A small, quiet resort on the breathtaking northern coast of Majorca, Cala San Vincente is the perfect place for a truly relaxing beach holiday. It's still a fishing port – the main beach is shared with local fishermen – with the cliffs of the Formentor Peninsula providing a dramatic backdrop.

If it's nightlife and bustle that you're after, this is not the place to come. But families and couples intent on chilling will love the lack of tourist trappings and spending lazy days on the sandy beaches or exploring the unspoilt countryside and beautiful coastline. There's accommodation for all needs, from all-inclusive hotels to exclusive villas.

Getting there/around Cala San Vicente

Cala San Vicente is around 55km north of Palma airport and it takes between 60 and 90 minutes to transfer. There are regular charter and schedule flights to Palma from the UK, and several tour operators offer packages to the resort too.

Majorca is a lovely island to explore by car – so hiring one from the airport and driving yourself is a good idea, it's easy to get around. Taxis can be expensive but there's a reasonable bus service between resorts. Cala San Vicente is on two levels, so it can be a bit of a climb for the less mobile.

Beaches in Cala San Vicente

There are three smallish beaches in Cala San Vicente, all with fine sand and lapped by warm, crystal clear waters. The largest and prettiest is the central Cala Barques beach, where there are sunbeds, umbrellas and pedaloes for hire, as well as a few restaurants and shops. It can get a bit crowded in the summer.

If you follow a path around the rocky knoll you'll find Cala Clara, a more secluded bay with fewer facilities and less people. Another popular choice is Cala Molins, hidden around a towering headland, a lovely, unspoilt beach with soft sand and great swimming.

Sightseeing in Cala San Vicente

Besides its natural beauty, the main sights in Cala San Vicente are some prehistoric caves that date back to the Bronze Age. There are several fantastic walks that start here too and wind through the countryside.

The old Roman town of Pollensa, a few kilometres away, is another highlight with its maze of narrow streets and pretty houses. Among the many notable historic buildings is a former Jesuit convent, now the local town hall on Placa Major, and the Pollensa Municipal Museum, housed in an old Dominican covent. The colourful Sunday morning market in the main square is worth a visit.

Further on, the Calvari church with its ancient wooden cross and 365 steps, lined by cypress trees, has fantastic views over Pollensa old town.

Family attractions in Cala San Vicente

For a totally relaxing, laidback family beach holiday, Cala San Vicente could be just the ticket. The beaches are cosy and protected, it's not rowdy, and for children who don't mind walking or are old enough for mountain biking there's lots of fun to be had exploring the countryside. Some hotels may have facilities for children too.

Outside the resort at Alcudia there's Hidropark water park with a mix of chutes, slides and pools for all ages, as well as go-karting and kiddies' playgrounds.

Alternatively, Aqualand Magaluf has a huge choice of rides, from lazing tubing to adrenaline-rush mega-chutes. Nemo Submarine in Magaluf gives kids the chance to enjoy the magic of the underwater world without getting wet.

Day trips in Cala San Vicente

The beautiful capital of Palma de Majorca is definitely worth dedicating a day to. There's a wealth of historic monuments, from the Gothic cathedral to the national heritage museum and castles including the Castle of Alaro. The shopping here's great too, running from designer boutiques to art and craft stalls.

Joining a boat trip around the coast is another way to appreciate the true beauty of the island. Boat and catamaran excursions can be arranged from Puerto Pollensa. For land-lovers, day-long bicycle trips with guides and lunch can also be organised in Puerto Pollensa.

Eating in Cala San Vicente

Majorcan cuisine prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients, with dishes like roast suckling pig, spicy sausage, ratatouille with potatoes and all types of fish. For a true taste of Majorca try 'ensaimada', a spiral-shaped, sweet pastry eaten for dessert or at breakfast.

There are several low-key restaurants in Cala San Vicente, mainly around the beachfront. In Puerto Pollensa (a resort just a cove or two away from Cala San Vincente) the choice is wider, with international restaurants and traditional Majorcan eateries lining the bay, and Pollensa old town boasts some superb restaurants too.

Nightlife in Cala San Vicente

Cala San Vicente is one of the quietest resorts on Majorca, with nightlife limited to dinner at a local restaurant or a few mellow drinks soaking up the view over the coast. There's some low-key entertainment to be found in the larger hotels, but for more choice of bars and discos try the marina at Puerto Pollensa.

The old town of Pollensa takes on a romantic atmosphere after dark, with some lovely bars catering for locals and tourists alike. For a night out clubbing head to Alcudia instead, it's not far away.

Shopping in Cala San Vicente

There are a few shops in Cala San Vicente selling holiday necessities and basic souvenirs. For anything more you'll need to venture into the old town of Pollensa where there's a wide range of shops selling crafts and souvenirs, including traditional pottery, contemporary art, jewellery and furniture.

Pollensa is a fun place to shop with quaint, windy streets and bohemian cafés, and has long been a hangout for artists and writers drawn to its laidback charms. Puerto Pollensa also has a good selection of shops.