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Island Life: Balearics in the City

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Photo by Melissa Leighty

If you can’t get to the pristine beaches of the Balearic islands this summer, then bring the islands to you with this short guide to finding the best of Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera right here in the city.

What to eat 

Besides the beaches, another major attraction of the islands is the food. While Balearic restaurants may be in short supply here, there are a few establishments dotted around the city where islanders can get their fix. Na Mindona is one such place. The Na is short for ‘ca na’, meaning ‘en casa’ in Mallorquín, and that’s exactly how it feels—like a small slice of home. Tucked away in the Raval, Na Mindona is a favourite of Barcelona’s Mallorcan residents, who swear by the authenticity of the market-fresh dishes, such as tumbet (a ratatouille-like dish that comprises layers of aubergine, courgette and potato in a rich tomato sauce) and frit mallorquí (a hash of fried lamb, potatoes and onions).  

Part restaurant, part gourmet shop, Idò Balear in Sant Antoni serves up traditional island dishes and wine at reasonable prices. It also sells breads, sausages, artisanal cheeses, olive oils, jams, wine, gin, rum and herb-infused liqueurs.

Anyone who has been on a flight from Mallorca will have shared precious overhead space with large octagonal white boxes holding giant ensaïmadas, the island’s famous coiled pastries. But you can also please your sweet tooth right here in the city at Patisseria Formentor, run by a third-generation Mallorcan family who have garnered a loyal following. They make a wide variety of ensaïmadas, both sweet and savoury, as well as the classic combination of sobrassada and honey. In addition to the regular menu and daily specials, they also take orders for birthdays and special occasions.

Photo by Melissa Leighty

Photo by Melissa Leighty

Photo by Melissa Leighty

Photo by Melissa Leighty

What to wear

Menorca’s most famous fashion export has to be the handmade slip-on sandals known as avarcas. The best in Barcelona are found at Castell Menorca in the Born. Take your pick from a choice of styles and colours, including a line of metallics that won’t stay on the shelves for long.

Pretty Ballerinas have been made by the same family in the same Menorcan town since 1918, although their collection is anything but traditional. The pumps come in a seductive array of colours, patterns and materials, and the styles move beyond the classic to include pointed flats and small heels. Beyond ballerinas, the brand has expanded into trainers, sandals, espadrilles and other styles, as well as accessories. 

Photo by Melissa Leighty

What to do

Situated on a pleasant Raval plaça, Espai Mallorca was conceived as a creative space to showcase the best art coming from the islands, and has since become a sort of landing pad for islanders new to the city. A tiny bar serves up coffee and drinks, and the small convertible space in the back rotates between cafe, meeting space, art gallery and concert space for live acts. They also have a variety of island foods for sale. Next door, a bookshop stocks titles by island authors. 

If you’re more interested in the islands’ party scene than their poets, head to Purobeach Barcelona for a taste of the high life. Located on the terrace of the Hilton Diagonal Mar, this urban oasis combines poolside luxury, cocktails, cuisine and resident DJs for a day of chilling with a Café del Mar ambiance. 

Continue the party in Ibiza-style glamour at the W Hotel, which offers an upscale poolside vibe and live DJ sets at their Sunday night Wet Deck Summer Series and Chillout Sessions (Fridays and Saturdays). Start at the Salt Beach Club for the Beachside Chillout Session on Sundays from 4pm, then move up to the hotel pool deck from 8pm, when the party really gets started. Later still, join the DJ-driven party at Pacha, an Ibiza icon on Barcelona's beachfront, which hosts regular appearances by major names. 

Photo by Melissa Leighty

Photo by Melissa Leighty

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