Though Mallorca is just a short flight away from Britain, it feels like it is a world away with tropical, warm sunshine and picturesque mountains along its northwestern coast. When dreary weather at home dampens your spirit, this is the place to be. Once you check into your resort, you’ll be basking in balmy temperatures and beautiful scenery, with more than 550 kilometres of coastline to experience. And whether you like your beaches bustling with action or quiet and secluded, you’ll find the perfect one.

 

There are great resorts throughout Mallorca, but many are on the south and east coasts. Towns like Cala d’Or (well known for its annual jazz festival) and Cala Moraira (famous for its golf courses and intimate beaches) are favourite holiday destinations. In the north, Puerto Pollensa is popular with families. No matter where you go, you’ll have a great many attractions within reach. You can go shopping in cities like Inca (renown for its leather factories and inexpensive handbags, shoes and coats), or in Manacor, an ideal place to buy pearl jewelry at affordable prices.

 

See the highlights Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, including Castell de Bellver, a castle built on the ruins of a Muslim site and the architectural museum Pueblo Espanol, then dance the night away in Paseo Maritimo. The action doesn’t start until midnight and doesn’t end until the wee hours of the morning, so rest up on the beach before your night on the town. Do venture into the mountain area before it’s time to go back home and treat yourself to some almond ice cream, or the wonderful sangria (a mix of fruit juice, wine and brandy).

 

The paella, a saffron-flavoured rich dish with seafood, makes a perfect meal to share among friends.

 

In the summer, there are free, open-air, classical music concerts on Saturday evenings at the Bendinat Golf Course.

 

The monastery in Valldemossa is a quaint village where composer Frederic Chopin spent a summer.