Reasons to visit Mallorca

Largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca (also spelt Majorca) has been attracting artists, writers and musicians for years; and while many visitors may never move off the beach for an entire fortnight, they are missing out on much of what Mallorca has to offer.

Palma, the capital of both Mallorca and the Balearic Islands, is an attractive and fashionable city which lies on the south west coast in the beautiful Bahía de Palma. Palma is a year-round cosmopolitan city offering a wide range of attractions to suit all tastes. With its impressive yacht marina, many trendy bars and stylish restaurants and shops, it's not surprising that Palma has always been the traditional haunt of royalty and celebrities. Today it is also a short-break city destination outside of the main summer season.

Mallorca's other attractions lie not only in its numerous long stretches of sandy beaches and hidden coves, but also in its varied and beautiful landscapes, from the rugged mountains of the Sierra de Tramuntana in the north-west and rolling hills of the Serres de Llevante in the south-east to the flat rural heartland, El Pla, virtually untouched by tourism. Some of our favourite places on the island are on the north coast. Here you will find the lovely villages of Deia (or Deya), retreat of the poet Robert Graves, and where it is possible to bathe from its tiny rocky beach, and Banyalbufar, famous for its unique terraced landscape which leads down to the sea. In this area lies the well-known small monastery town of Valldemossa and lovely Soller and Port de Soller.

On the north eastern side of the island is the historic market town of Pollenca (or Pollensa) where during the summer the famous international music festival takes place. Close by is Port de Pollenca, one of the loveliest resorts in Mallorca, set around a large bay with a marina, fine sandy beach and attractive palm-lined promenade with little shops and open air cafés and restaurants. From here you can take a boat-trip to Cape Formentor, one of the most beautiful little spots on the island.

On the east coast a visit to the Caves of Drach near to Porto Cristo is a popular attraction, especially for families. Here can be found not just stalactites and stalagmites, but also one of the world's largest underground lakes where every hour musicians on a boat perform a lake concert for visitors.

Moving south on the east coast there are a number of inviting stretches of long sandy beaches and small 'calas', just waiting to be discovered. Here you will also find charming fishing villages where the local fishermen bring in their catch and mend their nets and the modern purpose built resort of Cala D'Or with its yacht harbour, shops and waterfront restaurants, a mecca for watersports activities. The south-eastern corner of Mallorca is where some of the best beaches can be found, many backed by nature reserves making them ideal for nature lovers. One of the most stunning is Es Trenc beach, a 3 kilometre stretch of undeveloped virgin sand and crystal clear water where clothing is optional.