Mallorca

One of the Spanish Balearic Islands, Mallorca is where superlative beauty is par course. Sapphire water laps the sandy coast and forests of pine sheath the slopes. Speckled in between are limestone spires and rough-hewn cliffs, vineyards painted in vivid shades of summer green and autumn gold, and hilltop monasteries like oases of solitude. Each evening, spellbinding sunsets set the stage for star-studded nights. Coveted by Romans, Byzantines and countless others, Mallorca's heritage is a riveting one, with monuments like the Palau de l'Almudaina, the Catedral de Mallorca, and the Monestir de Lluc the proud sentinels of this glorious past. Along the way are manor houses and country estates that have transitioned into use as rural retreats, while luxury resorts shimmy up and down the coast. There are ancient ruins, precipitous lookouts, and family-friendly attractions as well. The best of coastal cuisine is to be had right here, where contemporary style, Mediterranean flavors, and culinary traditions merge to create a gourmet's epicurean paradise. From clambering to the lofty Bellver Castle for panoramic views and exploring the Cuevas del Drach to navigating the hair-raising Cala de Sa Calobra and Cala Tuent, Mallorca is magnificent.