![Playa Romantica, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. [Image Max Pixel]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/4/21/660x290/b_502x220x82/playa-romantica-mallorca-balearic-islands-spain-image-max-pixel_2252235.jpg "Playa Romantica, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. [Image Max Pixel]"){kind=tracking}
The Balearic Islands are an archipelago, nestled in the Mediterranean Sea close to the eastern coast of Spain. The most popular islands are, in no particular order, Ibiza, Mallorca (Majorca), Menorca (Minorca) and Formentera. However, there are other smaller islands, some uninhabited and others that have been made into natural parks.
The Balearic Islands of Spain. https://t.co/u4ckKUtzjV
— Anne King (@inthemedia1) April 21, 2019
Image Hansen/Wikimedia Commons pic.twitter.com/J1y7kyZ4SM
Here we will explore the four major Balearic Islands and one less-visited, but no less fascinating island.
Mallorca (Majorca) - Balearic Islands, Spain
Mallorca (Majorca) is the largest of the Balearic Islands and is famous for its scenic coastline, sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains. The capital of the island is Palma, a modern resort city with plenty of entertainment, restaurants and attractions, including the Gothic Cathedral, with its altar canopy designed by Antoni Gaudí, and a Moorish royal palace called the Almudaina. Besides the city, there are numerous quaint villages in which to stay.
Ibiza - Party capital of the world and rural destination
Ibiza city is often called the party capital of the world, with its many nightclubs with international DJs plying their trade. The island is also known as the site of the first Café del Mar, a beach restaurant and bar where Ibiza chill music was likely born. Besides its modern aspects, there are many quaint and beautiful villages dotted all over the island, perfect for a rural getaway in the sun, making Ibiza perfect for singles, couples and families.
Menorca (Minorca) - Mallorca's 'little sister'
Menorca (Minorca) is a little more low-key than Mallorca and Ibiza, but no less charming, with its endless sandy beaches with rocky coves (known as “calas”) lapped by clear, turquoise waters. There are many small villages to explore around the island and the capital is Mahon, a harbour city on a bluff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The town is home to many Georgian mansions and a 13th-century church.
Formentera - Balearic Islands, Spain
This is the smallest of the Balearic Islands of Spain and is accessible via a ferry from its busier and noisier neighbour, Ibiza. Often used as a daytrip destination, Formentera has its own charms, with beautiful stretches of clean sand and clear turquoise waters, often backed by pine trees and dunes. Watersports, including sailing and snorkelling, are popular on Formentera and there are a number of excellent hotels and other holiday properties to stay at.
Cabrera - National Park in the Balearic Islands
Cabrera is not a holiday destination as such. There are no hotels and there is very little infrastructure on the island. However, this island is a National Park, where many different peoples have left their mark, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Byzantines. There is a castle to visit, but most important is the protected ecosystem on the island. Boat tours are available to explore this magical place from Mallorca.
