The report investigated and compared the cost of 16 common purchases from supermarkets, such as milk, eggs, bread, water and vegetables, in 13 different popular European holiday destinations. The research found that Mallorca was the most cost-effective destination where 16 supermarket items cost £44.23.

The Algarve proved to be the second cheapest country for food and drink, with the 16 items costing a marginally more £44.36. Whilst third place went back to Spain with the Costa Blanca’s supermarket forage totalling £47.28.

Vintage Travel’s outstanding portfolio of self-catering accommodation includes many villas, ranging from the magnificent and modern to the traditional and rustic and includes many properties in Mallorca, the Costa Blanca and Portugal. For example, in the Algarve, a beautiful region in southern Portugal, we have plenty of villas offering sensational views, first-rate accommodation, all with their own private pools.

One such property is 2 bedroom Algarve Villa Gazeio, a beautifully maintained large detached house less than five kilometres from the interesting and historical maritime town of Lagos. Gazeio has been decorated and furnished to an extremely high spec and this welcoming and unpretentious villa is the perfect place to enjoy a ‘budget conscious’ self-catering holiday.

Whilst over in Mallorca, the most economical destination for a self-catering holiday according to the report, Vintage Travel’s portfolio of villas covers many of the stunning island’s diverse towns and villages.

For example, the two bedroom Mallorca villa of Serelleta (pictured) tucked away in the wooden and tranquil slopes of the Ca’n Bosc valley, provides the perfect accommodation for a peaceful, rural getaway in the least expensive European holiday self-catering destination. Serelleta is blessed with sensational panoramic views of some of the most varied and picturesque landscapes on Mallorca.

This two bedroom, two bathroom villa is located several kilometres from the town of Pollenca which is plentiful of bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets, enabling guests to take advantage of buying the most inexpensive produce in European holiday destinations.

Where does Spanish Tapas originate from?

The Spanish word “tapa” actually means “lid” or “cover” so how does this relate to food? There are several interesting accounts…

One belief is that the etymology of the word tapa comes from placing an item over the top of a drink to protect it from flies. Somewhere in time it became custom to place small pieces of food on top of the lid and henceforth tapas was born.

Another story is that “tapas” originated around the sixteenth century, when several inn keepers in Castilla discovered that they disguise the taste of bad wine by accompanying the drinks with strong smelling cheese.

The most common theory is that tapas was born when King Alfonso the Tenth (known as The Wise) became ill and had to take small bites of food with some wine. Once the King had recovered from the afflicting disease, he decreed that no wine was to be served in any of the inns unless accompanied with something to eat. This was a wise precaution to counteract the adverse effects of alcohol. Once the “botillerias” (bottle shops) and taverns became established throughout Spain, the King’s decree remained in place.

Whichever theory you believe, the tradition of tapas spread throughout Spain and continues in many countries worldwide today. But if it is authentic tapas you desire, served in the traditional way “para gratis”, then the province of Granada in perhaps the best place to experience a taste of bona fide Spanish dishes from ambiguous beginnings.

Held in the central plain lands of the island in a small village known as Vilafranca de Bonany, or the ‘melon capital of Majorca’ as it has been referred to; the watermelon festival is an annual event to celebrate the end of the harvest. The festival has been taking place for more than 40 years and the locals take it extremely seriously, growing and nurturing their melons with the ‘Festo de Melo’ in mind. Judges weigh the competitor’s melons and naturally the biggest and heaviest melon wins, with the winner taking home a cash prize and a trophy. In 2007 the winning melon weighed in at a whopping 17,780 grams.

The village of Vilafranca de Bonany has justifiably become famous for its impressive melons and the ‘Festo de Melo’ is well worth a visit to experience an authentic slice of Majorca away from the jostle of the more crowded coastal resorts. Although there is much more to Vilafranca de Bonany than merely its melons. This historical pretty pueblo boasts architecture dating back to the 14^th century. In the centre of the village stands a flour mill from the 15^th century not far from the Alcudiarrom Tower, which was built to defend the pueblo from attack.

Majorca’s ‘Festa de Melo’

You’d have to hurry, but there is still time to book a last minute break to Majorca to witness the ‘Festo de Melo’, held in one of the most traditional and authentic villages in Majorca. What could be more pleasurable than munching your way through deliciously juicy melons whilst soaking up some late summer sun?

The ‘Watermelon Festival’ takes place on the last Sunday of September.

For more information about the ‘Watermelon Festival’ and other events on Majorca visit:

http://www.mallorca.world-guides.com/events.html

Don’t worry; we’re not going to sell it too hard (the island does that for itself)… but we are going to share our top 5 things to do in Majorca with you. The island is only 80km from one end to another and it’s very easy to explore with lots on offer.

Without further ado…

No 1. Visit the Cabrera Marine National Park. You’re going to need to hire a boat or jump on a tour to get there… but boy it’s worth the effort. You’ll discover hidden coves, crystal waters, beautiful fish and possibly the odd dolphin.

The park consists of a small island, which has a dramatic history to say the least. It’s been a reclusion camp for French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars, a military zone since the 1980’s  is now an agricultural haven for locals.

Bad news for divers however, you will need a licence granted by the Government, which will last for just one day. But fear not… hiking is available and you’ll also find a museum, a 14th-century castle as well as a gift shop and café.

No 2. On Ya Bike! The best way to see the beautiful island of Majorca is via bicycle. There are heaps of well sign posted trails and tracks to follow avoiding the roads. You’ll be able to tae in some of Majorca’s protected countryside, stopping to explore caverns, pine woods, green hills and abrupt mountains. There are loads of places to hire a bike, but we do advise you check your travel insurance before you hire to make sure you are covered for any accidents.

Cycle Majorca

No 3. Visit the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains in the north. WOW… 1,400 metres high you’re simply not going to miss this mountain range. Whilst the mountains have provided inspiration to hundreds of famous artists from the past, the heroes for us are the picturesque towns and villages such as Deià, Pollença and Valldemossa, which we guarantee will take your breath away.

Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains

No 4. Visit Palma’s Bellver castle with its unique circular structure. It’s in fact one of the last remaining circular castles in Europe and dates right back to King James II of Aragon and the 14th century.

The castle has an incredible history (which you can learn all about when you visit) and has been used as a military prison throughout the 18th to mid-20th century and more recently as a museum of course. You’ll lose yourself in history here and it’s a perfect place for culture vultures.

Visit Palma’s Bellver castle

No 5. Attend a Fiesta In Majorca. There are some key festivals to be aware of in Majorca, if you are lucky enough to be in Majorca whilst they are on then definitely try to make it:

• Festival held in the insular villages with disguises and processions (February)
• Easter Week Fiestas (March-April)
• The Day Of God (June)
• The Day Of The Moors & Christians (May) in Soller in Pollenca in August. Involves a reinactment of the victory over the Turkish pirates (1561)
• Feast of the Vermar at Binissalem, wine tasting of the regional wines (last Sunday of September)
• Feast of the Devout in Palma. A cavalcade where you can see floats from many of the Island’s villages (3^rd Saturday in October)

Check out all of our luxury villas with pools for rental in the Balearics.

It’s a 4 mile ‘off the beaten track’ walk with some breathtaking views.

See the full walk here.

The walk starts just outside the Oro Playa holiday apartments, Puerto Pollensa, along an avenue of ancient pines interspersed with tamarisk trees – the wide pathway was once part of the entrance road to the Boquer finca (farm).

Passing through the gates you’ll soon arrive at the castellated front of the farmhouse buildings.

From the farmhouse courtyard you will enjoy spectacular views south-east back towards the resort of Puerto Pollensa and in the far distance across the Bay of Pollensa, to the popular coastal holiday resort area of Alcudia  and south-west along a fertile valley towards the ancient town of Pollensa.

Walking in Majorca's Boquer Valley

The route takes you through another metal gate beside the farmhouse and along a rough stony track
up towards a narrow ‘pass’ between limestone rocks. As you continue up the gentle climb, you’ll pass some abandoned farm machinery.

After passing through the ‘narrows’, the track widens and continues gently uphill. The path is cairned in places and easy to follow – although the going is rough and stony, so we recommend a pair of good walking boots

The Boquer Valley is very popular with ‘twitchers’ (birdwatchers) as it is a famous stopover for
migratory species during early spring and late autumn – you’ll see hoopoes and a possibly large birds of prey soaring nearing the cliff-tops.

Incredible views throughout the walk

Continuing along the track you’ll pass through a ‘gate’ in an old stone wall which spans the full width of the valley.

Across on your left is the sharp-tipped limestone ridge of Serra del Cavall Bernatt which shelters
the valley from strong northerly winds – the far side of the ridge drops dramatically a sheer 300 metres into the sea. The peak on the right is that of Penyal Roig (265 m).

The terrain here contrasts greatly with pistacia (mastic) bushes dwarf fan palms and pampas grass lining the path, which meanders between huge boulders towards the coll.

Just over the crest of the coll we get our first view of the bay of Cala Boquer (cala meaning cove or inlet).

Before returning ‘home’ via the same track, be sure to take a last look at the beautiful bay of Cala Boquer… breathtaking!

It not a long-distance walk, but it is tiring in the heat – however, the superb views will make the effort well worthwhile and I highly recommend the walk if you’re ever in the area on holiday – just make sure you take plenty of water!