Can Gavella

In the row of beach huts at Ses Casetes des Capellans, at the far end of Playa de Muro, Can Gavella sets its tables on the sand or on a shaded wooden deck, with the Bay of Alcúdia in front and steps down to the water between courses. The house bills itself as home cooking and paella, and paella is almost all anyone talks about. The mixed version has chicken, rabbit, pork, cuttlefish, crab, prawns, langoustines and clams, plus a family spice blend handed down the generations. That blend, with a clear note of cinnamon, gives it a flavour reminiscent of Mallorcan arroz brut, and it divides people: for many it's the best paella on the beach, for others it smothers the seafood; if you prefer something more classic, the seafood paella or the fideuà are safer bets. To start, baby squid or Andalusian-style calamari; if you don't want rice, grilled fish. Desserts are homemade, with cardenal de Lloseta (a meringue-and-sponge cake) as the local touch, and the sangria, red or cava, goes down well. It's a lunchtime place, with set sittings and plenty of bustle in season, and it works for families: there's a children's menu and colouring sheets.

Reviewed in November 2026