A Mediterranean island conjures up all sorts of evocative images; crystal clear sea in shades from aquamarine to cobalt to indigo, tiny hidden coves and golden beaches, cloudless blue skies, elegant yachts adrift, soaring cliffs and scented pine - clad hillsides. Mallorca is this and much more. The mellow colour of the sandstone buildings contrast with the citrus, olive and almond groves. The vivid colour of the bougainvillaea-clad doorways, green shutters and burgeoning terracotta pots add brilliant touches of colour across the countryside. With the abundance of sweet-smelling, morning-picked melons, peaches and nectarines, plump tomatoes, ripe to bursting, local wine, and a marvellous climate, you can enjoy Mediterranean living at its best.

Everything is easily accessible on this island - you can drive from north to south or from east to west in an hour. Plenty is on hand if you enjoy water sports, golf, walking, cycling, riding or nightlife. The chances are however, that once there, you will just want to relax and let the sunshine take over.

The Mallorquins speak a dialect of Catalan. They are friendly people who enjoy their families and traditions. They are proud of their local specialities such as Frito Mallorquin, Sobrasada, the local sausage, and variations of Ensaimada, their lavish version of a croissant.

Choose between exploring the picturesque and mountainous region in the north and west from Pollensa to Soller, or the gentler, undulating countryside, pretty bays and coves on the south east of the island around the Cala d'Or and Portocolom areas.

The North & West
Mallorca is divided in two by the Serra de Tramuntana, a rugged mountain range running from north to south on the western side of the island. The beauty of the coves and villages on this side of the island has always attracted artists and writers, royalty and film stars, and continues to do so. Chopin and George Sand stayed for a winter at Valldemossa, and Picasso enjoyed Lluch Alcari. Robert Graves, of I Claudius fame, did much to conserve Deia in the 1920s and is buried there, now King Juan Carlos regularly calls into the coves in his yacht and Michael Douglas and numerous glitterati take to their summer residence in the hills. Visit Soller, within easy reach through the tunnel from Palma. This town, with its French influence, is a delightful place to sit and watch the world go by. Nearby is the pretty hamlet of Fornalutx, awarded the prize for the best kept village in Spain a couple of years back.

The South East
The eastern side of the island is much gentler with undulating landscapes and lovely valleys. Here, there are natural harbours, coves to explore and a very relaxed holiday atmosphere. Porto Petro is a delightful fishing village; Portocolom, a harbour with a history to tell. At Cala d'Or there are international restaurants, watersport facilities, bars and nightlife aplenty. A day trip can be made to the limestone Caves of Drac or Caves of Hams and the artificial pearl factories in Manacor, or take a boat trip around the southern coves of the island. In the rural areas, this is an amazingly unspoilt place.

As the plane comes into land, you will notice the distinctive character of the island. Windmills, used in the past from pumping water, dot the landscape. It is an image you won't forget, and one that you will look forward to the next time around.

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