Mallorca

Mallorca has two characters: the Serra de Tramuntana along the north west coast, terraced and mountainous with old estates converted into small hotels, and Palma, a working city with a cathedral, a good food scene and an airport twenty minutes away. Deià, Sóller and Pollença are the villages worth basing in. The island is at capacity in August. Spring brings almond blossom and walking; October is warm and empty.