Get your bearings
The rocky, pine-clad Balearic Islands are scattered in the
Mediterranean Sea off the east coast of
Spain. To the north lies
Mallorca, the largest island, whose appeal reaches from Palma's art galleries in the south to Cala Millor's soft sands on the east coast. Just over 20 miles northeast of Mallorca is
Menorca, with its family-friendly vibe and fine bays. Dip south for wild nature and the white-sand beaches of
Formentera, or the party spirit and laid-back beach life of
Ibiza.
Mallorca
Mallorca packs diversity into a Balearic Island break. Cultured southwestern capital
Palma is home to a mighty Gothic cathedral and Picasso-filled galleries. Nearby,
Palma Nova and
Magaluf beckon with palm- lined beaches and pulsating nightlife.
Venture south for watersports and marina strolls in the pine-fringed cove of
Cala d'Or. The limestone
Tramuntana massif is Mallorca's northern backbone. Explore
Sóller's citrus groves, the arty hilltop village of
Deià and ochre-hued
Valldemossa where composer Chopin lived. In the east,
Formentor's precipitous cliffs spill south to
Puerto d'Alcúdia's popular beach and
Cala Millor's broad sandy bay.
Ibiza
Hippies, hedonists and sun-seeking families all flock to Ibiza. Southern capital
Eivissa attracts culture buffs to its fortified Old Town, while revellers hit harbourside bars to dance to some of the world's top DJs. Swim from the sheltered southern coves of
Cala Jondal and
Cala Martina, or hang out on the beaches of
Playa d’en Bossa and party-mad
San Antonio. See a wilder side to Ibiza watching flamingos in
Ses Salines' salt marshes in the west, or hiking
northern Ibiza's rugged coastline and olive groves.
Menorca
Moorish
Ciutadella's higgledy-piggledy cobbled lanes squat beneath a Gothic cathedral. Tuck into rich lobster stew in the harbour before flopping on the western coves of
Cala Blanca and
Cala en Blanes. Glide north to windsurf in
Fornells and spot rare seabirds in
S’Albufera des Grau's dunes and wetlands. Sun-seekers head south on Balearic Island holidays to stretch out on
Cala Galdana's half-moon bay, water-ski in upbeat
Son Bou, or snorkel
Binibèquer's translucent waters. Framing a vast natural harbour in the east, capital
Mahón lures holidaymakers to its shops, craft markets and patisseries.
Formentera
Formentera, studded with sugar-white beaches, is an escapist's fantasy. In the northwest lies low-key
Sant Francesc Xavier, dominated by a fortress-like church. Bird spotters flock north to
Estany Pudent's salt marshes and lagoons. Wade from Formentera's northern tip to
Espalmador islet at low tide to wallow in natural mud baths. Slightly east is
Es Pujols, a lively village with a sweep of white sand. A road twists east to
La Mola's sheer cliffs and lighthouse, and south to pine-backed
Es Arenals' gently shelving beach with shallow water.
