Majorca retreats

Located 20km north of Palma, the beautiful town of Soller is perhaps most famous for its traditional trams, including a tram that runs down to the port of Soller. There is also a train that has run through the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range since 1912. Getting to Soller or Puerto de Soller from Palma is a quick 15-20 minute drive through the mountain tunnel (with a toll fee), or for the more adventurous, take the original twisting route that winds around one hairpin bend to the next. Once you're in the charming town of Soller, at the hub of all local activity is the town square. Not only does it boast a wonderful old Gothic church that dominates the square, it also offers a plentiful selection of mouth-watering tapas bars, a busy market held every Saturday, and the occasional live act that performs in front of the church. The church itself, the Parish church of Sant Bartomeu, dates back to the 14th century and houses beautiful altar pieces of Gothic and Baroque style.

Soller and it's nearby port of Puerto de Soller are surrounded and dominated by the visually stunning Tramontana mountains, while nearby valleys are packed with orange and lemon groves, not to mention carefully kept gardens and allotments belonging to the local residents. Just 2km away from Soller, Puerto de Soller is a charming town and sea port that was once linked for its textile trades to France. Boasting a wonderful horseshoe bay, the port - the only one on the northwest coast of Majorca - is a well protected harbour and still retains a rather 'olde worlde' look of holiday towns back at the turn of the century. The port's lighthouse and watchtowner, once used to warn the townspeople of pirate attacks, now offers the perfect spot to drive out to with a picnic.

Valldemossa is located just a few kilometres south along the coast from Puerto de Soller. Sitting high above the sea, Valdemossa is ancient Moorish village that quietly boasts a generous collection of shops, restaurants and bars - particularly on the main drag of La Cartuja - not to mention a breathtaking location and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Famous for its Carthusian monastery that once provided a roof for Chopin, this delightful town is also well-known for its glassmaking trade.

While many visitors rarely venture further than the town itself, a definite must is a trip along the long winding road down to Valdemossa's small port, which offers lovely views and a great little fish restaurant to boot. If you're staying in or visiting Valldemossa, don't miss out on an outing to the nearby mountain village of Deia, well-known in the 60s and 70s for its rich hippy residents! Many celebrities still visit this glorious part of Majorca, which offers a picturesque and peaceful retreat. Deia was once home to Robert Graves - author of 'I Claudius' - and his grave can be found in the hilltop cemetary next to the church. And whilst you're up there, take a moment to soak up the fantastic views on offer across Majorca.

Quiet, unobtrusive Illetas is an attractive coastal town crowned by luxurious RUI Hotels, and is found between the livelier resorts of Magaluf, Palma Nova, and capital Palma. On Wednesdays, mingle with the locals and take a trip to the fresh market that sells local cheese, fish and vegetables. Or why not use Illetas as a base and tour the local area, such as taking a trip to the hillside village of Andratx to the Son Mas Castle, to see the paintings by Durer and Tintoretto?

Despite its quiet appeal, Illetas hides a guilty secret or two that is reminiscent of its bubbly, party-central neighbours. The Virtual Club in Illetas is a cocktail bar and nightclub, while Adam and Eve is claimed to be a popular haunt for visitors such as Peter Stringfellow. Heading out towards the Portals Nous village area is the Flintstones restaurant and bar, Sundowners Bar, and Delfin Loco restaurant - the latter has been around for years and offers an intriguig mix of Dutch and Oriental flavours. The chic Portal Nous marina is a favourite haunt for celebrities, not to mention any visitor with an interest in luxury yachts and motorboats. Why not spoil yourself and opt for either the Wellis restaurant or Flannigan and Tristams for a top-class meal in a lavish setting.