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Holidays in Mallorca, Spain

Boutique hotels

Self-catering properties

Mallorca, Balearic Islands Activities

Worth getting out of bed for...

Viewpoint
There are unparalleled views over Palma from the fortress of Castell de Bellver. Alternatively, drift sedately above the landscape in a balloon (www.mallorcaballoons.com).

Arts and culture
The imposing Gothic cathedral, Sa Seu, dominates Palma’s skyline. For modern-day eye candy, the Es Baluard museum, on Plaça Porta de Santa Catalina, has exhibitions showcasing works by Picasso and Dalí (www.esbaluard.org). There’s also a great gallery and sculpture trail on an estate in Malpas, near Alcudia (www.fundacionjakober.org).

Something for nothing
Take in the dizzying views from the clifftops near Cap de Formentor. Also, the 'serpentine' roads in the Tramuntana Mountains, especially between Valldemossa and Pollenca via Deia and Soller are a wonderfully scenic drive.

Shopping
In Palma, a browse of the chic Chocolat Factory on Plaça d’es Mercat (www.chocolatfactory.com) is worth it just for the samples. Don’t miss Corner on Paseo del Borne, and Custo on Calle San Miguel, which stock a wide range of designer brands. Fleamarket lovers should visit Rastrillo on Avenida Gabriel Alomar I Villalonga, where a market is held on Saturday mornings, 08h–14h. Perlas Majorica, in Avenida Jaume III in Palma, has a fine selection of Mallorcan cultured pearls.

Daytripper
To find the best beaches and remoter coastal stretches, hire a motorboat or a yacht. Contact Marítimo Yachts (+34 971 707669; www.maritimoyachts.com).

Best beach
Pine-fringed Platja de Formentor near the island’s northern tip, and white-sand Es Trenc, on the east coast, are idyllic. Puro beach in Palma is best for hip Riviera-style lounging.

Walks
There are beautiful walks around the glamorous village of Deià. There are free walking tours around the old town of Alcúdia, where you'll be guided through the winding streets and told stories about the Moorish, Byzantine and Roman histories of this beautiful area. The local tourist office begins a tour every Wednesday at noon.

Activities
Drive the twisting mountain roads of the Serra de Tramuntana between Lluc and Pollença. You can go canyoning and mountain biking in the interior, or sailing and diving on the coast. Adrenalin junkies can contact Sloane Helicopters (www.sloanemallorca.com), for tours of the island. The 10th-century Arab baths in Palma are a rare reminder of the Moorish period of Mallorca’s history. There’s no bathing these days, but you can see the underground chambers and relax in the flower-filled courtyard.

And
There are abundant coves for snorkelling near Palma: Estellencs is an especially good diving spot. There aren't any great sandy beaches near the capital, though, so you might want to combine a city break in Palma with a few days at a rural retreat. The three-mile stretch of Platja de Palma offers cafés and bars, or you can head to Peguera and moor at the marina there. For quieter shores, find your own rocky cliff on the islets in the western part of Palma Bay.

Diary

16 January The festival of San Sebastián brings Palma onto the streets with barbecues and live bands. March–April During Santa Semana, aka Easter Week, ghostly, hooded penitents, representing the island’s 50 brotherhoods, parade through the streets of Palma. Late July–early August The Copa del Rey is arguably the most important and glamorous yachting regatta in the Med. 2 August Good-natured street battles in Pollença recreate historic wars between Moors and Christians. Late September Festa d’es Vermar is Binissalem’s foremost wine festival – go with the flow.

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