Whether you're looking for peace or adventure, Mallorca is the perfect place for a holiday. It's ancient and it's modern, it's tranquil and it's exciting, it's got mountains, it's got sea, it's got great food and great shops - there's something for everyone in Mallorca. I've been there in spring, summer and autumn and loved it every time.



Mallorca has a reputation for attracting British people with the lure of cheap booze in a sunny paradise. Particularly the resorts in the south east, such as Magaluf, are geared to this type of holiday - McDonalds, beach action and wild nightlife abound. If you want to let your hair down, I must say this is a great place to do it. However, this holiday lifestyle is not for everyone and I want to make it clear that not all of Mallorca is like this, by any means.

If you like lounging on the beach, you'll find a nice one at Puerto Pollensa. It's sandy and very long, and the sea there is calm and lovely for swimming in. There are shops and restaurants just across the road from the beach and everything's very convenient. From here, you can also easily explore the mountains, if you feel so inclined.

The Sierra de Tramuntana provides some extraordinary landscape. Some of it is rocky and primeval, while other parts are covered in trees and home to wild goats. Mallorca is also a rich seam for bird-watchers. There are several nature reserves around the island and there are some fascinating underground caves too.

If you enjoy being active, there is tons for you to do. In and on the water, for example, you can sail, ski, dive, paraglide and snorkel. On land, you can, amongst other things, walk, bicycle, ride a horse, play golf and play tennis.

The history in Mallorca is phenomenal. The Roman influence is still very much in evidence, as is the Gothic and the Islamic. You can see it in the architecture, the city walls, the town planning - and in the archaeological remains. If you want to learn more, you can do so in the many excellent museums.

There is a great deal of art in Mallorca, with a number of marvellous galleries in Palma and many other smaller ones across the island. Well known artists exhibit alongside those just starting out and there are some gems to be found. If you like music, check out some of the outdoor concerts held in beautiful locations throughout the summer.

Eating and drinking in Mallorca are enjoyable experiences. Traditional Mallorcan cuisine is a colourful mixture of pork, seafood and vegetables, with plenty of top-quality olive oil. Although the tourist resorts cater for those wanting familiar British-style food, if you venture slightly inland and/or off the beaten track, you'll find restaurants serving Mallorcan food - and you're in for a treat! Make sure you try some locally produced wine with it too.

From pretty well wherever you are in the UK, you can find a cheap flight to Mallorca. Accommodation is generally good value and so is car hire, so a Balearic holiday is not going to break the bank. And, with so many diverse things to see and do there, one trip may not be enough.