Insider tips for relaxed moments of pleasure
Have you ever heard of chiringuitos? If not, it's about time, because these characteristic beach bars are an integral part of Spanish culture. According to the Real Academia Española, chiringuitos are outdoor kiosks or drink stands. In German, they are often translated as "snack bars" or "beach bars."
The history of chiringuitos dates back to 1913, when the first one opened in Sitges, a charming seaside resort near Barcelona. Interestingly, the term "chiringuito" is said to have originated in Cuba, where it was used to order a coffee preparation. However, the idea of these laid-back beach bars quickly found its way to Spain, where it became an important part of beach culture. Today we would like to present you five chiringuitos on Mallorca that you should not miss. Here you can expect not the usual snack bar 😉
1. can gavella - playa de muro
This charming place exudes the authentic flair of summer in Mallorca and has been a real highlight for locals and visitors alike for four decades. Located right by the Casetes dels Capellans in the north of the island, Can Gavella attracts gourmets from all over the world.
The recipe for success of this culinary gem consists of a magical atmosphere, fair prices, loyal regulars and, of course, the irresistible paellas. Other dishes also delight the palates of guests, such as the traditional "Gall de Sant Pere", juicy grilled squid, delicately roasted octopus or the fresh catch of the day. The variety of specialties leaves nothing to be desired. But without a doubt, the absolute crowning glory is the mysterious "Paella Mixta". Its refined mixture of secret spices and the exquisite rice from Sa Pobla make it an unforgettable taste experience.
The place has a charming decoration with elegant baskets and soft melodies in the background. The atmosphere is enhanced on Saturdays by the sound of a talented DJ, who takes guests into a world of pleasure and relaxation.
The history of Can Gavella began in 1976 and was taken over by the family Perelló-Gelabert in 1987.The family connection is reflected in the loving care of the guests, who are welcomed here like longtime friends. Especially on weekends in August we recommend to book a table in time.
2. 'El Chiringuito' - Costa de la Calma
In the glow of the radiant sun and the carefree sea breeze blossoms the "El Chiringuito" located in la Costa de la Calma (southwest). Here, not everything revolves around pomp and luxury. There's no exclusive music selection from famous DJs or lavish arts and crafts. Instead, a harmonious melody of people milling about, the sound of the sea and the cheerful laughter of the young team of waiters awaits us.
People of diverse backgrounds gather here to share the pleasure of being together in an environment where plastic ware is ubiquitous - walking barefoot is a familiar sight and glass or ceramics would be completely out of place.
The dishes are an ode to simplicity and yet delicious. You won't find extravagant carpaccio dishes, exquisite fish or unusual creations here. Instead, refreshing salad plates, homemade salmorejo, or a tasty pizza are served. My personal favorite is the pamboli, a delight made with Mallorcan bread combined with juicy Ramellet tomatoes and accompanied by Menorca cheese, hearty Serrano ham or delicate tuna. Or you can opt for crispy slices of sobrasada, which you pick up at the bar with a pinch of sugar.
All these delights of the palate are framed by the breathtaking view of the gentle sea that gives us its warm waves while we relax in comfortable deck chairs or daringly jump from the rocks into the refreshing water. And not to forget, the enchanting sunset that bathes the sky in a colorful painting.
The "Chiringuito de la Costa de la Calma" is open daily from March to November from 11 am to midnight.
3rd Cas Patro March - Cala Deià
In a secluded corner of Mallorca's magical island hides a jewel worth discovering: Ca's Patró March, a paradise for the senses and the palate. Here, where the Mediterranean reveals its treasures, the lobster is caught on the glowing dance floor of the grill and dances with the delicate aromas of Mediterranean herbs. It is accompanied by tempting crispy potatoes and a fresh salad melody that perfectly completes the taste experience.
This restaurant-chiringuito is a hideaway for connoisseurs, far from the luxurious frills that often mask the beauty of such a touristy island. A wooden retreat, cleverly built between rock and sea, offers guests breathtaking views of the enchanted alliance of majestic mountains and gentle waves.
The journey to Ca's Patró March is like an adventure, because it is not an easy task to reach this place. Hidden in the old fishermen's houses, wood-beamed terraces greet guests, almost as if they want to merge with the sea. The purpose is clear: to let guests experience the catch of the day up close, a selection proudly displayed in a glass display case and sung about on the menu by an enthusiastic team of the house.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of high summer, Ca's Patró March attracts locals and international travelers daily. A culinary adventure that can be rewarded with a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters. And when the feast harmonizes with the golden sunset, the sight of this rock or stretch of beach on the Mallorcan coast becomes an almost overwhelming experience. Some even dare to arrive by boat and anchor in the bay of Cala Deià.
The menu at Ca's Patró March knows no routine. Like the tides of the sea, it varies according to the treasures the day brings. The grill-kissed supreme discipline is undoubtedly fish - from artfully prepared dentons to fiery cap roigs to mysterious raóns and majestic pargos. A dance of the senses that is constantly reinvented depending on the fishing season and protection times.
Among the sea creatures, the lobster is the undisputed star, which presents itself on the stage of pleasure together with its followers, the grilled shrimps. As another option, a sea and fish grill platter is ready to tempt the palate with its diversity.
As a harbinger for the maritime delicacies, Ca's Patró March serves the Mallorcan "Tumbet", a vegetable experience of a special kind. Raw and refined with Mediterranean sounds, eggplants, potatoes, green peppers, onions and ripe tomatoes dance together in culinary rhythm.
Prices for this culinary journey to paradise range from 25 to 40 euros per ticket. A feast for all the senses, where taste makes the heart beat faster to the beat of Mediterranean passion.
4. s'Embat - Es Trenc
S'Embat was born in 2005 as a small "chiringuito" on the south coast of Mallorca, with the simple aim of becoming a place where you can feel free and escape from everyday life. Without a presence on social networks, without marketing plans or advertising campaigns, people naturally became aware of the place and began to share it with each other until it became their own place.
In this place you can enjoy grilled meat or 'pa amb oli' in an enchanting atmosphere, next to the most paradisiacal beach of the island, while listening to the changing performances of the artists during the night, all of them giving their enchanting contribution to this special atmosphere.
Women artists, locals and international guests become a kind of family with each visit and ambassadors of this place that goes beyond leisure, business and brand - it's about a feeling.
It is Mallorca and it belongs to its people; it embodies the spirit and essence of the island that visitors from other parts of the world want to know. Thanks to the people who love this place, S'Embat has gained exposure in the national and international media, establishing itself year after year as one of the best "chiringuitos" in Spain.
There are places that enchant us from the first time we enter them. Places that leave an unforgettable impression during our vacation. Places to which we wish to return one day. Magical places that we had no idea existed until the moment we discovered them.
And S'Embat is one of those charming dots on the map that shines for itself.
With its hippie decoration, its carefully selected program of events and its heavenly joy, S'Embat has become a musical hotspot of the Mallorcan summer in its more than fifteen years. Located at the entrance of Ses Covetes, this little oasis is a source of entertainment and invigoration for many and a spiritual retreat for others.
From late May to mid-October, this magical place offers artistic accommodation for those seeking live music afternoons and evenings in Mallorca, jam sessions, jazz, funk, circus performances, magicians, stand-up comedy, children's entertainment and ultimately a day of fun and entertainment on the beach.
5. sa Foradada - Tramuntana
An impressive, perforated rock rises majestically in the middle of the sea. Sa Foradada, as this fascinating natural phenomenon is called, is much more than just a spectacular sight, however. It is a place full of magic, rich in history and an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists, musicians and writers from all eras.
The legends surrounding this unique rock revolve around a shootout that supposedly took place in 1582 between 150 pirates and only 50 Christian defenders. Whether this story is true or not is still uncertain. What is certain, however, is that this striking rock, whether due to a natural phenomenon or human action, has become one of the most important attractions of the island. Its characteristic hole, called "forat" in Mallorcan, gives it the name "Na Foradada" (the perforated).
Every day, numerous cameras capture this impressive image to preserve it for eternity. It is undoubtedly worth a visit. Na Foradada is located between the beautiful beaches of Cala Deià and Caló de s'Estaca. From the viewing platform of the Son Marroig estate, once owned by Archduke Luis Salvador, this breathtaking view is best captured. The road that leads from Valldemossa to Deià through the Sierra offers an impressive journey through the picturesque landscape. Visiting both towns is equally recommended and completes the experience.
Once at the top, a charming restaurant and beach bar awaits you, offering you the opportunity to eat and drink in this privileged setting. The Chiringuito, as the beach bar is called in Spanish, invites you to fully enjoy the beauty of the place. Alternatively, there is the option to take an excursion to Na Foradada from Son Marroig (for an entrance fee). This beautiful path is open to everyone and will take you directly to your destination.
It is difficult to recommend a specific time of day to experience this spectacular balcony of the Sierra de Tramuntana, as the changing light always highlights the magic of the rock. Especially popular is the sunset, when you can watch the sun slowly farewell in the sea and gently end the day.
