Beach

Best beach:

Es Trenc

Without a doubt, the virgin white sand and calm turquoise water at the nudist friendly Es Trenc beach on Mallorca’s south coast gives the Caribbean a run for its money. During the winter, walk the shores of this nature reserve in relative seclusion.

Where: Es Trenc, 49km from Palma. Better to hire a car, but taking public transport is possible. Take the L412 TIB bus from Palma’s Placa España to Manacor. Change onto the L495, alighting at Ses Salines. TIB, Tel: +34 971 17 7777.

Website: www.caib.es

Market

Best market:

Mercat Olivar

Palma’s biggest covered market in Europe is open six days a week and sells everything from island-grown fruit and vegetables, to meat and fish. The market is also filled with some of Palma’s best tapas bars since food is super fresh, and made with ingredients from the surrounding stalls. In the meat section, grab standing space at Bar Paco and order a mini dish of “callos” (spicy tripe and chickpea stew) for €6, which is not just a delicious taste sensation, but is as traditional as the local cuisine gets.
Where: Mercat Olivar, Placa Olivar, Palma, Tel: +34 971 720 314.
Website: www.mercaolivar.com

Dining

Best meal with a view:

El Bungalow Restaurant

Soak up the sea views across Palma bay from El Bungalow seafood restaurant in the Cuidad Jardin area of Palma. Book a table for the sunset sitting, or in the winter spend a long leisurely lunch eating Palma’s best paella.

Where: El Bungalow, Calle Esculls 2, Palma, Tel: +34 971 262 738. Catch the number 15 bus from Placa España.

Vineyards

Best winery:

Santa Catarina

Head to the Santa Catarina vineyard and winery for free wine tasting in a stunning setting near Andratx, 45km west of Palma. Ask to try the delicious Santa Catarina Tinto Joven red wine and if you like it, bottles are just €4.50 to take away. Food is also available, with a stomach-lining plate of locally produced hams, cheeses, olives and breads costing just €5. Nestled in the shadow of the Tramuntana Mountain range, the winery also offers amazing views over the island, and a cooling escape from the midday sun.
Where: Santa Catarina is signposted from Andratx town centre. Take the main road to Capdellá and drive for around 4kms. The winery is on your left. Tel: +34 971 235413. Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm (summer), 9am-5pm (winter) and 12-2pm on Sundays.
Website: www.santa-catarina.com