Location: 15 minutes drive from San Antonio
Facilities: Sunbeds, parasols, showers (turned off to save water), parking, restaurant, lifeguards, parking, toilets and access for the disabled (also into the water under supervision of the lifeguards with amphibious wheelchair and special crutches)
Activities: Pedalos
Size: 200 metres long in total, 5-30 metres wide
Getting there: Reached by car, bus or water taxi. If you come by car, follow the signposts north from San Antonio. The road meanders down a steep gradient to a small parking area, with 65 spaces that are shaded by pine trees, and a footpath to the beach.
Please note, that from around the beginning of May to mid October, the road will be closed from 9:30 to 17:00 (scooters, taxis, people with reduced mobility and people with a reservation in the restaurant can pass). So you have to arrive early if you want to get through. If you park outside the barrier, it is quite a hike down to the beach, so we recommend taking the bus or a water taxi.
In the summer months, there is a mini-bus service (Linea L34) every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 20:00 from the San Antonio bus station, with a 'park and ride' stop at the Can Coix sports centre, where there is ample parking (Complejo Polideportivo Can Coix, see Google maps). Find bus timetables here. Furthermore, there is a ferry service from the port of San Antonio.
The beach
Surrounded by pine-forested hills, the small, protected sandy cove of Cala Salada is a favourite for residents and private boat owners. The water is beautifully clear, shallow and perfect for swimming, and the sea bed mostly soft sand.
This small beach gets very busy on summer weekends, with people often spread across the rocks that separate Cala Salada and neighbouring Cala Saladita. You can also jump from the cliffs, but please be careful and check the depth of the water first as it is not safe to jump from all places (even if others do).
On the rocky promontory to the right there is a picturesque stone tower with paths leading over the top to the little fringe of sandy beach of Cala Saladita. To the left are boathouses built into the rock. Well trodden paths leading into the hills are popular for walks in this unspoiled area.
Spotlight tip
Walk to the Caves at Ses Fontanelles - these are famous for cave paintings dating back to the Bronze age. For the explorers amongst you, just before you reach the entrance to the bay, turn off to the right and drive up the camino (dirt track). You will have to park the car and continue on foot up the cliffs to the caves at Ses Fontanelles.
The walk is long, but the views from the cliffs are incredible. The caves are actually more of an overhang and are protected by iron bars, which means you unfortunately won't see much of the cave paintings. However, if you still have the energy, you can climb down the enormous stone steps to the sea, where you can bathe in complete privacy. Please be careful.
Beach bars and restaurants
There is a beach restaurant at the corner of the beach which is extremely popular with the locals and great for traditional dishes like seafood paella. It also has a kiosk for ice creams and cold drinks to take away.
Nearest resort
San Antonio is easily reached by car or water taxi. The second largest town of the island offers a vibrant nightlife and a wide choice of hotels and apartments.
