Ca'n Pastilla
Mallorca's Best Kept Secret
Information
To help you stay safe and enjoy your holiday, here are some essential tips for you.
Security:
- Take advantage of your hotel safe. Don't take money or valuables to the beach and always keep an eye on your property - others might be doing so for the wrong reason!
- When walking along the pavement, ladies carry your handbag on the inside (away from the traffic).
- Don't buy from the carnation sellers - in fact give them a wide berth. On a similar note - don't be tempted to play the "Three Shell Game" - you will only lose!
- If travelling on the public bus to Palma or visiting one of the popular tourist markets, only take sufficient money for the occasion - leave all other valuables in the hotel safe.
- In the event of an emergency - including robbery - dial 122. The operators speak English.
Shopping:
- When entering a shop, try to say "hola" (hello) to the owner or assistant - the Spanish always appreciate this.
- Do carry some kind of identification with you if you intend paying by credit card - it is often required
- Be prepared to haggle a price at markets - you should get the price reduced for your efforts.
Fun In The Sun:
Although we have some of the safest beaches on the island, please take note of the flags! A GREEN flag indicates that it is SAFE to swim. A YELLOW flag indicates a WARNING - unless you are a strong swimmer don't do more than paddle. ON NO OCCASION SHOULD YOU ENTER THE SEA WHEN A RED FLAG IS FLYING!!! The sea may look safe, but there are some VERY STRONG UNDER-CURRENTS that can defeat even the strongest of swimmers. Every year people lose there lives as a result of ignoring the RED FLAG - DON'T DO IT!!
Do try and remember the following at all times:
- Do not swim after a meal or too many beers - severe cramp is one of the principal causes of drowning accidents.
- Parents - ALWAYS keep an eye on children, both in the sea and in swimming pools.
- Do your sunbathing GRADUALLY. The longer a tan takes to acquire, the longer it will last.
- Avoid the midday sun, especially during the first few days and always use a quality sun oil with U.V protection.
- REMEMBER to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration. If you feel unwell (sickness, headaches and shivering) you may have sunstroke - get medical assistance STRAIGHT AWAY.
Accommodation:
You can find some absolutely blinding deals on accommodation in Ca'n Pastilla and down through the Playa de Palma beach to S'Arenal. The trick is of course to avoid the school holidays like the plague if you can, but it's even possible to find a good deal during peak periods if you are prepared to take some time looking for them. We've frequently found 4 star accommodation out of season for less than £20 per room/per night!
The Weather:
The island of Mallorca enjoys a mediterranean climate, which means that we enjoy a good deal of sunshine throughout the year. It can become very hot during the summer months, but our winters are usually fairly mild (by British standards), so you'll probably enjoy the weather at any time of year!
Local People:
British tourists are welcomed here in Ca'n Pastilla. There is one simple rule to follow when visiting, and that is to remember that you are a visitor in a foreign country. Respect the locals and they will respect you.
Cautionary Note: If you should fall from grace with the Spanish authorities, you may well live to regret it. Prisons here are not so full as the ones back home, so there is plenty of room for accommodating those who do not want to abide by the law. This is a friendly town, and the no-nonsense approach by the Gardia Civil (local police force) ensures that it stays that way.
Despite the fact that Ca'n Pastilla has many British bars and restaurants, the village has a very International feel to it, with Germans, French, Dutch and people from around the world mixing together well. It is not unusual to find bars full of a variety of nations all enjoying watching their team play against one another at football, cricket, rugby or any number of sports on the big screens.
Getting Around:
The best way to explore the local area, and Palma itself is by using the cheap, clean and reliable bus services. You can get from Palma City right down to the end of the Playa de Palma at S'Arenal for the equivelant of around 70p!
If you are planning on travelling further afar, then it's a good idea to hire a car, and again this need not be too expensive if you shop around. Mallorca has an excellent road network, and providing you take the usual precautions when driving, you can probably see most of what you'd like to during a week long visit.
Maps:
You will find a simple map of Ca'n Pastilla by following this link or a map of the whole beach can be found here. Alternatively, if you are feeling a little more adventurous, why not take a look at the whole Playa de Palma on Google Earth - it's quite an eye-opener. Find out more by clicking here.
This information was compiled from the What's On In Ca'n Pastilla Guide, which sadly is no longer available
