The Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands, east of the Spanish coast, consist of four main inhabited islands and several smaller islands. Together the islands form one of the seventeen autonomous regions of Spain.

The capital, Palma de Mallorca, is located on the island of Majorca (Spanish: Mallorca), the largest island in the region. Together with the neighboring island Minorca (Spanish: Menorca), it is counted among the eastern Balearic Islands (the Gymnesiae). The main islands of Ibiza and Formentera belong to the western Balearic Islands (the Pitiusen).

The Balearic Islands

Climate

The islands have a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by warm summers with little rainfall. Nature is rugged and green, with cliffs, caves, beautiful bays, and white beaches. The Mediterranean Sea has a pleasant temperature in the summer and is azure blue around the islands. All this makes the islands very popular among tourists.

Ibiza and Mallorca

However, there are significant differences between the islands. Ibiza is known for its vibrant nightlife and many nightclubs and mainly attracts a young audience. People who want to combine nature with an active holiday are increasingly finding this island.
Mallorca also has a large entertainment scene but is also known as one of the most child-friendly islands in Spain. Beautiful sandy beaches can be found in the east and south. To the northwest is the unspoiled Sierra de Tramuntana nature park, with no fewer than 34 peaks higher than 1,000 meters. Hikers can indulge themselves here. Boats also go from Mallorca to surrounding uninhabited islands, such as the famous “dragon island” Dragonera, which is a natural park in its entirety.

Menorca and Formentera

Menorca, which has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, is also called the Isla Verde I Azul (the green-blue island). It is the greenest island in the Balearic Islands and contains several nature reserves. In the spring and autumn, many bird species come here to rest from their long migration. This makes the island popular among bird watchers. Turtles and eels are found in the lagoon in Parque Natural de S’Albufera des Grau.

Formentera is the smallest of the four main islands and consists of two islands connected by a headland. This island is the most pristine of the island group and has not yet been discovered by mass tourism. You can relax on one of the many white beaches. If you want to enjoy the beautiful nature of the Balearic Islands, but don’t like crowds, Formentera is probably the best choice for you. It is just a stone’s throw away from Ibiza, so a combination can also be done!

Residents

For centuries, the inhabitants of the Balearic Islands were the poorest in the region. The original sheep and goat herders were occupied by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Moors, Catalans, English, and French. Since the 19th century, the area belongs to Spain again. The islands were discovered by the hippies in the 1960s, after which mass tourism began to take off. Today the inhabitants are the richest in all of Spain.

Discover the Quieter Side of the Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands are renowned for their sunny summers and captivating Mediterranean beaches. But beyond peak tourist season (July and August), these captivating islands reveal a more tranquil side.

Culture buffs will appreciate the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Ibiza and Dalt Vita Fortress, both located on the island. For years now the island authorities have worked towards developing a sustainable tourism industry that doesn’t depend on seasonality.

Majorca

The Balearic Islands are an archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea off Spain’s shoreline. Officially, they form part of an autonomous community known as the Autonomous Community of Balears (Catalan: Comunidad Autonoma dels Balears; Spanish: Provincia de Mallorca).

Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, situated in the western Mediterranean. Its coastline stretches for 550km with 180 bays and numerous rocky coves. Northwest of Majorca lies Serra de Tramuntana mountain range extending for more than 100 kilometers; Puig Major stands at 1,445 m high.

Majorca’s vibrant capital, Palma-de-Mallorca, offers an array of historical buildings and churches to discover. It also boasts one of the world’s most remarkable Gothic cathedrals – Palma Cathedral dating back to 1230 – which must be visited while in town.

Other major attractions to visit in Andalucia include Alcudia, with its characteristic Spanish plazas, elegant cafes, and historic mansions; as well as Pollentia Roman ruins dating from 123 BC. If you’re looking for a more active holiday, why not try snorkeling or scuba diving?

Valldemossa Monastery is another popular attraction, renowned for its breathtaking views. It ranks as the second-most visited site in Majorca behind Palma Cathedral.

Ensaimada, the iconic Majorcan dessert, is a must-try! Crafted with yeast dough and lard, this delectable treat is then baked into an addictive spiral shape. You can find this delectable treat at most bakeries around Mallorca so be sure to stock up before heading out on vacation!

If you’re a nature enthusiast, Formentera is the ideal destination. It is much less developed and popular than its larger sister, Ibiza, offering miles of rugged coastline dotted with crystal-clear blue seas ideal for swimming or snorkeling.

The island of Ibiza is a favorite with Spain’s royal family and draws an elite crowd to its elegant marina. After a long day of sightseeing or shopping, visitors can unwind in one of the many upscale restaurants lining the waterfront.

Ibiza

The Balearic Islands are a group of 150 islands situated in the western Mediterranean, stretching from Portugal to Spain. This captivating collection of islands offers an abundance of experiences, sights, and activities for everyone. Popular attractions include stunning beaches, world-class party scenes, and vibrant cultural attractions.

Are you searching for a tranquil beach, historical monuments, or the chance to get up close and personal with marine creatures? The Balearic Islands have something special for everyone. Plus, with frequent ferry routes connecting all islands, planning your trip is made easy – leaving plenty of flexibility when it comes to activities and excursions.

Ibiza is one of the Balearics’ best-known and beloved islands, boasting its legendary nightlife, captivating historical sites, and stunning natural splendor. Every summer, thousands of tourists descend upon this Spanish paradise – especially during peak tourist season!

Visit Ibiza’s iconic Dalt Vita Fortress, 2,000 years old! If you’re interested in history, make sure to explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town or Es Cana market for local souvenirs and crafts.

Aquarium Cap Blanc, situated in an underwater cave, is another charming destination to explore in Ibiza. Here you’ll find colorful fish such as rainbow wrasse, morays, and grouper as well as rescued sea turtles that are then released back into the ocean.

Visit the islands of Formentera and Minorca for a more serene vacation experience, offering miles of rugged coastline with white-sand beaches, crystal clear water, and salt flats where flamingos live. Alternatively, try cycling in Formentera to explore its secluded beaches in an eco-friendly manner.

Before arriving in the Balearic Islands, it’s essential to know what type of beach you’re searching for. The sand here tends to be soft and squeaky, so wearing light shoes is recommended.

The climate of the Balearic Islands is much like that of Spain, with warm and humid summers and mild winters. Rainfall is relatively frequent here as well, with most rain falling between November and April.

Formentera

The Balearic Islands boast some of Europe’s most stunning beaches, and Formentera doesn’t disappoint. The island’s stunning white sands and turquoise water make Formentera ideal for taking a leisurely walk on the shore or relaxing in one of its rustic beach shacks.

The island has unspoiled natural beauty and, with environmental protection laws in place, it is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for ecotourism. Furthermore, local non-profit organizations are working with volunteers to reduce the use of single-use plastics in the region.

Formentera is a relatively unknown Mediterranean island that continues to draw more and more visitors annually. As an oasis amid Ibiza’s party heaven, Formentera provides peace and serenity – making it the ideal choice for anyone wanting to unwind under the sun.

There are a few ways to get to Formentera, but the most convenient is by ferry. Daily ferries leave from Denia in Spain or Barcelona.

In the summer months, many ferries from Ibiza and Mallorca dock at Formentera’s port. From there, it’s just a short transfer away to your accommodation on the island.

Experience the splendor of this island by taking a bike ride through its inland areas. There are over 30 signposted green routes for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding that take advantage of its breathtaking natural splendor.

Explore Formentera’s stunning sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters by walking or swimming. It makes an ideal family holiday destination, due to its laid-back atmosphere and small size that make getting around easy.

Take a tour of the local villages to gain more insight into the island’s history. Visit sites such as Ses Illetes fortresses and caves, plus Guardiola’s watchtowers.

Visit Sant Francesc Xavier, the island’s capital city, for some sightseeing and to admire its old cathedral and churches. This picturesque area makes for a pleasant stopover; there are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy an ice-cold glass of wine or cocktail in style.

Mallorca

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is renowned for its beaches, sheltered coves, limestone mountains, and Roman and Moorish remains. Its capital Palma houses the royal palace, medieval Santa Mara Cathedral, and vibrant nightlife.

At its cultural heart, Palma de Mallorca is the cultural capital of the Balearics and offers an array of museums, concerts, operas, and festivals throughout the year. This island has become a haven for modern artists and writers, as well as has an influential music scene.

There is a diverse selection of cuisines in Catalonia, all rooted in local ingredients. This gastronomy offers an eclectic blend of Catalan and Valencian influences that are uniquely Mediterranean in style.

Majorcan cuisine focuses on bread and vegetables, with liberal amounts of olive oil. One popular dish to try is Pa amb Oli (bread with oil and tomato).

Another popular dish is Trampo, which consists of slices of local bread with tomatoes and any other condiments available. Frit Mallorquinas is another popular option; this one consists of meat and vegetables cut up into small pieces.

Sopas Mallorquinas are hearty soups made with various vegetables and pork, then finished off with a generous drizzle of local olive oil. Not only are these dishes highly satisfying, but they provide an opportunity to experience all that Mallorcan produce has to offer.

Other popular dishes include escalates sangs (a soupy rice dish), ensaimada (a breakfast pastry unique to the islands), and sobrasada – a raw cured sausage served as toast in winter and spread on bread in summer.

Fish is a major part of the Balearics’ cuisine, and two species, in particular, are renowned for their flavor: Mallorquin shrimps and Menorquin lobster. Unfortunately, these species have become overfished due to overfishing elsewhere in the Mediterranean, making them much less common to be caught off these islands.

The Balearics are an area where people value honesty and simplicity of living away from modern-day tourist hubs. This can be seen in the simple dish of bread and oil served at traditional festivals – a testament to the authentic way of life found on these islands.