A jewel of a place, and a hostess.
The apartment was spotlessly clean and lived up to its description on Airbnb. The roof terrace is just as it looks on the photo; and the sense of peace and well-being you get from sitting up there with a glass of wine and some olives as the sun sets, with the swifts wheeling overhead and some far-off purposeful activity on the water, has to be experienced.
The setting is superb.
It's in the old part of Portocolom, much the best part, nestled very close to the church and within 20 metres or so of a shaded square with a bar where the neighbourhood seems to congregate and put the world to right. Some 100 metres up the street is a small shop that sells most of the things you are likely to need without having to search out a supermarket. Turn left at the front door and within 30 metres you are beside the sea. To your right sweeps the bay with numerous yachts at anchor. On the way towards the lighthouse, less than a kilometre away, are two sandy bays - still within the shelter of the main bay; one with stone steps into the aqua-marine sea.
Some 5 minutes away down a stony track before you come to these bays, still on the lighthouse side of the bay but now outside the bay on the coast, is a small cove with a good walk along the low cliffs. To the south east of the entrance, some 20 minutes or so by car, is the most enchanting area of 'cala' or bays or coves - all blessed with white sand and brilliantly coloured crystal clear sea.
Elena is a marvellous hostess. She had left us with a welcoming gift of wine and olives and cheese and pate; and spent time pointing out options on how best to use the limited time we had. More to do than we could fit in so we shall definitely return.
A wonderful introduction to Mallorca.