We will be in Mallorca the end of April, and need advise on how to see the island. Where is the best spot to stay? Any hotel ideas? We are mostly interested in good beached and beautiful walks. (We will be renting a car from the airport.) Thanks

ttt

The best walking is in the mountains on the north of the island. These shield the north western coastline which is fabulously beautiful and much less developed than the rest of the island. It is mainly cliffs with the occasional beach in a cove. The towns and villages are mostly very attractive with historic old centres.

The big sandy beaches are largely away from this area especially on the south of the island. This is much more developed and the resorts (some of which are strip developments running for miles along the sea front) can be pretty grim. You have to choose carefully. Some of the hotels constructed in the 1970s are so bad they are now being demolished.

If you want walks and beaches somewhere inland my be best so you can drive to both but they would be longish drives.

I think it depends on which you value more. Let me know and I can give you somemore advice.

Also waht is your budget? There are some very top end hotels with prices to match.

Diz01--Thanks for your reply. It sounds like we have to choose between a beach "hotel" or beautiful scenery location. Since you have been there, what would be your suggestion? If we stay inland, would it be impossible to hire a boat to take us to the remote coves? Our budget is for a moderate price but very nice. A 1970 hotel would not work. Thanks for your help

Diz01--another question: Is the end of April still low season --could we bargain for a price on a hotel???

check out www.toprural.com
then writein mallorca.
agriturismo son pons looks fabulous.

malorca is a HUGE island.
and there are so many beautiful corners.

Avoid Magaluf

I don't like beach holidays so my own preference is not to go to the beach resort areas. We go back to the North West end regularly and in April it is wonderful. Orange blossom should be out and flowers should be blooming.

This is what I said about some of the towns/villages in another post:

"None of these places have much a sea view as the they are (mostly) set back from the cliff tops or a little inland.

Soller has a really interesting old centre surrounded by a modern(ish) town Lots of bars and restaurants in the centre but is about 5 miles from the coast.

Fornalutx is a delightful village. We have never stayed but there are a couple of nice looking small hotels. It is up in the mountains.

Deia is our personal favourite. A lovely spot set around a hill that overlooks the bay which is about a 20 minute walk down (rather longer back up). There are distant views of the sea depending on where you are in the village. Several good restaurants. Most expensive hotel is La Residencia - very upmarket. Or try Hotel Es Moli:

http://www.ila-chateau.com/esmoli/

Valledemossa is in land from the sea by about 5 miles. It has some nice old parts and a lovely old church but is surrounded by a modern town and gets a lot of coach parties.

Northwest Mallorca is very beautiful although it can catch rain that the rest of the island doesn't get but feels very different to the rest of the island.

If you enjoy hiking there are some great trails."

If you need some information on walking try this guidebook in the Sunflower series:

http://www.hunterpublishing.com/temp...=1-85691-204-3

I'm not sure about bargaining a price on hotels at end of April. You could try as the Easter holidays are finished and you may get lucky. In addition to what I said above Deia has a couple of smallish pensions. I suggest you do some hotel searches to get an idea of what is around. If you need help on any specifics let me know.

Also never stayed there but this place looks very nice:

http://www.casxorc.com/site/index.php?lang=en

Thank you SO MUCH -- your help is invaluable. You must love Mallorca and we look forward to our trip there!! Thanks again DIZ01!