The journey from Palma to Soller on a lovely rickety wooden train and then by bus to Valldemossa is breathtaking. The Carthusian Monastery in Valldemossa is where George Sand and Frederic Chopin stayed in the winter of 1838/39 and George Sand wrote of their experiences in her book " A Winter in Majorca " The tour of the Monastery is not to be missed.

Google map: bit.ly/nAtVuq

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Third Thursday in September an open art exhibition in the old town area of Palma. Not only galleries but public buildings and shops open their doors with an amazing variation of art exhibitions. It all takes place with a lively fiesta atmosphere with people wandering in and out of exhibitions with a glass of wine looking and listening to everything that is taking place.

Old town area in Palma, Mallorca
www.seemallorca.com/nit-de-l%27art--palma-de-mallorca.html
Google map: bit.ly/pFOMR8

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Digame Mallorca is a fab website, that has everything that is going on in Mallorca. Whether it be a bar, club, restaurant, activity or music gigs that you are looking for, you can find it here plus much much more. Really user friendly site. They also have a monthly free magazine you can pick up.

www.digamemallorca.com

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A small but lovely Malaysian restaurant in Sóller, on the main shopping street just opposite the Ca'n Prunera museum. The food is fresh and delicious, and, if anything, somewhat underpriced.

Carrer de sa Lluna, 81, 07100 Sóller - Mallorca
+34 971 6336696
www.kopitiam.es
Google map: bit.ly/e3EQZB

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This is a wonderful modern art gallery in the heart of Palma, in a beautiful mansion with sweeping staircases and chandeliers. The display spaces are clean, neutral modern products of a sensitive renovation. There are impressive temporary 'big name' exhibitions (Picasso etchings when I was there), and the permanent collection boasts some Dali, Miro, etc. But the real treat is the extraordinary array of Spanish modern art, from artists that few of us Brits have heard of. We loved Eusebio Sempere, Antonio Lopez Garcia, Miquel Barcelo, and the comical surrealism of Equipo Cronica, such as their wicked update of Velasquez's painting Las Meninas, also beloved by Picasso. It's a hidden delight.

Sant Miquel, 11 07002 Palma de Mallorca
+ 34 971 71 35 15
www.march.es/arte/ingles/palma/
Google map: bit.ly/ggNUuf

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Open now for over 20 years, this is a Castillian restaurant in the hillside village of Esporles. There are other great lamb places on the island but this one is the best; order one portion less than your party as it's enough. The salad and potatoes are good too, the bread is made on site in the same wood fired oven as the lamb. Better for a chilly rainy day than a sweltering day in August.

Calle Nou de Sant Pere 5, Esporles.
Tel - 971 610 901 (Booking Recommended)

Google map: tinyurl.com/ycyna9f

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Opened at the end of last summer, Duke has become the best place to eat in the Sta Catalina district, a relaxed fun atmosphere with genuinely good food from a changing menu. It's a great place to go even on a "quiet" night, because its always bustling and busy. They also do a lunchtime menu.

Calle Soler in Sta Catalina, by the corner with Calle Pursiana.

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The tiny resort of Sant Elm is situated in South-West Mallorca.It is reached via a winding country road that threads its narrow way through low cultivated hills.There are two hotels and several decent restaurants lining its single street.

The place to stay is the friendly, family-run Hostal Dragonera. It has double rooms from 57 euros in high season which come with ample buffet breakfast served in a dining room overlooking the gorgeous, sheltered bay. There is a sun terrace with free sunbeds from where steps lead down to what is essentially a private sandy beach seperated by rocks from the village's main strand.

www.hostaldragonera.net/

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Great part of the city - lots to do. I found some fantastic tapas restaurants. It is unmissable if you are spending any time in Palma. You can find it in the centre near the Palma Cathedral. One restaurant was particularly good, La Boveda, the tastiest olives I have found anywhere before or since. I stayed at the Catalonia Majorica Hotel which had beautiful views.

You can find it in the centre near the Palma Cathedral.

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The best road trips are where the drive is as exhilarating as the destination, and Mallorca offers one of the finest drives in Europe. Simply hire a car from Palma airport (relatively cheap) and drive due North to Soller where the arid plain of Es Pla (fertile ground for figs, almonds and melons) erupts into the rugged Serra de Tramuntana. Spend a night or two exploring the orange-growing capital of Mallorca and feast on spiny lobster stew before heading west along the spectacular coastal road, where the mountains tower above you and fall off into the glittering azure sea.

Take the first day easy and stop a few miles along the road in the beautiful village of Deia – the spiritual home of Robert Graves and home to some of the best restaurants in the Balearics. Go wild and blow the budget at Es Raco des Teix for some of the best food you’ll ever eat – seriously! There are also lovely walks through the pine-scented forests with spectacular views of the sea, or down to Cala de Deia for a swim and huge plate of frito misto with a beer. Leave Deia and continue West along the coastline for the most dramatic views of land and sea, stopping off at spectacular natural beauties such as the Mirador de Ricardo Roca, which will test your nerve and driving skills on the route towards Port de Andratx.

After a night in the Andratx marina at the Hotel Brisnar you can dash back to Palma along the fast central motorway and rediscover fifth gear (if you’re really enjoying the open road keep going to the Camper shoes sale warehouse in Inca). Palma itself is beautiful and miles away from the Brits Abroad reputation it gained in the 80s. Make sure you visit the cathedral and walk the cobbled streets before a final feast of beans and clams at the historic tapas bar La Boveda - the jamon is so good only one man on the staff is allowed to carve it!

www.esracodesteix.es
C/SA Vinya Vell 6, Deia
971 63 95 01
Closed Tuesdays

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A family-run hotel located within walking distance of the centre of Soller. Dating back to the Muslim era, its impeccable accommodations and facilities surrounded by the majestic old orange farm provide visitors with a welcoming sense of wanting to be there forever. The memories from the friendly service provided by Andres and his wife Ana during my honeymoon in August 2000 remain unchanged.

Calle La Villalonga, 23, 07100, Soller, Mallorca
Tel: 971 63 33 32
www.cascurial.com/en/finca-cas-curial.htm

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