What's the difference between Majorca and Mallorca?

A visit to Majorca isn't just Anglicized in terms of the name -- these are the areas of the island where you'll find high-rise tourist resorts, franchised fast-food restaurants and beachfront bars that pride themselves on the authenticity of their full English breakfast.

You'll find a different kind of authenticity in Mallorca, however – this is the island where you can discover what life in the Balearics is really like by experiencing a huge range of enticing local landscapes, sights and authentic delicacies.

Palacio Paloma garden

One of the best ways to see the real beauty of the island is by renting one of the many luxury villas in Mallorca that are dotted throughout the countryside. Often found inland, they offer a far more charming and private place to stay than a city-center hotel or characterless coastal resort. Most villas come with their own private pools and gardens too, so when you take time out to lounge around in the sun you'll be doing it on your own terms – the only people disturbing you will be the ones you invited on holiday with you!

A stay in a luxury villa is often far more flexible than a hotel too. To start, you'll have a huge choice when it comes to the style and location of your villa – from smaller, more romantic retreats to larger properties that can comfortably accommodate families or a group of friends. You can choose to hire a chef to prepare some amazing Mallorcan specialities, go self-catered, or even mix it up and arrange a bit of both. You can tailor extra services precisely to your individual needs, so whether you're looking for bike hire or a babysitter it's easily arranged. Many of the villas' owners live nearby or even on-site (often in separate buildings to keep your privacy intact!) and are a great source of information on everything from the best restaurants to the quietest beaches.

Palacio Paloma dining

What it really boils down to is a sense of authenticity, and visiting a side of the island whose history and culture stretches back further than the invention of the packaged holiday. Along with the rest of the Balearics, Mallorca often gets an unfair reputation of being a destination that caters solely for visitors looking for nightlife and crowded beaches. But that's not Mallorca – that's Majorca. The real heart of this island can be found a world away from thumping basslines and neon-lit bars, in the unspoiled countryside of vineyards, lemon groves and rural tranquility. It's here where you can appreciate the truly laid-back Mallorcan lifestyle, and whether you're just relaxing by the pool enjoying the climate or out exploring the variety of the landscape, culture and cuisine, a luxury villa rental is the best way to discover the true character of Mallorca.

Palacio Paloma

To book your Mallorca villa visit https://www.oliverstravels.com/spain/mallorca/.

Photo at top: Salida del Sol villa