Guide to Majorca

Beaches

Make no mistake about it, beaches are what Majorca does best. From jaw-dropping sweeps of velvet sand to dinky little coves carved by a crystal sea, you name it, this island's got it. Which presents you with a problem – which one's it going to be? Take a look at the north coast and you've got places like Alcudia tempting you to part with your tanning time. Here, a super-calm sea whispers sweet nothings to eight kilometres of sun-drenched sand. The water's nice and shallow, too, so you can wade out really far. It's an ideal choice for families, with plenty of room to spread out and just the right material for the kids' construction work. Nearby Puerto Pollensa is another good spot if you've got the tots in tow. It strikes a somewhat seductive pose, stretching round a magnificent bay in a ribbon of sand and pebbles. Again, the sea's nice and calm so your little ones can paddle in safety - when they're not shooting down flumes at the nearby waterpark in Alcudia that is. Over in the east, Sa Coma sits pretty with its kilometre-long stretch of angel-white sand. The sea here offers up plenty in the way of watersports, too, ideal when you're ready to escape the midday sizzle. And nearby Cala Bona has a Kodak-worthy coastline scalloped with pretty, honey-coloured coves. Trace your finger southeast on the map, meanwhile, and you'll come to Cala d'Or. Translated, it means Golden Cove and it's a title that certainly fits the bill. This chi-chi island slice is draped in warm gold-dust sands that'll have you smoothing on the suncream in nanoseconds. Kick back and relax while the clinks and guffaws of shipboard soirees drift down from the billionaire's playthings moored around you. If that's not your scene however, consider spending time over on the west coast. That's where you'll find the loud and lively duo, Magaluf and Palma Nova. Think busy beaches and waters teeming with jet-skis and banana boats. Too much for you? Then try nearby Camp de Mar, a sleepy spot whose glittering sands are backed by some of the best scenery in the Balearics.

Eating out

• So, what's it to be? Spicy meatballs and big juicy olives at a tapas bar? Or maybe some good old-fashioned egg and chips down at a greasy spoon? Eating out is a pleasure in these parts because the choice stacks up pretty much wherever you go. Little wonder then the island's such a hit with culinary queen Delia Smith. As you'd probably expect from the capital, Palma goes all out to dazzle in the culinary stakes. Whether you're after a Michelin-starred temple serving gourmet cuisine or a simple tapas bar that screams old Spain, you'll find it all here. Elsewhere, Magaluf and Palma Nova are jam-packed with restaurants and fast-food joints serving up a taste of home. This is the place to come if you're hankering for things like all-day fry-ups, fish and chips and gravy-soaked Sunday roasts. There are lots of other flavours tossed into the melting pot, too. Italian, Greek, Chinese, Indian, you name it, the big resorts will probably serve it. In terms of 'must try' local dishes, give the roast suckling pig a whirl. Try 'tumbet', too - a ratatouille-style delight stuffed with aubergines, peppers and potatoes. As you'd expect, ocean-fresh fish is easy to come by and monkfish and bream make regular appearances on the menus. Keep an eye out for 'serviola a la mallorquina'. It's a baked fish smothered in tomato sauce and sprinkled with pine nuts and raisins. Another dish to look out for is 'fideua', a tasty paella that's made with noodles instead of rice, with fish, crab and shrimps providing the supporting cast. Last but not least, we can't talk about Majorca's savoury offering without paying homage to pa'amb oli. In its simplest form it's Majorcan bread drizzled in olive oil, but you'll often find it with garlic, tomato and sometimes cured ham or cheese. For a light bite, it's just the ticket. For those of you with a sweet tooth, try a slice of 'turron', the delicious local nougat. Or go all out with a wedge of 'greixonera de brossat', a heavenly cheesecake that'll have you coming back for seconds. And to wash it down with? It has to be a glass of something fruity from Binissalem, Majorca's wine-making hub.
  
  
  
  
• La Boveda, Palma Some say this place serves the best tapas in Palma. Nibble on plates piled high with cured ham, pungent cheeses and anchovies and judge for yourself.
  
  
• Caballito de Mar, Palma If net-fresh fish is on your agenda, get yourself along to this seafood restaurant. If you can, bag a table on its buzzing outdoor terrace to experience the place at its best.
  
  
• Ca'n Pacienci, Puerto Pollensa Recommended in the Michelin guide, this place has all the rustic charm of a Sussex farmhouse but with an exotic, 5 star menu that could tantalise even the size zeros.
  
  
• Eastenders, Magaluf It's not just the name of the place that'll give you a taste of home but the food, too. Tuck into an all-curing fry-up. Order a hearty shepherd's pie. Or go for the carvery option – meat, veg and Yorkshire puddings drenched in Bisto gravy. Mmm.
  
  
• Viceroy of India, Palma Nova Missing your masala? Then get yourself along to this place that serves up award-winning Indian food.

Nightlife

• It'd be criminal to kick off this section without paying homage to Magaluf, whose nightlife is the stuff of Balearic legend. The happy hour never seems to end in this neon-lit party pocket, which draws people in with its offers of pocket-friendly cocktails and free shots. Every night, thousands of people strut their way to The Strip, which is stuffed with bars belting out the latest tunes. And while it's yet to pinch Ibiza's clubbing crown, Magaluf still manages to draw big-name DJs who keep the sounds spinning 'til sun-up. BCM remains the undisputed club giant, both in size and reputation. Get yourself along to a foam night there, when the place is filled with three million gallons of bubbles. If you prefer the glitterball sounds of the seventies, point your platforms in the direction of Carwash. Or play it cool with a night in Boomerangs, which churns out R'n'B and hip hop. Neighbouring Palma Nova's another prime spot for big nights out. Here, nightspots serve up a mixed bag of music that'll see to it you sleep through breakfast. A lot less loud but still nice and lively are places like Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa, whose restaurants and bars cater really well for the pint-sized holidaymakers, too. Last but by no means least, you probably don't need us to tell you that a night out in Palma is an absolute must. Its trendy waterfront and tangled streets are full of bars ranging from the traditional tapas to the chic cocktail. For the best choice, head for the city's Paseo Maritimo district. That's where you'll find Pacha, one of the city's superclubs that draws DJs from around the world. The area around the cathedral's a magnet for the party pack, too, while La Lonja's another city slice that sizzles come sundown. If it's real glamour you're after, strike it lucky in the island's only casino.
  
  
• Abaco, Palma Romantic to the extreme, this bar's set in the old courtyard of a 17th-century palace. Imagine fruit strewn about the floor. Great bouquets of fresh flowers everywhere you look. And tropical birds chirruping in a fragrant garden. All basking in the soft glow of candelight. Brilliant.
  
  
• BCM, Magaluf Still Magaluf's biggest and best-known nightspot, it's a neon-tastic affair where laser shows, foam parties and world famous DJs collide.
  
  
• Linekers, Magaluf For a seemingly endless flow of beer and an equally impressive supply of sports, this place remains a firm favourite with the island's party animals.
  
  
• Banana Joe's, Palma Nova Get ready to let your hair down and give your lungs a workout at this club whose karaoke nights are the stuff of legend.
  
  
• Son Amar, Palma Flamenco dancing. Magic shows. Performing horses. And some of the best food around. All brought to you in a 16th-century manor house. Now that's what we call a night out.

Shopping

If you're looking to put a serious dent in your finances, there's one place to head – Palma.We're talking elegant tree-lined boulevards and big names that'll have your credit card quivering. Exorcise your shopping demons in the chic boutiques of Avenida Jaume III. And keep energy levels up with regular pitstops at the pavement cafes lining your path. It's not all about designer names and eye-popping price tags though. You'll find some of your high street favourites here, too. And prices tend to work out cheaper than at home, especially in European shops like Mango and Zara. If you like to do all your shopping under one roof, check out the jumbo shopping mall, Porto Pi, which finds a home on the seafront. Or make a beeline for the Spanish department store El Corte Ingles. There are two branches in the city so you're spoilt for choice. And when you're done there, dive into the maze of streets behind the city's cathedral. They're chock-full of specialist shops selling things like olive wood, soap, pottery and wine. If markets are more your bag, meanwhile, wander round the Plaza Olivar, Palma's big central market. It's great for Majorcan delicacies. Get yourself a stick of oven-fresh bread, some mouthwatering charcuterie and fresh, creamy cheese and head off for a picnic in the sun.