Campanet, Mallorca

Situated on the edge of the green and wooded foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains, the village of Campanet's one claim to fame is the amazing limestone caves, said to house the longest stalactite in the world! It also makes a good starting point for an exhilarating drive to the mountain top Monastry at Lluc via the picturesque village of Caimari.

Campanet has no less than three bakeries, as well as a well-stocked supermarket and a delicatessen. The sunny church square has a number of  local bars and small shops and a pleasant spot to linger over a morning coffee and croissant before heading off for the day. In the evening there are also two or three bars that serve authentic tapas or simple but delicious meals, but the village has surprisingly remained a peaceful backwater, virtually untouched by tourism.

Via the scenic country road, Old Pollenca with a good choice of shops and restaurants is no more than a 20 minute drive, whilst nearer by, a 10 minute drive will bring you to the attractive hill village of Selva which has at least three restaurants of note, including one above the church square, with a huge dining terrace enjoying panoramic views all the way to the coast. However for a truly memorable occasion, book a table at a small hotel in the neighbouring village of Binibona where gourmet food is served on a candlelit terrace.

For serious shoppers, the town of Inca, famous for it's leather goods and covered market, is a 10 minutes drive and from here you can also catch a train to Palma.

The nearest beaches at Puerto Pollenca or Alcudia are approx. 25 minutes drive.