For warmth and accessibility, Spain stays a firm favourite. Less than a two hours' flight away Majorca's capital, Palma, has something for all the family from school-age upwards.

A lovely port city, leafy and elegant, the heart lifts as you leave the airport, see the tall Palm trees and the frothy Almond Blossom hovering. Spring is already nudging in here in January.

Half of Majorca's population live in Palma so it's always bursting with life.

Sophisticated and cosmopolitan, the island's best shops, restaurants and nightlife as well as a vibrant arts scene are all here.

A lovely city to look at, the best view is from the harbour, so a boat trip by day or preferably evening, when it's all lit up is a must.

The tree-lined boulevards are always full of people and cafes stay open until the early hours even in low-season; lingering over coffee or enjoying three-hour dinners.

As a sea-city, Palma fills the huge bay of Bahia de Palma, a harbour and marina packed with luxury yachts, where cruise-liners arrive.

The Paso Maritimo which runs alongside makes for an attractive long sea walk, or you can take a horse-drawn buggy from one end to the other; fun for all ages.

Le Seu, Palma's Gothic Cathedral and masterpiece of golden sandstone, rises high from the city walls, surrounded by fine gardens. Built in the 13th Century on the ruins of a mosque, it took 300 years to complete; there's even a 20th Century modern touch to the altar added by Barcelona's architect, Gaudi.

Next door, the Almudaina Palace, once the home of Moorish Kings and scene of jousting tournaments, is now the headquarters of the Captain-General of Majorca. In rooms open to the public there are fine tapestries on show and portraits of former kings.

Wander down the nearest alleyway and you are into the ancient Arab quarter, the Barrio Portella. A maze of narrow streets unchanged over the centuries with a few museums, palaces and grand mansions with exquisite courtyards.

Peer through wrought-iron gates and you can glimpse the grandeur of life once lived. Magnificent patios, great swirling staircases and stately galleries befitting wealthy owners.

The 10th Century baths, which are known as Hammams, still survive, similar to those which are found in Islamic cities today. Dating from the 14th Century, the Palacio Vivot, is a wonderful example of Majorcan architecture, once the home of aristocrats and now a public museum.

Ring the bell to get in and you'll be treated to a tour of a sumptuous house filled with treasures and priceless paintings.

"La Lonja", another outstanding building in the capital, is worth the stroll for its beauty and position. Once used as a trading centre, it now houses a museum of Balearic Art.

Close to the sea, La Lonja is near to Palma's Bohemian quarter "El Jonquet", reminiscent of Paris with small squares and lively cafes.

There are many famous night-spots round here open until dawn, all very pretty at night when it's lit up.

Four hundred feet above sea-level, quite a climb, stands the round, golden-stone Bellver Castle, for battlement views and suits of armour, plus surrounding pinewoods for a cool walk.

Then, forget culture and history, get in touch with real life at the markets; the central one at the Plaza Olivar for fruit and startling fish, amid shouting vendors and bargaining housewives.

On Saturday mornings, there's an open-air flea-market if you're a junk addict.

Fact File:

Sylvia travelled with Sovereign Holidays, bookings: 08705 768 373, brochure line: 08702 430 635, and stayed at The Hotel Riu Bonanza Playa, Illetas.

Good access to Palma by public bus, children welcome.

Reading: Majorca, Rough Guide; Majorca, Lonely Planet; Berlitz, Majorca, pocket size; AA Essential Guide, pocket, Majorca

Spanish Tourist Office: Tel: 020 7486 8077. Brochure Info: 09063 640 630 (60 pence per minute), 22-23 Manchester Square, London, W1M 5AP.