Majorca holidays

The coast is undoubtedly the island's crowning glory, and if you're on the hunt for a beachside package holiday in Majorca, relax, you'll find it.

Rocky coves with shimmering turquoise waters give way to vast expanses of perfect sand beaches. From the great bay of Alcudia in the north to the secluded coves of the east, the swanky beaches of the south and the cliff-backed coves of the Tramuntana Mountains, you are spoiled for choice.

Peppering the coastline of Majorca, all-inclusive resorts come in all shapes and sizes and suit most budgets. They offer everything from family getaways and raucous fun in the sun to tranquil beach escapes.

Whether you want a luxury all-inclusive holiday in Majorca or a simple base from which to explore this got-it-all island, you'll definitely find what you're looking for.

Step back in time

Amble away from the coast and inland Majorca oozes rural simplicity and a sense of yesteryear.

Nestled among the Tramuntana Mountains, Valldemossa's cobbled alleys were once under the feet of composer Chopin, while the village of Dei has been a haven for artists, writers, musicians and celebrities for centuries.

Holidays in Majorca can mean castles and cathedrals, bustling weekly markets and a tipple at one of its many wineries.

Hop on the antique train from Palma to Sóller and travel past stepped terraces and old olive trees, wander amid fields of wildflowers and sheep on the many hiking trails, or join in the festivities at one of the vibrant and noisy fiestas.

Majestic Majorca

Then there's Palma, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, and we don't say that lightly - even the Spanish royals spend their holidays in Majorca.

Majorca is best known as a summer destination.

July and August are at the height of the season, when prices hit their peak. Having said that, book far enough in advance and you can bag incredible cheap holiday deals in Majorca. The shoulder months of May, June and September are fantastic times to visit; the weather is still hot but less humid, the beaches less busy and the prices less pricey. Road cyclists, golfers and hikers love this time of year for the slightly cooler temperatures. Winter breaks to Majorca are becoming increasingly popular. It might be best to avoid January when most Majorcans shut up shop for the month.

Long touted as a sun, sea and sand destination, Majorca has a lot more up its sleeve.

Yes, its wide sandy beaches and gentle waters make it a firm favourite with sun-worshippers, but away from the resorts a quiet and very traditional way of life prevails.

Majorca captures the true essence of a Mediterranean island, from the dramatic Tramuntana Mountains and the vineyard-strewn valleys of the interior, to the craggy coastline and castles, cathedrals and hidden monasteries.

Palma

Majorca's capital city is a gem. The stunningly beautiful cathedral looms over the long waterfront; behind it a maze of lanes and narrow cobbled streets weave into the heart of the old city.

There's just something so very perfect about Palma. Small and easily navigable, it's hip and wonderfully traditional in just the right measures. Cafes and bars adorn the boulevards, trendy shopping streets squeeze amid the Gothic architecture and the museum and art scene is flourishing. Utterly irresistible.

Es Trenc Beach

Situated on Majorca's south-east coast, Es Trenc is a truly fabulous stretch of perfect white sand and turquoise waters, straight from a picture postcard.

It is more than two kilometres (one mile) long, meaning there's plenty of room for families, nudists and couples to find their own spot (the nudist part is in the centre, if you're wondering).

Tramuntana Road

Enjoy staggering sea views, ribbon-like mountain roads and dense pine forests with a scenic drive through the Tramuntana Mountains.

Stop at the beautiful Lluc Monastery, look out for vultures soaring above the reservoirs and visit the beautiful villages of Sóller, Deià (a secret hideaway for celebrities looking to escape the paparazzi) and Valldemossa, where Chopin once famously spent a winter.

Port Portals

To get a glimpse of how the other half live, head down to Port Portals on the island's south-west coast.

Luxury superyachts line the jetties, Ferraris saunter past dazzling boutiques and the well-to-do dine in the seafront restaurants.

The train to Suller

Embark on a journey on one of Europe's oldest continuously running trains, through the heart of the island.

Chugging out of Palma, the little wooden train trundles through the flat valleys where the scent of orange blossom fills the open carriages. It continues up into the mountains where it finishes in the bustling little square of Suller.