Spain and its islands beat off competition from traditionally cheap locations like Turkey, proving to be the best value for a number of classic holiday purchases, such as a restaurant meal, a bottle of sun cream and a cup of coffee at the seventh annual Post Office report on holiday costs.
With
prices so low, Majorca is the perfect holiday
destination for those looking for a great
value break. And with flights cheaper
than those to destinations further afield,
now is the ideal time to sample what the largest of Spain's Balearic
Islands has to offer.
If
you're staying in Palma, the island's capital, a trip on the vintage
Sóller Train is an exciting way to get to the lesser-known parts of
Majorca. This railway connects Palma to the picturesque town of
Sóller, winding through the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and
offering numerous photo opportunities along the way. The line
commemorated 100 years of service last year, but don't worry about
missing out on the celebrations, as the Sóller Tram, which links the
town to its beautiful port - Port de Sóller - marks its own
centenary in October.
Not
far from Sóller on the west side of the island is the small coastal
village of Deià , a long-time favourite with celebrities looking to
get away from the hustle and bustle. The village's low-key seaside
charm has made it a hit with a number of A-Listers, who enjoy walking
through the nearby orange and olive groves and taking in the views.
When you're not star-spotting, the scenic Deià Cove is the perfect
spot to unwind, with steep cliffs sheltering its shingle beach.
The
diminutive Banyalbufar is another of the west coast's offbeat
delights. With a population of around 600 people, it's a far cry from
Majorca's busier tourist resorts. The sleepy town itself is great for
those looking for a chance to relax, and the Torre de ses Animes
watchtower offers a stunning view of the Balearic Sea.