We had another early start to get back to Madrid Airport (Terminal 2) to catch our flight to Palma. This time we did not have too much trouble finding the right locations and everything went very smoothly with our check in and with getting through customs. But just as we were due to board we were told there was a delay.

Now an hour late, we were all strapped in when the pilot let us know that there were electrical storms over the Balearic Sea and traffic control would not approve our departure. We sat there for well over an hour, but once we took off it was a 45 minute flight and we did not have any turbulence.

Palma Airport is Spain’s third largest airport – that really surprised me. There were 19 belts / carrousels for luggage, with more then half of the signs for flights from just about every airport in England. Being a Saturday, I imagined it was busier than usual.

Our wine tasting and wine tours have finished for this holiday, and now we are going to sightsee, relax and sip some wine. We are staying here for 4 nights, right in the centre of the old town, next to one of the city’s oldest churches – the Basilica of Saint Miguel.

“….originally built on the site of a former mosque after the Christian conquest in 1229.”

We are going to either love it or hate it because on the hour, every hour, the church bells toll.

Mick was happy because this apartment has a lift and, just across the way, about 50m away is a good-looking bar. I think I understand why.

Once we were settled in we headed to the supermarket and bought some essentials. I was cross with myself as I had thought we had finished with self-contained accommodation for this holiday and had left a few things we could have used here. Never mind, we’re both pleased we can do some more cooking at home.

Palma de Mallorca was once a strategic hotspot for Mediterranean piracy, especially during the Middle Ages when its rocky coves and hidden bays provided ideal hideouts.

A view from our balcony in another direction. Narrow streets and a few cars which surprised me.

Just below our building – the pinky-orange one, is this cute little shop that sells trinkets as well as clothes. It was closed when we arrived around 2.30pm, but was opening up at 5pm. for the evening crowds.

And, I think we’ve just discovered Mick’s favourite bookshop ever. It has been named in the Financial Times as one of the top 20 bookshops in the world, and here you can read books while sipping wine.

La Biblioteca de Babel operates as both a bookstore, café and wine bar.

We had a glass of vermouth in the square watching people go by, and then we found a table at the restaurant next door and had a great meal. Mick was thrilled with his steak.

And we bought a bottle of Mallorca DOC wine, which was OK. And that’s all.

We had no idea that wine was produced here but we learnt that there are two official wine regions, each with its own distinct terroir. One is famous for bold reds from native grapes (Manto, Negro and Callet) and the other for elegant reds and aromatic whites.

On further reading of the label from our bottle it revealed that it did not fall into either authorised region.

So we will have to keep looking.