| This stunning Balearic island, with its classic beaches, | | | | know. At both Port de Pollenca and Port d'Alcudia are |
| mountain scenery, idyllic countryside, and dramatic | | | | more idyllic fine sandy beaches, and further |
| coastlines, attracts plenty of visitors. Action-packed | | | | southward, Cala Rajada has more small bay beaches |
| seaside resorts, such as Magaluf in the southwest | | | | that are easily accessible. |
| corner of the island, host hordes of package-tour | | | | Some of the most isolated places are away from the |
| holidaymakers, who come to party and be seen on | | | | coast, and the mountains offer some great walks. |
| the packed beaches and in the busy nightspots. | | | | Starting from the central northern village of Selva on |
| However, there are plenty of places on Majorca | | | | the eastern flanks of the Tramuntana, you can trek |
| where you can escape the crowds. Deserted sandy | | | | cobbled cart tracks to the lovely monastery at Lluc. |
| coves, where mountains meet the sea, and remote | | | | Along the way check out the pretty village of |
| beaches, only accessible by boat or on foot, are | | | | Caimari, an important centre of olive cultivation, and |
| perfect for a quiet holiday. In the traditional rural | | | | continue on through a dramatic steep-sided canyon. |
| villages, surrounded by olive and almond groves, with | | | | In the eastern part of the island, recently declared a |
| their centuries-old monasteries and delightful bars and | | | | nature reserve, you can walk from the secluded |
| cafes, you can mix it with the locals and get well | | | | beaches at Estreta and Torta, along lanes, coastal |
| away from the crowds. | | | | paths and horse trails to Cala Rajada and rarely meet |
| If you’re short of time, you | | | | another walker. |
| don’t have to head for remote parts of | | | | The hottest summer months of July and August are |
| Majorca to escape the masses. Not far from busy | | | | the busiest time on Majorca, and resort and villa |
| Palma, Illetes has two pine-lined coves with beautiful | | | | accommodation is at a premium. Crowds are |
| sandy beaches. And in the west of the island, you | | | | obviously less than at other times of the year, and |
| can follow in the footsteps of poet Robert Graves, | | | | the weather is often still pleasant in May, June, |
| who used to take the coastal path across to Lluc | | | | September and October, when swimming is still |
| Alcari. Stop for a swim in the deep azure waters of | | | | possible. Even in the middle of winter, January and |
| Cala Deia, where weathered rocks form amazing | | | | February, there are beautiful sunny days, although |
| shapes, and continue to the seaside village of Port | | | | the nights can be very cold. |
| Soller for refreshments. | | | | The best way to enjoy a holiday on this special island |
| The north of the island, where the Tramuntana | | | | is to rent your own Majorca villa. Villa operators offer |
| mountains meet the sea, near the resorts of Port de | | | | great value rental properties, each with a private |
| Pollenca and Port de Soller, you’ll find | | | | pool. These villas are located all over the island, with |
| beautiful, sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and | | | | easy access to un-spoilt coastal beaches and the |
| much less competition for that spot on the sand. On | | | | small villages and mountain regions in the interior of |
| the east coast, the little bays of Cala Mesquida have | | | | the island. |
| good waves, and are popular with surfers in the | | | | |