When I heard of Cala Romantica for the first time I wasn’t sure what to expect. A picture postcard beach or rather a vacation resort? Actually, it’s a bit of both. Out of season, however, it’s one of those dreamy places where you could sit forever and watch the sun’s reflections in the Mediterranean. And it’s the perfect starting point for a hike to the Cova des Pont on the eastern coast of Mallorca.

The entrance to the trail is somewhat hidden at the southern side of the beach. To get to the plateau you have to climb up a steep rock, a fun warm-up for the tour. Once you have reached the top it’s a real easy walk. Between sea and birdsong you cross a stretch of mostly untouched coastal nature.The rocky, often sharp-edged path leads you through dense macchia and past bizarre windswept trees. 

The view of the sea is marvelous and at this time of the year the water looks like liquid silver. On your way you pass a couple of picturesque bays. In the summer, their almost carribean colors attract both locals and visitors who flee the popular beaches. But today the journey is the destination. 

So I head further towards the Cova des Pont, the fabulous rocky arch washed by the waves in thousands of years. My favorite place for a picnic with the turquoise waters of Cala Barques already in sight. On my way back I spend a little more time to look for the small things. Like the tiny purple saffron blossoms or the wild rosemary. And I was lucky again to meet one of the tortoises that live in that area. Made my day.