The Place to be Both Night and Day

Mallorca, just a ferry ride from Barcelona or Valencia, offers what many are looking for in an ideal vacation getaway: sandy isolated beaches, quaint little villages, and a night life that won't stop. Most visitors flock to Mallorca for the Caribbean-like beaches.

This popular island destination has miles of walkable beach front. In many places the depth of the water grows so gradually that parents feel comfortable allowing kids to play with little supervision. You are also bound to hear several languages as you walk in and out of the sunbathers as Mallorca attracts visitors from far and wide, though mostly from northern Europe. Watch for the colored flags on the beaches which indicate whether it is safe to swim or not. Even if the beach looks lovely and calm to you, a red flag may indicate jelly fish. Sailing and scuba diving are also lovely options.

Apart from baking on the beach, Mallorca is known for a few local delicacies like the spreadable, reddish sausage called sobresada, eaten on long French baguettes. Tumbet is an unforgettable dish with layers upon layers of roasted vegetables served up casserole style. Contrary to what you might expect, Mallorca's strong suit is meat rather than fish. Try the pork or lamb dishes. The bakeries will be chock full of delights, especially their famous ensaimadas-a spiral shaped pastry that is sometimes filled with chocolate or an "angel hair" marmalade and is then topped with powdered sugar. They come in individual sizes or in giant family sizes that tourists often box up and take home as gifts.

Don't overlook the Mallorcan sandals known as mallorquinas. These leather shoes come in a variety of sizes and colors. They have the uncanny ability to pass for an elegant or casual shoe. Don't leave Mallorca without purchasing a pair.

Head to the old city where the fashionable crowd and everyday people are out and about shopping, lounging around café's on open aired terraces or in the late evening barhopping. Mallorca's night life rivals Madrid's with German and British bars abounding as well.

For fun, the train to Soller is a must. The rickety old-fashioned wooden train runs through the mountainside and villages. Children especially enjoy the three kilometer steep tunnel. Soller provides a welcome break from the big city. From Palma to Soller there are around five trains a day.

Consider renting a car and exploring the island on your own as well. Little villages abound, drive and see where you end up. This way you'll be more likely to come upon your own hidden beach and experience a perfect postcard moment of strolling down the seaside without the giant hotels or throngs of tourists nearby. Beaches in Spain are topless as a norm, so don't be alarmed nor feel obligated. No one really cares how you decide to sunbathe nor should you. Just enjoy and take it slow. Finally, if you find out about a local festival or Patron Saint's day, don't miss the spectacular show.