A diverse landscape lends itself to a diverse range of leisure activities. Whether you're looking to relax your mind or get your heartbeat racing, with its 22 golf courses and over 25 marinas, an array of water parks, entertainment and shopping complexes and even hot-air ballooning, the island offers something for everyone. If all that activity sounds too strenuous, choosing one of the islands 300 beaches should prove far less stressful.
Framed on all sides by the clear blue Mediterranean Sea, it's no wonder water and nautical sports are a favourite pastime of all who visit Mallorca in the Balearic archipelago.
The warm, sparkling waters are perfect for lovers of sailing, diving and swimming, and nautical competitions and sailing regattas make for a glittering sports calendar; The Princess Sofía Trophy, the King's Cup and the Almirante Conde de Barcelona Trophy in Mallorca, the National Almirante Ferragut de Snipes Trophy in Menorca, Ruta de la Sal and International Sailing Week for Cruise Ships in Ibiza are just some of them.
You can view the full calendar here:
http://en.balearsnautic.com
Of the 43 marinas and ports sprinkled mainly throughout the south-west and eastern coast of Mallorca, Puerto Portals has become a firm, yet exclusive, favourite. Yet the smaller marinas of Port Adriano and Portals Vells are not to be overlooked, and the secret coves dotted along the eastern coastline provide hidden waters perfect for more secluded relaxation. The north coast, although equally plentiful in coves and great sailable waters, is home to only one port - Port de Soller - so be sure to plan your trip carefully.
The Balearic Islands' crystalline waters and almost three hundred beaches boast unparalleled variety; from beaches to untouched coves.
SOUTH EAST COAST
For great beaches around the island check the bounty style Platja D'Es Trenc in the southern part of the island. And Cala Mondrago on the south-east coast features several coves and beaches and its crystalline turquoise waters are part of a natural reserve.
NORTH EAST COAST
Further up the east coast, Playa de Muro offers peace and quiet away from the more bustling beaches near Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa.
NORTH COAST
On the road between Lluch and Soller, Sa Calobra, the most visited cove on the island, is worth the long and winding trip down, but alternatively, a ferryboat from Puerto de Soller will take you along the coast to reach it.
SOUTH WEST
In the South West area, the long, white-sand beaches of Palma Nova, Magalluf and Santa Ponsa are famed. But if you favour a quieter, more secluded retreat, try the private beaches of Port Adriano, Cala Fornells, Portals Vells, Cala Llamp and Sant Elm, or jump directly in the tempting blue water in Cala Llamp - just south of Puerto Andratx.
PALMA
Just south of Palma, the Playa de Palma is probably the longest white sandy beach on the island with an excellent promenade flanking the full 6 km of beach.
With 22 beautiful courses basking in over 300 days of sunshine a year, Mallorca is a true golfers paradise.
Thanks to the island's geographical diversity, each region's unique environment creates a variety of challenging courses, all framed by spectacular scenery from the mountains to the sea. With its tranquil ambience and warm climate, Mallorca is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your game all year round.
When to go
Temperatures range from the lowest temperature dipping to 14°C in winter (January/February), and rising to 29°C in summer (July/August), Mallorca's climate is ideal for golf all year round.
Recommended courses
Son Vida Club de Golf - Palma de Mallorca - Mallorca
Urbanización Son Vida, 07013 Palma
Tel: +34 971 791 210
Fax: +34 971 791 127
Info@sonvidagolf.com
Real Golf de Bendinat - Calvià - Mallorca
Campoamor s/n
07181Bendinat
Tel: +34 971 405 200
Fax:+34 971 700 786
golfbendinat@terra.es
Son Muntaner Golf - Palma de Mallorca - Mallorca
Urbanización Son Vida
07013 Palma
Tel: +34 971 783 030
Fax: +34 971 791 127
www.sonmuntanergolf.com
Info@sonmuntanergolf.com
Golf Santa Ponsa I, II, III - Calvià - Mallorca
Telef. +34 971 690211
Fax +34 971 693364
golf1@habitatgolf.es
Also located here: we recommend Santa Ponsa Country Club with its 3 golf courses, large fitness, spa area and excellent restaurant and social events it's a must.
Tel: 971 69 36 34.
Golf de Andratx - Andratx - Mallorca
C/ Cromlec 1
07160 Camp de Mar, Andratx, Mallorca
Tel: +34 971 236 280
Fax: +34 971 236 331
Golfdeandratx@ocea.es
www.golfdeandratx.com/espanol
Vall d'Or Golf - Felanitx - Mallorca
Ctra. Cala d'Or a Portocolom, km 7,7
07669 S'Horta
Tlf.: +34 971 837 001
Fax: +34 971 837 299
valldorgolf@valldorgolf.com
www.valldorgolf.com
Marriott Golf Son Antem - Llucmajor - Mallorca
Ctra. de Llucmajor km 3.4
0760, Llucmajor
Tel: +34 971 129 200
Fax: +34 971 129 201
mhrs.pmigs.golf.reservation
@marriott.com
http://marriott.com/property/
abouthotel/golf/pmigs
Pula Golf - Son Servera - Mallorca
Ctra. SON SERVERA A CAPDEPERA, km.3 07550 Son Servera
Tel: +34 971 840 096
Fax: +34 971 840 160
reservas@pulagolf.com
www.pulagolf.com
Canyamel Golf - Capdepera - Mallorca
C/ Avda. des Cap Vermell S/N
07589 Capdepera
Tel: +34 971 841 313
Fax: +34 971 841 314
casaclub@canyamelgolf.com
www.canyamelgolf.com
Club de Golf Alcanada - Alcúdia - Mallorca
Ctra. del Far, s/n
O7400 Port d'Alcúdia
Tel:+34 971 549 560
Fax:+34 971 897 578
info@golf-alcanada.com
www.golf-alcanada.com
What better way to explore the island's landscape and observe its beauty close-up whilst clearing away the cobwebs and raising the heartbeat?
Mallorca's mild climate enables visitors to take advantage of routes which cross mountains, valleys or plains and choose a hike which suits them best.
Walking along Mallorca's ancient route is one of the best ways to see the countryside and take in historic relics and places of interest. These paths, which have been restored over the past few years, run mainly through old bridle ways close to the higher peaks of the Tramuntana mountain range. And from late January through February and early March, the 4 million almond trees covering the island come into bloom, creating a carpet of almond blossom.
Many companies offer guided walking holidays, organised to showcase the splendour of Mallorca at blossom-time and throughout the rest of the year. Try www.headwaterholidays.com and www.inntravel.co.uk
Few modes of transport provide such a scenic ride as cycling in Mallorca. Both professional and amateur cyclists choose the island to train due to its mixture of tough terrain, challenging routes and top-quality hotels and services. With its mild and agreeable climate and spring-like weather, extensive 1.250 km road network serving limited traffic, and the island's size on the whole, cyclists return to Mallorca year after year to take advantage of the ideal conditions.
For inspiration on cycling routes, have a look at: www.illesbalears.es