This stunning Balearic island, with its classic beaches, mountain scenery, idyllic countryside, and dramatic coastlines, attracts plenty of visitors. Action-packed seaside resorts, such as Magaluf in the southwest corner of the island, host hordes of package-tour holidaymakers, who come to party and be seen on the packed beaches and in the busy nightspots.



However, there are plenty of places on Majorca where you can escape the crowds. Deserted sandy coves, where mountains meet the sea, and remote beaches, only accessible by boat or on foot, are perfect for a quiet holiday. In the traditional rural villages, surrounded by olive and almond groves, with their centuries-old monasteries and delightful bars and cafes, you can mix it with the locals and get well away from the crowds.

If you're short of time, you don't have to head for remote parts of Majorca to escape the masses. Not far from busy Palma, Illetes has two pine-lined coves with beautiful sandy beaches. And in the west of the island, you can follow in the footsteps of poet Robert Graves, who used to take the coastal path across to Lluc Alcari. Stop for a swim in the deep azure waters of Cala Deia, where weathered rocks form amazing shapes, and continue to the seaside village of Port Soller for refreshments.

The north of the island, where the Tramuntana mountains meet the sea, near the resorts of Port de Pollenca and Port de Soller, you'll find beautiful, sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and much less competition for that spot on the sand. On the east coast, the little bays of Cala Mesquida have good waves, and are popular with surfers in the know. At both Port de Pollenca and Port d'Alcudia are more idyllic fine sandy beaches, and further southward, Cala Rajada has more small bay beaches that are easily accessible.

Some of the most isolated places are away from the coast, and the mountains offer some great walks. Starting from the central northern village of Selva on the eastern flanks of the Tramuntana, you can trek cobbled cart tracks to the lovely monastery at Lluc. Along the way check out the pretty village of Caimari, an important centre of olive cultivation, and continue on through a dramatic steep-sided canyon. In the eastern part of the island, recently declared a nature reserve, you can walk from the secluded beaches at Estreta and Torta, along lanes, coastal paths and horse trails to Cala Rajada and rarely meet another walker.

The hottest summer months of July and August are the busiest time on Majorca, and resort and villa accommodation is at a premium. Crowds are obviously less than at other times of the year, and the weather is often still pleasant in May, June, September and October, when swimming is still possible. Even in the middle of winter, January and February, there are beautiful sunny days, although the nights can be very cold.

The best way to enjoy a holiday on this special island is to rent your own Majorca villa. Villa operators offer great value rental properties, each with a private pool. These villas are located all over the island, with easy access to un-spoilt coastal beaches and the small villages and mountain regions in the interior of the island. But you are never far from major towns, where there's plenty of shopping, fine dining and exuberant nightlife should you need to see crowds again.