If you fancy a relaxing, indulgent holiday packed full of good food and culture, Mallorca may not be top of your list of destinations.

Thanks to certain press reports the Spanish island has garnered a not entirely deserved reputation for extreme partying, the kind of place where what happens on holiday stays on holiday – unless it ends up on the front page of The Sun.

But break away from the bars and beaches of Magaluf and there is a whole island of peace and luxury waiting to be discovered.

Palma can hold its own with any of the European capitals for sights and cafe culture. The cathedral is a Gothic wonder dating back eight centuries, and a mosque stood on the site before that.

The centre of the city is a hub of markets and lively street entertainment and Palma has a well deserved reputation as a haven for shoppers, offering everything from artisan goods to designer names.

But even in a city like Palma there’s peace and quiet at some of the other religious sites, such as the Convent of Saint Francesc, resting place of one of Mallorca’s most important historical figures, Ramon Llull, who travelled around the Mediterranean converting people to Christianity.

The convent has, in its 500-year history, been a court, a barracks, a prison and a school.

“I was married here,” whispers our guide as we step into the Basilica, and he is soon persuaded to show his wedding pictures.

When sightseeing has tired you out, there’s no greater treat than soaking up some of the city’s cafe culture and enjoying an afternoon coffee or glass of wine.

There’s a number of welcoming establishments both in the city itself, or just a little way out if you fancy staying closer to the beach.

The Hotel Bon Sol is run by charismatic couple Martin and Lorraine Xamena and prides itself on excellent food and a welcoming atmosphere.

The hotel has expanded immensely since the 1960s when it was run by Martin’s grandfather and Errol Flynn was a regular guest. Nowadays it has upwards of 140 rooms, a spa, gym and a private beach.

If you fancy some exploring after all the relaxing, head inland to Benissalem. Just 20 minutes from Palma, this is a charming town full of cobbled streets and narrow roads opening out into European-style squares. The Moorish influence on the island remains strongly here.

The Mallorcan government is encouraging agroturism initiatives and one example is the Finca Dalt Murada which has been transformed from a rambling 500-year-old farm estate to an atmospheric bed and breakfast.

This is prime wine-growing territory and there are plenty of walks and bike rides to be enjoyed.

One thing to take home: this island has a lot more to offer than sun, sea and sangria.

Getaway

Hotel Bon Sol Resort and Spa has 146 rooms and villas spread throughout the grounds with excellent dining and leisure facilities including a luxury spa, three swimming pools, tennis and a quiet beach cove.

See hotelbonsol.es Classic Collection Holidays offers three nights at Hotel Bon Sol from £597 per person or seven nights from £1049.

Prices based on two adults sharing a classic twin room on half-board basis with return flights and private transfers. See classiccollection.co.uk or call 0800 294 9318.

Hotel Tres is a stylish four star hotel in the heart of Palma with contemporary interiors. A rooftop sun terrace offers a plunge pool, sunbeds and sauna with stunning views.

Double rooms from €215 with breakfast and advance bookings offer a 15 per cent discount. See hoteltres.com

Finca Dalt Murada offers 25 rooms and suites in the main house and grounds with pool, gardens and bikes for guests’ use.

Opening rates for seven nights from €695 per double room with breakfast, including an optional two night stay at Hotel Dalt Murada, 16th Century manor house in central Palma.

See fincadaltmurada.com or daltmurada.com