Balearic Islands Travel Guide

Sun-soaked and skirted by golden sands, the Balearic Islands are one of Europe’s prime island getaways. This Mediterranean archipelago, leisurely sat off the coast of mainland Spain, is awash with leafy terraces, crumbling heritage sites, secluded coves and rolling hills.

Mallorca - the largest of the three – has, over the last few decades, become the archetypal sun-sea-and-sangria island adored by package tourists. Recently, the island has been given something of a facelift, with rundown resorts replaced with shiny modern facilities; Mallorca’s capital, Palma, is now one of Spain's most beguiling and trendiest small cities.

Party-hard Ibiza has long been famous for its club scene, concentrated in the charming hippy-chic capital of Ibiza Town, the high-rise canyons of San António, and in the resort of Playa d'en Bossa. Away from here, however, the island is remarkably rural. Both Ibiza and Mallorca offer excellent beaches, but it is the Balearic Island of Menorca that is renowned for its picture-postcard coves.

Weather & climate

Best time to visit:
The islands enjoy a temperate, Mediterranean climate. The maximum temperatures are not excessive, even in high summer, owing to the cooling influence of the sea. The climate during the winter is generally mild and dry with occasional showers.

Required clothing:
Lightweight cottons for much of the year with shower protection and warmer wear in winter.

Geography
The landscape of these islands is characterised by woodlands, almond trees, fertile plains and often dramatic coastlines with sandy coves separated by craggy cliffs. Mallorca has the most varied landscape featuring mountains and valleys, rocky coves and sandy beaches. The main geographical feature is the Sierra del Norte, a mountain range running along the northern coast. The island is covered with lush pine forest, and with olive and almond trees, which blanket the countryside with blossoms in springtime. Menorca is less impressive, though the two main towns, Mahón and Ciutadella, sited at either end of the island, sit above deep inlets forming natural harbours. There are many bays and cove beaches on the island. Ibiza has a rugged coastline with many fruit orchards and woods.