Plan an amazing trip to Mallorca

Head to Sóller for your retail therapy. In Calle Luna you will find handcrafted objects, willow baskets, decanters and other items in terra cotta. You could also bring back olive oil, oranges and lemons. You could offer your friends hierbas, a local liqueur said to be “muy caliente”, or cassaï, another spirit made with aniseed. As for jewellery, you can visit the artificial pearl factory in Manacor.

For breakfast, try “gypsy arms” (a sponge cake) or the famous enceimadas - pastries filled with cream (so delicious the memory of them will haunt you until your next visit). Served, of course, with freshly pressed Mallorcan orange juice. For a light lunch or picnic, coca de trampó, a flatbread topped with vegetables is a real treat. You’ll soon discover pa amb oli - bread topped with good olive oil, tomato, ham and cheese: a recipe to recreate at home in the summer. Of course, you’ll find all sorts of tapas available in the evening, including empanadas - pastry filled with meat or fish, washed down with Cassaï. Cured pork products such as Sobrassada are outstanding appetisers before your meal begins. If you’re still hungry, try the delicious paëllas, particularly those cooked with black rice (arroz negro). All kinds of seafood are available - squid, fish, octopus, and all seasoned with local olive oil and served with good Mallorcan wine.

If you’re looking for quite beaches, choose the pebbly and rocky beaches. Among them are the,bay at Es Calonet, near Lluc Major and Cala de gat near Palma. The magnificent Cala Pi is a,,treasure waiting to be discovered, but it is very small. The Cabrera archipelago is a protected national park. If you really can’t stand crowds, stay away in June, July and August. To find out more, take a look at the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca

Mallorca is ideal for family holidays. Swimming, tours and days at the beach will keep the children happy. An excursion to Alcudia, with picnic under the pines at the water’s edge is a must. Take them to Poble Espanyol near Palma, a traditional village with fire eaters and other old world entertainments. Their jaws will drop at the orcas and multicoloured fish at Marineland and the aquarium. Then there are several water parks with giant slides, the largest of which is in Alcudia. Considering the entry fee, you might prefer one of Mallorca’s free beaches.

The east coast of Mallorca is home to a beautiful undersea architecture of caves. El Toro, close to Andratx is remarkable, as is the Cabrera Archipelago National Park with its shoals of grouper fish and other marine life. The warm clear waters of the Balearic Islands provides good visibility to 30 metres, making them ideal for diving. You have several options including night diving; scuba diving and marine cave diving. Novices and the more experienced will find something to suit them.

Absolutely. In Palma, you won’t have any difficulty hiring a car whether you arrive by boat or plane. Be warned, you won’t be able to leave Mallorca, even to visit Minorca or Ibiza, in your hire vehicle. Your British driving licence is valid and Mallorcans drive on the right. Five motorways bisect Mallorca: The Ma11 heads north-west to Sóller. The tunnel cut through is the only toll road; The Ma13 runs north-east to Alcudia; The M1 takes you south-west towards Andratx. The Ma19 south-east to Colonia Sant Jordi; Finally, the Ma15 heads east towards Capdera. Roads are well maintained and ideal for cycling (Palma has a free bike sharing scheme). Parking in towns can be complicated. Palma has a metro and public transport is good, even between towns. If you don’t drive and have the time, you won’t have any trouble discovering the remote beaches. For further information, take a look at our map of routes around Mallorca.

- The mild climate - A scenery that takes your breath away - Dreamy beaches - Plenty of activities (walks and tours) including things for the children.

- Palma’s urban sprawl, - High numbers of tourists in summer.