About Mallorca ( Majorca )

For generations, family holidays in Majorca have consisted of all the essential ingredients - sunny days, sandy beaches and lively nights. Visit the largest of the Balearics today and you'll see that the essentials are still in place, but they've been joined by confident modern restaurants, stylish new resorts in the island's dramatic north, and a new air of self-confidence.

Star Quality

Majorca's always been our favourite Mediterranean island - but now it's been 'rediscovered' by celebs and the super-cool it's even more seductive than ever. But don't worry, the A-list attention hasn't robbed the island of its excellent value - cheap flights to Majorca still make this a good choice for travellers on a budget. The string of resorts to the island's south offer no shortage of thrills, from waterparks to open-air dancing. At Cala d'Or, sleek yachts drop anchor just long enough for their owners to browse the resort's trendy boutiques while, at Magaluf, cool malls offer beach-wear at less jaw-dropping prices.

Cultural Capital

For the best Spanish city break ever, we recommend a few days in Majorca's captivating capital, Palma, with its ultra-swish marina and UNESCO preserved old town - a warren of twisting streets revealing excellent tapas restaurants and stylish boutiques burrowing into the shadows behind the soaring butresses of La Seu cathedral. This city was recently voted the friendliest in Spain and, after a night enjoying the capital's hospitality - especially the bars around Placa Major, we think you'll agree.

Take it to Heart

The island's rocky heart reaches its pinnacle at the soaring Tramuntana mountain range. A hiker's paradise, the Sierra seems a world away from the casinos and clubs of the coast and is just one more facade of this island of many contrasts. Follow the foothills to the lush north of the island, and you'll discover medieval villages where, in sub-dappled squares, local craftspeople carry on their daily lives much as they have for centuries. Seek out their fine ceramics or blown glass for good value souvenirs - or perhaps a bottle of two of the island's excellent wines. They've been harvesting grapes here since the Romans arrived, plenty of time to get it right. But, as ever, family holidays to Majorca always return to the beach. And you'll have no trouble finding your perfect spot. We could recommend a list as long as its coastline, but you could do worse than start at Alcudia, in the northeast, where seven miles of soft, clean sands stretch seemingly into infinity

Beaches

Alcudia There are about 12kms of beaches around Alcudia Bay, which means there's plenty of space. The beaches near Port d'Alcudia have cafes and bars next to them and a series of cabins that sell food and drink during the day.

Platja De Moro, Alcudia. is a particularly beautiful stretch of the bay that has been declared a protected area so the dunes and pine trees that grow on them are completely unspoilt.

Cala Sant Vincenc, Alcudia. A little further away is this picturesque group of coves; Cala Barques, Cala Clara, Cala Molins and Cala Carbo. Perhaps the nicest is Cala Barques, where a few restaurants are dotted around a small, sandy beach. The beach is bordered by rocks, which become cliffs that plunge into the sea a little further out near the mouth of the bay. It's a taxi ride away but you'd be hard pushed to find a more idyllic location for a romantic dinner or a lazy lunch

Playa de Palma, Arenal. is 5.5km long and 40 metres wide. It is an enormous asset and is looked after accordingly. It was awarded the European blue flag for the standard and cleanliness of the sea and sand.

Cala Gran, Cala D'or. The eight coves that make up Cala D'Or all have their charm but a popular one is Cala Gran where the rocky sides turn into a lovely white beach with umbrella pines shading the sides. There are a few cafes and bars on the sand for drinks and food.

Top Tip Though not strictly a beach, you should make the short trip to Cala Figuera - a steep sided inlet where there is a small harbour for fishing boats. A good time to go is late afternoon or early evening so you can enjoy a drink or some food at one of the restaurants that stand on the rocks looking down over the cove. A taxi from Cala D'Or does not cost a lot and remember to head for Puerto Cala Figuera, not the town

Playa de Magalluf, Playa de Son Matias, Playa Palmanova are the three beaches that serve tourists well and are fantastic. They are cleaned daily, the sand is immaculate and the water is crystal clear. Beaches a little less used often receive less attention and can appear a little shabby. If you fancy bronzing your white bits, there is a nudist beach down the coast at Cala Portal Vells.

Playa Formentor, Pollenca. About twenty minutes walk up the coast is the exclusive enclave of Formentor and the little island of the same name. A popular destination for boat trips and a lovely place to spend an afternoon

Cala Figuera, Pollenca. A more strenuous walk but well worth it when you get there. This rocky cove is a quieter option than Playa Formentor. Take enough money for a taxi back.

Cala Sant Vincenc, Pollenca. A little further away is this picturesque group of coves: Cala Barques, Cala Clara, Cala Molins and Cala Carbo. Perhaps the nicest is Cala Barques, where a few restaurants are dotted around a small, sandy beach. The beach is bordered by rocks which become cliffs that plunge into the sea a little further out near the mouth of the bay. It's a taxi ride away but you'd be hard pushed to find a more idyllic location for a romantic dinner or a lazy lunch.

Excursions

Son Amar
Behind the impressive door of this 16th century manor lies Europe's No 1 variety show which has something for everyone. Including acrobats that will leave you open mouthed, side splitting comedy and the Carmen Mota Spanish dancers will bring you to the heart and passion of the real Spain.
Prices from - adult Ј46, child Ј23 (inc.transport)

Western Water Park
Saddle up for Mallorca's only themed water park, it's wacky it's wild with thrills, spills, rides and slides, lazy rivers, kamikaze and gigantic wave pool. Watch out for the crazy cowboy, falcon and Oliver high diving shows. You can even see the Sealion show and get the chance to swim with them! (payable locally).
Prices from - adult Ј13, child Ј8 (No transport)
Prices from - adult Ј23, child Ј12 (inc.transport)

Pirates Adventure
As seen on TV, this show features world class gymnasts, rib tickling comedy, amazing acrobats and exhilarating dance routines with and electrifying atmosphere. Voted best experience of 2006 and includes a buccaneer's feast and drinks. Upgrades to the quarterdeck are also available.
Prices from - adult Ј 37, child Ј 22 (No transport)
Prices from - adult Ј 43, child Ј 26 (inc.transport)

Hidden Treasures
Valldemossa is the perfect place for viewing the real side of this beautiful island, nestled in the Tramuntana Mountains. Stunning scenery and mountain ranges is the backdrop for this experience. Travel through the lemon groves of Soller on the authentic wooden train and then sail around the port of Soller.
Prices from - adult Ј39, child Ј20 (inc.transport)