We had already been to Amsterdam in the past, but it was the first time with the children. This new trip to Amsterdam was a multi-generational holiday since the grand-parents joined us there. It was the perfect city trip to have 3 generations interested! As I often say, what I miss the most in our part of England, it’s culture so I really wanted to stay in a city where culture would be highlighted. So we chose Amsterdam for a 3-day week-end. Moreover, we were very lucky because the weather was gorgeous, which is quite rare in February!
Our family strolls Amsterdam
Since we already knew the city and we wanted to adapt our stay to the children, we emphasised on Jordaan neighbourhood and we only spent a few amount of time in the hyper centre. Thus, as a family, we didn’t go to the Red Light District 😉. Another point: even if we avoided the touristic central part, from time to time, we smelled a few fragrances that were coming out of the coffee shops. That being said, the children didn’t even notice.
The canals in Jordaan neighbourhood:
It’s the perfect neighbourhood to wander along the beautiful canals bordered by buildings full of character. It’s strange because there is much less people than in the centre although it’s aesthetically and architecturally richer. Basically, I advise you to follow the Prinsengracht canal all the way, while making shorts in the perpendicular streets and the nearby canals. For example, don’t miss the Eglantiersgracht, Bloemgracht and Brouwersgracht canals. All along the Prinsengracht, you will find an endless choice of little cafés where you will be able to sit on the terrace, and from where you will quietly observe the life on the canal. We opted for this walking + coffee breaks version rather than a cruise on the canals because we wanted to take our time and avoid group visits. Anne Franck House is situated on the edge of the Prinsengracht canal (see below in the list of our visits).
During the Autumn break, we spent a week in Malta. I was longing for warmth, sea baths, and the Mediterranean where I come from. Most of all, I needed to recharge my batteries after our first weeks in England. A change of life, especially as a family, is not so easy! Also, for Ticoeur and Titpuce, who started English school, the holidays were a very appreciated break to relax and enjoy our family cocoon…
The reason why we chose Malta is because there are not many destinations from our part of Southern England. But this option suited us perfectly. We had already travelled there twice – so it was the perfect occasion to discover some new things, but also to go back to the places that we loved. I don’t know how you feel about it, but, as for me, I enjoy to visit again a place that I loved. I am delighted to travel and discover new countries as much as I am enchanted to go back to places where I feel good. In Malta, I love the cultural aspect, the beautiful architecture of the old cities, the Mediterranean landscape, the stone walls that border the roads, the prickly pear trees, the Italian influenced cooking, the small ladders almost everywhere, that invite you to go down for a bath, and above all, I love it when Summer lasts until Autumn… That’s it: I needed Summer, bathing and culture !
What did we visit during our week in Malta?
The island of Gozo: our biggest crush of this Maltese trip… I already told you all about it in my blog post three days on Gozo.
Ghain Tuffieha beach: for us, it’s the most beautiful beach on Malta. The sand has a beautiful orange shade, the setting is quite wild, the water is not too deep but there are waves: my Ticoeur loved it! We spent an afternoon there, until sunset. It’s a perfect spot for sunset because it’s on the western part. (NB: there were little harmless pink jellyfishes – I don’t know, maybe it’s a matter of season?)
I take this opportunity to warn you that there are not so many beaches on Malta. There are many opportunities to bathe, yes, but not necessarily big beaches. Maltese inhabitants set up ladders along the rocky coasts, or they created natural pools like on this picture:
The towers of Maltese knights: everywhere on the Island of Malta, you will find remains of the towers that enabled to control and protect the island. Our favourite one is the Saint-Agatha Tower, the only red one…
Mdina: it’s the ancient city, it’s a journey into the past, it’s getting lost in the maze formed by the alleys of the citadel…
In Rabat, alongside, we visited the catacombs. I don’t really know why but I am fascinated by the catacombs – I never miss an opportunity to visit some whenever it’s possible (you have to visit those of Palermo in Sicily!). Let’s say it gives another perspective of the culture of a nation. I thought that Rabat catacombs were interesting because of their structure and their number. The visit is a little bit repetitive because the galleries look alike, but you should see it, and the kids were intrigued.
Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples: I hesitated to go there because you have to know that those temples are located under sheds, so that they are protected from the wind and the sea… And, visually, it takes off a lot of the character of the place… But we overlooked this fact, I reframed the pictures (😉…) and we experienced this. The remains are from the IVth century BC! I was seduced by those sometimes enigmatic buidlings: the children as well, so no regret. Moreover, it’s not an expensive visit so you should go!
Valleta and the Three Cities: it’s the third time we are going there and we still love it, especially Birgu, the prettiest of the Three Cities, with its fort, and the Collachio area in which we can stroll far from any bustle. In Valletta, we didn’t visit the famous St John’s Co-Cathedral because we already did it the last time (and the entrance fee is expensive), but you should see it if you’re coming for the first time. This time, we focused on the gardens and the café terraces and it was perfect 😊 Between Valletta and Birgu we travelled by boat.
We also dropped by Sliema (by boat) to admire Valletta from the other side and to see again some salt works. But you have to remember to watch the sea, and ignore the concrete buildings of this seaside resort.
Marsaxlokk: our first time in this fishermen town with photogenic boats (the luzzus). Look: they have eyes! And one of them even had soft toys! This little town is ideal for a terraced lunch on the waterfront.
St Peter’s Pool: a spot you mustn’t miss right next to Marsaxlokk. I love this kind of coves with turquoise water. It’s not adapted for young children, nor for people who don’t know how to swim. It’s a place where people go to jump or dive into the big blue sea. With Ticoeur, we had fun, but we had to reassure Titpuce who was afraid to see us disappear in the gap, even though it was not so high…
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Practical information to visit Malta:
Which season? The first thing I want to insist on is that, for me, it’s a destination you should avoid in Summer (I forewarned you). Not only is it too hot, but also it’s overcrowded and there are traffic jams. That’s what the local people told us but I believe them because the island is not adapted to an important road traffic, and there are not so many beaches. That’s why, for me, it’s not an option. I went there once in January and twice in October and it was very good. Spring must be perfect as well. Concerning the temperature, this time we had 25° outside and 24° in the water. So we could bathe (although, there’s no guarantee of course…)
Where to stay? We had chosen 3 places to stay: 3 nights on Gozo, 2 nights in Mellieha (in this simple yet clean and spacious apartment) to visit the North of Malta and 2 nights in Birgu (in the very neat Casa Cara, an old and typical mansion – Be careful : you cannot climb on the terrace with the children) to visit the Capital and the South of the Island.
Melliha Bay
On the picture below, Melliha downtown seems so peaceful in the first light of the morning, doesn’t it? Yet, on that night, our sleep was interrupted by… an earthquake! The epicenter was off the Greece coast. It’s the first time that it happens to us and we are glad we only experienced a small version! The children didn’t feel a thing. Happy little carefree angels…
The English side: The British past of Malta makes it easy to communicate in English with everyone (English is the official language). On the other hand, it also means that you have to drive on the left part of the road… Stay focused in the roundabouts, but otherwise, it’s easy, you’ll see! Obviously, for us, after two months in England, we are already trained 😊
Our good addresses in Malta
We ate well in Malta. The cooking is influenced by the Italian cooking, and it’s for the best! Moreover, the kids like it! Seafood and pasta are in the spotlight!
Cafés and Restaurants in Malta:
Crystal Palace: an institution in Rabat for quick eating the famous pastizzis(some sort of turnovers stuffed with green peas, or cheese, or chicken); it’s a Maltese specialty that allow you to eat cheap for lunch. You’ll find pastizzis everywhere on the island, but it’s true that the ones we ate there were particularly good, and warm, just out of the oven.
Fior di Latte, ice cream maker in Mdina: yummy! You’d think you were in Italy!
Café Society: for very good cocktails to taste in a very typical street in Valletta.
Osteria.VE: a little trattoria held by Italians. Pasta dishes are delicious. We ate there on our two evenings in Birgu.
La Reggia: very enjoyable terrace facing the fishermen’s boats in Marsaxlokk – the seafood cooking was very fine but less generous and a little more expensive than other restaurants of our list.
Bouquet Garni: Excellent choice of fishes – a little expensive but the quality is there.
Since I already knew Valetta and the northern part of the main island, during this third trip to Malta, I really wanted to spend time on Gozo, this island North of the Maltese archipelago. We devoted half of our holidays there and we were delighted we made that choice! We spent three nights there, in other words a little more than three days and it was the most beautiful part of our trip!
What did we love about Gozo? It’s the Malta of the past, it’s a quieter version of Malta, it’s following the rhythm of the local life. It’s lovely landscapes that offer many possibilities to bathe and to stroll in amazing natural settings… Also, maybe Gozo reminded me of the atmosphere of the Sicily of my childhood, with its inhabitants who get out in the evening, sitting on a chair in front of their house or in front of the sea, just to talk with their family, their friends, their neighbours. The gastronomy also reminded me of Sicily but that was everywhere on Malta!
Gozo was very peaceful. We met very few people during our long walks on the seaside… You might tell me it’s normal because of the season, October is calm… Yes, probably much calmer than during the Summer but on the island of Malta, there were many people! When we took the ferry between Gozo and Malta, it was like coming back to civilization!
In a little more than three days, here is our program on Gozo:
Sunday, October 21st: With the ferry, we get on Gozo around 3pm. Direction Marsalforn where we settled. Walk by the sea, right nearby, in Xwejni Bay, at the bottom of a very impressive clayey mound. The children have fun between the big rocks, and then, from here we went along the salt works for about 2 kilometres. Back to Marsalforn.
Monday, October 22nd: We start with Ramla Bay, the red beach that Titpuce renamed “orange beach” and she was so right! Very beautiful beach, anyway! After the bathing, direction Tal Mixtacave from where we can enjoy a wonderful view on the beach. We also climbed to Calypso cave but we liked it a little less because we actually don’t see the cave!!! And the view is less beautiful than from the other one. Lunch in Xaghra then direction Victoria, the capital of the island: stroll in the citadel and around to appreciate the architecture of the buildings. Back to Marsalforn.
Tuesday, October 23rd: Direction the South of Gozo with a first step in the beautiful Mgarr-ix-Xinicreek then long walk on the cliffs of Ta’Cenc. Lunch break in Xlendi. Then we explore the Western part of Gozo: picture break in Dwejra to enjoy the very wild seafront with its huge rock formations. There was even an arch until last year (the Azure Window) but it collapsed because of erosion. Although, even without the arch, the place is so worth it! We walk by Ta’Pinu church in Gharb. We end by two stops in the North-West: in Wield-il-Mielah to see the other arch (which hasn’t fallen yet…) but be careful because to see it, you have to come close to a cliff so you have to keep the kids away from it. Nearby, we wanted to bathe in Wied-il-Ghasricreek but since it has been raining a couple of hours earlier, and the wind blew strongly, the creek didn’t have its emerald shade anymore and the sea was too dangerous so we came back to Marsalforn.
Wednesday, October 24th: Ticoeur and Titpuce wanted to go back to Mgarr-ix-Xini to bathe. I enjoyed it very much as well! Yes, because, I forgot to mention that during all of our holidays, the sea water was 23-24°C! The same temperature than in the air… Then, direction Victoria again to attend a concert in St George Basilica (the inside is worth the visit, and unlike many other churches in Malta, this one has a free access). Late lunch in Victoria and direction the ferry to Malta!
Practical information for a stay on the island of Gozo
How do you go to the island of Gozo? We arrived in the morning in Valletta airport where we rented a car. It takes about 40 minutes to go to the harbour in the North of the island. A ferry to Gozo leaves every 30 to 45 minutes and the crossing lasts about 25 minutes. Don’t be surprised: you don’t pay on your way there, but only on your way back (about 25 euros for a car and 4 persons).
Gozo for the kids? Ticoeur and Titpuce like little hikes, especially when the path is steep, when there is some relief and natural curiosities to observe, so they loved our walks on Gozo, especially those along the salt works and the climbing to the cave above the red beach. Concerning the bathing: be careful, some creeks or beaches are not always adapted to swim safely. There might be some tide, or a rough sea, and it’s not always at the same place, so you have to see directly there. We’ve had a lot of wind during our stay there so for us, Mgarr-Ix-Xini creek was the most adapted for a quiet bathing time as a family.
What about our next time on Gozo? The next time, we’ll do the excursion to the Island of Comino to see a beautiful lagoon with turquoise water. Of course, you have to avoid summer because this place is probably the most visited around here!
Our good addresses on Gozo:
Il-Kartell Restaurant in Marsalfon: amazing sea food and very generous plates! Roasted squid, spaghetti alle vongole and a waterfront terrace. Our favourite address!
Latini Wine & Dine Restaurant in Xaghra: also a specialist of sea food, nice terrace in the heart of the village with a beautiful view on the church.
The Cup Cake café in Victoria: perfect for a cheap lunch (good pasta plates… yes, I know, it has nothing to do with cupcakes!)
Jubilee Café in Victoria: to take a coffee on the counter or admire the vintage decoration inside before you continue your walk through Victoria.
The Black Cat Café in Victoria: for a gourmet break (muffins, carrot cakes, etc) … Too bad it’s such a little place…
Where to sleep? It doesn’t matter where you will find your accommodation. The island is very small so you can do everything, no matter where you start from. The four corners of the island are interesting so I don’t have any advice as to which geographic choice you should make. The most important thing is to choose a place that you like! We were in Marsalforn where we particularly liked the restaurant choice for the evening. I won’t give you the address of our apartment (Airbnb) because it was nice, but nothing more. In fact, I did the bookings last minute and the most beautiful accommodations were taken.
I had to wait a third trip to Malta to choose to settle in Gozo, but don’t do the same mistake! I recommend Gozo even for a first trip to Malta! It’s a staple and a real crush !
Since I am a Parisian and I am telling here all about our trips with the children, in the end I hardly ever tell you about Paris as a destination for “family tourism”. Which museums, which neighbourhoods, which monuments to visit with the kids? Here is a first selection for a stay in the French Capital… I mean, besides the Eiffel Tower of course 😉
20 ideas to enjoy Paris as a family:
The Musée du Louvre (The Louvre Museum), short version: a long visit of the Louvre Museum, in the most touristic alleys dedicated to Italian or French paintings, would be quite athletic with the children! In the Louvre, I recommend to choose a very small part of the Museum and only spend an hour there. Our children loved the part about Egypt, the Primitive Arts, the Islamic Art and then the apartments of Bonaparte (my favourite part, and often with few visitors!). In any case, to avoid long waiting lines at the entrance of the Museum, I advise you to come in by the Porte des Lions (the Lion’s Gate).
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (Hunting and Nature Museum) in the Marais neighbourhood and/or Musée Picasso (Picasso Museum): Ticoeur and Titpuce loved the Hunting and Nature Museum situated in the heart of the Marais neighbourhood, district you shouldn’t miss if you visit Paris for the first time. In the museum, you can enjoy the setting of an amazing private town house and discover paintings, stuffed animals, weapons and decorative objects. Not far from here, is the Picasso Museum, absolutely stunning! So, visit one Museum after the other isn’t adapted for every child so you will have to chose according to your preferences. In the Picasso Museum, parents will love the visit and children should also be interested by the visual uniqueness of the artist’s paintings. For a gourmet break, I advise you the courtyard of the Swedish Institute.
The Centre Georges Pompidou, the Stravinsky Fountain and a delicious pistachio ice cream! In the Centre Pompidou, there often are little exhibitions suitable for children. Right close to it, the Stravinsky Fountain, realized by Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle draws the attention of the little ones. And then, walking just a little bit further, you will get to Chez Bachir (58 Rambureau Street, Paris, 3rd district), Lebanese ice cream seller (organic!) where the ice creams are delicious, especially the pistachio and ashta ones.
The Musée des Arts & Métiers (Arts and Craft Museum) and a brunch in the Gaité Lyrique: We really like the Arts and Crafts Museum situated in the heart of Paris, gathering all the inventions and jobs through the ages. You shouldn’t miss the Foucault pendulum or the first planes. It used to be possible to brunch in the Café of Techniques situated in the museum but it has been closed for about a year. Thus, I advise you to go to the Gaité Lyrique (a 5 minute walk away) where you can have lunch or brunch in the “3 bis” in a very beautiful setting. So, don’t hesitate to watch the programme of the Gaîté-Lyrique because there are often exhibitions suitable for young visitors. This place is dedicated to Digital arts and modern music.
The Balloon in the Parc André Citroën: obviously, famous points of view of Paris aren’t missing! The top of the Eiffel Tower, the roof of the Arc de Triomphe or even the terrace on the Sacré-Coeur Basilica are without a doubt the most famous! But I suggest you to take off in the Hot Air Balloon in the Parc André Citroën to make the children happy and to see very beautiful sights of the Capital. It’s hardly ever crowded but the balloon doesn’t always take off because it needs very good weather conditions. With Titpuce, we tested and approved it!
The Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden) and its museums: when the weather is nice, and particularly in Spring or Summer, the Botanical Garden is a very nice place for a family stroll. The garden is free but you can book tickets to visit the Giant Greenhouses or the Grand Gallery of Evolution (which is part of the National Natural History Museum. Lastly, it’s the Mineralogy and Geology Gallery that we re-discovered and really liked!
From the Mosquée de Paris (Paris Central Mosque) to the Arènes de Lutèce (Arena of Lutece): getting out of the Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden), you can have a cup of mint tea in the oriental setting of Paris Central Mosque before you reach the Arena of Lutece, ancient Roman remains, with not so much visitors and yet very pretty, where the children can frolic and where you can sit and relax for a picnic. If you didn’t bring your meal, I advise you to eat at the crêperie Le pot au Lait, selling French pancakes, situated a 10 minute walk away (41 Censier Street, Paris, 5th district).
A trip in a barge or a boat-bus: here is a classical activity that allows you to see Paris from the Seine. As a family, the advantage is that the children won’t get tired of walking. If you don’t want to embark for a whole cruise, you can just take the boat-bus using your underground tickets. On the way, you will be able to say Hello to Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Louis Vuitton Foundation and the Jardin d’Acclimatation: your children are claiming for rides and playgrounds? So, go to the Jardin d’Acclimatation, a park full of activities and carousels for children, close to the Bois de Boulogne. For the parents, the interest is to start with the Louis Vuitton Foundation which architecture I love, created by Guéry. The entrance of the Museum gives you access to the Jardin d’Acclimatation. Do consult the exhibitions programme.
The Nissim de Camondo Museum and the Parc Monceau: here is a museum that is not touristic, and yet so interesting! We discover the inside of a very beautiful particular townhouse still furnished (wow, the kitchen!). The visit isn’t very long and then, you can go to the Parc Monceau to let the children run around or even to have a picnic during the Summer! (63 Monceau street, Paris, 8th district).
The Musée de l’armée (Army Museum): situated in the Invalides, the guided tour delighted my Ticoeur!
The Tuileries, the Place de la Concorde and the Grande Roue (Big Wheel) for as long as it exists! The Tuileries Garden is very nice to go through after you visited the Louvre. Going to the Place de la Concorde you will see the Big Wheel… Not for a long time apparently… But a ride on the wheel offers beautiful views and the children loved it…
The Palais Garnier (Paris Opera): My Titpuce is a huge fan of (the animated movie) Ballerina and of ballet so Paris Opera is a staple for her! I advise you to also visit the inside (possible on Wednesdays).
Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur: if your children are like mine, they don’t like to walk in the city when it’s flat… So, in Montmartre they will be delighted: it climbs! At the top, in front of the Sacré-Coeur Church, your effort will be rewarded by an amazing view on Paris. And while you go down, there is a carousel, if necessary 😉.
The Parc of Buttes Chaumont: it is a lovely park… Very hilly… Ideal of a picnic or a break in the Rosa Bonheur (Rosa Happiness) where a traditional dance hall spirit is in the air…
From the Canal Saint-Martin to the Canal de l’Ourq, and why not until The Villette… So, the adults will appreciate the charm of the Canal Saint-Martin that will remind you some of the scenes of the French movie Amélie. All along the canal, addresses to have brunch or lunch are not lacking. Following the water, you get to the Canal de l’Ourq where you can have a little cruise on an electric boat and you can enjoy the terraces on the quay. Finally, still following the water heading North, it will lead you to The Villette where there are many spaces dedicated to children: the Cité des Sciences (City of Sciences), the Géode (round cinema), The Musée de la Musique (the Music Museum), etc…
The Buren’s Columns, a Japanese restaurant and why not the Musée en Herbe: So, the Buren’s Columns are on a small place behind the theatre of the Comédie Française. It’s not a very big space but Ticoeur and Titpuce didn’t get tired of climbing on the little columns and it makes very beautiful pictures! Very close, you can have lunch in the Japanese neighbourhood (a big noodle bowl!) and if the programme is worth it, don’t miss the Musée en Herbe dedicated to exhibitions for children.
The Musée du Quai Branly (Branly Quay Museum): I love the parts about Oceania and Africa! The children really liked it! Very close, you can stroll along the Seine or go to the Eiffel Tower!
The Palais de la Découverte (Discovery Palace), the Petit Palais (Small Palace) or the Grand Palais (Great Palace): the first one is dedicated to children, the second one allows you to settle for breakfast on the terrace of a cafeteria that is very nice when it’s not crowded. Finally, the Grand Palais is amazing so if the exhibition of the moment may interest the children, then don’t hesitate and go!! The inside is monumental!
The aquarium of the Porte Dorée (Golden Gate) and the Parc Floral (Floral Park): here, you are on the extreme East part of Paris. The aquarium of the Porte Dorée deserves a visit for its architecture, its affordable price and its fishes of course! Not far from here, if the weather allows it, join the Parc Floral. The perfect moment is during the Summer jazz concerts.
I hope you liked this first big stroll around Paris! To move in the city, underground and buses are very practical with the children. You just have to make sure to avoid the rush hours! And, concerning the line 14 of the underground, the one without drivers: hop into the first metro car because the children will love to see the railway and the tunnels through the front glass!
There you go! It was my first selection of visits as a family in the Capital! I prepare other ideas to share with you very soon! In the meantime, tell me: what were your crushes and the ones of your children in Paris?
It is time I tell you about our week in Mallorca at the end of August. Every year, we try to plan a family week with the grandparents and this summer we chose Mallorca, the largest island in the Balearics. Why? Because we like Spain and the Mediterranean very much and the budget is very reasonable. I had heard a lot about Mallorca before leaving: so yes it is a very touristy island (and that’s a euphemism!) but most of the tourists are concentrated in the south, near Palma. So, inevitably we went the opposite way, in the northeast :-). Up there, no nightclubs but a beautiful mountain landscape with traditional fincas and quite a few sheep! It was precisely in one of these beautiful old country houses, near Pollença, that we stayed and I must say that our accommodation was undoubtedly the best part of our week’s holiday in Mallorca! It took me a long time to find our finca but I really found the perfect villa, with a dream pool! We spent a lot of time in the garden, on the terraces and in the water! The children have made good progress in swimming!
As for excursions, we visited some villages and crossed the mountain landscapes while staying in the northern part of the island. We also spent a day in Palma, the capital: it is a pretty city that reminded me of a mini Barcelona. We saw many pretty places as you can see on the pictures. Perfect holidays? Yes but… the problem was the crowd on the beaches. I know, in the Mediterranean in August you don’t expect to be alone but you see, it was not our first summer trip in the area and I must say I had never seen so many people, especially for the last week of August. Even on “my” island, Sicily, there are fewer tourists after August 20. Anyway, the crowded beaches weren’t ideal. In addition, compared to the incredible beaches we saw last year in Sardinia, the ones we discovered in Mallorca were beautiful but less “wow!”…. That said, we have seen very few, so I have no doubt that there are heavenly coves on the island.
Here, to give you some ideas for visits, is the program of our week in Mallorca. We rented two cars (budget: 10£/day per car), one for the grandparents and one for us. (Ticoeur and Titpuce always wanted to go in Omi and Opa’s car!).
Our program for a week in Mallorca:
(There is a little heart next to our favorite places).
Day 1: Arrival at Palma airport (~2 hour flight from Paris)
Day 2: visit of Alcudia and Playa de Muro
Day 3: Pollença market ❤ and beach
Day 4: Cala San Vinçen
Day 5: Visit of Soller (very nice mountain road to go there). In Soller: little train, old town and port.
Day 6: Palma with its city centre, the Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation, and then the majestic Cathedral of course. In the late afternoon, return to the north. Playa Formentor ❤ with a wonderful sunset at Cap Formentor ❤
Day 7: Cala San Vinçen
Day 8: departure
In the end, we had a great week with the family. Three generations under the same roof, especially in such a beautiful house! (Many of you ask me for the references of this finca so here is the link).
As for Mallorca: yes, I advise this island as a destination, especially for the pretty villages in the north, but I totally advise against visiting in August! Next time we will choose the Easter holidays. And in the middle of summer, we will test Minorca, the neighbouring island, still in the Balearics, much less visited it seems!
