My guest blogger Charlotte recently took her family on a cycling holiday in southern Mallorca. This unspoilt area of Spain is the perfect terrain for a cycling holiday that the whole family will enjoy. The beautiful rural landscape of quiet lanes and salt flats leading to pretty beaches offered a glimpse of the island that few tourists experience.

Our family activity holiday began in Es Torrent, which was to be our base for the next three nights. We stayed in a traditional farmhouse run by the Bujosa family, who straight away made us feel like part of the family. With many of the original features, including exposed brickwork and beams and beautiful wooden beds, in our rustic bedroom we were immediately impressed.

The farmhouse also had a swimming pool (which the kids loved) with recliners and a shady terrace, which was perfect for cooling off.  We spent the first couple of days exploring the southernmost tip of the island, cycling along quiet lanes, past windmills and small fishing ports. The gentle, flat routes took us to a number of idyllic beaches including Es Trenc, which is the island’s longest natural beach. The white sand and clear blue waters made it the perfect spot for a dip.

On the second day, after a delicious home cooked breakfast made with local produce, we visited the small port of Colònia de Sant Jordi, where we took a boat trip out to the beautiful, uninhabited island of Cabrera. This island is one of the best-preserved marine habitats in Spain and we followed a gentle walking trail to one of the beaches.

After a great day cycling and exploring Colònia de Sant Jordi, we returned to the farmhouse and had another amazing meal before sitting out on the terrace to play a card game with the kids and listen to the cicadas and local birds.

In the morning we left Es Torrent and said goodbye to the Bujosa family, before cycling north past the windmills, which the area is famous for, to the market town of Campos. We stopped here for a refreshing drink and pastry in one of the inviting pavement cafes. Next stop was Son Mercadal, where we were staying for the rest of our holiday.

Both places were we stayed during our cycling holiday were “agroturismos”, essentially working farms that offer guest accommodation. Set within the Roig family’s seven-hectare estate our second rural retreat was a 19^th century building with large garden, outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace. After a warm welcome, the Roig family were delighted to show the kids around the farm and introduce them to some of the animals.

We managed to tear ourselves away from the swimming pool, pretty gardens and the animals to explore the rural villages of Es Pla. We cycled through colourful fields of cherry and almond trees before climbing up to the sanctuary of Mont-Sion for beautiful, sweeping views across the surrounding villages. Back in time for dinner in the old stone dining room, we enjoyed a home-cooked meal of organic produce from the farm.

On our final day we went to the market town of Porreres, famous for its apricots and wine. After a delicious lunch we visited the impressive cathedral before heading back for one final dip in the pool and hearty family dinner.

We all loved our cycling holiday and will certainly be booking another one next year. If you are looking for a family activity holiday with a difference, cycling holidays are the perfect way to explore a destination and keep the kids entertained at the same time.