The archipelago of the Balearic Islands is located off the east coast of mainland Spain and are visited by holiday makers wanting to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches and tranquil turquoise waters.
Not only are the beaches popular, but the Islands have mountains and prehistoric ruins to explore too. There really is a mixture of beaches, countryside, history, culture and lively nightlife between the Islands.
There are four main islands, Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Majorca is the largest of the islands and Formentera being the smallest.
Majorca
Majorca or Mallorca as it is also known is the largest of the Islands and if you are looking at a beach holiday, then this is the Island for you. You can find calm waters with long stretches of golden sands where you can relax and soak up the sun or find yourself a secluded cove for that peace and quiet you’ve been craving for. For the adventurous ones there’s plenty on offer, from hiking and biking around the mountains and countryside to various water sports, kayak to the Sea caves, dive with marine life or if you have kids with you, check out the water parks and banana boats.
Your Resort Guide
Couples getaway – Alcudia has a real mix of everything. Stunning beaches, a marina, historic cobbled streets offering little boutique shops and Gothic architecture, local bars and restaurants.
Family holidays – Cala Millor offers everything for your little ones to keep busy. The beach offers clear shallow waters for young children to splash around in and for the older children there are many water sports to keep them occupied. For children that want to stay on dry land there’s also plenty for them to do in the way of go-karting, amusement arcades or work of their energy at the playground. Just an hour’s drive away you can find Majorca’s Aqualand waterpark.
Budget Holiday – Palma Nova offers many cheap bars and restaurants for those wishing to keep things to a minimum. Although one of Majorca’s livelier resorts it still is family-friendly with unspoilt sandy beaches.
Nightlife – Maguluf is Marjoca’s go to destination if you want to party all night. Packed with buzzing bars, nightclubs and beach parties. A perfect place for hen or stag do’s or just that crazy girls/boy’s getaway. You can find a couple of theme parks close by if you want to keep busy.
Culture - Port de Sóller is a quiet picturesque little village on the west coast with a beautiful harbour and a long sandy beach. Originally a small fishing village you can visit the Soller Marine Museum, a couple of local churches and a watchtower where you can view the beautiful surroundings.
Peace & Quiet – Cala Bona is you perfect destination if you want to just relax in the sun on one of the three white sandy beaches. The pretty harbour offers boat trips during the day to split up your relaxation on the beach. At night enjoy a fresh seafood dinner washed down with a glass of wine.
All-rounder – Santa Ponsa is perfect for those who want to enjoy the tranquillity and laid-back holiday but also wants to enjoy the adventurous options too. Lay back and enjoy the sun or go hiking on the nearby coastal paths. Quiet drink in the hotel or explore the buzzing bars. There’s something for everyone.
Menorca
Menorca is a picturesque laid-back Island with isolated beaches, stunning bays and pretty countryside. Enjoy the local cuisine on a cliff top overlooking the beautiful scenery or take a stroll through the cobbled street with churches, plazas and small boutiques.
The countryside indulges you to explore by cycling off the beaten path and witness the woodlands and colourful wildflowers.
Menorca’s white sandy beaches have been given Blue Flags due to their cleanliness and quality to ensure you lap up that perfect beach day.
Your Resort Guide
Beach – Son Bou is on the south coast and has the longest beach where you can soak up the sun or drive 15 minutes to Alaior, a lovely old town with white-washed buildings. En-route you can explore Menorca’s largest Talaiotic site.
Culture – Es Castell is on the Bay of Mahón (Mayon is Menorca’s capital) and boasts beautiful harbours where you can venture out on boat trips through sheltered waters, to witness the local marine life on glass bottom boats or find the unmissable 19th century fortress, La Mola.
Family – Cala en Porter offers you a rooftop resort centre with a mini train to take you down to the secluded beach, or you can venture the 200 steps if you’re feeling fit. Here you will find shallow clear waters for the young ones to splash around. Alternatively, they can have fun on many family friendly activities, such as bouncy castles, go-karting and trampolines.
Diving and snorkelling – S’Algar have Menorca’s best diving and snorkelling spots. From beginners to pro’s this is the perfect place to be. Isla del Aire is the nearest nature reserve where you can swim with many fish, such as octopus and starfish. Away from the water, you will find a small central plaza offering shops and restaurants.
All-rounder - Cala Galdana is Menorca’s most attractive resorts offering plenty of beach time, whether it’s relaxing quietly in one of the secluded coves or being adventurous in the water with a variety of water sports. A Short drive away you will find the small old town of Ferreries offering boutiques, handmade shoes and jewellery shops.
Ibiza
When you think of Ibiza, you think of all the partygoers in the buzzing nightlife. But there is so much more to this beautiful island. Ibiza town has been placed on UNESCO’s world heritage site list, with its stunning fortress with Medieval stoned walls. Ibiza offers something for everyone from lazing on the blissful beaches to exploring the pine-coated hills to finding that next outfit in the old town’s boutiques.
Your Resort Guide
Ibiza town is the largest city on the Island which looks over the stunning blue Mediterranean Sea. The old town offers many bars, restaurants, small boutiques and high-end fashion stores.
San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa are Ibiza’s main party scene destinations. San Antonio is set in a stunning open bay with lots of water activities too. Playa d’en Bossa is the most popular resort with the famous clubs and also has the longest beach on the island offering many bars and restaurants.
San Miguel is 20-minute drive from Ibiza town and is a favourite of holiday makers due to the dramatic cliffs covered in green pine trees and beautiful scenery. Drive through the countryside and make your way to Benirras Beach, with white sands and turquoise waters, it’s paradise just waiting to be discovered. For a little bit of history visit Can Marça Caves, once part of an ancient smuggling route and view the spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.
Es Caná is on the east coast and offers everything from relaxing to a lively holiday. The golden sandy beach offers the adventurous ones to keep busy with many water sports and for those who want to just chill with a cool drink, there’s plenty of bars along the front to choose from. There is a small harbour and is home to the Islands largest hippy market. The evening ranges from lively pubs to chilled-out lounges, so something to suit all.
Figueretas is another popular resort with a pretty palm tree lined promenade and is a 15minute walk from Ibiza Town. You can take small ferry trip excursions to neighbouring venues or just enjoy the local artists and craft stalls.
Portinatx is a little bit of heaven in the North of the Island and is tucked away in a peaceful location. It has a laid-back feeling with coastal walks for that casual stroll through the countryside or if you do feel energetic there are plenty of water sports to choose from. Having 3 beaches this resort is perfect for couples or families.
Santa Eulalia is Ibiza’s third largest resort and is another quiet location for families or those wanting a more peaceful holiday. A palm tree lined promenade overlooks the sandy beach. Santa Eulalia has some of the Islands best restaurants and exclusive Yacht Marina and art galleries.
Formentera
Formentera is the smallest of the Islands, and you will need a ferry to take you across as there is no airport. Here you will find beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, it really is Mediterranean’s hidden secret. If you literally want to escape, this is your perfect destination.
Your Resort Guide
San Francisco is the Islands Capital with many side streets with a selection of restaurants and shops with handmade clothing and accessories. After a relaxing day on the beach or time visiting the 18thcentury fortress-like church, you can enjoy an evening meal in the tranquil surroundings.
Es Pujols is the only tourist resort on the Island and is a slower pace with lots of amenities such as hippy market stalls with clothes, jewellery and souvenirs. Enjoy lunch in one of many cafes so you watch the world go by. The evening can be as buzzing as you want, or as chilled as you like.
San Fernando is a village in the heart of the island and is surrounded by farmhouses and vineyards and is known for its artisan market. In the picturesque square you will find an 18th century church and, in the evening, enjoy a delicious meal whilst listening to some live music.
La Savina is the stunning port which is the perfect starting location to explore the Island. Here you can rent a bike, scooter or car to find either the beaches to relax, the market stalls to grab a souvenir, or find the local vineyards.
The Balearic Islands Climate
The Balearic Islands experience a Mediterranean climate because of their location in the western Mediterranean Sea. This climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. During summer, the sub-tropical ridge often influences the region’s climate by keeping the atmospheric conditions dry. In winter, the subtropical ridge moves towards the equator, leading to frequent rainfall. The temperature ranges from 15 °C in January to 30 °C in August.
Fun Facts of The Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands have been part of the Spanish territory since 1349.
The smaller island of Menorca has more kilometres of beach then Mallorca and Ibiza combined.
Top tennis players Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya were both born on the Balearic Islands.
Menorca is the first place in Spain to see the sunrise each day.
Menorca was recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993.
Menorca has more beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined, with a 220km coastline.
Everyone on the islands is bilingual, speaking both Spanish and the dialect of Catalan.
Mahon, the capital, is the only city in Spain with Georgian architecture from British rule in the 1700s.
The prehistoric sites on the island date as far back to 2300 BC.
The port of Menorca’s capital Mahon is the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean and the second biggest natural harbour in the world, just second to Pearl Harbour in Hawaii.
Mayonnaise was invented in Menorca.
BCN, Majorca’s biggest nightclub, has the world’s largest foam machine.
The Majorcan national anthem is ‘La Balanguera’, which was adapted from a poem about an ancient nursery rhyme about a spider!
The oldest club on Ibiza is Pacha which started in 1973.
Formentera doesn’t have an airport. The only way to visit the island is via a ferry route.
Salt used to be the main income for the island before mainstream tourism reached Spain.
Flamingos migrate from Formentera for winter. Although the old salt marshes are no longer used by humans, nature has found a use for them. Many Flamingos seek shelter in the salt lands during the winter months.
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