Mallorca

Imagine an island with turquoise blue waters, secret coves, soft golden sands, lush green foliage, rugged mountains, picturesque villages and a vibrant capital city. Now drop that island in the sea only a couple of hours flight from most European cities... that's Mallorca (also known as Majorca) in a nutshell. The island and its capital, Palma, are overflowing with character, while its beaches are famous all around the world, making it one of the most sought-after summer destinations.

Generously furnished with luxury hotels and villas, Mallorca is also one of the world's sailing hotspots. The locally produced foodie delights and wines, delicious traditional cuisine and first-class restaurants with Michelin stars have only added to its appeal. But that's not all. An island steeped in history, Mallorca boasts charming villages, historic sights, an artisan and cultural scene and popular events taking place throughout the year.

If relaxing is your thing, grab a sun lounger at a beach club, hop on a boat trip or stroll through the old streets in Palma for some leisurely shopping. Just don't expect to relax for too long as there are theme and water parks for the whole family to enjoy, as well as watersports, thousands of things to do and all the serious walking and cycling you could care to do on holiday. And, if you've not overdone the daytime, there's always the bustling nightlife to finish you off.