Flanked by the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountains, the jigsaw-like old stone houses of Fornalutx make for one of Mallorca's prettiest backdrops. Just a 40-minute drive from the fast pace of Palma, the go-slow vibe of this place is made even more inviting by a bevy of sun-drenched squares decorated with olive-green shutters and oyster-white parasols. While days are well spent strolling stone staircases and making pit stops for tapas-style bites (not forgetting the jugs of sangria), it's also worth stomping along some of the town's many pine-clad walking trails to best appreciate its charm. We recommend starting with the Blick auf Port de Sóller Loop, a 10km hike suited to all skill levels.

Where to stay: Fornalutx Petit Hotel

Teeny-tiny Banyalbufar is the kind of town where everyone knows everyone, which isn't massively difficult given that its population hovers around 1,000. Having been settled as an Arab farm in the 10th century, the community has since protected its ancient terraces and dry-stone walls, and continues to give a nod to its agricultural roots through vegetable and fruit production. For an off-grid, romantic retreat, you can't go wrong with a lazy week here. Spend mornings lounging in the rock-strewn bay, before escaping the midday heat with a feast at the tasty, shaded set-up of the Pegasón restaurant and bar.

Where to stay: Hotel Ca Madò Paula

Nothing makes a destination more appetising than it being the birthplace of a sought-after signature food dish. Step forward, the nature-rich town of Valldemossa, aka the home of crumbly coca de patata - a sweet and delicate speciality pastry. But food isn't the only thing that makes this spot so spectacular. It's also recognised among classical music lovers as the inspiration behind many of legendary composer Frédéric Chopin's works. If your Spotify playlist is packed with instrumental sounds, look to visit in August, when the Chopin Classical Music Festival takes place in the breaking grounds of the Carthusian Monastery. Hunting for a base at which to chill between culture-packed days? Recharge at the rural and rustic boutique hotel Mirabò de Valldemossa.

Where to stay: Mirabò de Valldemossa

Sitting pretty in Mallorca's south-east, the golden-stone village of Santayí has become something of a playground for art and design enthusiasts. Find a handful of galleries and workshops tucked down its narrow, winding passageways. One to make a beeline for is the Gemma Leys Gallery, which showcases Leys' intricate oil renditions of treasured travel memories. Make sure you're in town on a Wednesday or Sunday to browse Mallorca's most colourful and vibrant street market. Taking place in the Plaza Mayor, basket-clad stalls overflow with local produce, handmade ceramics and garments stylish enough to make you question your entire wardrobe.

Where to stay: S'Hotelet de Santanyi

Did we mention that we're obsessed with scouting out the next best sundowner hangout? Oh, we did? One more time won't hurt. Stepping up to fulfil our needs, the east coast village of Porto Colom promises a slew of no-frills, rustic beachside shacks. Before sunset, skip down to the harbour to watch fishermen returning with buckets of fresh fish, then head straight to the bohemian Kaikuana Beach bar. Offering sweeping vistas across Cala Marçal Beach, it's an idyllic spot at which to sip a refreshing mojito while watching the burning sun plunge into the glistening Med.

Where to stay: Ca'n Gaià