Welcome to Paradise
Heaven is a place on Earth , and shares coordinates with the island of Formentera . Stillness, peace, ataraxia and, consequently, the most absolute happiness is achieved during the first baptism in the waters of a thousand shades of blue of this Balearic island.
Immersing yourself in those stunning crystal clear waters is to come out purer, it is to understand the reason for life. It is difficult to opt for one of the small coves of the Pitiusas... It is not favoritism, perhaps the right thing to do would be to call it chance, but we are going to dedicate ourselves body and soul to the Es Caló or Ses Platgetes beach.
Let yourself be seduced by its waters
The blue of its waters, which gain and lose intensity at will, create a marine postcard that seems to have been painted with a brush and watercolor . The boats burst into harmony and at the same time are the perfect complement to that mediterranean print that we have seen so many times through a screen.
And there it is, in front of our eyes, which are lost in an infinite horizon. A small boat rescues us from succumbing to the spell of that hypnotic seabed and takes us to the coast, stopping the motor in front of an old pier where coquettish fishing boats reside.
Escars or slipways is the name of these wooden constructions slightly inclined that have the rails to facilitate the exit and entrance of the boats, and that have been declared Well of Cultural Interest.
We put our feet on the ground and then slightly feel the "Earth disease" syndrome , that irrepressible desire to throw ourselves back into the sea that we only managed to silence with a stroll scented with saltpeter along the shore of Ses Platgetes.
Scars of Es Caló
HOW TO GET?
We are located on the north coast of the island, which extends beyond Punta Prima in the direction of the La Mola plateau and is known as Tramontana for its orientation. Here lies a small town famous for its fishing port , its beautiful sandbank, its whitewashed houses and its excellent gastronomic proposals: It is Caló de Sant Agustí.
In this fishing village there is the nearest car park to be able to access on foot to Ses Platgetes , located in the western area. Another option to get to them is by one of their direct accesses to the road or, as we have already mentioned, by boat.
Your future favorite beach is at the end of the walkway...
CURIOSITIES
Why Ses Platgetes? Why the diminutive and the plural at the same time to describe the only great natural wonder? Well, the reason is that what at first glance looks like a large sandy area, **THE BEACH of Es Caló or Ses Platgetes (yes, like that, in capital letters)** is made up of several smaller coves, adding together 600 meters in length.
Depending on where you decide to stick your umbrella and get soaked, you can be in any of these old beaches of Caló de Sant Agustí: Platgeta de Prop, Platgeta d'Enmig and Platgeta de Més Enllà. Three sandy areas divided by rocky areas that share the same tranquility and the same inspiring views of the pine forests that dot the cliffs of La Mola.
As for the Mediterranean flora, we will also find some low junipers and small dunes , which we will cross through the walkways, installed to avoid the degradation of the environment.
Mediterranean...
The magic of this corner lies in the contrast: the softness of the sand and the roughest areas , a rugged landscape if you look at the cliffs and a magical perspective if you submerge it in the sea, an ideal setting for lovers of diving or snorkeling.
Posidonia and goldfish well deserve to practice some of these activities. The only drawback? Once the calm summer months have passed, the Tramontana wind rage the waters at unsuspected levels.
THE PHOTO
Even the most amateur frame will become one of your most liked photos if your muse is Formentera . You will get one of the most beautiful postcards of Es Caló as soon as you disembark: from the shore, captures the sea (including sunbathers and yachts) with the rocky landscape as a backdrop.
Assured success. For the most creative, with a high-angle shot of the water (with the friend on duty imitating a starfish, or without him) you will get a photo of such a perfect color that you yourself will not be able to distinguish if it is the sea or a pool. No filters, of course.
WHERE TO EAT
If you are a good eater, perhaps one of the best moments you will experience during your day at Ses Platgetes is on the terrace of the Es Calo Restaurant , In beachfront. “A harmony of flavors and landscapes that will invade all your senses” , that's how this eatery defines itself on its website. And what reason.
Foodie recommendation? Es Calo Restaurant
As a starter, some incredible panoramic views of the sea with which you will be able to pack your retinas with beauty. And for the palate, Grilled rock mussels, baby squid and Andalusian squid , ceviche, garlic prawns or the classic country salad.
That the best delicacies from the sea are served here, that the recipes are elaborated with care and that the chef Toñi Ibáñez commitment to the most exquisite market products is evident in its main dishes.
From sea bream or baked wild sea bass even its meats, such as stone-grilled veal steak or oven-roasted lamb shoulder, passing through its rice dishes: black rice, lobster, blind paella, fideuá...
No matter which one you choose, they are all a real delight, but if you are indecisive, their star dish is a safe bet: lobster with chips and eggs.
First they will serve you the crustacean in question accompanied by the baked potatoes and green peppers. A while later, when you've asked yourself a few times “where are the eggs?” , they will arrive at your table ( fried with lobster oil to enhance the flavor).
For the brave, for those who always leave room for dessert: fig biscuit with cold pastry cream, peppered strawberries with whipped cream, cheesecake with cranberry sauce or **graixonera (typical Ibizan dessert)** are some of its tempting sweet bites.
The sunsets of Es Caló are a spectacle
WHERE TO DINNER
To continue delighting yourself with the views of Es Caló, sit down to enjoy the sunset at ** Can Rafalet ,** located on the pier. If you have been left wanting to try Es Caló's fried lobster with eggs and potatoes, in this Mediterranean and seafood restaurant you will also have the opportunity to taste them.
With a fresh fish baked on the table, such as a sea bass, fried octopus , some red mullet, a tasty brothy rice or a grilled sea bream , and under a pink sky that is giving way to the stars, it is impossible to end the day badly.
Another option, within the town, is **Can Pasqual**. Despite not having views over the waters of Es Caló, the interior decoration of the restaurant -with wooden furniture and wicker details-, its charming garden and the artistic and careful presentation of its dishes they are the reason why a gastronomic appointment in this restaurant is worth it, and a lot.
A DRINK AND SLEEP...
There is no greater luxury than taking you a cocktail accompanied by the salty breeze and with the sound of the waves as a soundtrack. Well, yes, knowing that you are also just a few steps from your rooms. Put the finishing touch to the day on the terrace of the bar of the ** Hostal Can Rafalet ** and let the sea be the one to say good morning from the balcony of your room.
**The hotel, only for adults, Entre Pinos -with a swimming pool, spa and its Sucre pastry shop-, the Hostal Mar Blau, the Es Caló Apartments or Sa Cala Suites , which have a white decoration where pure woods and Mediterranean-style furniture stand out, are other accommodations that you can book to enjoy this corner of Formentera both in summer and ** out of season.
Sa Cala Suites Apartment