Balearic Islands

A Spanish archipelago in the western Mediterranean: Mallorca combines mountains and sea, Menorca has calm, clear coves, and Ibiza is famed for its old town and nightclubs.

The Balearic Islands are an autonomous community of Spain, made up mainly of the four large inhabited islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, plus smaller islands such as Cabrera. They lie in the Mediterranean east of Barcelona and Valencia. In this guide they are separated from Spain's 'east' and listed on their own, across the sea from the mainland Mediterranean coast. Mallorca is the largest island. Its capital, Palma, has a seafront Gothic cathedral and Bellver Castle. The Serra de Tramuntana in the northwest is a UNESCO Cultural Landscape; mountain villages such as Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller can be reached by vintage wooden train or by car, and the winding road to Sa Calobra and its canyon-like cove are unforgettable. Menorca is a biosphere reserve. Its south-coast coves, such as Macarella and Turqueta, have clear water, and the old town of Ciutadella at the western end and the port of Mahón at the eastern end each have their own charm. The upper town (Dalt Vila) of Ibiza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the island is known for its nightclub scene and the sunsets at Sant Antoni, but it also has quiet bays in the north. From Ibiza, a boat takes about half an hour to Formentera, where Illetes Beach is often ranked among the most beautiful in Europe. Stay 4–7 days on a single island, or about 10 days island-hopping between Mallorca and Menorca or Ibiza. In summer, many European flights go direct to the three main islands; you can also take ferries from Barcelona, Valencia and Dénia, and there are flights and ferries between the islands. In July–August prices are high and traffic is congested, and popular coves require an early arrival. Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around Mallorca, while some coves in Menorca restrict private cars in summer.

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