Love Island 2018: How to avoid the contestants if you're going on holiday to Mallorca

Escape the reality stars on the beautiful Balearic island

Mallorcan beach (Getty)

Love Island fever is gripping the nation with series four well under way. Filmed in Sant Llorenc des Cardassar on the northeastern coast of Mallorca, the divisive show, which first aired in 2015, has been credited with dramatically boosting visitor numbers to the island.

Although the island is now synonymous with reality TV, this beautiful spot in the heart of the Mediterranean has so much more to offer. Here’s our pick of some of the best things to do in this Balearic paradise:

Take a wander in beautiful Pollenca

Calvari steps, Pollenca

The honey-stoned town of Pollenca in the north of the island is an absolute delight to visit.

Stylish boutiques selling jewellery and clothing alongside restaurants and cosy bars abound along the many cobbled streets which lead to the town’s central square – the perfect spot for people watching over a drink or two. Simply strolling around this charming town’s streets is a pleasure, although it’s worth timing your visit with the excellent Sunday market to fully appreciate the range of delectable fresh food, ceramics and clothing from the region. While the overall ambience of Pollenca is mellow, more energetic visitors can climb the 365 Calvari steps to discover a small church and breathtaking views of the locality.

The majesty of Palma

The magnificent Palma cathedral

Home to more than half of Mallorca’s population and the official capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma is well worth a visit. Most famous for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, the city is abuzz with restaurants, bars and shopping opportunities. Art lovers can learn that the Spanish artist Joan Miro lived here for more than 30 years and enjoy the superb Es Baluard Museum of Contemporary Art, housed in a 16th century fort.

Located on the water in the south of the island, Palma also has an extensive bicycle and pedestrian-friendly promenade, the perfect place to catch the offshore breeze when the city heat gets too much.

Cycle with the pros

Sa Calobra was listed in the top 12 climbs to do before you die

One of the island’s most underrated activities is walking or cycling around the Serra de Tramuntana, a rugged limestone mountain range running parallel to the north-west of the country and boasting peaks of up to 1,370m. This region has long been a hotspot for professional cyclists who enjoy the traffic free roads and brutal climbs, such as the Sa Calobra, which was listed in the top 12 climbs to do before you die by Road Cycling UK. Those serious about the sport can apply to participate in the Mallorca 312, one of the toughest endurance events in the sports calendar with more than 6,000 cyclists from around the world competing.

Explore an ancient Roman settlement

The gate of the fortress wall in Alcudia

The medieval walled town of Alcudia in the north of the island is composed of a maze of narrow streets enclosed by a carefully preserved 14th century town wall. This historic town boasts the smallest Roman amphitheatre in Spain, which forms part of the ancient Roman city of Pollentia, making this an ideal spot for history buffs. Relaxed Alcudia also holds an open-air market every Tuesday and Sunday and an annual jazz festival in September, plus has a range of restaurants, bars and shops for all budgets.

Be a beach bum

Formentor is one of the island’s most glorious beaches

Ideally located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca has more than 250 beaches to enjoy. Crystal clear water and soft white sand ensure that Playa de Formentor frequently tops the list of dream beaches on the island. Also known as Calla Pi, this secluded spot stretches out into a long crescent of sand complete with overhanging pine trees for necessary shade. Situated on the northern most tip of the island, this Blue Flag beach is worth making a journey to.