With a number of fine beaches, excellent hotels and friendly bars and restaurants, the picturesque resort of Cala d'Or, situated on the south-east of the Spanish island of Majorca, has much to offer.

This former fishing village welcomes tourists with open arms, though it has been careful not to become too commercialised, in doing so retaining a charm all of its own.

This pretty little town is a popular family destination due to its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful, quiet coves. Close by the town are numerous sights just a car or boat ride away, such as mountains, caves and small uninhabited islands.

Cala D'Or is about 60 kilometres away from Palma Airport, A taxi from Palma to Cala d'Or should cost about 70 euros. Or there are a number of transfer companies that provide a great shuttle service.

Once you're there, the best way to see the area is to hire a car or a bike, but there is a good-value bus service you can use there. A ride on the Cala d'Or Express, a small train not dissimilar to those you might see in a theme park, offers a great way to see the local sights.

Beaches in Cala d'OrCala d'Or's coast contains approximately 10 beaches and coves, all of which are decorated by white sand and very inviting waters. The largest of them, Cala Gran, often gets pretty crowded, but this is no surprise when you consider that this beach is only about 100 metres long.

Adventurous types can practise various types of water sports, such as windsurfing and scuba diving, on the resort's main beaches. If you fancy escaping the large crowds, head to the aptly named Cala Serena or Cala Llonga, a gorgeous bay lined with pine trees and a great selection of bars and cafés.

Sightseeing in Cala d'Or

The lively marina that dominates Cala d'Or is a sight to behold - stop off for a drink at one of the cafés or bars that line it or get some great views of it on a pedalo or boat.

There are several picturesque towns near Cala d'Or worth visiting, such as the quaint Cala Mondrago and Cala Figuera, whose harbour is overlooked by some impressive old buildings. Particularly recommended is a trip to nearby Porto Cristo, where the Caves of Drach offer some spectacular sights, such as ancient colourful rock formations and Lake Martel, a huge underground lake that simply takes the breath away.

Family activities in Cala d'Or

There's plenty for the kids to see and do anywhere near Cala d'Or's beaches, but if they fancy doing something a little different, they'll love a trip to the Mallorcalandia amusement park, where they can partake in activities such as trampolining and go-karting.

Elsewhere on the island, children will enjoy a visit to the water parks at El Arenal or Alcudia. The safari park at Porto Cristo, which is home to many types of exotic animals and a zoo for baby animals, is also a popular draw with youngsters.

Day trips in Cala d'Or

Whether you stay on the island or jump on a boat and head out into the Mediterranean, there's plenty to see and do away from Cala d'Or. Majorca's capital, Palma, which is just over an hour away by car, has a lot to offer, such as a lively nightlife and an eclectic mix of shops. If you would like to see some of the island's natural attractions, head to the north-west, or to the east, where the regions are punctuated by some glorious mountainous scenery. And there are some great views along the north coast, which is lined with some lovely cliffs.

Several companies put on boat trips off the island, from which the views can be pretty amazing. As an added extra, some of the boats have glass bottoms, giving some wonderful views of the local maritime life. If the budget stretches to it, it's worth hiring a yacht for the day and stopping off at Dragonera and Cabrera, the neighbouring uninhabited islands.

Eating out in Cala d'Or

From local dishes to meals with an international flavour, the eateries in Cala d'Or have something to satisfy everyone's palate. If you fancy sampling some Spanish dishes, the family-run Restaurante Vicente, where you can try some authentic Majorcan cuisine, is a great place to start. Just along the bay, the Proas restaurant serves up some similarly appetising local dishes.

For a more generally Mediterranean meal, head to Port Petit, which has a great view of Cala Llonga. If you're having trouble deciding what to eat, Restaurante Grill World's cosmopolitan menu includes dishes from countries such as Indonesia, India and Thailand, plus local meals and those with a distinctly English flavour.

Nightlife in Cala d'Or

It may not be as lively in the evenings as it is in the island's capital, Palma, but a night out in Cala d'Or has much to offer. Sink a sangría or two in one of the local bars, such as Bar Burvila, or try a cocktail at Mabu-Hay, which has a distinctly Hawaiian feel. Those who like their home comforts may wish to pop into any of the English-sounding bars such as the Toby Jug or Lineker's Bar, which has a fantastic atmosphere if there's a big match on.

For something a little different, head to Club Zombie, where there is a round pool table and drinking games regularly take place. Another unexpected local delight is the Papaya Polynesian Bar and Restaurant, which has a fantastic selection of exotic cocktails to sample.

Shopping in Cala d'Or

From stylish boutiques to department stores to quaint souvenir outlets, Cala d'Or has a diverse range of shops selling all manner of goods. A good place to start is the busy Avinguda Tagomago, which is lined with fashionable boutiques and shops selling local goods such as leatherware.

Those with an eye for a bargain might like to check out the Sunday morning market at nearby Felanitx, or the food and produce markets at Santanyí.