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As with all of Mallorca’s religious retreats, it’s the serenity of ageless isolation that rewards. Though located only a one-hour walk from atmospheric Pollença, it feels like you’re a world away from modern life, on this modest bump of a hill, barely 300 m (984 ft) high. Over the centuries, the typically tawny-hued stone complex has been home to both nuns and monks, but now, although still Church property, only overnight guests use the cubicles (see Ermita de Bonany, Petra). A well-laid dry-stone path leads the way, the air redolent with wild herbs and the pungent smell of rural life, the arid landscape broken up with olive, carob and fig trees, and dashes of oleander and wildflowers.

Though it is a pretty terraced town in a magnificent mountain setting, its old houses of grey-brown stone – left unplastered and unadorned – were essentially built for defence. Even the 15th-century church belfry was used as a place of refuge, as were most towers on the island.

Often voted Mallorca’s loveliest town – if not all of Spain’s – this enchanting mountain village was founded by the Moors in the 12th century. The tiny town square is a friendly gathering place, but it is the heady views people remember – up to the island’s highest mountain and down into a verdant chasm below.

The prolific career of Catalan master Joan Miró in all its depth and variety: few artists have had such a brilliant showcase built for them.

The glassworks were founded in 1719, but the present castle-like, Neo-Gothic building dates from the 1960s. The place offers a unique opportunity to watch glass-blowers at work, and its world-class museum of glass (see Museu Gordiola) also fires enthusiasm for the substance. You can buy everything from cheap bibelots to chandeliers fit for a castle.

Heading out of Sóller, on the way to Lluc, the C710 is perhaps the most dramatic drive of all, traversing tunnels and gorges on its way between Puig Major and Puig Massanella. This beautiful but bleak ravine has been known since ancient times, as evidenced by the Talayot pillar that has been left as a silent sentinel. Several reservoirs have been created nearby.

There’s more than enough here to keep your brood busy for two full days. The water-park has one of the highest undulating slides on the island and the spiral tube satisfies the most demanding of thrill-seekers. For more sedate moments, play a round on the miniature golf course.

Cabrera (“Goat Island”) lies 18 km (11 miles) off the mainland. A rocky, bare place and virtually uninhabited, it nevertheless has a rich history. It served as a prison camp during the Napoleonic War and was used as a base by Barbary pirates. It was designated a national park in 1991. Boat trips leave from Colònia de Sant Jordi and take a day – highlights include a 14th-century castle on the island (see Castell de Cabrera) and Cova Blava (Blue Grotto). Keep an eye out for the rare Lilford’s lizard, identifiable by its dog-like face.