The Balearics - Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera
The Balearic Islands are an archipelago in the western Mediterranean Sea of the eastern coast of Spain. The capital city of the province is Palma de Mallorca.
The most important islands of the archipelago, which is a very popular destination in almost any country in Europe are Mallorca, Ibiza, Minorca and Formentera. There are a number of smaller islands in the Iles Balears as well like Cabrera or Dragonera.
The Balearics have three international airports of which the airport of Son Sant Joan on Mallorca is the most important one. The other airports can be found on Ibiza and Minorca. Formentera can only be reached by Ferry. It is also possible to travel to the Balearic Islands by ferry from Barcelona, Valencia and Denia.
Public transportation on the island is well organized, but there is only one railway line on Mallorca which connects Palma with Soller. Information about public transport can be obtained form the tourist offices. Most tourists prefer to rent a car on Mallorca and the Balearics count with a large number or car rental companies which offer cheap rental vehicles almost all year round except for the busy summer season, when prices may not be so cheap as the rest of the year. It often pays to compare prices of different car hire companies before you book. On the smaller islands like Minorca or Ibiza car hire is also a popular holiday service. Prebooking is recommended especially during the busy summer months.
Some of the more important tourist resorts on Mallorca are Palma de Mallorca, Cala Millor, Alcudia, Santa Ponsa, Cala Ratjada, Cala d'Or, and Puerto Pollença. On Ibiza people tend to spend their holidays in San Antonio and Santa Eulalia del Rio. Formentera and Minorca are the most tranquil islands of the archipelago, an ideal destination for tourists looking for unspoilt beauty. The island offers a wide selection of hotels in the capital Mahon (Mao), Fornells, Ciutadella and Alaior. Because Formentera has no airport it is usually quieter than the neighbouring islands Mallorca, Ibiza and Minorca, even in the high season.
