Music runs through Palma's veins at Fiesta Sant-Sebastià (Jan). Catch the Carnival's vibrant processions (Feb), the International Boat Show (Apr), summer vibes at the Festival Isladencanta (Jul), Valledemossa's Chopin Festival (Aug) and head-spinning parades at the Festa de l'Estendard (31 Dec).

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+34

Local currency is the Euro (€)

GMT: precisely, GMT plus 1 hour in summer

Address: Plaza Mayor 3D
07002 Palma
Mallorca
Tel: +34 971 712 445

Address: Plaça de la Reina 2
07012 Palma
Mallorca
Tel: +34 971 712 216
Web: Balearics Tourism

Tel: 0800 032 1751

Web: Halifax Travel Insurance

Tel: 0845 246 0006

Stand in awe of sandstone La Seu Cathedral on Palma's waterfront, with its soaring bell towers and Gothic arches, then relax beside Parc de la Mar's dancing fountains. Admire Moorish Almudaina Palace's courtyards and the Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani's Dalí and Picasso originals.

Seek out the 10th century Arab Baths, tucked away in a maze of narrow streets. Feast on snail-shaped ensaimadas (sweet pastries) with thick hot chocolate in Ca'n Joan de S'aigo, Palma's oldest café. Revel in contemporary works from Magritte to Cézanne at Es Baluard gallery and Miró's workshops at the Fundació Pilar i Joan.

Long sandy beaches are dotted along Mallorca's southern coast. The best of Palma's sun-soaked bunch are El Arenal, Palma Nova and Santa Ponsa, all awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness.

For more seclusion, make for dune-framed Es Trenc at Mallorca's southern tip, or Formentor's pine forests and clear waters to the north.

Find fresh fish at Es Moll de Pescadors and handmade crafts at the Placa Major's artisan market (Mon-Sat). In central Palma, shop for Camper shoes and colourful ceramics, full-bodied Malllorcan wines and tasty jamón serrano.

For sweeping views over Palma, climb to the top of 700-year-old Bellver Castle, a three-kilometre stroll from the centre. Venture north to gawp at the yawning gorge of Sa Calobra, the towering limestone crags of the Serra de Tramuntana and the sunsets from Son Marroig near Deia.