Location
This wonderful group of islands is divided into Gimnesias (Mallorca, Menorca and Cabrera) in the North, and Pitiusas (Ibiza y Formentera) in the South-West.
300 days of sun per year, wonderful beaches, a rich cultural offer and the unusual hospitality of their inhabitants make Balearic Islands one of the preferred holiday destinations in Spain.
Each of the islands has a strong personality all of its own.
Menorca
There are beaches and lonely bays around Menorca at a length of 216 kilometers. An ideal resort for all those who are looking for true relaxation. Menorca is classed as the “minor” island by the Romans (compared for instance to the “major” island Mallorca) and shows interesting remains of its old history. The beaches in the South of Menorca, migjorn, of white sand, are mostly surrounded by pine woods with rich vegetation. The northern coast, la tramuntana, is steeper, with rocks, of great beauty. The Capital of Menorca is Mahón Mahón It’s architecture shows evident British influence when Menorca was part of the British Empire. The port is said to be the best port in the world, behind Pearl Harbour . This picturesque natural port is especially impressing arriving to it by boat. Attractions Prehistorical Remains In Trepucó, in the South of Mahón, in Torelló and Talatí de Dalt there highly interesting and quite well conserved rests of prehistorical cultures. Aquarium An interesting exposition of fauna and flora of the Mediterranean area. Ateneo Científico y Literario A collection of fossiles, historical maps and ceramic articles. Church of Santa María (Plaza de España), with a monumental Baroque organ. Military Museum (San Felipe) Most interesting is the room dedicated to Charles III. How to get there BY AIR ; From most UK and European airports
BY SEA; From Spanish and French Ports History Ciudadela was the former capital.The 15.000 inhabitants of Ciutadella de Menorca are proud that their town was the island’s capital from the Moorish epoch until 18th century. Aristocratical constructions as well as several palaces make evident its glorious past. The entire town was declared National Monument by the Spanish state.
Mallorca
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Tourism at Mallorca started to develop already in the 1920s, and until the Spanish Civil War it was mainly intellectuals and artists who were attracted by this island.
Mallorca‘s wonderful climate, beautiful landscapes, wonderful climate make it a perfect holiday resort, with a cultural offer comparable to the one of many European capitals. At Mallorca, you will find relaxation, inspiration, culture and entertainment.
Palma is the great capital of Mallorca.
The capital, will impress you from the moment you arrive to its port: yachts, palms, the cathedral … Palma creates magic, more than ever in the early hours of the day. History and modernity melt together with the deep blue of Mediterranean sea. Approximately 320.000 people live here, about half of the island’s total population.
The city’s cultural offer is impressive, there is a large number of monuments.
Attractions
The Cathedral
This is, probably, the most distinctive landmark of Palma. The cathedral, called la Seo by the Mallorquines, was constructed from 14th to 19th century, and the highly creative Antoni Gaudí designed its interior in 20th century. Most outstanding are perhaps the Puerta del Mirador, a door towards the sea created by architect Guillen Sagrera, and, in the interior, the chapels Capilla Real and Capilla de la Trinidad, as well as the museum with masterworks specially of the Baroque epoch.
Paseo del Borne
The heart of the historical center, and one of the most lively streets in town. At both sides it is flanked by narrow medieval lanes as well as elegant palaces of 19th century. The Italian influence, very characteristically for Mallorca in general, is evident here.
Around Plaza Mayor
La Rambla and Avenida de Jaime III are two important shopping streets with beautiful buildings, as Casa Berga (today the province’s court of law) with its impressive Baroque balcony. Calle del Sindicato was the seat of the medieval committees.
IBIZA
Ibiza, often called the White Island for its typical architecture. Today Ibiza has an offers something for all ages the young ones are attracted by the island’s rollicking nightlife, which already starts in the afternoon, at the beaches and in the center of town, to continue until dawn in the numerous discotheques, and yet you will also find small select beaches for the children and sun lovers.
Close to the beautiful City of Ibiza, there are several great beaches. In front of Playa d’en Bossa, located at the South, you will see a small group of islands, Islas Malvinas. Among the best beaches in northern direction there are Cala Talamaca and Cala Llonga.
If you leave the beaches behind you to explore the island’s interior, you will find a pure and simple Mediterranean culture, and remains of populations which inhabited Ibiza thousands of years ago.
You can travel to Ibiza either by plane or by ship. There are regular flights from the following Spanish airports: Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Mallorca. From the airport of Ibiza you arrive to virtually any point of the island by public transport.
Arriving by ship is much slower, but certainly more romantic. Ships to Ibiza leave from all major Spanish ports.
The city of Ibiza is located on a hill just at the seaside and surrounded by impressive fortifications. Among the narrow lanes and numerous shops and stands you can buy souvenirs and the latest fashion articles.
Attractions
Dalt Vila
Ibiza’s historical center, located at the top of the hill and enclosed by town-walls. There are several interesting monuments to visit:
Cathedral
( Dalt Vila) the Gothic tower is of 10th, the Baroque nave of 18th century. In its interior, there are artworks of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque epochs.
Barrio de la Penya y de la Bomba
This typical and colorful quarter of town, located just at the town-walls, is the center of Ibiza’s pulsating life.
Salt fields
One of Ibiza’s most famous landmarks is near the airport. On the southern most tip of the island, the salt fields have been in use for over 2000 years. As the water evaporates during the hot summer months, a sparkling layer of pure salt is left on the bottom of the lakes. One of the most beautiful spots for sunset photos.
Hippy Market – Las Dalias | |
San Carlos In San Carlos in the North-East, set in the grounds of a restaurant, this weekly market continues in Saturdays throughout the year. Many consider it to be a more original and traditional alternative to the larger Wednesday market at Es Caná. Wonderful selection of handmade clothes and jewellery.
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Formentera
The island of Formentera is part of the Balearic archipelago and is the smallest island in area. Together Formentera and Ibiza make up the Pitiusa Islands.Ibiza and Formentera are separated by a narrow strait called “Es Freus” that is surrounded by small islets.
Formentera is a small island, with a surface of 90 squ.km. and some 5200 inhabitants,it is located 11 miles from the south-eastern coast of Ibiza. There are numerous great beaches and lonely bays, the sea is visible from practically any point of the island.
Its springtime climate during almost all the year and its rich vegetation of pines as well as palms, and its quiet and relaxed ambience make Formentera truly a paradise.
Formentera’s western part offers untouched nature. The perhaps most beautiful beach is Cala Saona.
When you arrive to the port you will see the wonderful beaches Formentera is the only town of the island, but there are several villages.
Since Formentera does not have an airport the only way to arrive to Formentera is by ferry from Ibiza. A ferry leaves approximately each 2 hours, and takes approx 30 minutes. From the port of Formentera there are buses to La Sabina, San Francisco and La Mola.
Cabrera
Cabrera was declared nature preserve in 1991, since then access is controlled by the Spanish National Institute for the Conservation of Nature.
You will need a permission to visit the island. You can book a group travel from Mallorca. If you wish to visit Cabrera individually, for instance with your own boat, you will need to contact the ICONA (Instituto Nacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza), Access to some areas of the island is forbidden, as well as fishing or to bring domestic animals. Boats may anchor exclusively in the port of Cabrera, the maximum number of permissions is 50 per day. You should not forget to bring food and drinks, as the island’s gastronomical offer is reduced to a single small canteen.
Most beautiful is certainly Cabrera’s lonely coast. You can observe the play of the dolphins from there. In the bay Cala Gandulf is located a beautiful cave, Cova Blanca. In its interior you will experience unique reflections of light. Apart of the beauties of nature also the pirate fortress of 14th century, located close to the port.
Useful telephone numbers
Emergencies (Multilingual)Tel: 112
Fire brigade Tel: 080
Airport Palma (information) Tel: 971 789 099
British Airways Tel: 971 261 691
British Midland Tel: 971 453 112 LTU Tel: 971 726 587
Lufthansa Tel: 971 722 840
Iberia Tel: 971 716 329
EMERGENCY CALLS at traffic accidents with injuries: 092