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The Balearic Islands are
composed of four main islands - Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera -
nestling in the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by a number of small, rocky
islets. They cover an area of roughly 5000 sq km and are situated between
Spain and the North African coast, but have a largely Spanish speaking
community whose notable hospitality and sense of cultural pride makes the
Balearic Islands a particularly popular holiday destination for tourists the
world over.
Many young people flock to the Balearics to take advantage of not only
the exceptional weather, superb beaches and good food, but the decadent
nightlife that has evolved in certain areas where the nightclub culture has
a global reputation. But the Balearic Islands are not just crammed with
fun-seeking youngsters; this is a holiday hot-spot for the whole family and
has many attractions, from water sports and beach games to quiet excursions
into the countryside to explore the ancient monuments, stunning scenery and
dramatic landscapes. Whatever type of holiday you need to escape the
routines and rigours of modern life, and whatever budget you have, holiday
accommodation in the Balearic Islands can be found to suit your requirements
and give you the freedom to exploit the endless possibilities the Balearics
present.
Mallorca: The Island of Mallorca, often
called Majorca, is the largest of the Balearic Islands covering an area of
around 3,500 sq km. The capital, Palma, is home to almost half the island's
population, and is a bustling, cosmopolitan community that stretches for 15
km along the coastline. The many visitors to Mallorca tend to stick to the
coastal resorts, taking advantage of the exquisite beaches and ample
facilities, including a vast selection of hotels, guesthouses and self
catering holiday villas and apartments, but further inland, the magnificent
landscape begs to be discovered. The back-bone of Mallorca is the impressive
Serra de Tramuntana - a mountain range that peaks at Puig Major (1445m) and
affords a scenic backdrop of unrivalled beauty overlooking unspoilt plains
and olive groves. You'll find exciting examples of Gothic architecture and
tiny, charming hilltop villages looking down on quiet, rocky coves and
harbours, all fringed by the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean.
Menorca: The Island of Menorca is 47 km long
and roughly 15 km wide, but it has a magnificent coastline of some 200 km
giving the impression that this Balearic Island is not much more than beach!
In reality it is so much more, with several unique ecosystems within the
island's natural environments earning it the accolade of a UNESCO Biosphere
Reserve status. Menorca is largely flat, but rises up to the highest point
of Mount Toro from where the breathtaking views can be shared with the
shrine to the island's patron saint. With a population of 62,000, Menorca
has been the island least affected by tourism, but holiday home
accommodation is easily found among the dazzling, whitewashed villas and
farmhouses and the welcome is as warm as the Mediterranean sea that features
so significantly in the everyday lives and traditions of the locals.
Ibiza: The third largest island in the
Balearic archipelago is Ibiza, covering an area of roughly 540 sq km, with
its smaller neighbour, Formentera, situated close to it's southern coast. It
has a hilly terrain and great swathes of the countryside are heavily wooded,
mainly with pine, but also almond, fig, olive and even palm trees grow
particularly well in this land of perpetual sunshine. Rainy days on Ibiza
are very scarce and the historic use of water-wheels and windmills is kept
alive in many parts of the island today to make the most of any available
precipitation. There are many upland areas of outstanding beauty, and
picturesque villages and towns from where stunning views can be had across
the island and out over the sparkling Mediterranean. One such place is Ibiza
town, the capital; a bustling port built into the side of a mountain beside
the sea, where traditional white painted villas demonstrate the
architectural heritage handed down through generations of Balearic
islanders, and historical cultures mingle happily with a cosmopolitan,
up-beat pace of life.
Formentera is the fourth inhabited island in the Balearic archipelago and
forms a perfect contrast to the hectic hedonism of Ibiza. It is a haven of
natural beauty and its tranquil environment attracts many visitors to its
unspoilt shores. The only access to Formentera is by ferry from Ibiza,
running up to ten times a day during the peak season. With its breathtaking
landscapes and traditional white painted villas, this island has a peaceful
atmospher.
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