On the beach: El Bungalow

Imagine a plain beach house from the 1920s with an unobstructed view over the beautiful bay of Palma, from Ciutat Jardí to the emblematic silhouette of the cathedral, further on to the marina and the skyline of El Terreno. From the terrace, follow the coastline across the sea and then back to your table, where the waiter is just about to cut up your fish. El Bungalow, as the house is simply called, has been an institution for more than twenty years, now, and is popular with locals and tourists alike. It’s the authentic fresh seafood, the traditional atmosphere and the unique location of this restaurant, within sight but yet remote from the bustling, hectic city, that makes it so special.

Whether you come for lunch or dinner, make sure to find a place out on the terrace. But unless you really want to try your luck reserve a table in due course. In the evenings, it’s really spectacular to watch the changing blue of the sea and the sky when the sun sets behind the Tramuntana. El Bungalow’s kitchen is famous for its tasty paellas and for the lubina a la sal (sea bass in a salt bed), big enough to serve two – almost always my first choice. Together with a plate of grilled vegetables and a bottle of chilled Mallorcan white wine, I’m perfectly happy. Feels like a holiday!

For me, there is nothing like living in a city on the Mediterranean. If I need a day off, I just walk or cycle alongthe seafront over to Portixol, El Molinar or Ciutat Jardí. Sometimes I treat myself to a visit at El Bungalow. Or I just bring a fold-up table, a few candles, food and wine – and meet with friends on the beach. With my feet in the sand and my head in the stars there is no place I’d rather be.