All you need to know about holidays to Majorca Palma

The popular Balearic island of Majorca sits around 120 miles off the Spanish coast in the Mediterranean Sea. Holidays in Majorca have long been a favourite with us Brits, when cheap Majorca holidays became one of the first package holidays available when the holiday type took off in the 1950s. Package holidays remain the usual way to visit the island even today, which means that there are usually great offers on holidays available.

Over the past couple of decades, thanks to the huge number of cheap and low-cost airlines, there has also been a dramatic increase in the number of people booking their own holidays to Majorca separately - and of course the internet has helped with this. In fact, you can use our search tool to look for great value holidays, or search for your flights and hotel separately to tailor make your own trip.

If you're after an independent holiday to Majorca, head to the quieter venues in the north of the island, where you will be able to enjoy the stunning scenery that has always existed away from the party crowd.

How to get to Majorca

All holidays in Majorca start the same way - with a flight into the main airport in Majorca Palma. The airport is located by Palma, which is the island's capital, lying in the west of the island, so western resorts like Magaluf and Palma Nova are the closest to the airport and therefore have shortest onward transfer times.

Cheap holidays to Majorca are easy to find, especially in late spring and early autumn. Remember that transfers often need to be arranged too, whether you book a package holiday in Majorca or not. You could consider Majorca car hire for this, which would also let you visit many more of the stunning beaches that the island is known for.

When to go to Majorca

Majorca holidays are nice at any time of the year, but if you want to be there for the hottest weather then you should look for deals in June, July and August. As you can imagine, this is also the most difficult time to find cheap holiday to Majorca so make sure you book in advance! You can also keep your eyes peeled for early booking offers giving you great deals in 2013 or 2014. Cheaper deals are more readily available in April, May, September and October when the weather is still pretty good. If you want to take advantage of cheap winter prices then be aware that some of the attractions, bars and restaurants will be closed - it's worth a little research online to find the best winter sun in Majorca holiday destinations.

What to do in Majorca

One of the most popular attractions on Majorca holidays are the stunning beaches - S'Amarador has even been touted as the best beach in the whole of Europe! If lazing on the golden sands is important to you, make sure your hotel is in a tip-top location. Use our short guide to Majorca's beaches to help:

Es Trenc beach Has a wild and natural feel. It's said by many to be the best beach in Majorca, but it's in the middle of nowhere. Far from resorts and hotels, two kilometres of soft white sand and crystal clear water are usually claimed by the nudist population, but in the summer, and especially at weekends, this is most definitely overlooked.

Cala d'Or beach Is actually home to five beaches, which are all fairly small, although they are also very picturesque. Cala d'Or means the golden bay, and the beaches certainly live up to this name, just don't expect huge expanses of sand!

Cala Major beach Is the largest beach that's close to the capital, Majorca Palma, so expect it to get pretty busy at the weekend! It's a great option if you want to combine a city and beach holiday, and a lot of money has been spent redeveloping the area.

Alcudia beach If you want a family holiday to Mallorca, then the beach at Alcudia with its calm shallow water is definitely a huge plus. The long, white stretch of sand is a big hit with all ages though, and there's plenty of good value accommodation here too.

Cala Millor Is on Majorca's east coast, a fair drive away from Majorca Palma, but even that doesn't stop this stunning white beach with its clear tropical waters being invaded at the peak of summer. Great outside the peak times.

Cala Formentor This beach is quite narrow, and the water gets deep quite fast so it's not a family beach, but it is secluded and beautiful. Get there by boat from Pollenca, or expect to pay a car parking charge - this is popular with the rich and famous!

Cala Mondrago Beach This is situated within the Natural Park that makes up the south east corner of the island, so it's free from developments thanks to its protected status. You can reach it by bus from Cala d'Or.

Cala Portals Vells You'll need your own car to get here, which is a very pretty secluded beach not far from Magaluf. Expect to share the beach in the summer, but you could have it all to your own in the off season - although it is popular with yacht sailors.

Es Carbo Beach This beach is a good 30 minutes' walk from Colonia St Jordi on Mallorca's south coast, but your reward will be a large beach with shallow and clear water. There is always space here!

Away from the sand, you'll find that Magaluf is a 24-hour party zone, but Majorca offers quieter resorts like Puerto Pollensa too. The island's capital city, Palma de Mallorca has plenty of old colonial architecture and great shopping if you fancy a few hours away from sunning yourself. Visiting for one of the annual events like the Copa del Rey yacht festival or the Processio de la Beata, which highlights local traditions, is a great way to get more from your holiday in Majorca.