Sun, sea and sand holidays on the Balearic island of Majorca have been drawing millions of tourists from the chillier regions of Northern Europe since the 1950s, when the dream of cheap Mediterranean flights became a welcome reality. The island grabbed the opportunity to become a number one destination with both hands and, by now, has every possible visitor amenity in place as well as the best beaches in the region.

Most visitors will arrive at the capital Palma de Mallorca’s international airport and head straight for a dose of sun and fun on one of its famous beaches. Stunning but crowded white sands and azure seas backed by towering hotels run the length of the coastline here, with the five kilometre Playa de Palma stretching from s’Arenal to Can Pastilla and boasting fine sand and shallow waters perfect for families. Water skiing, jet skiing and paragliding are the sports here, with the busy beach backed with palm tree shaded eateries.

To the west of the capital is Cala Major, another major destination during the summer season, with its shallow crystal waters safe for children and pedal boats for hire. A true urban beach two kilometres from Palma’s downtown district is Playa Ca’n Pere Antoni, backed by a wide promenade with cycle paths and beach restaurants. The shore slopes away to a good depth of clear water although no water sports are offered and it’s less safe for children.

The north of the island is its mountainous area, with the resort of Alcudia a favourite destination for its glorious beach and shallow sea, the best for families on the entire island with even a children’s playground set along the sands. Paragliding, water skiing and jet skiing are popular here. The child-friendly beach at nearby Port de Pollensa is less crowded, with spectacular views of the mountains and a wider selection of watery activities than its neighbour. Quieter Port de Soller hugs the foot of the mountain range in beautiful Bahia de Soller bay with Playa d’en Repic, the lovelier of its two beaches, a narrow, natural sandy strand steeply sloping to deep water.

Majorca’s east coast is rockier, with small sandy beaches set in narrow coves, crowded in summer although the resorts here are less touristy. The best-known is Cala d’Or with its five fabulous beaches and great snorkelling below the cliffs. Isolated Cala Mondrago, flanked by two headlands, has pale turquoise waters, with neighbouring s’Amarador beach 400ms away and far less crowded even in high season.

Majorca’s south coast holds Es Trenc beach, one of the island’s loveliest, unspoilt and carefully preserved. Nearby Colonia Sant Jordi has a few hotels and Cala Pi beach is surrounded by pine trees and set in a romantic cove with just a few small guesthouses. On the island’s western peninsula is Magaluf – party central with noisy nightlife in its over 100 bars and clubs. The beach is good, with a great selection of water sports facilities, but used mainly for recovery from riotous nights out! Adjacent Palma Nova is the family-friendly equivalent, with three pretty beaches.

For more information on Majorca, including the latest money saving deals on Majorca holidays and Majorca villas check out our website www.YourMajorca.net.