7 insider tips: These are Mallorca's most beautiful excursion destinations

• Mallorca is something special: diverse, clean, safe, close and incredibly beautiful.
• The Balearic Island has something for everyone: from 180 beaches, 200 meter high cliffs to underground boat trips to one of the most important Gothic buildings in the world.

More than ten million tourists a year, including almost four million Germans, can't be wrong: They make a pilgrimage every year, often repeatedly, to the holiday island of Mallorca. Why? Because the island in the Mediterranean can be reached quickly and easily from almost every German airport in around two hours – Air Berlin, Lufthansa, Easyjet, Condor, Germanwings, Ryanair and Germania all offer flights. Because the climate is mild even in winter and there is fantastic summer weather from spring to autumn.

180 beaches, from powdery sandy beaches to secluded rocky bays that can only be reached on foot or by boat. The Serra de Tramuntana Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its imposing rocky peaks. The capital with its cathedral, one of the most important Gothic buildings in the world. The chic marinas, windmills in the fields and the now many upscale hotels and restaurants promise a variety of different attractions. We show the seven most beautiful destinations that have nothing to do with the Ballermann image – here you can discover your very own Mallorca.

1. For Caribbean fans: Playa Es Trenc

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, even the locals recommend the Es Trenc beach. Because: It looks like the Caribbean there. Instead of coconut palms, there are pine trees in Es Trenc. However, the sand is powdered sugar white, the sea turquoise green and crystal clear. As one of the longest beaches on the island, Es Trenc offers five kilometers of sand dunes in a nature reserve. That is why the gently sloping beach on the south coast is almost unobstructed and blessed with a calm atmosphere.

The Caribbean beauty in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and the fact that nude bathing is officially allowed, of course, gets around. Es Trenc is no longer an insider tip. But because of its five kilometers length, the tourist crowds are spread out on the natural beach. And even in August you can find a quiet spot with a little patience. Loungers and umbrellas can be rented, and a handful of beach bars offer cool drinks and snacks. At the end of the driveway, which branches off the main road towards Campos, there is a large, chargeable car park.

Info: www.estrenc.info

2. Fine fusion cuisine in a hidden mountain village on Mallorca

In the Serra de Tramuntana there is a small mountain village called Orient, to which a steep road leads. The hidden location on the west coast makes the “Mandala” restaurant a real insider tip. What is served on the terrace of the typical Mallorcan stone house with only ten seats is a reminder of the original intention of the owners.

The Swiss globetrotter couple Buchs wanted to open a restaurant in Nepal a good 20 years ago. But they fell in love with the small town of Orient and since then they have been enchanting their guests with high-quality Indian-French fusion cuisine. The menu, which changes daily, includes bouillabaisse, prawns in coconut curry, salmon in saffron sauce or beef stroganoff with green pepper. The special thing about the small Indian-inspired restaurant in the Mallorcan ambience is the service, because the owners personally take care of their guests.

Info: Since there are only 20 seats in the “Mandala” restaurant and only ten on the terrace, make a reservation by phone on +34 971 615 285.

3. Underground boat trip through dragon caves

25 meters deep into the earth: The 1.2 kilometer long stalactite caves "Cuevas del Drach" on the east coast have some superlatives to offer. The huge cave system not only contains the largest underground lake in Europe and the island's most bizarre stalactites and stalagmites. Even in midsummer there are pleasant temperatures of only 20 degrees. Stairs and winding paths lead through the ghostly lit stalactite gardens.

In earlier times – the Dragon Caves were already known in the Middle Ages – people hid here during pirate attacks. Arrived at Martelsee at a depth of 25 meters, a highlight awaits the cave visitors: a ten-minute live concert with classical music in the dark, a play of light and the subsequent boat trip across the lake.

Info: www.cuevasdeldrach.com

Experience the taste, colors and aromas of the island – this also works best with getting to know the local wines. Excellent and award-winning wines are now being produced here, which can be tasted in some wineries and wineries.

The most exciting way to test Mallorca's wines is on a wine tour with the little train. A small train with wooden wagons, the Wine Express, chugs through the vineyards in the west of the island near St. Maria de Cami and stops at various bodegas for wine tasting. The special thing about it is that the winemakers not only offer their wines for tasting, but also guide them through their vines and explain how wine was made in the past and today – wine tourism of the finest kind.

Info: www.mallorcawinetours.com

5. Lookout point on 232 meter high cliffs

Rough and beautifully spectacular: nowhere is the cliff as imposing and impressive as at the northernmost point of the island. A road from the port of Port de Pollenca leads over 13 kilometers through the cliffs to the “Cap de Formentor” peninsula. Warning: the serpentine requires all car occupants to be free from giddiness. To get to the lighthouse, you have to master a number of hairpin bends on rock faces that drop vertically into the sea. The lighthouse on the cape is whitewashed, which is why it shines during the day in the barren world of sea blue and green-beige rocks.

At the parking lot of the “Mirador es Colomer” viewpoint, which is already reached after six kilometers, you should definitely stop and climb the flat steps – despite the headwind, which is usually strong here. The platform is located 232 meters above the sea, which shimmers in different shades of blue. Below the wall of the viewpoint, the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains drop steeply into the water. Those who prefer not to look straight down can enjoy the grandiose view that extends over islets to Menorca.

6. Beach club all in white

Relaxed day by the sea in a stylish atmosphere: "Puro Beach" is the name of one of the most beautiful beach clubs on Mallorca. Its secret: a lifestyle concept in a relaxed atmosphere. The all-white club on the peninsula near Cala Estancia offers everything that beach mermaids and their well-built companions need: from massages, spa treatments, a pool with sun loungers and parasols, comfortable lounge couches with a view of the adjacent sea to Drinks and meals at nicely laid tables and of course a chill-out sound.

Its location makes “Puro Beach” particularly attractive: a few meters above the azure blue sea, the white wooden deck, the white loungers and lounge furniture between palm trees are particularly bright and offer the best starting point for sunsets. The proximity to the airport makes the beach club the ideal place to spend the last hours before departure in a stylish beach atmosphere.

Info: www.purobeach.com

7. Colorful market activity in historical halls

Sniff, browse, be amazed and try – strolling through a Mediterranean market is one of the sensual experiences that make every vacation unforgettable. In the capital Palma there are three permanent market halls with colorful stalls and a lively hustle and bustle. The largest and daily market is called "Mercat d’Olivar" and is located in the northern city center in two historic market halls.

The 115 stalls of the traditional market offer the best food that is produced on the island – from salt flowers to olive oil, wines, fruit and vegetables to ham and fresh fish. Not only is it fun to try the many different olives, but also to chat with people. There is a lot going on at the tapas bars, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

Another popular meeting point is the fish department, where, in addition to fresh prawns, dragon fish and mackerel, there are sushi stands, a seafood bar and two oyster bars. With a glass of champagne in hand, you can watch the hustle and bustle from here.

Info: www.mercatsmunicipals.com