Mallorca (Majorca), one of Spain’s stunning Balearic Islands, is a quintessential getaway rife with secluded beaches, charming hill towns, ancient castles, idyllic vineyards, and swanky cliff side hotels. If you’ve been fantasizing about visiting this Spanish island, United Airlines’ seasonal direct route from New York/Newark (EWR) to Palma de Mallorca (PMI) is about to make your dreams come true. By eliminating a layover in Madrid, you can start your vacation in Mallorca earlier and arrive refreshed. Mallorca has a great deal to offer, and the more time you have on the island, the more memories to be made.

Whether visitors are looking for luxury resorts in Palma or in seaside towns, or seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, such as listening to live classical music at the bottom of Drach Caves, this Mediterranean island has it all. As Mallorca’s top things to do are spread across its varied regions, it’s best to rent a car for the duration of your stay. The island experiences its high season during June through August; however, a visit during the shoulder season, either in May or September, yields pleasant weather with fewer tourists.

Keep reading to find out how you can spend a magical week in Mallorca.

Days 1 to 3: City of Palma

Begin your Mallorca vacation with a stay on the island’s capital city of Palma, at either a boutique hotel like Sant Jaume in Old Town, or a high-end, waterfront luxury property such as the St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort. After settling in, go for a sightseeing walk around picturesque Old Town, which includes the La Lonja Gothic Maritime Trade Exchange, La Seo Cathedral, and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina.

La Seo Cathedral and Castillo de Bellver are some of the most popular attractions in Palma. The 14th-century Gothic-style Cathedral is no doubt the most emblematic building in Mallorca's capital, and is one of the tallest cathedrals in Europe, with its central nave rising 144 feet. Marvel at its golden sandstone walls and vibrant stained-glass rose windows, while learning about the Art Nouveau changes made by famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Be sure to sign up for a tour of the terraces, an unforgettable experience to see the stained-glass windows up close and be impressed by the panoramic views of the city.

No trip to Spain is complete without a visit to a medieval castle. A short drive from Old Town will bring you to the 13th-century Castillo de Bellver. Perched on a hilltop, the fortress is one of the few circular castles in Europe. Wander through its Romanesque and Gothic arcades, history museum, and take in the city views below.

End your stay in Palma with a hands-on cooking experience, preparing a traditional Mallorcan meal at Sa Llotgeta Bakery during a gastronomy workshop with Deborah. The workshop begins with an hour-long trip to the Mercado del Olivar – the city’s largest market – to meet the vendors and bring back local produce and ingredients for the meal. Back at the workshop, for the next three hours, create a complete seasonal menu, including an apéritif, starter, main course (most likely paella), dessert, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with local wine.

Day 4 and 5: West Coast

The natural beauty of the West coast of Mallorca beckons with the towering mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana and jagged cliffs that plummet to the sea. To get the most of this region, it’s best to situate yourself for a few days at a place like Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, a seaside luxury property that sits right on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean.

A short drive from the hotel brings visitors to the UNESCO-listed Alfabia Gardens. The site features a 12th century Moorish Vizier’s residence surrounded by delightful gardens, ranging from English-style landscapes and tropical palm trees to lemon and orange orchards, located right in the heart of the Tramuntana mountain range. Alfabia Gardens is open for weddings and events for those looking for a fairytale-inspired celebrations. Guests can leisurely take in the gardens, and meander through the historic house and former stables.

Mallorca is known for its charming hilltowns, and the most inviting of them is Sóller, located in the valley of oranges, surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains. This picturesque town can be reached by an interurban Ferrocarril de Sóller railway ride on a vintage century-old wooden train, from Palma on an hour-long scenic journey through the mountains.

The main square of Sóller, Plaza de La Constitución, pulses with activity, with people snapping pics of the iconic Sant Bartomeu church, and the mystical plane trees surrounding the waterfall at the center of the square. The old-style tram linking the town to the port is another popular tourist attraction that takes riders through fragrant orange groves and gardens. Those wanting to walk the town are treated to rows of shops selling local artwork, cheese, jewelry (including the famous Manacor's pearls), and souvenirs. At the end of March, Sóller celebrates its coveted fruit with the Orange Festival, featuring local music, food, and recipes made with oranges.

If time permits, drive to the other towns in the valley of oranges -- Valldemossa and Deià – to take in the scenic views on a walk or sip coffee and enjoy traditional pastries like the sumptuous ensaïmada at the local cafes.

Day 6 and 7: East Coast

Caves come in all shapes and sizes, but the Caves of Drach, are unlike any others found in the world. Located on the east coast of the island in the town of Porto Cristo, the caves reach 82 feet deep, span more than a mile in length, and reveal a sparkling turquoise blue underground lake, Lake Martel. Visitors make their way through well-lit pathways and stairways, past dramatic formations of stalactites and stalagmites to reach the indoor auditorium. Once seated, enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind experience: a light show synchronized with a live orchestra performing on a boat floating in the lake. Keep in mind that this activity is not for those who feel claustrophobe in crowded underground spaces.

Afterward, grab a bite to eat at the onsite café or head to the nearby Ses Talaioles vineyards for a walking tour and picnic lunch surrounded by the Llevant Mountains. At the winery, savor a sampling of traditional cheeses and Mallorcan dishes (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) made to order, while pairing each item with wines, including Sestalino or Talvin Rosé.

Use the family-friendly, beachside Protur Palmeras Playa Hotel as your base to explore the rest of the eastern region. Sports lovers can spend a morning at the Rafa Nadal Museum, where kids and adults can participate in fun virtual games and learn about the Olympic tennis star’s career via audiovisual media and interactive displays. Those seeking sun and sand can drive up north to the secluded beach of Cala Torta near the town of Arta. While you won’t find showers or toilets here, there’s smooth white sand, undulating sand dunes, a snack stand, and a chance to snorkel in crystal clear and calm waters.

Getting to Mallorca: From June to September, United Airlines will run three direct flights a week from Newark, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays and three, direct returning flights from Palma, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Mondays. Here’s what to expect your experience to be on United to be like.