Majorca, the largest island in the Balearics, may be best known for its family beach resorts, but now also has a stunning selection of rural hotels. Although the season gets going in May and winds down in October, the islands are beautiful in early spring when the almond blossom is out. Outside the hottest months of July and August, all the Balearics are good for activity holidays, whether easy or more challenging, with plenty to see if you are interested in plants or bird. Visitors arrive at Son Sant Joan Airport (8km from Palma). From here buses run into Palma regularly, most resorts around the island also run their own shuttles. There are cheap flights to Majorca from major European cities. Most flight via the Spanish mainland will cost you more, but there are cheap flights to Barcelona and Valencia, especially in the low season. Most of Mallorca’s visitors arrive on package deal.