Balearic Islands

An Overview On The Beautiful Balearic Islands

The four islands of Mallorca, also known as Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera are collectively known as the Balearic Islands. They are found to the east of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea and because of their strategic position have always been important from a nautical aspect.

Holidaymakers visit these islands in their droves to seek out secluded coves and sandy beaches to relax topping up their tans. These islands are considered to be one of Europe’s top tourist destinations having magnificent countryside, rolling hills, heritage sites and friendly hospitable locals.

Mallorca and Ibiza in particular are known for their lively bars and nightclubs attracting holidaymakers from around the globe whilst Menorca and Formentera are slightly quieter, but nevertheless have a great choice of hotels and restaurants. The Balearic Islands enjoy a mild climate, superb sailing all year round and have the necessary infrastructure and facilities to attract many visitors. The four islands combined together have over 19,000 moorings, the vast majority being in Mallorca.

The Balearic Islands are renowned for their sun-drenched beaches which have golden sand lapped by the warm Mediterranean Sea. There are plenty of beautiful coves and private beaches too for holidaymakers to escape to. Recently Mallorca has been given a facelift, run down resorts have been replaced with more up-to-date amenities and facilities, indeed Palma, Mallorca’s capital, is now one of Spain’s most modern cities. Ibiza is known as the party island, young people enjoy the amazing club scene especially around Ibiza Town and San Antonio.

Activities In The Balearics

If you enjoy activities while on vacation then the Balearic Islands are for you. Sailing is extremely popular, there are facilities for everyone whether a beginner or an expert. There are miles of wonderful coastline packed with quiet bays, magnificent beaches, quaint fishing villages, also splendid harbours and marinas. A trip on the ocean is certainly one of the best ways to experience the charm and beauty of the Balearics.

Of course many holidaymakers visit the Balearics for their water sports. The clear warm water of the Mediterranean provides water sports in abundance for instance, water skiing, wind surfing, jet skiing and paragliding are just some of the activities you can enjoy. If you’re into diving then you’re in luck, the islands have some of the best diving in Europe and also over fifteen diving centres. Scuba divers can explore the caves and shipwrecks that are dotted around the Mediterranean coast.

For golfers there are over twenty courses, half are situated on the island of Mallorca. The magnificent weather and wonderful coastal views make the game of golf all the more enjoyable. The Balearic Islands are also perfect for cyclists as well as horse riding enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone.
 

Weather On The Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands have winter daytime average temperatures around 15 degrees centigrade, 59 degrees Fahrenheit, with about five hours of sunshine each day. Even in winter an average month has twenty two dry days. As winter turns into spring the temperature begins to warm up hitting about 72 degrees Fahrenheit in May, with ten hours of sunshine per average each day. This is just one of the reasons these islands are popular with holidaymakers from around the world, especially during the winter months.

As the summer season kicks in, daily maximum temperatures hit a very warm 29 degrees centigrade, 85 degrees Fahrenheit, having around eleven hours sun per day. Most people at this time of year flock to the beaches to top up their tans and relax but do be warned that the sun can be extremely hot, so don’t sunbathe for too long or you could end up in hospital.

It’s advisable to protect your skin from the sun’s hot rays by using a high factor sun lotion, after all you’re on vacation to enjoy yourself, not to be burned to a cinder. When the temperatures are too hot there’s nothing better than a dip in the refreshing Mediterranean.

Travelling To The Balearics

Visits to the Balearic Islands are well served by most regional airports in the UK such as Gatwick, Stansted, Leeds, Glasgow and Manchester. Holidays can be booked through most tour operators either in the High Street or online. Flights to the Balearic Islands take you to Palma in Mallorca, Mahon in Menorca and Ibiza Airport. If you are wishing to travel to Formentera a ferry will transport you from Ibiza to this stunning island.

Like many Spanish destinations transport is usually cheap and efficient. Local buses and private taxis are generally well priced for getting out and about to see the sights and sounds of these beautiful islands.

If you’re wishing to hire a car you can reserve a vehicle online or hire one in your resort, you’ll need a full driving licence when hiring a car and it’s also wise to take out insurance, remember they drive on the right-hand side of the road.

For the more energetic why not rent a bicycle? This is not only inexpensive but will keep you fit too. You’ll be able to explore these wondrous islands and their hidden treasures, it’s an activity that all the family can enjoy and great fun too.