Mallorca, or Majorca, is one of Europe's favourite tourist destinations and somewhat a party island, with endless beaches, cafés, bars and discos in the main resorts. It is the largest of the four Balearic Islands (a Spanish autonomous region) lying off the east coast of the Spanish mainland. The beaches are striking, the climate pleasant, the tourist infrastructure well established and the Spanish culture alive and well.

Palma is the capital of Mallorca and its cultural heart, with numerous historical attractions and some very good shopping and dining options. The town is beautifully set on a hillside overlooking Palma Bay and has a well established harbour which is backed by such sights as the huge Gothic cathedral La Seu, the Almudaina Palace, and Bellvar Castle high up behind the town. Palma is well known for its tapas bars.