Get Away to The Balearic Islands…
With their own cuisine, culture & history, a holiday in the Balearic Islands is distinctly different from mainland Spain – here’s why:
– Amongst Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, the Balearics are well set up for a getaway.
– From Sobrassada to lobster stew, the distinctive Balearic cuisine is enough reason to travel to the islands alone. The local diet includes lots of seafood, pastries, wine & cheese.
– The islands appeal to people of all ages – from beach-loving kids, to party-loving teens, those seeking luxury and relaxation as well as those seeking a more active break.
– Popular activities in the islands include yachting in Ibiza, mountain biking & hiking in Mallorca and sports including golf & tennis – tennis great Rafael Nadal hails from Mallorca.
– With very little rain and many sunshine hours throughout the year, it’s always a good time to visit the Balearics and take advantage of the Mediterranean climate.
Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera & More…
Made up of many islands – big and small – the main Balearic Islands frequently visited by tourists include Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Some of the minor islands include Es Vedrà, Sa Conillera, Dragonera, S’Espardell, Ses Bledes, Santa Eulària, Plana, Foradada, Tagomago & Na Redona. Home to over 1 million people, the islands are a melting pot of nationalities – popular with South Americans, Moroccans, Italians, Germans & Brits for decades. Mallorca, the largest island, is home to around 80% of the native population. Palma de Mallorca’s airport – unsurprisingly – is one of Spain’s busiest.
Highlights of the Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands really have it all, and there are plenty of places to experience here. Each of the islands has something of its own personality; Mallorca has the most variety, Ibiza is high-octane, and Menorca is famously the most laid-back. With unique reasons to visit each, choosing the island you want to get away to can be near impossible. Luckily, despite some subtle cultural differences, the islands also have a lot in common. Highlights of the Balearic Islands you can find on all of them include crystal clear blue water and white sandy beaches that look almost Caribbean. You’ll also be able to find family-friendly resorts and adults-only hotels on each of the islands too. Whichever island you end up choosing, you’re sure to fall in love with the Balearics…
Where’s the best spot to holiday in the Balearic Islands?
With so many possible holiday destinations, we thought we’d help narrow it down for you. It’s entirely possible that we – as one of the premier luxury resorts in the Balearic Islands – could be accused of a certain level of bias. But truthfully, there are many, many options for great places to holiday in the Balearics. Here is a shortlist of five to consider:
- The Tramuntana Mountains; Call us biased, but the location of the Castell Son Claret – high in the dramatic and beautiful Tramuntana Mountains – is tough to beat. For those that love active breaks, there’s no better place for hiking and biking in the Balearic Islands. Equally, there’s no nicer place to relax away from the noisier parts of the islands, secluded in some of Mallorca’s stunning nature. You can also get some high quality, Michelin-starred food up here. Ours isn’t the only luxury resort in the Tramuntana Mountains, but it might just be the best.
- Palma; The capital of Mallorca and the largest city in the Balearic Islands, Palma is a great choice for the city breakers and sightseers. Palma’s airport welcomes 29 million people per year, and while many go around the island to the beach resorts, many also stay in the city itself. With good reason; highlights of Palma include the breath-taking La Seu – Palma’s Cathedral – and the Arab Baths. Bellver Castle and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina are also worth visiting. Shopping, culture and a wide variety of restaurants round off the great reasons to visit Palma.
- Port de Sóller; Away from the busier resorts in southern Mallorca – Magaluf and the like – you can find calm and relaxation by the sea at Port de Sóller. A pretty bay bookended by two lighthouses, visitors can enjoy a relaxing day on the sandy beach. An elegant, century-old Tramway connects the inland town of Sóller with the port & beachfront, and trips up to the hills south of the town provide an unforgettable view of this sweet holiday destination.
- Western Ibiza; One of the most sought-after destinations for party-lovers for over 20 years, Ibiza also has a softer side to explore. The west of the island is the best of both worlds. The town of Sant Antoni de Portmany was described by Time Out as ”the clubbing capital of the universe”, but along the coast, in quieter areas, you’ll also find luxury hotels & resorts. Somewhere every young person should experience at least once, Western Ibiza has it all.
- Mahon; The laid-back capital of Menorca is perfect for anyone that want’s a little bit of everything. Not busy enough to be hectic like Palma or the busier parts of Ibiza, Mahon (also known as Maó) still has lots to see and do, with plenty of castles & market squares to wander through. One of the largest natural harbours in the world, boat-lovers will find paradise in Mahon. The port city is also great for seafood, and is home to Mahon cheese and – allegedly – the birthplace of mayonnaise.
With so many great holiday destinations to choose from, we wish you a wonderful holiday in the Balearic Islands – wherever you decide to go, we’re certain you’ll want to come back again and again!