Travel Guide to Balearic Islands

Population: 0.7 Million

Language: Spanish

Time Zone: GMT + 1hr

Capital: Palma de Mallorca

Currency: Euro

The Balearic Islands

A cluster of islands in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Spain, comprising Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and lesser-known Formentera, the Balearics are the beach destination for Europeans. All are unsurpassed for choice of holiday accommodation, villa rentals, aparthotels and they come with year-round sunshine. Young and old make the Balearic Islands their number one choice for sea and sand. The tourist industry will speak to you in your own language though each island is fiercely proud of its own tongue. The Euro is used everywhere.

Majorca or Mallorca
You can steer clear of the package destinations of Magaluf and Palma by renting your holiday villa, close enough to the action or far enough away for peace and seclusion. Originally a destination for artists and intellectuals, Mallorca has plenty to see away from it's trademark beaches. High up winding mountain roads lie picturesque villages with ancient monasteries (Lluc), interesting museums and beautiful churches. You could visit the C18th Castillo de Bemdinat or the C16th fortress at the port of Telmo. You must visit the awesome cathedral at Palma. Alcudia is medieval and charming; older still is its Roman theatre. Any holiday villa or holiday apartment will be within easy reach of a beach, but it is worth seeing as exploring to see what Mallorca has to offer.

Minorca or Menorca
A wide smooth highway running roughly west-east divides Menorca into two regions. The beaches in the south are white sand surrounded by pine groves. The north is steeper, wilder and more rugged. The bays (calas) are numerous, safe and well-managed, though some require a car and a good map. The capital, Mahon, with one of the deepest natural harbours in the world, is a good place for a holiday apartment, being close to all the amenities. At the other end of the island is Ciudadela, an impressive port with narrow medieval walkways, small palaces, churches and a whole street of fish-restaurants. Inland lie the colourful and lively towns of Ferreries and Alaior. Mercadal, at the foot of Mount Toro offers the chance for a panoramic view, sometimes as far as the other islands. The best holiday villas offer comfort, luxury and a base from which to explore the beach-life by day and the night-life by night.

Ibiza
Perhaps the best known island among young people, Ibiza -the white island- has been a tourist destination for the hippie culture since the 1960's. Nowadays there is ample for the older visitor and for families. Ibiza is known, quite rightly for the quality of its beaches and the island is ringed on all coasts, strands, inlets and bays- Playa d'en Bossa, Santa Eulalia, Cal d'Or, Cala Blanca. However, the frantic bustle can be left behind with a short climb up onto the ramparts of Ibiza Old Town. Renting a holiday villa in the south of the island will put you near less crowded beaches and quieter areas. A visit to the caves at Se Fontelles to see the prehistoric paintings is recommended.

Formentera
This small island, with only 5200 inhabitants, is located 11 miles from the south-eastern coast of Ibiza. Consequently most people arrive by ferry. With its superb climate,  its rich vegetation of pines as well as palms, and its quiet and relaxed ambience  Formentera is a true paradise. The sea is visible from practically any point of the island, and there are numerous great beaches and lonely bays, some of them with incredible grottos. An obvious choice for the sun-worshipper makes this island very popular during summer months. Renting a holiday apartment or villa is essential as the small number of hotels are quickly filled. Small as the island is, you could hire a bicycle in the harbour seek seclusion in the pine woods or secluded beaches.