The largest and most diverse island of the chain, Mallorca - or Majorca - is a good choice for folks who want to explore, not just the bars and beaches (though there are plenty of those), but also the culture and history of the fascinating Balearic islands. 

Many of the Balearic Islands' most important religious sites and architectural marvels are scattered around Mallorca, overlooking more than 70 exquisite white sand beaches and fantastic rocky points. In the mountains, you'll find old stone monasteries, flowering gardens, natural parks, and many other treasures. Spelunkers will delight in more than 200 caves, some with archaeological remnants dating back thousands of years, beneath all this beauty.

A handful of amusement parks (including Aquacity, one of the world's largest waterparks) keep the kids happy, while several small resort towns - and of course the city of La Palma - have plenty of after-hours amusements for the adults. 

Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, and actually industries other than tourism to keep it afloat. Thus, transportation is still a bit restricted during the winter months, but not as markedly seasonal as to Ibiza or Minorca. 

The island's capital and largest city in the Balearics, La Palma, greets ferries with the massive La Seu Cathedral, its delicate stone facade visible for kilometers to visitors arriving from Barcelona, Denía, Ibiza, Minorca, and Valencia. There are also ferries between Aldúcia, on the northwest side of Mallorca, and Barcelona and Minorca. 

La Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), located 8km (5mi) east of La Palma proper, is the largest in the Balearics, with year-round flights to international destinations. plus dozens more destinations during the May-to-October high season.

Once you are on the island, a solid network of roads and buses connects most cities and destinations, though the wilder east coast has fewer bus connections, with some areas inaccessible except in private vehicles. There are two train lines, one connecting La Palma with Inca, the other (and famously more scenic) to the town of Sóller.