This group of islands is divided into Gimnesias (Mallorca, Menorca and Cabrera) in the North, and Pitiusas (Ibiza y Formentera) in the South-West.
Their excellent climate with some 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. There are more passengers at the airport of Palma de Mallorca than at the airport of any other Spanish city.
Hardly anybody who has spent holidays here didn't wish to return, in fact, many visitors have made the islands their permanent home. Each of the islands has a strong personality all of its own, and each of them offers much more but the possibility to spend nice holidays at the beach ...
Mallorca
Mallorca (English: Majorca) is a Mediterranean island of stunning natural beauty. Its early reputation for cheap mass tourism emerged from the large scale developments on the island's south west coast.
Early resorts which remain popular today include Magaluf and Palma Nova to the west of Palma and Can Pastilla to the east.
In more recent times Mallorca has reinvented itself with an emphasis on more upmarket tourism with visitors encouraged to explore the island's beautiful coastline and interior. The east coast of Mallorca consists of more than fifty secluded coves of enormous beauty. Cala Millor or Cala Bona are ideal bases from which to discover this region.
Mallorca's north east coast has an enormous bay which is home to the popular resorts of Can Picafort and Alcudia. Nearer the island's most northerly point at Cap de Formentor is Puerto Pollensa which has long been a favourite with holidaymakers. This whole area is very popular with cyclists, walkers and birdwatchers.
The Serra de Tramuntana is the mountain range running parallel with Mallorca's north west coast. The rugged terrain and mountain peaks present quite a contrast with the gentle east coast. It's well worth renting a car and heading out to Soller, Deia and Valldemossa as well as the lesser know villages inland.
Mallorca has something for everyone and the island will have you coming back year after year.
Menorca
Smaller and quieter than its neighbour Mallorca, Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic islands. Situated just 21 miles from Mallorca , the island of Menorca has many family-friendly resorts and almost as many beaches as Mallorca and Ibiza combined.
Peaceful holiday resorts line the south coast of Menorca and a string of quiet fishing villages are along the island s rougher northern shore. There are plenty of tourism and tourist information offices situated in the towns of Menorca, providing current information about local Menorca tourist attractions, beaches, museums, local events and festivals, sightseeing and general Menorca tourist information.
It has a current population of around 68,000. Compared to its neighbor island Mallorca, it is of course lesser in size and has a more hushed environment. This is probably the main reason why many wholesome family holidays are geared towards this tranquil island. It follows that a lot of family-friendly resorts are situated in the island, most of them at the southern shoreline
Over the years, Menorca has undergone very minimal changes. It has certainly been sheltered from the effects of development. It has successfully avoided becoming a full-blown urbanized and tourist-stricken land mass.
Ibiza
Ibiza, the smallest of the three Balearic Islands, attracts thousands of people from all over Europe every year. Lying near its bigger sister Mallorca, Ibiza itself is an internationally leading tourist destination. Nicknamed the capital of electronic music, Ibiza has one of the best nightlife offers of Europe with several discos, bars and night clubs which have gained international reputation particularly because of the numerous intense dance music sessions and parties held during the summer months.
Nevertheless, the island of Ibiza is internationally known not only because of its non-stop party atmosphere, but also for its cultural and natural features. A great part of the island is listed under the United Nations World Heritage Sites. The treasures underlying this land are innumerable. Inland from the coastline, the traditional scenery of many villages and remote country houses and villas has remained intact, retaining the unique character of this island.
Ibiza is also the perfect destination for those seeking to enjoy of water sports, as surf, snorkeling and scuba diving, especially after spending time on the beach during those sun-drenched days. The island has several sport facilities along its striking seashore and many tourists and locals use this great opportunity to cool themselves down when the sun is really burning.
Immerse yourself in Ibiza, its unique culture, beautiful beaches, wild nightlife and friendly people - this unforgettable island boasts with both active and relaxing options, leaving anybody out of breath. No matter what you like, Ibiza will definitely delight you.
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