the square, just follow the road next to the Hotel Balear to the beach and bear right at the end of the road; it's just a few minutes walk. Cala Estancia plays host to the Anfora Hotel, the Embat Apartments and numerous shops, cafe's and bars, including a Spar shop.

Shopping

Supermarkets

There are two main supermarkets in Ca'n Pastilla itself. The first is just opposite the Picadilly Pub and is a Spar franchise, the second is on the right just before you reach the main beach; the former is an Eroski outlet, one of the major Spanish supermarket chains which is both bigger and cheaper. The Spar shop at Cala Estancia beach will charge you more as it is dedicated to tourist/beach trade and is only open in summer months.

Important Note On Cigarettes & Tobacco:
Visitors should note that there is NO legal allowance for bringing cigarettes and tobacco back to the UK. Despite what some people may tell you, the only tobacco or cigarettes you are allowed to take back to the UK are the ones the UK Border Force (formerly Customs & Excise) allow you to bring through if you get stopped. Don't think that you can bring back 3,200 cigarettes and 3kg of tobacco; these are guidelines ONLY, and you'll need to convince the authorities if you are stopped and want to keep your purchase. Many people assume that this guideline is an allowance - it is not, and you run the risk of having your purchases stolen from you by the British Government if you can't convince them that they are not for resale.

Gift Shops

There are many gift shops scattered throughout Ca'n Pastilla, and if you are thinking of purchasing, do shop around, as most of the shops sell much the same goods at very different prices. Drive a hard bargain if you feel up to it, as it's always worth haggling.

Mobile Phones

If you travel frequently to Spain, you would be better off buying a Spanish sim card which can be used in any unlocked UK mobile. Note: It is not possible to top-up UK mobiles when in Spain through retail outlets, even if you are on Vodafone or Orange. Spanish sims can be purchased relatively cheaply via eBay, or if your Spanish is good through a local retailer.

Food & Drink

It's pretty much a case of trial and error when it comes to eating and drinking in the local bars and cafe's, based upon your personal requirements. However, it's worth noting that some places are much more expensive than others, so shop around. Also, you may be charged extra depending on where you sit (terrace or inside). Be sure to check on this before ordering if you are unsure. You'll find that many of the beers you are used to at home cost more in Spain, as they have to be imported, so try and stick to the local brew if you are on a budget. With a poor exchange rate you can pay upwards of a fiver a pint for your usual tipple if you aren't careful, so ask the price before you purchase if you don't want to get a shock when you go to pay. It is common practice in Spain, along with many European countries to pay when you leave. Beware of this if you are planning on staying for a good drink, as the bill may be not what you expected come closing time. You can always insist on paying as you go, and if you eat or drink in Bar Samoa near the big beach, you have to do this, which means that you don't get any nasty surprises, even if the service can be haughty (or even downright rude) at times. Note: Majorcan milk contains added vitamins and is of the UHT variety (long-life), so will taste slightly different from UK milk. As a result, tea and coffee will taste different too.