The Balearic Islands Guide | Spain Travel | Rough Guides Europe » Spain » The Balearic Islands East of the Spanish mainland, the four chief Balearic Islands – Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca – maintain a character distinct from the rest of Spain and from each other. Ibiza is wholly unique, its capital Ibiza Town is loaded with historic interest and a draw for thousands of clubbers and gay visitors, while the north of the island has a distinctly bohemian character. Tiny Formentera has even better beaches than its neighbour and makes up in rustic charm what it lacks in cultural interest. Mallorca , the largest and best-known Balearic, battles with its image as an island of little more than sun, booze and high-rise hotels. In reality, you’ll find all the clichés, most of them crammed into the mega-resorts of the Bay of Palma and the east coast, but there’s lots more besides: mountains, lovely old towns, some beautiful coves, and the Balearics’ one real city, Palma . Mallorca is, in fact, the one island in the group you might come to other than for beaches and nightlife, with scope for plenty of hiking.

And finally, to the east, there’s Menorca – more subdued in its clientele, and here, at least, the modern resorts are kept at a safe distance from the two main towns, the capital Maó , which boasts the deepest harbour in the Med, and the charming, pocket-sized port of Ciutadella . Access to the islands is easy from Britain and mainland Spain, with plenty of bargain-priced flights in summer, though in winter only Mallorca is really well connected. In addition, ferries and catamarans link Barcelona, Valencia and Denia with the islands, and there are plenty of inter-island ferries, too, though these can be pricey and fully booked in summer. The main fly in the ointment is cost: as prime “holiday islands”, the Balearics charge considerably above mainland prices for rooms and eating out can be expensive. Rental cars can also be hard to come by at this time. Travelling around by bus, moped, scooter and bicycle are all perfectly feasible, but note that car-rental companies do not allow their vehicles to be taken from one island to another.

Catalan is spoken throughout the Balearics, and each of the three main islands has a different dialect, though locals all speak Castilian (Spanish). For the visitor, confusion arises from the difference between the islands’ road signs and street names – which are almost exclusively in Catalan – and many of the maps on sale, which are in Castilian. In particular, note that Menorca now calls its capital Maó rather than Mahón, while both the island and town of Ibiza are usually referred to as Eivissa. In this chapter we give the Catalan name for towns, beaches and streets, except for Ibiza and Ibiza Town which are not widely known by their Catalan names outside Spain. The Balearic Islands Balearic Islands Spain Balearic Islands Spain Valencia Carole Visit the lovely Balearic Islands Spain! Balearic Islands Spain ~ Majorca , Menorca and Ibiza … Just a ferry-ride away from the port of Valencia and easy to reach from the city of Valencia . The islands are also close to the ports of Alicante and Denia in the region of Valencia . The beautiful city of Palma , capital of the island and also of the Balearic Islands, is a must to visit.

In March 2015 the Sunday Times wrote that Palma de Mallorca is the best place to live in the world. Balearic Islands Spain ~ Palma de Mallorca The historic center of Palma is full of narrow, winding streets, shops and restaurants and the beautiful Palace of the Almudena. Not far awa is the 14th Century Gothic Cathedral which towers over the waterfront and marina ~ Read More >> Fights to Majorca Hire A Car And Fall In Love With Majorca! Vineyards and orange and lemon groves are in abundance. Pine forests, mountain ranges and fertile valleys are there to explore. The marina stretches far along the promenade and is overflowing with beautiful yachts. Cafes and restaurants line the marina and you can book into one of the nearby hotels and have everything on your doorstep. If you want to see the best of Majorca, it’s a good idea to hire a car and visit the inland villages and various beach resorts along the way. ( Read More ) Balearic Islands Spain ~ Menorca The island of Menorca is very peaceful so great for those who want to laze in the sun and re-charge their batteries.

The south of the island boasts lovely sandy beaches and on the rockier northern coast are traditional fishing villages. The two main towns are Maó which is the capital and Cuitadella which was once the ancient capital of the island. The island is full of hotels, villas and apartments and easy to explore by car or with public transport. ( Read More ) Villas in Menorca Balearic Islands Spain ~ Ibiza The lovely island of Ibiza is the nearest to the mainland and even closer from the port of Denia and Alicante . The island is small and very beautiful and notorious for it’s amazing nightlife which took off in the 1960s. As well as being famous for having the the best nightclubs there is also a more peaceful and very beautiful side to the island. ( Read More ) Ferry To and From Valencia to Balearic Islands Spain There are many ferries leaving from the port of Valencia for the Balearic Islands. This can be a very enjoyable way of combining a city break to Valencia with a trip to one of the beautiful Balearic Islands.

There are very fast ferries from Valencia and Denia to the islands of Majorca and Ibiza from Valencia and you can be in Ibiza in 90mins. Read More & Book Tickets >> Balearic Islands Spain ~ Food, Drinks & Language The food and drinks have a lot in common with the dishes and ingredients used in the region of Valencia and neighboring Catalunya. The Castilian language is the main language in Spain and although often used in Valencia, the local language of Valencian is widely used in speaking and in street signs. Some Valencians say the Valencian language is a separate language to Catalan but many say it ‘s a variation of the language. Catalan is widely used throughout Valencia, Barcelona and also in the Balearic Islands and Andorrra. To a lesser extent it’s also used in Aragon (La Franja) and Murcia (Carche) and in the Roussillon region of southern France.

Where To Stay … Balearic Islands Airports Compare Prices on Flights to Ibiza Airport Balearic Island Airports: Mallorca Mallorca has two airports, Palma de Mallorca Airport (airport code: PMI or LEPA) and Son Bonet Airport (airport code: LESB). Only Palma de Mallorca Airport has international flights. Compare Prices on Flights to Mallorca Airport Balearic Island Airports: Menorca Menorca has two airports, Menorca Airport (airport code: MAH or LEMH) and San Luis Aerodrome (airport code: LESL). Only Menorca Airport has international flights. Compare Prices on Flights to Menorca Airport Balearic Island Airports: Formentera Formentera does not have its own airport. To get to Formentera, you will need to take a ferry. There are ferries to Formentera from Denia (on the mainland) and Ibiza. Spain Islands, Islands of Spain Online Quiz Islands of Spain The Balearic island and the Canary Islands are the two major island groups in Spain. Balearic Islands lies on the Mediterranean Sea , where as the Canary Islands lie on the Atlantic Sea.

Spain is surrounded by water bodies on all the four sides. Mediterranean sea is to the south and east of Spain, Bay of Biscay is to the North of Spain and the Atlantic Sea flows to the west of Spain. The Balearic Island in Spain is known as the Mediterranean Paradise and is primarily divided into two parts, one in the north and the other in the south west. The northern part is known as Gimnesias , which comprises of Menorca. Mallorca and Cabrera . The other part in the south west is known as Pitiusas which comprises of Formentera and Ibiza. Balearic Islands of Spain have wonderful beaches. In this group of Islands is the famous Ibiza Island which has an area of 541 sq. km. Ibiza is often referred to as the " White island" . Ibiza in the Balearic Islands of Spain has been an important tourist spot since 1960s. The beaches and Ibiza in itself is marked for its hippie culture and nudist approach. There are many discotheques in Ibiza where young people flock in great numbers , and the beaches and the discotheques are famous for there hep nightlife culture.

The interior of the Ibizian island s still holds the Mediterranean culture which is evident from the Ses Fontelles Wall paintings. The Palma de Mallorca is the nearest airport to Ibiza. One can find shuttle cars to and from the airport and Ibiza. The Canary Island in Spain is on the Atlantic Sea . This Spanish Island had its origin from the volcanoes. The climate experience here is sub tropical. This island comprises of seven smaller islands and are divided into two provinces. The two provinces are Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife . The Las Palmas constitutes of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. Tenerife,Gomera, Hierro and La Palma falls under the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Province. Balearic Islands August 3ï¿½ 14, 2012 The Balearic Islands, or Islas Baleares in Spanish, consist of four main islands ï¿½ Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera ï¿½ and many smaller islets. The islands are under Spanish sovereignty. The westernmost islands are less than 50 miles east of the Spanish mainland. They are low-lying with sandy bays.

The islands run to the northeast and become higher in elevation and rocky. Most of the islands have highly indented shorelines with numerous calas ï¿½ coves ï¿½ for swimming or boating. We arrived in the Balearics at Porto Colom on Mallorca. Mallorca August 3-9, 2012 Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands. It is 62 miles long and 47 miles wide. The north and east coasts are mountainous with numerous coves, and the south coast has rolling hills and sandy beaches. The central plain is flat with large areas of fertile agricultural terrain. Mallorca has one large port ï¿½ Palma. Mallorca has been inhabited for at least 6,000 years. Archeological evidence suggests that the inhabitants included the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Greeks. The Romans conquered Mallorca in 123 BC and remained until the 5th century AD. After the decline of the Roman Empire, the Vandals invaded and used the island as a base for pirates and Corsairs.

The Moors arrived in the 10th century and brought prosperity with the development of Palma. Irrigation and agriculture was improved across the island. However, King Jaime I drove the Moors out in 1229. That is when the Catalan language was introduced ï¿½ the primary language throughout the Balearics. The 13th to 15th centuries were a time of great growth on Mallorca, but Spain turned her attention to the New World and somewhat forgot about her Mediterranean possessions. Mallorca experienced frequent pirate attacks, but gradual growth continued. Today Mallorcaï¿½s coastline is overrun with tourism and its infrastructure. One must look hard to see past it. Porto Colom August 3ï¿½4, 2012 We had a somewhat chaotic landfall at Porto Colom. The winds were increasing, the seas were bumpy, and we had a narrow entrance channel ahead of us. As we approached, we saw a power boat come out, make a few circles, and go back in. Then he came out again. His driving was a bit erratic, and it made it difficult for us to plan a course in to the port.

But we got around him and in the entrance channel. Then we had four kayaks to contend with. There was one adult and three children in the kayaks, and none were wearing PFDs. The winds were too much for one of the kids, and he was out of control. The other kayaks were trying to help him, but they were scattered about the channel ï¿½ in front of us no matter which way we turned. We still had 20 knots of wind blowing us down. But we dodged those obstacles as well, and the power boat passed us as he returned to port again. We hoped that this was not telling of experiences to come. We had already decided that we would pick up a mooring in Porto Colom, but it was a bit more difficult than we had anticipated. There are no pennants on the moorings, so one has to get their line through the loop on top of the ball. This, too, got a bit messy (Nita was bruised and Bud was bleeding before we were secured), but we got it done. Later in the day, we saw that an employee of the marina comes out and helps boats, but we were too early in the morning.

Our mooring cost us 33 Euros ï¿½ the equivalent of $41.25 per night. We chose to make landfall at Porto Colom because we thought we could find a Vodafone store there to get our telephone activated and internet service established. Wrong. The nearest Vodafone store is in Felanitx about eight miles inland, so we hired a taxi. The drive was pretty. We passed through agricultural lands to a depressed appearing town. The Vodafone store had a SIM card for our phone but not for the internet. We would have to go to another store at a substantial distance to get it. We gave up. We returned to Porto Colom and did a bit of food shopping at a pleasant little market a block up from the coast. The people were friendly and helpful. We walked around town a bit and scouted out the fueling situation. We decided we were too tired to enjoy a meal out, so we returned to the boat. Porto Petro August 4ï¿½8, 2012 We did not know if/when we would find fuel again before Gibralter, so we decided to top up our tanks before leaving Porto Colom.

We took on 76 gallons at the equivalent of $6.76 USD per gallon. That is the least we have paid for diesel in some time. One of the first things we noticed as we traveled down the coast is the clean air. This is the cleanest air we have seen since we have been in the Med. A very refreshing change! Mallorcaï¿½s southeast coast is highly convoluted, and there are calas all along it that offer anchorage to boats. We traveled 7 miles in the next 1 ï¿½ hours, and we looked in to twelve calas, but we could not find a place to anchor. We looked at Calas 1) Mitjana, 2) Serena, 3) Ferrera, 4) Esmeralda, 5) Gran, 6) dï¿½Or, 7) dï¿½es Pous, 8) de sa Galera, 9) dï¿½Egos, 10) del Llamp, 11) se sa Torre, and 12) dï¿½els Homos Morts.

Each was either already overcrowded with boats or it had been roped off for swimming. We had been cautioned that the crowding here would be a problem, but we really were not prepared for the masses of boats and bodies that we found. a chilly swim at Porto Petrol So we went in to Porto Petro (which ironically does not sell fuel), and we picked up a mooring in Cala del Mats (our 13th cala of the day). These moorings are managed by a local marina (Reial Club Nautic Portopetro), and it cost the equivalent of $31.25 per day. The cala itself is pretty. It is rocky with a few caves. There are beautiful, but not overly ostentatious, homes built along the shore. There are about twenty moorings installed in the cala. The town was less appealing. It is very touristy. We did not see much local color. And we had a lousy introduction to Spanish food in Porto Petro. We had a mixed tapa plate and seafood paella at one of the overpriced waterfront restaurants, and both were quite poor. We will have to try again elsewhere.

We decided we needed a boat chore day before moving on, so we took it. Then some weather blew in, and we took a weather day. The weather lingered, and we ended up staying four nights. Our last night was very rolly, so we were determined to get out of there at the earliest opportunity. We left the next day headed for the southeast corner of the island. Cala Caragol August 8-9, 2012 11 miles in 2 hours The winds and seas were both a bit uncomfortable when we left Porto Petrol, but we were headed downwind, so they were manageable. The seas calmed slightly as we approached Punta Salinas, the southeast tip of the island, and they calmed quickly as we rounded the point. We headed to Cala Caragol ï¿½ a shallow anchorage only one mile around the point. We planned to spend the night and then get a pre-dawn start toward Ibiza the next day. The anchorage was a large open bay, and there were at least thirty boats there. Closer to shore was a swim area, and there were a few people on shore. It was basically a parking lot.

About an hour after we anchored, we noticed that a large charter boat behind us was having problems weighing their anchor. They tried all that they could while staying on the boat, but no one got in the water to look at the problem. We assumed that they did not have a mask and snorkel on board. They started waving at boats to attract attention, and they were asking for help, so we launched our dinghy and went over. Nita managed the dinghy and communicated with the crew while Bud snorkeled the situation. We were able to direct them to unwrap themselves from a large rock, and Bud dove down and put a line on the anchor. He gave it a good jerk, and it was free. Needless to say, they were very grateful, and we were pleased to have helped them. This anchorage also got a bit rolly as the evening progressed, but it was never bad. We were able to sleep, and we got up at 0430 to head west to Ibiza. Ibiza beautiful northwest coast of Ibiza August 9ï¿½12, 2012 We left Mallorca pre-dawn with light winds and small seas.

We motorsailed about half the distance to Ibiza before the winds filled in enough for us to sail. We soon had 14 knots on the beam, and we had a very nice sail to the northeast corner of Ibiza. We traveled 73 miles in 12 ï¿½ hours. Ibiza is the most westerly of the Balearic Islands. It is only 50 miles east of Cabo de la Nao on the mainland of Spain. It is 26 miles long by 16 miles wide, and it covers an area of 22 square miles. The northern half and the southwest extremity are mountainous. Inland it is green and fertile, and it has many pine forests. Ibiza has been inhabited since the early Bronze Age. Phoenicians and Carthaginians inhabited the island in the first millennium BC, and the city of Ibiza was founded in the 6th century BC by the Carthaginians. Roman occupation brought prosperity, but raids by Vandals were common after the fall of Rome. The island was subsequently occupied by the Moors then forces from Catalonia and Aragon. It became a Spanish province in 1714.

Ibiza backed Franco during the Spanish Civil War. It was occupied for six weeks, and it suffered considerable damage. The population of Ibiza is 72,000. More than one third of them live in the capital city of Eivissa. The island is experiencing a decline in agriculture and an increase in tourism, and there are tourist accommodations for another 65,000. This is a very popular tourist island ï¿½ especially with the young party crowd. . It is known for its tolerance of alternative lifestyles. Cala Portinatx August 9-10, 2012 We arrived on Ibiza at Cala Portinatx. It is a small and secure bay, and it appears to cater to tourists with families. We went ashore, and we found no local culture. It looked just like all the other tourist areas we have been in. We did some minor grocery shopping and had dinner ashore. The anchorage became quite crowded by sundown, but that is the norm in this area. We planned to move on the next morning. Puerto de San Antonio August 10ï¿½12, 2012 We headed southwest toward Puerto de San Antonio.

This was a spectacularly beautiful stretch of coastline. It was mostly steep cliff faces with caves, isolated sandy beaches, and only a few houses. Very nice. We traveled 17 miles in 3 hours and 20 minutes. Puerto de San Antonio is a deep bay that is partially protected by a breakwater. It has a large area for anchoring, but much of it also contains the occasional private mooring ball that complicates swinging to an anchor. But we found some space and anchored just off the Hotel Hawaii. more of Ibiza's northwest coast We found the young party crowd in town in Puerto de San Antonio. From what we heard, it seems most of these revelers are English. There are numerous discos where just the cost of admission is between $75 and $100 per person, and we have no idea what they might charge for a drink once inside. Not a lot of clothing is worn, and body and face painting is very popular. And much of it was surprisingly well done! Lots of drinking. And we saw a few carnival-type rides with the most outrageous one being a sling-shot ï¿½ like a reverse bungy jump. The intrepid sit in a seat while elastic bands are stretched upward.

When the seat is released, it shoots skyward and bounces up and down a few times. No, we did not do it. We did find a Vodafone shop in town. We got a SIM card and had internet access again. We had access to weather information again, and we were able to make our plans to move on. We wanted to repair our steaming light on the mast, and it turned in to an all-day project that required a few trips to the chandlery in town. As we returned to the boat in the late afternoon, we saw that our anchor had dragged. This is our first time ever! Passage was well below where she had been, and she was dangerously close to the boat behind us. Fortunately, the owner of that boat was an experienced boater, and he knew how to manage the situation until we returned. We quickly got the anchor reset, apologized profusely, and thanked our neighbor for his quick actions. We think we know what happened, but we will never be sure. Donï¿½t want that to happen again! The anchorage had become quite crowded, but it was late in the day. We decided to stay a second night before heading to the next island of Formentera.

Formentera August 12ï¿½14, 2012 We traveled 28 miles in 5 ï¿½ hours, and we motored the entire distance. We had to cross a shallow and rocky bar off the west coast of Ibiza, and we both held our breath for a few seconds. Sometimes it is difficult to trust the depths stated on your charts when the water is exceptionally clear. But we watched our depth sounder carefully, and we made it without bumping. We headed southeast toward Formentera. This, too, was a very nice stretch of coastline, but it paled in comparison to the coast only slightly further north. We passed a few dramatic rocky islands, and we headed away from Ibiza. Isla Espalmador is a small island just north of Formentera. The two are separated only by a small pass. Espalmador is only 1 ï¿½ miles long and less than one mile wide. Formentera is 10 miles long and 8 miles wide. There is no development on Espalmador, and there is one small town on Formentera. We arrived in the north on Espalmador. There were boats as far as we could see.

Hundreds? More? There were dinghys and jet skis racing around the anchorage creating wakes in all directions. This was not looking good. We thought we would go further south and find a quieter anchorage. We continued south and found a continuous mass of boats. There must have been at least 1,000 of them. But after passing the harbor on Formentera, there were only a few boats in a large anchorage. We dropped our anchor, and within a minute or two, a large dinghy approached and told us that this area was part of a local seagrass project and anchoring was prohibited. Because of language issues, we did not learn why a few other boats were anchored there. We headed back to the masses on Formentera. they would still be gorgeous without the body paint We anchored in the best spot we could find, and we watched with incredulity as idiots raced around endangering themselves and others. And our plan was to spend four nights there before heading to Gibralter! We needed to rethink that plan. The early hours of the night were quite rolly, but it calmed by morning. The roll was just from the boats and jet skis racing around.

It settled a few hours after they stopped. We went to the small town on Formentera the next day, and we found nothing of any interest at all. It was a mass of tourists getting on boats to go out for day cruises. We wanted out of there. Our plan had been to sail directly from Formentera to Gibralter, but we changed it to go to the mainland of Spain. From the mainland, we could either coast hop our way down or do it in one run. But it would get us out of Formentera. So we spent a second night ï¿½ again very rolly in the early hours ï¿½ and left before dawn for mainland Spain . Follow us to mainland Spain Balearic Islands - Guide to the Spanish Balearic Islands Balearic Islands Guide to the Spanish Balearic Islands, a group off the country's eastern coast. Guide to the Spanish Balearic Islands Balearic Islands - A small group of islands located just off the eastern coast of Spain, the Balearic Islands are only 51 miles from the Spanish mainland.

The Balearic Islands cover and area of 5,000 km2 and comprise 4 main islands plus some smaller islands, and together form an autonomous region of Spain . The largest of the Balearics is Mallorca (Majorca) with an area of 3,640 km2, the other main islands in order of size are Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera . The Balearic Islands enjoy a fabuolous Mediterranean climate, with hot summers alleviated by cooling sea breezes, making perfect holiday weather, and of course the Balearics do attract millions of holidaymakers and tourists each year. Locations vary from quiet Menorca beaches to rowdy Ibiza nightclubs and discos, so there is really something for holidaymakers of all tastes and ages. The history of the Balearic Islands of course goes back many centuries and their strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea between Africa and Europe have made them a target for invasion and conquest since early times in man’s history.

It is thought that the earliest settlers arrived from the mainland (Iberian Peninsular) in around 4000 BC and artefacts and tools have been uncovered in caves, from about this time, these early settlers would have been hunters and shepherds. Early settlers in Menorca were the Beaker People, a well known race of Western European settlers, who acquired their name due to their custom of burying their dead in the company of pottery beakers. The Phoenicians arrived in the Balearic Islands in around 1000 BC and established a trading settlement in the north of Menorca called ‘Sanisera’ which became part of their important Mediterranean route. A little later came the Greeks, who explored but did not settle in the islands due to the hostile nature of the inhabitants. The name of the islands is thought to be derived from the Greek ‘ballein’ which means ‘to throw with a sling’, the sling-shot being the chosen weapon of the native islanders. In the 7th Century BC the Carthaginians arrived, they established a fortified settlement in Ibiza called ‘Eivissa’, and history tells that the famous Hannibal (of elephant fame) was actually born in Ibiza.

The Romans took Ibiza in 146 BC and Menorca and Mallorca in 123 BC and the islands were re-named Balearis Major (Mallorca), Balearis Minor (Menorca) and Ebusus (Ibiza). The Roman occupation brought stability and wealth to the islands together with an organised society, roads and communications were improved and vineyards were planted for the production of wine. The decline of the Roman Empire led to invasion by the Vandals in 425 and later by the Byzantines under Belisarius. The Balearic Islands fell under Moorish control in the 10th Century, somewhat later than most of the Spanish mainland, when forces under the Emir of Cordoba conquered Mallorca and Menorca. The Moors remained in the islands for three centuries and changed their appearance with their architecture and irrigation methods. Christian forces under Jaime I arrived and conquered Mallorca in 1229 and later Menorca fell to Alfonso III in 1287 after which the islands fell into economic decline.

The Balearics remained under Spanish control until the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714), when Britain supporting the Hapsburgs, took control of the harbour at Maó (Mahon) for the Royal Navy and then subsequently the whole of Menorca. Menorca briefly came under French control in 1756 but was returned to Britain in exchange for the Phillippines and Cuba in 1763. By way of the Treaty of Amiens in 1802, Menorca was finally given back to Spain. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) the Balearic Islands were split politically when Menorca and Ibiza sided with the Republicans, while Mallorca sided with the Nationalists. After the death of Franco in 1975, Spain underwent a process of decentralization and in 1983 the Balearics became an autonomous region of Spain, known as the Comunidad Autónoma de las Islas Baleares. The capital of the Balearic Islands is Palma de Mallorca. An already thriving tourist industry grew considerably during the following years, boosting the ecomomy of the islands and bringing prosperity to its inhabitants.

The Balearic Islands have also seen a large influx of foreign property buyers, seeking that perfect holiday home in the sun, many have chosen to settle on the islands permanently. Mallorca is by far the most visited of the islands, and it has some busy coastal resorts such as Magaluf, Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa, Porto Colom, Santa Ponsa, Cala Millor and Palma Nova. The Balearic Islands today is a wonderful location to visit, with a reliable climate. plenty of fine beaches, lots of interesting places to visit and widely varying locations, The people of the islands are friendly and welcoming and many speak good English especially in the bigger resorts. Flights to the islands are readily available and economically priced and ferries are available from the Spanish mainland via ports such as Denia, Alicante, Barcelona and Valencia. So why not take a trip to the beautiful Balearic Islands some time soon.

Balearic Islands - Dream Yacht Charter UK Balearic Islands > Destinations > Balearic Islands Whether you prefer lounging on the beach or engaging in water sports, visiting the islands’ nature parks or touring archaeological ruins, winery hopping or clubbing at exclusive local nightspots, there’s something for everyone in the Balearic Islands. Forms The Balearic Islands are among the most popular sites in the western Mediterranean. You know the ones: Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. Their long history stretches back to the ancient civilizations of Greece and Phoenicia, and there are traces of human habitation going back nearly 8,000 years. Too mainstream? The archipelago also contains many smaller islands, including Cabrera, just waiting to be explored. When the sun goes down, Ibiza becomes the world capital of colorful lights and beachfront dancing. There are also plenty of wineries on the Balearic Islands, and wine has been produced on these islands since Roman times. Looking to commune with nature? The four large islands alone have over 360 golden beaches.

There are also several mysterious caves throughout the region, including the famous “Dragon Caves” on Majorca with their underground lake. The Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park is home to many species of seabirds, and its waters teem with dolphins, whales and other marine life. Documents A passport issued within the past 10 years and valid for 3 months beyond your planned length of stay is required for British, Canadian, Australian, U.S. and other nationals from outside the European Union (EU). EU nationals traveling from one border-free Schengen country to another are not required to show a passport or national identification card, but carrying a valid passport or ID card is recommended. Possession of a return ticket to your home country may also be required for entry into Spain. Note: You may asked to present documentation related to the purpose of your trip, your return flight, yacht reservation and proof that you have sufficient funds for your stay upon your entry into Spain. Most travelers from Britain, Canada, Australia and the United States staying less than 90 days aren’t required to obtain a visa. To determine whether you will need a visa, contact the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate.

Various types of visas are available to travelers: tourist, business, and transit visas. No special precautions or vaccinations are required. The Balearic Islands have a robust public and private health-care system . For a medical emergency or other emergency, dial the Spanish emergency services at 112. Pharmacies, called farmacias, have large red or green crosses on their signs. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and drink plenty of water. The local tap water is safe for drinking, bathing and dishwashing Language: Catalan and Spanish Religion: Catholic Cover bare legs and shoulders when visiting churches and historic religious sites. The dress code is casual, but some nightclubs and restaurants require jacket and tie. Bars and restaurants in the larger cities stay open year-round, but some bars and restaurants in the tourist resort areas open only for the summer. Locals take a siesta between 1300 and 1730 hours, though many shops and restaurants in the main tourist areas stay open all day. Currency: Euro (€) Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express are usually accepted ATMs: Most are linked to Cirrus and Plus systems (confirm your ability to use your ATM card overseas with your bank).

Traveler’s Checks: No Duty-Free, Bans, and Other Information Duty-Free and Basic Customs: Spain’s largest duty-free shop is located at the Son Sant Joan airport in Palma, Majorca, stays open year-round and sells popular brand-name items as well as a wide range of locally produced goods. Any amount over 10,000 euros (€), or the equivalent in any currency, taken into or out of Spain must be declared. Bans and Other Important Information: Export of endangered species without a permit is banned. The importation of meat and dairy products from outside the EU, unauthorized firearms and ammunition is also banned. Time Europe/Madrid time zone. Standard UTC/Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +1. Daylight saving time UTC/GMT +2. In Europe, daylight saving time begins on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October. Airport: There are three airports serving the Balearic Islands. Son Sant Joan (PMI) airport in Palma, Majorca, is the primary one. It is about 8 kilometers southeast of Palma.

Taxis in Palma: Fono Taxi-Phone: +34 971 728 081, Fax: +34 971 728 288 Radio Taxi-Phone: +34 971 764 545 or +34 971 755 440, Fax: +34 971 298 200 Taxi Palma Radio-Phone: +34 971 401 414, Fax: +34 971 401 010 Taxi Teléfono-Phone: +34 971 743 737 or +34 971 744 050 Tele Taxi-Phone: +34 971 200 900 Rental Cars: Various agencies are present. Booking ahead during high season (June-September) is recommended. You will need a valid driver’s license to rent a car. Seat/safety belt use is required for all occupants.

Children under age 12 cannot be seated in a front seat without using an age-appropriate child safety seat. The Balearic Islands have mild seasonal weather throughout the year. On average, there are at least 300 days of sun each year. Rain occurs mostly in winter (Oct.-Dec.), but brief showers can occur throughout the year. Temperature: Summer average high = 30°C (86°F). Winter average high = 16°C (60°F). In winter, the nighttime temperature rarely drops below 0°C (32°F). Average sea temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) in winter to 26°C (79°F) in late summer. High Season: June-September. Avoid the crowds by visiting in the spring or fall (May or October) when the daytime temperatures are still warm and sunny. Winds: The risk of strong winds is highest Oct.-April. The Scirocco (southerly in spring) and the Mistral (northwesterly in autumn) are tempered by the Gulf of Lion and bring heavy seas. The Levant is an easterly wind that blows in the western Mediterranean Sea.

Minorca is known as the island of wind due to a cool, dry north wind called the tramuntana, which makes the island popular with sailors and surfers. Sunrise/sunset: Times for the Balearic Islands may be found at Special sailing considerations while on charter: Anchoring in sand is permitted, but anchoring in seagrass (Posidonia) beds is prohibited. Where buoys are provided, you must use them. To reserve a buoy, visit Suggested Itineraries +7 Days Day 1: Walk along the cobblestone streets of Palma. Visit one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in Europe: the Palma Cathedral, known as “La Seu,” which roughly translates as “the seat” and refers to the bishop’s seat. Take in Palma’s historic atmosphere and charm before boarding at 3 pm. Stock your provisions in Palma. Dine aboard or ashore at one of Palma’s great restaurants. Spend overnight aboard. Day 2: Cala Pi has a lovely beach and clear, calm turquoise waters that is suitable for swimming and snorkeling. There is a beach bar and three restaurants in the area plus a small supermarket and a pharmacy.

Centuries ago, pirates were a problem in this area, and the remnants of a medieval watchtower still remain. This is a very popular anchorage but keep in mind that Cala Pi is a very narrow cove. Day 3: After a leisurely breakfast, set sail for Colonia Sant Jordi. Colonia is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, including Es Carbo, frequented by the Spanish royal family, and Es Trenc, a 2-mile-long natural and more isolated beach with lovely golden sand and crystal clear waters. In town, there are many popular restaurants and tapas bars along Avinguda de la Primavera (Primavera Avenue) for lunch or dinner. A good, sheltered place to anchor for the night lies between the islets of Gabina and Redona, but take care to avoid the sand banks and rocks in this area. Day 4: Sail north and enjoy the scenic coastline on the way to Cala Figuera. Known to the locals as “Little Venice,” Cala Figuera is a quaint and more secluded anchorage along the southeast coast of Majorca.

The port is still primarily a traditional fishing community with picturesque whitewashed cottages and boathouses that stretch down to the water’s edge. Eat lunch or dinner aboard and enjoy the quiet, natural setting, or try one of the local dishes at a café or restaurant near the marina. Day 5: On the turn trip from Cala Figuera, there are a number of small coves that may be accessible for anchorage in good weather. One is Calo des Moro, which has a sandy bottom and clear, turquoise water and a nice, small beach. However, there are no services available here, just a nice place to swim and snorkel. There are anchorage areas east of Colonia between the islets of Guardis and Moltona, but with the anchorages between Gabina and Redona, care must be taken to avoid sand banks. Day 6: Heading west from Colonia, you’ll discover the quiet port village of Sa Rapita. Its lovely beach, named S’Arenal de sa Rapita, stretches over half a mile from the port to the small village of Ses Covetes. A pure white, sandy beach rings turquoise blue water that is shallow and perfect for windsurfing.

A beach bar and restaurant are near the port end of the beach. Day 7: On the return trip to Palma, you’ll see the beautiful, steep cliffs of Cap Blanc with its lighthouse. Much of the coastline in this area is protected and has not fallen prey to development. Rocky inlets and secluded coves dot the landscape. Calo des Cap d’Alt and Cala de Cap Falco are two good examples. Both offer crystal clear waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. +14 Days Day 1: Walk along the cobblestone streets of Palma. Visit one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in Europe: the Palma Cathedral, known as “La Seu,” which roughly translates as “the seat” and refers to the bishop’s seat. Take in Palma’s historic atmosphere and charm before boarding at 3 pm. Stock your provisions in Palma. Dine aboard or ashore at one of Palma’s great restaurants. Spend overnight aboard. Day 2: After a leisurely breakfast, set sail for Andratx. Along the rocky coastline, you’ll pass spot Cala Portals Vell beach.

It’s popular with sailors and offers dinghy service ashore if you want to eat at the restaurant. Rounding the cape you can try the golden, sandy beach at El Toro, which offers calm waters protected by Port Adriano. Once you reach the harbor of Andratx, one of the prettiest in Majorca, you can anchor there for the night. Day 3: As you head north, you’ll encounter Sa Dragonera (The Dragon), which is the main island off the coast and home to the Sa Dragonera Natural Park with its huge colony of seagulls. There are two good spots for anchoring on the east side of the island, though they should be used only when the sea is calm. Eat lunch aboard. Along the way, you’ll pass by Cala de Valldemossa where actor Michael Douglas owns in impressive home. Anchor in the port of Soller for the night. Day 4: After breakfast aboard, visit the picturesque port of Soller where you can climb the El Fara lighthouse. Or travel inland a short distance via a vintage tram (nicknamed the “Orange Express”) to visit the town of Soller with its ancient olive trees and fragrant orange groves.

The valley in which the town is nestled and the surrounding mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favorite destination for ecotourists. Eat lunch in one of the local tapas bars or in a café. In the afternoon, there are also two nice beaches at either end of Soller Bay for swimming and sunbathing. Day 5-6: Eat a hearty breakfast, and then sail to the port of Pollensa at the foot of the Tramantura mountain range where you can anchor for the night. Along the way, you may want to stop at Cala Sa Calobra, a pebble beach and a small cove wedged between two cliffs. Nearby, the Torrent de Pareis (Paradise Stream) has carved a deep chasm in the cliff, which has its own pebble beach. Day 7: The village of Pollensa is a quintessential Majorcan town where locals gather at the Cafe Espanyol after church on Sunday to visit with one another. If you’re searching for the perfect beach, head north to reach the beautiful sandy beaches of beaches at Cala Agulla.

Go ashore to relax on the beach and swim or hike up to the Capdepera lighthouse at to enjoy the panoramic views. It’s a short sail to the resort at Cala Ratjada where you can eat dinner and anchor overnight. Day 8: Named after Jesus Christ, Porto Cristo’s natural harbor has been sheltering fishing boats for centuries. Today, this peaceful fishing village and its harbor cater to visitors from all over the globe. There are popular beaches near Porto Cristo, but there are plenty of alternatives as well. Glass bottom boat tours are popular. Europe’s largest underground lake, Lake Martel, is a relatively short walk from the Nautico Marina area (or you can hire a taxi). The lake lies in the Cuevas del Drach (the dragon’s caves), a large, limestone cavern system. There are 1-hour tours of the impressive stalactite formations, and visitors are often treated to short classical music concerts by musicians who take advantage of the fine acoustics. There are charming cafés in the Placa del Carme as well as restaurants overlooking the marina. Day 9: Porto Colom’s large, natural harbor provides excellent and safe overnight anchorage.

Porto Colom was named after Christopher Columbus and still retains the feel of a quaint fishing village. A nice nearby beach can be found at Platja de s’Arenal, which is divided into s’Arenal Gran and s’Arenal Petit. S’Arenal Gran has good underwater conditions for anchoring boats. The beach is both sandy and rocky and is sheltered from the Mediterranean’s winds and waves. Day 10: Head to Cala Figueras and enjoy the scenic coastline along the way, part of which belongs to Mondrago National Park. You can stop at Cala Mondrago a small, beautiful beach with clear deep-turquoise water that is great for swimming and snorkeling. This beach has a restaurant. Nearby is Cala s’Amarador with its white-sand beach edged in pine forests. Both coves have depths of up to 20 feet and sandy bottoms, but they are exposed to east and southeast winds. If needed, there are port facilities nearby in Porto Petro. Dock for the night in Cala Figueras.

Day 11: The port of Cala Figueras is still primarily a fishing community with picturesque whitewashed cottages and boathouses that stretch down to the water’s edge. Eat dinner aboard and enjoy the quiet natural setting, or try one of the local dishes at a café or restaurant near the marina. Day 12: It’s a relatively short sail from Cala Figueras to the port town of Colonia San Jordi. Colonia is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, including Es Carbo, where the Spanish royal family is known to visit. Colonia is also just 10 km from the Cabrera archipelago and the National Maritime Park of Cabrera. In addition to serving as a sanctuary for Mediterranean sea life, the park has a lighthouse, caves and a 14th century castle. Day 13-14: Colonia Sant Jordi & Palma – Enjoy another day at the beach and bring a picnic lunch. This time, visit Es Trenc, a 2-mile-long natural and more isolated beach with lovely golden sand and crystal clear waters.

There are many popular restaurants and tapas bars along Avinguda de la Primavera (Primavera Avenue) for lunch or dinner. After an early breakfast on the following morning, set sail for Palma. Tel: + 34 622 462 950 E-mail: georges.costa@dreamyachtcharter.com Online order and delivery onboard: Eroski Supermarket English: German: The Port of Calanova was inaugurated in August 1976 by the King and Queen of Spain. It is one of the leading nautical sports centers and an important venue hosting regattas. It takes advantage of a splendid Mediterranean climate, clean waters and moderate steady winds. It offers all possible services so sailors’ only concern is to enjoy the sea. With the new project and the new moorings distribution, Calanova will host boats from 4 to 25 meters Calanova is located in the city of Palma de Mallorca, not in the city center but between the beaches of Cala Mayor and Illetas.

Question: Which of the four main Balearic Islands is closest to Spain?
Answer: Ibiza