The Balearic Islands in Spain

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The Balearic Islands are an archipelago, located off the eastern coast of Spain, nestling in the clear blue western Mediterranean Sea. They consist of 4 main islands, the largest and perhaps most well known being Mallorca, as well as Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.

The Balearic islands form a province of Spain, with Palma on the island of Mallorca being the capital city. The islands are popular tourist destinations for the rich and famous as well as for visitors on package deals.

Expats in Spain

The Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera

Ibiza is nearest to the mainland, only 100 km away and has long been the party capital, with some of the world`s best DJs performing at its world famous clubs which are based in San Antonio and Ibiza Town. Clubs include Pasha, Space, Eden, Es Paradis and Amnesia, as well as the famous chill out bar, Cafe del Mar.

The clubbing season here starts n June and ends in October. Regular DJs featured in the clubs in Ibiza include Paul Oakenfield, Carl Cox, Roger Sanchez and Sonique and it is possible to live the clubbing life 24 hours a day with clubs open till 8 in the morning and Space opening up at that time.

Ibiza has much more than just clubbing to offer, with wonderful beaches and holiday resorts varying from quiet and cosy to family orientated to those with a wild night life.

There is also a lesser known side to the island of Ibiza, with its stunning mountains, lemon and orange groves, cliff walks, street markets, fiestas and hidden coves.

Mallorca is a popular location for cheap package holidays as well as the place where the most elegant yachts moor to enjoy the facilities of the resorts.

Magaluf is one of the longest established and largest of the holiday resorts, with a lively night life, busy beaches and plenty to entertain the whole family. Further north there are quieter resorts and rugged mountains, with an untouched inland area with unspoilt rural villages.

The capital city of Palma has gained a reputation as the elegant place to be seen. There are over 70 beaches on the island of Mallorca, many of which can only be reached by boat. Local cuisine is excellent with seafood restaurants and traditional tapas bars to be found in all major resorts.

There is something for everyone in Mallorca, from `eco` holidays, sports pursuits such as canoeing, water skiing, cycling and diving, to family holidays with water parks, aquariums and fun fairs to entertain the children. Menorca is a smaller island with lush green interior and rocky coves.

It boasts 100 beaches, most of these being small and sandy. It is only 48 km long and 20 km wide and is the place to be if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday. It remains relatively unspoilt in comparison with the larger islands. Its capital, Mahon, is steeped in history. The wildlife here includes kestrels, eagles, kites and wild tortoises.

Formentera is the smallest of the islands and covers only 85 sq km and is fairly flat compared with the more mountainous landscapes of Mallorca and Ibiza. Its extremities are home to the windswept lighthouses at Cap de Barbaria and Punta de la Mola.

The island can be reached by ferry from San Antonio and Ibiza Town on the island of Ibiza and remains unspoilt by tourism. Its only resort is Es Pujols although its principle town is Sant Francesc Xavier. Its beaches are stunning, the longest being a 5 km stretch of sand known as Playa de Migjorn. There are regular flights throughout the year from major UK airports to Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca, each island offering a variety of accommodation types to suit all budgets.

For the best in sun, sand and sea book a cheap holiday in Palma Nova.