Mallorca

• Charming boho mountain villages
• Foodie gastronomy and boutique wines
• Dramatic mountainscapes for hiking and cycling
• Hidden coves and tiny bays

The largest and arguably the best known of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca has inspired generations of artists, writers, poets and musicians who have all been drawn to its stunning coastline of hidden coves and tiny bays with gin clear water, its dramatic mountainscapes and pretty villages clustered on hillsides. From the mountains to the sea, Mallorca is a magical, Mediterranean paradise that seamlessly blends its varied and beautiful landscape with a rich cultural heritage.

On the island’s north-west coast, the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana mountain range is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering incredible hiking trails, challenging cycling routes, picturesque historic villages and awe-inspiring viewpoints – at every hairpin turn, another breathtaking panorama unfolds as you climb the winding mountain roads! Mallorca never fails to enchant all those who venture north-west beyond the crowded beaches and lively nightlife in the south, to the island’s bohemian spirited side, in and around the artistic haven of Deia, a once sleepy village, perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. It is here, with its quaint streets and stone houses, that famed authors, poets and musicians including Robert Graves and DH Lawrence were lured. Mick Jagger is known to have partied here when he wasn’t on Mustique and Andrew Lloyd-Webber famously wrote some of his legendary Broadway musicals here! Deia’s soaring coastal views, olive groves, citrus orchards and jigsaw of old houses all add to its timeless allure. This laid-back free-spirited charm is evident in Deia’s acclaimed foodie restaurants, its café-culture, art galleries and boho shops. Nearby, Valldemossa is a fairytale like village with cobbled streets and a weekly Sunday market whilst the town of Soller is famous for its orange groves and historic vintage wooden train that travels through the mountains from Palma to Soller.

There’s no denying that Mallorca’s wild beauty is captivating. The island has recast its image in recent years, away from the perception of crowded beach tourism to an artisan culture, fuelled by a yearning for slow sustainable travel. Designers inspired by the island’s craft ethos are moving here and home-grown artisans are seeing fresh interest in their work. Farmers, chefs and winemakers are rediscovering a rural gastronomy. There’s a focus on local, seasonal ingredients paired with the island’s fine wines. Mallorca’s old culture is enjoying a revival and there’s a newfound love for the island.

Flight time from the UK to Palma is around two and a half hours, making it just as accessible for a long weekend as it is for a week’s escape. Hire a car and go exploring but beware the adrenaline-fuelled cyclists on the mountain roads, particularly in the shoulder season months of April and September!