The Balearic Islands can be found in the Mediterranean Sea, just off the east coast of Spain. The four islands that make up the Balearics are Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera. Foreigners also commonly know Mallorca, the local name for the island, as Majorca. A name that conjures up images of never ending sunshine, beautiful beaches and a party atmosphere that never ends. The real Mallorca can be quite different if you wish to look for it.

The islands together make up the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands of which Palma de Mallorca is the official capital. Catalan is the official language spoken on the islands with each having its own dialect, which the locals are fiercely proud of.

With an average of 300 hundred days of sunshine per year, the Balearic Islands offer a wonderful destination for holidays in Spain. As well as a favourable climate there are also fantastic beaches, cities of great architectural design and rich vegetation to suit both beach and rural holidays. Palma de Mallorca with its cosmopolitan atmosphere is also considered to be one of the best cultural cities in Europe.

Ibiza Island – Beaches and Holiday Nightlife
Ibiza is known for its all night party atmosphere, but it also offers white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Many young people visit Ibiza Island looking for its legendary nightlife and popular clubs and bars, which cater for the entertainment accordingly. There is also another side to Ibiza with 72 beaches, wonderful countryside and great restaurants to choose from making it a great all-purpose holiday destination. Ibiza Town is the island’s capital and coastal harbour, with cobbled streets nearby offering many fine restaurants and shops, which attract both the rich and famous not only to visit, but also to live.

Majorca Island – Largest of the Balearics
Majorca is the largest of the Balearics and the most affected by mass tourism having been a popular holiday destination since the 1960s. Along the coast much of the countryside has been replaced with hotel and apartment complexes to cater for the many thousands of holidaymakers, but there is still much of the original Majorca to be found. Palma de Majorca is the cosmopolitan capital where over half the islands population live. It is also a fantastic place to experience the local cuisine and culture. The city offers many holiday attractions including its Gothic Cathedral, The Castell de Bellver and its 17th Century Town Hall (Ayuntamiento).

Menorca Island – Hidden Paradise
Menorca is the second largest island of the Balearics and receives far fewer tourists than its larger sister island. Having escaped the worst effects of mass tourism, much of the its beauty remains unspoilt.
The small resorts along its rugged coastline are perfectly suited to cater for holidaymakers who wish to take advantage of the many idyllic beaches hidden within the small coves and inlets. Mahon is the capital of the island and has one of Europe’s largest natural harbours. There is also a good selection of bars and shops around the harbour, and also pavement cafes offering a lively nightlife.

Formentera – Smallest of the Balearic Islands
Formentera does not have an airport of its own, and so has to be visited by either boat or hydrofoil from the regular daily service that leaves Ibiza Town. It is the most unspoilt of the Balearics and there are tight governmental restrictions to restrict the number of hotels allowed on this tiny island that measures just 30 square miles. There is not too much to do on the island unless you are interested in sunbathing, windsurfing or scuba diving in the clear blue waters.

It is no surprise that many visitors to the Balearic Islands often wish to return, with a fair few taking up permanent residence on the islands themselves. With so much to offer, you are certain to find an island that offers the perfect holiday destination for you.