Mallorca is one of the most beautiful and fascinating islands in the Mediterranean – but for too many of Mallorca’s visitors its charms remain hidden, laments Ingrid Browning.

It’s high Summer. I’m sitting on a dappled terrace in the centre of picturesque Sóller on the north-west coast of Mallorca, savouring the silky-smooth ice-cream made just a few metres away with oranges and lemons grown in this very valley – and thinking: this is the life!
As I consider trying out a few more of the 40 – yes 40 – fantastic flavours, or perhaps moving on to the sorbets, it occurs to me that this friendly little artisanal ice cream factory, Sa Fabrica de Gelats, is one of those hidden gems that typifies what visitors to Mallorca miss when they spend their holiday lolling by the pool.

I should say first of all that I’m by no means a purist when it comes to holidays. I’m certainly not a believer that the only way to see your chosen destination is to work your way religiously through eight different “target locations” a day – four each morning and afternoon, without fail.

On the other hand, I’m positively evangelical when it comes to Mallorca: I simply can’t bear the thought that so many visitors fly in and out every year without marvelling at the majesty of the Sierra de Tramuntana, sipping a glass or two of wine as the sun sets over the fishing boats at Cala Figuera, or soaking up the atmosphere in the late Joan Miro’s studio in Palma, untouched since his death at the age of 90.

In fact, not only do they not do any of those three wonderful things, which come to me off the top of my head. Often they don’t even do the most blindingly obvious things, such as visiting Palma’s fabulous gothic cathedral – La Seu – despite the fact that it dates back to 1230 and dominates the city’s skyline.

So, what can I do to play my part in making sure that Summer 2009 is the summer as many visitors as possible move beyond the poolside and enjoy the many delights of La Isla de la Calma.

Well, I can start by listing my own Top Ten favourite places and things, and hope that some of my enthusiasm rubs off. We’ll take it that everyplace I’ve already mentioned has already been included in your new itinerary. So here’s the rest …

Take a Balloon Trip over Mallorca

Ensaimadas – Discover the 300-year-old Mallorcan Breakfast

Explore the Calas

Taste the finest Lamb in the World

Don’t miss unique Fornalutx

Relive the Scandal of Valldemosa

San Telmo

Studio Weill

Tafona Gallery

Cap de Formentor

If you do only half of what I’ve listed, you’ll have discovered something of the real Mallorca. Keep the other half for next year – you’ll never want to laze by the pool again!

Mallorca offers many great beaches and secluded coves. Here, we present you a selection of the coolest beaches in Mallorca: 

Cala Agulla:
A beautiful beach surrounded by pine trees and mountains, situated in the municipality of Capdepera, about 80 kilometres from Palma de Mallorca. The water here is sparklingly clean and appears wonderfully light blue, making it the perfect place for swimming and to practise marine sports. Well-connected by pedestrian paths to Cala Mesquida, and along the way you pass neighbouring Cala Moltó, frequented by naturists. Snack bar and a pay-to-park area. Take the Manacor road to Capdepera and then head for Cala Rajada.

Cala Torta, Estreta, Mitjana
Cala Torta is one of the most appealing undeveloped beaches on Mallorca. Scuba-diving and snorkelling are highly recommended in this area. All of these three beaches are quite remote so be prepared for a bumpy ride through a small mountain range. They are some of the most unspoilt beaches on the island, though if you head for Cala Torta, there’s a small beach bar open in peak season. Directions: Drive out of Artà on the road to Capdepera and the beaches are signed on a small road on the left just past a petrol station.

Bahia de Pollensa:
Many consider the long stretch of Playa de Llenaire to be the best beach on Mallorca, situated within a wonderful bay. Lots of poets and painters have been inspired by Puerto de Pollensa.

Cala Mesquida, near Capdepera:
The magnificent Mesquida bay lies six kilometres to the north of Cala Rajada and its open views make it one of the most beautiful in the north-east of the island. It has various facilities for beach visitors. A watchtower atop a small mountain looks down over the more built-up end of the beach. The fine white sands make it great for relaxing or walking, and this is one of the few beaches where surfers can often catch a wave.

Cala Millor
The stretch of beach between Cala Millor and Cala Bona is sandy and one of the best on the east coast of Mallorca. It is a kilometre-and-a-half long and backed by a promenade perfect for walking, cycling, browsing the gift shops or taking refreshments in one of the many cafés, bars or restaurants. This promenade will take you all the way to the fishing harbour at Cala Bona. The sea is initially shallow and quite safe – appropriate for children.

Es Trenc between Sant Jordi and Ses Covetes
Over 5 kilometres of white sandy beach backed by sand dunes. The water is turquoise and the beach has a real Caribbean feel. It does get busy in peak season with all the locals. Directions: Drive through Campos following signs to Santanyí. Immediately after leaving Campos there is sign on your right to Es Trenc.

Cala Varques
One for those who don’t like to share the beach with too many others! On the east coast, near the Calas de Mallorca, it’s not easy to find – which is part of its attraction. Park in a lane, and pass through large metal gates to take the 15 minute walk through pines down to the cove. You’ll be rewarded with clear turquoise waters and tranquillity, but may be sharing the sands with a few naturists – and, possibly, the odd curious bull!

Cala D’Or, with its well-protected harbour and sandy beaches, is a bustling holiday resort further up the coast and a favourite with families. Though a bit tourist-oriented for some tastes, the buildings and houses in Cala D’Or are built in the traditional Ibizenco style and are nicely integrated into the natural environment, with no tall structures to disrupt the landscape. Artist Pep Costà, who founded Cala D’Or about 50 years ago, introduced his architectural designs into the community and his style is now officially enforced as part of building regulations. ¨Even though the majority of our customers are British, we also have a lot of clients from France, Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands,” says Christine Günther of Inmobiliaria Sa Coma, an agency established in Cala D’Or for more than 20 years. “The entry price for apartments is 115.000 Euros and is therefore attractive to clients looking for a holiday home”.