8 of the best places to visit in Majorca

​In recent years, Majorca has quietly been shrugging off its 'all-inclusive' reputation and redefining itself as a boutique destination for the discerning traveller.

And now, the hype is set to continue thanks to Love Island. The hit ITV dating reality show was filmed at a swanky villa on the Balearic island, a fact which is sure to send interest soaring.

if you're planning a trip, here's our edit of the island's best spots to add to your tick list, from the subterranean Lake Martel to the hillside town of Valldemossa.

1. Deia

This tiny village might seem quaint with its uniform green-shuttered houses, but it’s actually been home to everyone from poet and novelist Robert Graves to the super rich looking for a coastal hideaway. Head to the town’s small shingle beach, Cala Deia, for (optional) naked swimming and probably some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste.

2. Lake Martel

It doesn’t get much more magical than a boat tour of Lake Martel’s stalactite and stalagmite-filled caves, while a quartet serenades you with classical music. All that’s left for you to do is gaze in wonder at the 10 million year old caves and one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world.

3. Valldemossa Town

Valldemossa is a sleepy town surrounded by the forest-covered hills of the Tramuntana range and vast expanses of countryside, making it a great spot for hiking. Don’t leave without trying one of the local delicacies from its traditional family bakeries – coca de patata is a sweet cake made with boiled potatoes and served with a mug of hot chocolate.

4. Es Ponta

Mallorca is well noted for its rock climbing spots – the most famous being this giant natural arch formation that rock climber Chris Sharma free-climbed a few years back. Es Ponta is located on the southeastern side of the island, within easy reach of nearby town Santanyi.

5. Serra Tramuntara

The island’s northwest coast couldn’t be more different to the built-up resorts you’ll find in other parts of the island. The UNESCO World Heritage site is a haven for pine forests, olive groves, wild spring flowers and dramatic cliff tops. It's very popular with cyclists in the cooler months of the year.

6. Pollensa Bay & Town

Pollensa, which sits at the eastern end of the Serra de Tramuntana, is a place where Spanish café culture continues to thrive. Visit the market filled stalls of the Placa Major, which is usually where locals flock to on a Sunday, or head to the port and beach area a few kilometres north.

7. Palma

Mallorca’s capital is fast becoming one of Europe's most desirable weekend destinations with plenty of boutique hotel options to explore. It's worth visitng along if only to see the cobbled lanes and Gothic Cathedral in the old quarter. There are also plenty of market stalls, boutiques and foodie spots to explore while you’re there. Check out 13th-century church Iglesia de Santa Eulalia, which you may recognise as being one of the spots where The Night Manager was shot.

8. Port de Soller

Another prime filming location for The Night Manager (Carrer de la Marina is the street where Pine and Burr have one of their clandestine meetings), the pretty port town of Port de Soller is home to the only decent beach on the north west coast of the island. Chances are you’ll also get to do a bit of celeb spotting – rumour has it Roman Abramovich’s yacht is moored just off the coast.

Pictures from alamy.com

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