|
Long before the tourist boom, this tiny town was home only to fishermen and accessible
only by sea. Nowadays Portinatx is a haven for holidaymakers, and cars, buses and
coaches have an easy route which winds through the northern mountains, an area of
especial natural beauty. Situated at the northernmost tip of the island, Portinatx
is as far from the clubbing scene as it's possible to get, which is, we understand,
a blessing for some. It is also the furthest destination from the airport although,
even in the middle of the season, the journey should still take only 30 or 40 minutes
by coach.
Portinatx boasts not one, but three lovely beaches. The largest, S'Arenal Gros,
boasts all the usual services - watersports of all kinds, fine white sands, umbrellas
and loungers, beach bars and quality restaurants within stone's throw. The swimming
and snorkeling here is heavenly. The waters are clear as cut glass, and the crab-claw
shape of the bay affords great protection from wind and waves. For another view
of the colourful array of marine life to be found here, take a trip on the glass-bottom
boat.
There are other boat-trips to be had also. From here you can catch one of the island's
many small ferries to otherwise difficult-to-access and beautiful tiny beaches in
the area. The larger island ferries call in here as well, waiting to whisk, or,
more accurately, gently convey, you to much bigger towns in either direction such
as San Antonio, Santa Eulalia or Ibiza Town itself.
The two other beaches which Portinatx prides itself on are the S'Arenal Petit, just
around the corner from S'Arenal Gros, and the Playa Porto, which is in its own little
cove at the end of the main road, and it's a little gem of a beach.
Absolutely ideal for the family getaway, Portinatx has a few high-quality hotels,
although many visitors choose to opt for a self-catering apartment here, of which
there are an abundance to choose from.
For you dedicated shoppers, there are plenty of souvenir shops and specialist outlets
to peruse at your leisure. Every Sunday, there is an open-air market selling a wide
variety of mostly hand-made goods such as leather, pottery, jewellery and also paintings
by local artists.
Portinatx is not only beautiful in itself, it's surrounded by beauty in the form
of the pine-covered hills that surround it, and the adventurous among you would
be well advised to grab your hiking boots and head up into them in search of Cala
Xarraca or the legendary Calo d'en Serra, a cove which offers intimacy, solitude
and beauty in equal measure.
|