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| Cala, Mallorca |
The Balearic Islands are an autonomous community in the western Mediterranean, off the east coast of continental Spain. The islands form an archipelago with four main islands and a number of smaller islands. The four main islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera are all popular tourist destinations.
Mallorca
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| Palma de Mallorca |
The largest island Mallorca also holds the capital city Palma de Mallorca. Palma is with its over 400,000 inhabitants by far the largest city in the Balearic Isles. Its architectural points of interest include the peculiar circular castle of Bellver, as well as the majestic The narrow pedestrian streets of the quaint ciudad vieja, old town, alludes to Mallorca's Arab. The Banys Arabs is one of the most interesting sights dating back to the 11th century.
The quaint old town of Alcúdia is another popular resort for especially families to visit. Alcúdia is located to the north of the island. Its well-preserved town centre has houses dating back to the 13th century, protected by a suroounding medieval wall. Alcúdia is famous for its many shops and small restaurants, as well as its 14-kilometre long beach.
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| Valldemossa, Mallorca |
Inland is another medieval town, Valldemossa. Valldemossa is a popular tourist destination offering an impression of early Spanish culture. It is known for its restaurants and scenic 13th century monastery. Other interesting rural towns on Mallorca include the scenic village of Artá. Its hilltop pilgrimage church Sant Salvador offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and coastline. The scenic village of Deià has been a favourite amongst artists and celebrities ever since the novelist Robert Graves propagated its beauty and decided to make it his home in 1929. He lived there until his death in 1985.
La Casa de Robert Graves is open for visitors. Other towns of interest on Mallorca include Sòller and Pollença.
The island has two mountain ranges, the Serra de Tramuntana and the Serres de Llevant. The Serra de Tramuntana holds the two highest peaks, the inaccessible Puig Major within a military zone at 1,445 metres, and the neighbouring peak of Puig de Massanella at 1,364 metres. The Serra de Tramuntana is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural landscape. Having more precipitation than the rest of the island, the Serra de Tramuntana has since feudal times had an intricate system of agricultural terraces and water provision in the form of water mills.
Menorca
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| Puerto de Mahón, Menorca |
Mahón, or Maó, is the capital of Menorca. It has roughly 30,000 inhabitants and is located on the southeastern side of the island. Sights of interest include the Teatro Principal de Mahón, one of the oldest theatres in Spain. The Museo de Menorca will take visitors through the islands Talayotic period. The Puerto Mahón is the place people go out for dinner and enjoyment.
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| Puerto de Ciutadella, Menorca |
Ciutadella is the ancient capital of Menorca. About 30,000 inhabitants live in this quaint little city on the western coast of the island. It was founded by the Carthaginians and has served as the island's spiritual centre continuously since the 4th century. The festival of Saint John, the town's patron saint, takes place every year on the 23 and 24 of June. Interesting sights include the Saint Mary's Cathedral, located on the island's highest point, the Puerto de Menorca, with its anchored boats and fine eateries.
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| Cala Macarella |
Around the island of Menorca there are many scenic coves, such as the Cala Macarella, Cala Pregonda, Cala Turqueta, Cala del Pilar or Cala Algaierens. Cala Macarella has the reputation for being one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, whereas Cala Pregonda is known for its unusual yellow rocks. Some of the calas are less accessible, but offers more privacy. Cala Macarelleta is more secluded, as it requires a 40-minute walk from Cala Macarella. This beach is not officially, but de facto a naturist beach. Cala Turqueta has no wheelchair access. Throughout the island there is an abundance of beaches and coves to explore for your preferred blend of amenities and privacy.
Ibiza
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| Island of Es Vedrà |
The island of Ibiza has for the past twenty-five years been known for its dance music and clubbing scene. Therefore, it is perhaps not the primary choice of location to discover true Spain, the quintessential essence of Spanish culture. Or then again, maybe it is. There is obviously another side to Ibiza than night-long rave parties. For one, you could visit the island in winter and take you time to explore some of the historical sites, such as the Dalt Vila. This fortified old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Off the island's southwest coast, there is also the natural park on the small uninhabited island of Es Vedrà. You can access and explore the unique wildlife of this small island by boat.
Formentera
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| Formentera Beach |
South of Ibiza is the small island of Formentera. It is often referred to as Ibiza's sister island. However, its character is completely different. Whereas Ibiza is loud and brash, Formentera is a quiet retreat. It was discovered in the 1960s as a hippie destination. All the beaches are naturist, but apart from that, Formentera does not have any of the debauchery of its more (in)famous sister island. Formentera has no airport and is only accessible by boat, or ferry from Ibiza. The whole island has no more than 10,000 inhabitants with about 2,000 of them living in the capital, the village of Sant Francesc Xavier.
