Mallorca is a diamond. Official

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Mallorca is a diamond. Not only because it is shaped like one, but also because it boasts plenty of sun, sea and splendid stuff for you to see and do. The perfect setting, then, for anyone wanting to catch that last bit of sun before the winter rolls in. The average temperature is 22C, and there may be the odd shower, but don’t let that put you off.

The best place to sample typical Mallorcan sol is the south coast. I went to Cala d’Or, 40 miles southeast of the capital Palma and popular among tourists. A key attraction is its marina, where you can hire a yacht for an excursion. The Vita Bel II yacht (www.vita-bel.com) organises day, half-day and weekly trips to nearby coasts and neighbouring islands – and a buffet is included. Despite prices starting from €550 (£480) for three hours, if you’ve got the cash to spare, the experience is worth it.

Summer wouldn’t be summer without a trip to the beaches. Cala d’Or’s main beach, Cala Gran, looks quaint, yet is anything but. The sands were the whitest I’d seen and the crystal clear waters crashing onto the small rock faces surrounding this place were a pleasant sight. It’s not ideal for windsurfing or other watersports. But when you’re lying down catching rays, there’d be no need to. Oh, and you can hire out a sunbed and parasol just to add that finishing touch. Prices are available on request.

Being a popular resort, Cala d’Or has restaurants from fast food joints to upmarket restaurants. Port Petit offers exquisite Mediterranean cuisine from the top of the marina, so you can watch the sun set while you tuck into your cod fillet confit.

"The sands were the whitest I've seen"

Fancy something different? Then the Son Menut Horse Riding school (www.sonmenut.com), 10 minutes’ drive from Cala d’Or, is the place to saddle up. An hour-long lesson costs €31.50 (£28), but if you’re feeling adventurous, try riding a stallion in the local area for €16.50 (£14.40).

Staying in a villa is one of the best ways to enjoy your holiday. Mansion Ses Oliveres, the six-bedroom house 10 minutes from Cala d’Or which I stayed in, had eco-friendly fittings such as energy-saving light bulbs and climate-control air conditioning – as well as an outdoor swimming pool, seven bathrooms and free wifi.

Apart from the green fittings, the biggest attraction of the house was the house itself – it was vast, rustic, well furnished and set in a peaceful country location dominated by lush green fields and striking purple-leaved trees. The Mediterranean Sea over the horizon was a huge bonus and it was a marvel seeing the moon’s reflection shimmering over the sea’s surface on many a starry night.

It also boasts an outdoor swimming pool, seven bathrooms, free wireless internet and an outdoor dining area with cooker.

SORT IT: Mallorca Farmhouses (www.mallorca.co.uk) rent the Mansion Ses Oliveres from £1572 per week – or £112 per person. All properties come with maid service, starter pack and private pools. easyJet flies to Palma from £62, www.easyjet.com