Mallorca or Majorca? That is the question….. The Spanish pronounce it Majorca, the Catalans Mallorca. However you choose to pronounce it, Mallorca is a beautiful Spanish owned, Balearic Island located in the Mediterranean Sea. This is Spain’s largest island and is a popular tourist resort, because of this, the island has become a synonym for mass tourism. Flights arrive at Palma Airport (PMI), a busy airport which is about 5 miles east of the city of Palma de Mallorca. Flights take approximately 2 ½ hours, and the time zone is +1 GMT.

Palma is the capital of Majorca, it is also the islands shopping centre. Amongst elegant tree lined boulevards there are chic boutiques and top-notch designer shops, especially along the Avenida Jaume III. Although these shops are expensive, they do tend to be a little cheaper than at home, so grab your credit card, or the husband, and prepare to shop ‘til you drop! If it’s local specialist shopping you are after, then head for the maze of streets behind Palma Cathedral, here you can find all sorts of shops selling gifts made from olive, wood, soap and pottery. The market at the Plaza Olivar is well worth a visit, and offers some fabulous Mallorca bargains.

Magaluf is Mallorca’s premiere party playground. With neon-lights, thumping beats and perpetual happy-hours, Magaluf never stops. A must for all youngsters, the streets are filled throughout the night with groups of young people having the time of their life. Hen parties, stag-do’s and single group-getaways all head for Magaluf to let their hair down, partying all night and sleeping all day. Not a place for the faint-hearted, although in Puerto Pollensa and Cala d’Or, the pace is a little more sedate, with quaint water-front restaurants. A fantastic night out can be had at Magaluf’s only casino, just remember to take enough money!

Palma Nova is more sedate than it’s neighbour Magaluf. It is an ideal place for family holidays. Situated on the southwest coast of Mallorca, it takes about an hour to transfer from Palma airport, some 15 miles away. The beach is clean, safe and sandy, with an abundance of water sport activities on hand. There are lots of shops, bars and restaurants in Palma Nova, and a pleasant afternoon can be spent people-watching from one of the local coffee bar terraces. Palma is open all year round, although the winter months are warmer than in the UK, make sure to take a coat, as the temperature can sometimes feel a little chilly, especially at night. Many hotels offer day-trips, so make sure that you try at least one of them. The Caves of Drach are a good day out, as too are the sightseeing trips, often hosted by local guides. The mountainous area of Palma Nova have truly awe-inspiring views, as one travels through glorious countryside, rows upon rows of almond, orange and lemon trees line the somewhat bumpy roads. Enjoy dinner and a glass of two of vino at a local bistro, high in the mountain villages.

Sa Coma, Cala Bona and Cala Millor are on the east coast of the island of Mallorca, approximately 37 miles from Palma airport. The transfer time from the airport can be between 1 and 2 ½ hours, depending on how busy it is. Sa Coma is a modern resort and is an ideal family resort. These resorts are quieter than other resorts, and all offer beautiful beaches and sea-front restaurants.

Alcudia , Puerto Pollensa and Ca’n Picafort are on the north coast of the island, approximately 28 miles from the airport, and transfer time takes about 1 ½ hours. Alcudia lies in a large bay, which is serviced by a whole range of amenities. Seafront restaurants, bars and shops are adorned by 6 miles of soft golden sands, making it an ideal holiday destination for the kids. Long days can be spent enjoying the glorious Mallorcan sunshine, and the night can be spent at one of the local lively bars or disco’s. Don’t be worried though, these nightclubs are not as outrageous as in other resorts! Puerto Pollensa is north of Alcudia, and has somehow retained its fishing village origins. Puerto Pollensa is a pretty village where one can stroll along the promenade, with it’s quaint cafes, shops and restaurants. You can even hire a pedalo, go windsurfing or sailing from one of it’s fine beaches. Again, Ca’n Picafort has managed to retain its origins as a fishing port, which is lined with bars, bistro’s and restaurants. Can Picafort has a marvellous stretch of golden sandy beach, ideal for relaxing on! Take the time to explore this region, it is beautiful, and truly deserves being seen in all it‘s magnificent splendour.

Cala d’Or and Calas de Majorca have pine headlands, narrow coves and small sandy beaches. Situated on the southeast coast of Mallorca, approximately 28 miles from Palma airport, the transfer time is about 1 ½ hours. Often called the Riviera of Majorca, in Cala d’Or, one feels like ordering cappuccino instead of instant, champagne instead of wine. It has an elegant air, and for good reason, the harbour is filled with gleaming yachts, on which you can imagine the captain drinking a glass of Pimms! It has a sophisticated charm, with lively night time entertainment. Calas de Majorca is a modern self-contained resort, noted for it’s spectacular views from the cliffs. The main beach, Playa Domingo, can get quite busy, especially during peak times, although smaller coves and beaches can be found further down the coast.

What is there to see on Mallorca?

Palma Cathedral is a great Gothic-style cathedral in the city of Palma, situated in the Old town, it stands guard over the multi-million pound yacht-crammed harbour.

Soller Railway is a famous 1920’s electric train which heads towards the beautiful village of Soller, on the northwestern coast of Majorca. The train journey lasts for 90 minutes and is a popular attraction, as one can see the true beauty of the island.

The Western Water Park is a great family oriented day out. Being the largest water theme park in Europe, and is a fantastic day out for the kids. The park is based on a ‘Wild West’ theme, and offers a wide variety of water rides, live shows and exhibitions. There’s even a thermal whirlpool!

Rancho Grande is a family run ranch that offers holidaymakers the chance to ride horseback, or to be ferried around by a horse drawn carriage. This is Mallorca’s largest ranch, and offers the whole family a fantastic day out, with live music and a delicious barbeque thrown in!

Mallorca has many glorious beaches, Alcudia, for example, has a stretch of beach 5 miles long, while one can find powdery coves along the coast of Cala d’Or. Water sports are abundant on Mallorca’s beaches. Jet ski hire is available at Puerto Pollensa’s magnificent beach. Why not try your hand at snorkelling or take a trip on a glass-bottomed boat? A whole day could be spent on some of the beaches, they seem to offer the sun-worshipper everything, and it’s a cheap day out too!

Mallorca offers the British tourist everything, it is a chic celebrity bolt-hole, a bucket and spade family getaway, a romantic holiday hideaway and a party-animal haven. So if you are looking for a fun-filled action packed trip or a quiet, laid back holiday, Majorca is the place to be.

Mallorca bargains can be found via the internet at any time of the year, offering the traveller a vast array of accommodation. Hotels can range from top-notch five-star, all inclusive places to the more down to earth Room only types. Some hotels are adult-only establishments, the Palma Nova Palace for instance, in Palma Nova, is an exceptional hotel in which to stay. Flights leave most major UK airports, including Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands, Belfast and Cardiff.