Late summer SPAIN

With beautiful beaches and reliable heat, Palma de Majorca is a brilliant escape in September

- CLARE KNIVETT

Crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches could easily have you fooled that Majorca is closer to the Caribbean than mainland Spain. And yet just a two-hour flight from the UK and boasting 300 days of sunshine a year, this pearl of the Med has turquoise surf and orange groves, fantastic food and sandstone villages - plus easy living in abundance. Capital city Palma makes an ideal long-weekend break, especially in September. Seasonal crowds have thinned, yet late-summer sun still shines in abundance.

Discover Palma

A melting pot of tradition and modernity, Palma combines palm tree-lined streets and charming architecture with nearby beaches and super yachts. The Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma - more commonly called La Seu dominates the coastal skyline of the city and is a must-visit. Explore from the grounds of the Parc de la Mar gardens or head inside to experience the stunning stained glass and vaulted ceilings. For luxury shopping and people-watching, make for Paseo del Borne, an elegant tree-lined avenue nicknamed the Golden Mile. Meanwhile, for narrow lanes full of character with local bars, restaurants and cafes - spend your time exploring the streets of the Old Town.