Can Pastilla is a fairly quiet, friendly resort on the western end of the Playa de Palma, a short distance from the airport. Originally a traditional fishing village it has expanded to satisfy the demands of the tourist industry. Its narrow main street, with the Church of St. Antonio de la Playa, leads down to the charming harbour on the Bay of Palma. The smart marina holds many luxury yachts and pleasure boats. The beach is very popular with fine sand which slopes gently into the sea making it safe for children. The beach has a number of huts called ‘balnearios’ which contain rather useful showers and toilets as well as selling drinks and refreshments. Avoid people who approach you on the sea front selling designer items at low prices. Remind yourself of the expression ‘you get what you pay for’.
A tree lined promenade runs along the beach for five kilometres and joins Arenal in the east. It is a pleasant walk but there is a mini-train, for the less energetic, which runs between the resorts.
Although there are water sports available in Can Pastilla, there is a much greater variety in Arenal. Cycling is a popular way to travel around or between the resorts especially since the promenade has no motorised vehicles. There are many bars, cafes and restaurants in the village, down by the harbour and along the beach. They offer a wide variety of food and drink. Local attractions include a crazy golf course with a Jurassic Park theme, much loved by children, and a water park, said to be the largest in Europe. The aqua park certainly scores highly on the excitement scale with its Tsunami, Grand Canyon and vertical drop slides. Good fun for all the family.
