Exploring West Mallorca
When traveling by car, this route is an excellent way to get a quick taste of Mallorca's mountainous and coastal scenery.

- Depart Andratx, taking the C710 to Estellencs about halfway up the main street.
As the road starts to ascend, you pass a mirador sign, proceed through a tunnel and the Mediterranean comes into view. As you follow the curls of this scenic coastal road, you will be flanked by the ocean on one side and pine-scented hills on the other. You will eventually arrive at the village of Estellencs, one of the prettiest in Mallorca featuring narrow cobbled streets. It is said that village women who live here still do their washing at the village well. Most of the road is perched along the cliff edge and shaded by pine trees. Two good panoramic stops along this route are Mirador Ricardo Roca and Mirador de Ses Animes, both offering a for a commanding view of a series of coves. Mirador de Ses Animes is a belvedere constructed in the 17th century. A little further on, you will arrive at Banyalbufar, a seaside village with a very unique characteristic feature. In Banyalbufar are the "marjades" (stepped slopes), which lead down to the sea.

- As the C710 veers left towards Valldemossa, proceed straight on the PM110 signposted to Palma. Follow the sign towards La Granja.
La Granja is a 10th century country house sitting on a beautiful  5 acre estate that many claim to be one of the best excursion destinations in Mallorca. For those wishing to gain insights into the culture and traditions of Mallorca, La Granja is worth a half day stop.

- As you leave La Granja, follow the narrow road to Puigpunyent.
On your drive towards Puigpunyent, you will pass through scenic hillsides of olive groves and hundred-year-old holm oak trees. Drive through Puigpunyent and on to Galilea, a mountain village with a couple neat tapas bars with sweeping views out to sea. From here the road swirls down to the village of Es Capdella.

- Turn right in the village and follow signs back to Andratx.


Exploring The Northeast of Mallorca
The fabulous scenery of the north coast is the result of the dramatic descent from the mountain peaks to sea level. The towns and villages in the valleys that penetrate the Tramuntana mountains are considered the most attractive and desirable places to visit on the island.

- Embark from Manacor and follow signs to Porto Cristo.
After 13km you will pass Cuevas del Hams but continue on to Porto Cristo. Should you fancy, you may stop at Cuevas del Drach in Porto Cristo. Cuevas de Drach is the most famous and visited cave on Mallorca and home to Lake Martel, one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world.

- When you arrive at Porto Cristo turn left at the seafront up a steep hill and follow signs to Son Servera and Cala Millor. You will bypass Cala Millor and turn left towards Son Servera. Following this you will need to veer right towards Capdepera.
As you approach the historical village of Capdepera, you will see a castle perched on the crest of a hill. Capdepera is a good place for a lunch stop. Should you fancy, you may climb up to the castle, or down to the beach for a swim.

- From Capdepera, take the C715 to Arta.
Arta is a small cosy village on the North East of Mallorca that has retained its quiet charm despite Mallorca's increased popularity on the tourist map. Cottage industries still thrive in these parts and here traditional raffia and straw weavers still practice their craft.

- From Arta, follow the C712 coast road around the bay of Alcudia.
Before reaching Alcudia You will pass the S'Albufera nature reserve, the largest and most important wetland area in the Balearics.

- From Alcudia, return to Palma via the C713 and and the adjoining motorway at Inca.


Exploring The Plains of Mallorca
The central zone extending from Palma is a generally flat fertile plain known as Es Pla, once considered the bread basket of Spain. The Es Pla is a gently rolling landscape of extensive farmland and picturesque villages.This drive takes you through almond and apricot groves and quaint rural villages

- Start from the central Mallorcan town of Petra
This sleepy town of sand coloured houses would be completely off the tourist map if it were not the birthplace of Mallorca's most famous son, Fray Junipero Serra. Born in 1713 he became a priest in 1730 and worked as a missionary in Mexico from 1749 to 1763. At the age of 54 he was sent to California; the missions he established there grew into some of the USA's largest cities including San Diego and San Francisco.

From the parish church in Petra following signs to Santa Margalida. Bypass Santa Margalida and bear left towards Muro.

The small town of Muro has one overriding attraction - the Museu Etnologic de Mallorca. Housed in a former mansion, this museum offers fascinating glimpses into Mallorca's past and is well worth a visit.

- In Muro, Continue along Carrer Major past the church of Sant Joan Baptista towards Sa Pobla.
You will cross potato fields with fertile red earth, and you will notice windmills once used for grinding flour

- From Sa Pobla,follow signs to Llubi. When you reach Llubi proceed uphill into the village and drive downhill to reach a main road. Cross the road and take the narrow track towards Sineu.
Formerly the capital of Mallorca, Sineu is an ancient agricultural hilltop town boasting over 1000 years of history.

- Follow signs to Sant Joan. As you enter Sant Joan, turn right to Montuiri
Montuiri is a traditional settlement sitting on a hill 178 m above sea level. On the outskirts of the village are the prehistoric remains of the Talayotic settlement of Son Fornés which dates back to the 14th century.

- Leaving Montuiri cross the Palma-Manacor highway and head towards Porreres. Bypass
Porreres in the direction of Vilafranca de Bonany. Turn left in Vilafranca and pass Els Calderers on your right.

- Take the next right turn to Sant Joan, from where you can return to Petra.

Majorca: Road Map (Country Road & Touring)

Mallorca (AA Island Maps) A detailed, large-scale map showing extensive tourist and leisure information, places of interest, footpaths and hiking trails together with inset plans for the main towns on the island. Useful road information and classifications with distances, cycle routes together with beaches and water sports are featured along with national parks and nature reserves. The map is available in three or more language keys.

Michelin The Green Guide Spain The Green Guide is quite the perfect travel companion packed with discerning and up-to-date source of information. Practical and comprehensive, it offers suggestions on what to see and what to do, background on history and cultural heritage and a selection of hotels and restaurants. Ideal guides for the independent tourist, The Green Guide explores destinations both near and far. Map itineraries make planning easy, whether visiting the highlights or venturing off the beaten path. As expected from the Michelin Green Guides series, this guide is accurate and up to date, covers all important milestones and goes past the shallow surface barely scratched by other travel guides.