Shopping

Palma de Mallorca is the centre of the shopping scene, and has sprawling malls, shop-lined streets, and daily stalls and markets where tablecloths or leather goods can be scooped up for a song with a bit of haggling. The main shopping street in Cala d'Or, Avinguda Tagomago, is a bustling flurry of souvenir shops, chic boutiques, leather shops and galleries. The stretch of shops in Pageura known as El Bulevar features supermarkets, clothing shops and souvenir shops, while the pedestrian promenades on Cala Millor and Magaluf's seafronts are jam-packed with stalls selling buckets and spades and tourist trinkets.

Markets are a great place to shop on the island of Mallorca and the Monday market in Calvia is the place to go for porcelain, jewellery and leather goods, as are the Wednesday markets in Andratx in Palma and Thursday's Inca market. Travellers should brush up on their bargaining skills before visiting, though. Near Cala Millor, the Friday markets in Son Servera and Monday markets in Monacor are a great place to find unique goods and fresh produce, as well as souvenirs such as espadrilles shoes, embroidery and basketwork. The weekly Sunday market in Pollensa's old town is one of the liveliest and definitely worth a wander for everything from local crafts and olive wood carvings to ceramics and lace.

Nightlife

Though not as raucous as its Balearic neighbour Ibiza, Mallorca is still famed for its nightlife, most of which is centred around its holiday resort towns. Of these, Magaluf is the most vibrant, closely followed by el Arenal and Palma.

From raging bars to quieter pubs and tavernas, Magaluf has it all. The resort's infamous Punta Ballena strip is literally overrun by partygoers in the summer time, wending their merry way from one seething watering hole to another. The ever-popular BCM Planet Dance can accommodate up to 5,000 people and regularly features big-name DJs behind the decks. There are many other popular clubs and dance and live music venues as well.

Paguera, Puerto Pollensa, Cala Millor, S'Illot and Sa Coma are all quieter resorts, which cater more to families. Visitors shouldn't expect much pulsating nightlife in these areas, as the evening's entertainment will more likely consist of a pleasant paseo (stroll) along the waterfront, before heading out to a tavern for a few quiet drinks and a relaxed meal.