Dont Miss the Best of Majorca

Take, for example, Es Trenc beach, a long expanse of pale, soft sand lapped by gentle waves and backed by dunes and the vegetation of the sand-flats. Said to be the most beautiful beach on the island, it is popular with locals at weekends, so go midweek to avoid the worst crowds. A good-sized beach bar is surrounded by the loungers and sunshades you have to pay for. If you are comfortable without the amenities, keep on walking to find your spot. Parts of the beach are used by nudists, so dont be surprised when you are surrounded by people in the buff. You might even be brave enough to join them.

There is no public transport to get there: the only way is by hire car or taxi. From Palma, follow signs east to Lluchmayor and Santanya, but turn off before the latter at Campos del Puerto. Then you follow narrow lanes down to the beach at the tiny village of La Rapita. When you start to see cars parked at the side of the road, youll know you are getting near. It might be a good idea to tuck yourself into any slot you see. If not, there is a large car park, on cleared ground at La Rapita, but youll have to pay to use it.

Bird and animal lovers aim for the S Albufera Nature Reserve. Head for the Visitor Centre at Can Picafort on the northern coast road to find out about the wildlife, then park up and set out on the reed-fringed footpaths through the marshy ground.

The north of the island is home to more splendid beaches, and a twisting snake of a road out to the Cabo de Formentor at the northernmost point. Then there are the mountain roads in the west, and if you turn towards Palma at Soller, you should stop for the wonderful oasis of the Jardines dAlfabia.

Of course, you dont want to miss the capital. If you decide to drive to the city, one of the best car parks is beneath the Parc de la Mar in front of the cathedral. It is easy to find and can be a cheaper option than parking elsewhere. Get yourself on the esplanade, take the turning just west of the cathedral and immediately turn right down to the car park tunnel. The shops are nearby and Palma is small enough to walk around comfortably from here, so you are right at the spot to enjoy the best of it.

Start with La Seu, the glorious, soaring, gothic-style cathedral, the building of which was completed by the beginning of the 17th century. If you are fascinated by the history of the island, there are palaces, museums and an art centre nearby, and some wonderful Spanish architecture in the narrow streets around La Seu. Dont miss Palmas 14th century Bellver Castle, also open to the public.

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