Regional information for the Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands are an archipelago in the western Mediterranean Sea, near the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Together they form one of the Autonomous Communities of Spain whose official languages are Catalan and Spanish with Palma de Mallorca as their capital city.

This wonderful group of islands is divided into Gimnesias (Mallorca, Menorca and Cabrera) in the North, and Pitiusas (Ibiza and Formentera) in the Southwest.

Their excellent climate with some 300 days of sun per year, wonderful beaches, a rich cultural offering and the hospitality of their inhabitants make the Balearic Islands one of the favourite holiday destinations in Spain. Each of the islands has a strong personality all of its own, and each of them offers much more than the possibility of spending nice holidays at the beach.

Majorca (Mallorca)

Majorca’s most popular tourist resorts are around the bay of Palma, these are, S'Arenal, Magaluf and Palma Nova. The more northern part of the Majorca offers more upmarket / exclusive options for tourists. Puerta Pollensa for example is a very popular tourist destination for villa holidays.

Minorca (Menorca)

Minorca, who’s capital is Mahon, is probably best known for relaxing beach holidays along its rugged coastline, rocky coves and inlets. Mahon has one of Europe's largest natural harbours and has an attractive mixture of colonial and local architecture built on a hill overlooking the port.

Even though Minorca is the second largest island, it is only 9 miles (or 15km) wide and around 32 miles (or 52km) long. The island has been left almost unspoiled which means that the locals do not reply on tourism, unlike the other islands.

Aside from all the golden beaches and tourist resorts, Minorca also has plenty of history and culture, with many different attractions to experience. The most famous attractions are the world famous pipe organ and several archaeological sites.

Ibiza

The island of Ibiza is best known as the party capital of the world. Ibiza is a well-known destination for the young at heart that want to stay out late and visit some of the most famous clubs in the world.

There are many different companies and artists who frequently use the island for photographic and film shoots. Ibiza has over 50 stunning beaches and there are plenty of attractions, museums, events and festivals for everyone to enjoy.

Thousands of visitors fill most of the resorts on Ibiza and the nightclubs are legendary, but away from this there are other things to see and do which include olive, almond and fig groves, salt lakes, pine forests and many historic buildings.

Ibiza town is also one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and is also the largest town on the island.

Formentera

Is a very beautiful and unspoiled island within the Balearic Islands. Most of the beaches here attract nudists from all around Europe as well as other nature-lovers and young families seeking a relaxed holiday in a tranquil environment. Although the option of clothes on the beaches is up to the tourists, you will still find a very happy and relaxed atmosphere here.

If you are travelling to Formentera the only way to get on the island is by ferry from Ibiza every 2 hours. At the port of Formentera, there are buses to La Sabina, San Francisco and La Mola.

Because this island can only be reached by ferry, it's allowed it to maintain the original Spanish feel and with little tourism this is a great chance to explore the island and visit the old shops and villages.

Balearic Cuisine

The gastronomy from Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera is comprised of many different dishes. The cuisine takes full advantage of the island’s resources and the many cultures passing through the archipelago over the years have all left their mark.

• Food products you should try...

  Olive oil from Majorca, Cheese from Mahón, Artichokes, Majorca almonds, Gin from Minorca, Sobrasada, Majorcan Ensaimada, Aubergine

• Don’t forget to try these dishes...

  Black rice, Crayfish stew, Fish 'tumbet', Majorcan vegetable soup, Pork loin with cabbage, Sóller eggs

Other Places of Interest

• Ceceda village: Of particular interest are the traditional horreo grain silos, raised on stilts so as to keep field mice from getting at the grain.

• The Dobra River: famous for its unusual colour and natural beauty

• The ‘senda costera’ (coastal way) between Pendueles and Llanes: This partly-paved nature route takes in some of Asturias' most spectacular coastal scenery, such as the noisy bufones (large water spouts created naturally by the erosion of the sea) and the Playa de Ballota.

• The unusual rock formation on the beach at Buelna village which are best viewed at low tide.