Spain: Mallorca: Overview

Why go?

A beautiful island of diverse landscapes - from stunning rugged mountains and dramatic sea cliffs to over 70 beaches and isolated coves, hidden valleys with ancient olive terraces, citrus groves, almond orchards and picturesque villages with great restaurants and bars. For those wanting more than a beach, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, climbing, bird-watching, painting, cycling, sailing and golf. There's no shortage of nightlife, but if you're in need of peace and tranquillity, there are plenty of rural hideaways.

Fantastic places to stay (some of the best in the Med) ranging from restored stone fincas (farmhouses) and traditional Mallorquin homestays to the most stylish of small hotels. Affordable: food, drinks and car hire are very reasonably priced. Frequent and inexpensive flights (only 2.5 hours from London) make it ideal for a short break or those travelling with young children.

Any downsides?
Not many, providing you avoid S'Arenal and Magaluf which are thankfully well contained. It's a popular tourist destination, and with 5 million visitors a year (mainly British and German), there are few undiscovered places, but thankfully most go to the resorts. Don't expect miles of deserted beaches - you'll need a boat to reach the most secluded.

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In Palma de Mallorca:

  Activities

* Hiking and Climbing: A multitude of footpaths criss-cross the spectacular Tramuntana mountain range running the length of the northwest coast. There's walking to suit everyone and plenty of opportunities for rock climbing.

* Beaches: the best secluded coves are along the east coast. Es Trenc in the southeast, Formentor in the far northwest and Cala Aguilla in the northeast offer nice, long sandy stretches.

* Watersports: Waterskiing and windsurfing in Port de Pollensa and Port d'Alcudia in the north. Snorkelling is good along the northwest coast where the waters are deep and crystal clear.

* Sailing: a favourite spot in the Med with the yachting fraternity because of the many beautiful and often deserted coves only accessible by boat.

* Golf: with over 12 courses, Mallorca is a golfer's paradise, especially in winter. All are within easy reach.

* Scenic Drives: the 35km Soller-Lluc road (C-710)is the most dramatic stretch passing soaring cliffs, the gnarled peaks of Puig Major and Puig Massanella, lakes and arriving at Lluc monastery tucked away in a remote valley.

* Culture: Don't miss Palma's magnificent cathedral and the monastery in Valldemossa where Chopin once lived. Regular classical music concerts are held in summer in Palma and near Deia.

* Shopping: Go to Palma for boutiques. For bargain shoes head to Inca, centre of the leather industry and home of trendy Camper.

* Nightlife: Palma is full of good restaurants, tapas bars, cafes and late night clubs. Deia, although a small village, boasts excellent restaurants and chilled bars.
Overview
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