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If you've made the bold decision to ditch the usual package holiday arrangement, on your visit to Majorca, and get car hire Palma airport, what exactly does this glittering jewel of an island have in store for you? Can you find enough to do, see and experience in this small plot, just 50 miles across, lying in the Mediterranean Sea south of Spain?

Most certainly yes! Majorca is an island that has an amazing variety of scenery, culture, customs and climates for such a small place. Majorca is known for its wonderful beaches, around the capital Palma, such as the white expanse of Arenal. But the whole coast line, from the central plains, to the rugged north, onto the low cliffs of the south coast, is littered with shining white beaches, hidden coves and wonderful vistas.

The main roads are well maintained and easy to traverse, but to get into the more interesting and diverse coastal locations you'll have to shift onto the network of narrower lanes. These routes are a little more difficult to navigate- make sure you have a good map or sat nav, and that your tank is topped up; but the effort is certainly well rewarded- every turn and corner brings more astonishing and breath taking vistas.

Some of the best trips can be made up to the north of the island, amongst the Serra de Tramuntan Mountains. Here the mountains climb up to 1400m, and the hills are clad with pines, pierced by amazing limestone formations, and many wonderful fincas (mountain ranches that often cater for tourists). Views over the Mediterranean are wonderful, with the northern mountains falling over sheer cliffs, some 500m into the sea below. A finca well worth taking in is La Granja, where the crafts of bygone eras is evocatively recreated.

The unspoilt and charming town of Pollenca lies at the end of the road in the north east of the island- beautiful views, rugged walks, old monasteries and even a nun's hermitage lie here. Further south, in the centre of the island you'll find the rolling plains of Es Pla, a pretty patchwork quilt of farms, almond and carob groves and market towns, stippled by ancient windmills.

In the far south east your drive will take you to the lower hill ranges, and jagged coastline, of the Calas of Majorca. Many of the best bays and coves are to be found here, some quite deserted, as well as tottering fishing villages such as Porto Cristo. The hills of this area have some fabulous limestone caves, and vast underground lakes, all carved from the soft limestone foundations of this part of Majorca.

As you can see, Majorca is very rewarding for those of a slightly more adventurous bent- and you definitely won't regret deciding to take up a car hire Palma and moving off the beaten track.