Magnificent Mallorca

Day 1: Departure to Palma de Mallorca

You fly to Palma de Mallorca, where you will collect your rental car.

Day 2: Palma de Mallorca

Explore the capital with its cathedral, Jewish quarter and the Almudaina fortress, a fortified castle built in the 13th century by the Moors, but rebuilt over the centuries by the Spanish kings. In this complex, you can visit the King's Palace and the Queen's Palace, as well as the royal chapel and courtyard gardens. Palma also stands for modern art. At the Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo Es Baluard, you can see a remarkable collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures from the late 19th century onwards. Cézanne, Gauguin, Picasso, Miró, Magritte ..., all show their best side here in a contemporary setting. About 3 km outside the historic centre, King Jaime II had his royal residence built in the 14th century high above the city and the sea, the Castillo de Bellver. From its terrace you have unforgettable views over the city and the Bay of Palma.

Day 3: Port d'Andratx-Valldemossa-Deià

Through the fashionable Port d'Andratx, surrounded by almond plantations, you will drive to the 'Mirador' of Ricardo Roca: a historic 16th-century watchtower, which stands at an altitude of 430 m above sea level and, due to its location, offers excellent views over the sea and the distant surroundings. A little further on, at the 'Mirador de Ses Ánimes', you get a wide view over the west coast, as far as Puerto Soller. On the way to this port town, you can visit the Carthusian monastery of Valldemossa and the artists' village of Deià. Deià is also a hiker's paradise. The beautiful 'Hiking Route of the Olive Trees' runs from here to Valldemossa. Today, Valldemossa is one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca, beautifully located on the flanks of the Tramuntana Mountains, with narrow streets full of colourful ceramic tiles and flowered houses offering lovely views of the surroundings. Those who prefer to cool off can head to Cala Deià, a gorgeous beach in a paradisiacal cove with a few seafood restaurants.

Day 4: Puerto de Soller-Sa Calobra-Puig Major-Inca

This day you will head to Puerto Soller, the seaside resort on Mallorca's west coast, where you overlook the entire harbour from the 'Mirador de Ses Barques'. Nearby is Puig Major, Majorca's highest mountain. From there, follow the panoramic route to Sa Calobra, which has a special attraction due to its isolated location, and the Torrent de Pareís: this impressive mountain gorge was formed by the force of flowing water in the rocks. On the way back you can stop in Inca: in the early 20th century, a real leather industry emerged here, building on the already existing leather crafts from the 13th century.

Day 5: Alcúdia-Formentor-Pollença

For just its location alone, you absolutely must visit the walled port town of Alcúdia, on a peninsula between the beautiful Bay of Pollença and the Bay of Alcúdia. Miles of beach follow one another here, bordered by the famous Paseo Maritimo, from the Platja d'Alcúdia to the Platja de Muro, with its dunes that continue into the Parque Natural de s'Albufera. Via Alcúdia and picturesque Pollença, you reach the island's northernmost point, Cap de Formentor, the tip of the peninsula of the same name that Mallorcans call 'the meeting point of the winds'. Here you enter a setting of rocks and mountainsides, shaped by wind and water over the millennia. The walk to the lighthouse offers spectacular views.

Day 6: Capdepera-Arta-Llevant

On Mallorca's east coast you will find the impressive caves of Arta. Top attraction is the 'Salon de la Reina de las Columnas', a 22m-high stalagmite. In nearby Capdepera, the fortress is an absolute must: from there, weather permitting, you have a view of neighbouring island Menorca. A drive through the Llevant nature reserve and a visit to one of the many virgin beaches should not be missed on your programme.

Day 7: Manacor-Drach

Manacor is the birthplace of top tennis player Rafael Nadal and birthplace of the Majorica pearls. Besides cosy squares with palm trees and terraces, here you can learn all about the famous Majorica pearls. Several houses in Manacor specialise in the production of these artificial pearls. Along the coast you will drive to the caves and underground lakes of Drach. These highly impressive chalk caves with a length of 2,400 m and heights of up to 25 m are a must. Accompanied by a guide, you will discover the most bizarre stalactites and rock formations in a fairylike illuminated setting.

Day 8: Going home

You can enjoy Mallorca's many stunning beaches for a while, or shop in the capital before your return flight. Then you will return your rental car and fly back home.