SANDY beaches, striking mountains and glorious sunshine – the Balearic island of Mallorca has everything you need for a family holiday.

Whilst most people will hear Mallorca and think of the party town of Magaluf or the major city of Palma, venturing away from the city will reap plenty of rewards if you are prepared to do a little exploring.

Before any exploring can take place though, it is important to have a base and Mallorca offers a number of secluded farmhouses and villas that offer tranquillity and freedom which cannot be enjoyed when staying in the hotels in the larger resorts.

They provide all the comforts of home making them ideal for families, along with the luxury you require when trying to make the most of your holiday. After a hard day exploring the coves and beaches of the island, few things are as welcome as a dip in a pool or lounging on an outdoor sofa watching the sun go down.

Unlike staying in a hotel, choosing a villa for the week provides all the comforts and privacy of home along with the complete freedom to do as much – or as little – as you like.

We stayed in the rolling hills a few kilometres from the south-eastern coast of the island, in a secluded hill-top villa near the village of S’Horta.

It came fully equipped with a flatscreen TV, swimming pool, barbecue, WiFi and even a PS3, as well as more mundane appliances such as washing machine and fridge-freezer.

The nearest resort was the seaside town of Cala D’Or, which provides a variety of entertainment, such as bars, restaurants and a marina.

This part of the island is largely countryside, but a hire car puts virtually the whole of Mallorca in less than an hour’s reach.

Cars themselves are very cheap to hire – a Vauxhall Corsa cost just £31 for seven days – although you do have to pay for a full tank of fuel, regardless how much of it you use and this seems to be standard across most hire car firms on the island.

From the dramatic coastline of Formentor with its impressive lighthouse and the golden beaches of Alcudia in the north, to the spectacular views across the island from San Salvador and the hill top remains of the Castille de Santueri.

Furthermore, the island is a haven for cyclists and motorists alike, with roads that would not be out of place in either the Tour de France or Top Gear.

Staying in one of the well equipped farmhouse villas means you can either head home to relax by the pool after a day’s exploring with a barbecue or head into one of the small seaside towns to find some entertainment.

Staying in has the benefit of keeping costs down and freeing you up to have what you want, when you want – something that cannot be undervalued when trying to make the most of time away from the humdrum of normality.

If you wish to venture out though, there are plenty of small coastal towns with plenty to offer in the way of food and nights out.

Mallorca offers stunning scenery, glorious sunshine and a whole island to explore, which is enhanced no end by knowing you can choose when and how you do whatever you want – assuming you want to leave the comforts of your villa in the first place.

Factfile

• Villas are available from Mallorca Farmhouses for periods of seven days between March and October each year. 2014 prices begin at £548 a week and villas can sleep anywhere from two to 13 people, depending on which property you opt for.

• For more information or reservations contact Mallorca Farmhouses on 0845 800 8080 or visit mallorca.co.uk.

•Mallorca is just over two hours flying time away, with flights available from Southampton, Gatwick and Heathrow.