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Experience a complete cross-section of traditional Mallorcan life at this fully restored, noble country estate.

In the 18th century, Mallorcan country homes became a symbol of prestige, and this one, built by Cardinal Antonio Despuig, is one of the finest examples. The Cardinal was an antiquarian and so adorned his Italianate estate with Classical statuary to complement the grand Neoclassical staircase. The parterres are beautifully laid out in the Italian taste of the day, with not only Classical touches such as fountains and a belvedere, but also picturesque medieval references.

It was in Valldemossa, Mallorca’s highest and one of its prettiest towns, that lovers Frédéric Chopin and George Sand spent one dramatic winter in the early 19th century. The result was Sand’s infamous book A Winter in Majorca , both a scathing indictment of the island’s people and their ways and a poetic rhapsody in praise of the natural beauties of the place (see Museu Municipal de Valldemossa).

This oasis of heavenly peace high in the mountains was designed by Arab landscape architects 1,000 years ago as an image of Paradise. The gardens have been reworked over the centuries, mostly with Gothic and Italian Renaissance touches, but the medley of fountains, terraces and groves is still essentially Arabic.

Perched high above the sea, with its famous Neoclassical gazebo imported from Italy, this L-shaped mansion was fashioned by Archduke Salvador see Archduke Luis Salvador of Hapsburg-Lorena and Bourbon. Much admired in Mallorca, the archduke is remembered here with a museum devoted to his life and collections. In the gardens, you can sit in the white Carrara marble rotunda and gaze at the Na Foradada (“pierced rock”) Peninsula, jutting out to sea with a gaping 18-m (59-ft) hole at its centre.

Set in a dramatic ravine that plunges down to the sea, Deià is mostly associated with the English novelist and poet Robert Graves. Settling in the small town in 1929, Graves lived and worked here for the next 56 years, making the place popular with other artists including Picasso and the writer Anaïs Nin. Towering over the town is the modest 18th-century church of Sant Joan Baptista. The adjacent building houses the parish museum; there is also a museum founded by the American archaeologist William Waldren, displaying the prehistory of Mallorca. Hotel La Residencia has attracted many famous guests including Princess Diana and Sir Bob Geldof.

The town’s name reputedly derives from the Arabic suliar – “golden bowl” – the valley is famous for its orange groves. Notable buildings include the Modernista Banco de Sóller and the Neo-Gothic church of Sant Bartomeu, both the work of a disciple of Antoni Gaudí. Few visitors do more than sit in Plaça Constitució soaking up the atmosphere and sampling tapas, pastries, ice cream and fresh orange juice. The town’s vintage electric train provides a superb ride through the mountains to Palma.

This small resort, set around an excellent natural harbour, has vibrant festivals (see Festa de Nostra Senyora de la Victòria) and the only beach of any size along the northwestern coast. An atmosphere of low-key chic and family fun prevails. It’s the starting point for boat trips along the coast and a good base for walks – a short climb brings you to the Cap Gros lighthouse with its panoramic views.

This quaint stone village is supremely situated, enjoying a splendid view of towering Puig Major – Mallorca’s highest peak – and of the vast ravine that sweeps down into the valley of orange groves. Silence reigns, except for the lazy sound of goat and sheep bells. The town seems to clutch at its essentially perpendicular setting, with accommodation and dining options making the most of the panorama. You can get here by car, but a better choice is the fragrant hike up from Sóller, passing through the even tinier Biniaraix.

The original castle was built a thousand years ago by the Moors and then refurbished following the “reconquest” by Jaume I in the 13th century. It’s little more than rubble now, but the lofty position certainly seems unconquerable enough. At the bottom of the trail is an excellent restaurant; from here you can follow well-beaten paths and dry-stone tracks along the cliff-face (see also Castell d’Alaró).