If you are looking for sun and sea then you must visit the Balearic Islands of Spain Balearic Islands. The perfect vacation spot where you can relax while staring at the crystal-clear sea.
The views are amazing no matter where you go. Whether that’s enchanting hidden coves, sunsets cliff side, exploring natural caves, or exhilarating nightlife. You are sure to have a memorable time.
Where are the Balearic Islands? Unveiling Several Paradises on the Map
The Balearic Islands are an archipelago of islands and islets east of mainland Spain. The islands consist of four main islands- Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera. Any island is a perfect destination as they dot along the Mediterranean Sea unlike the other popular island destination of Spain in the Atlantic Ocean (Canary Islands).
The Spanish Balearic Islands are quite different depending on the type of vacation you are planning. For example, Majorca is the largest Balearic Island and offers a little bit of everything from all-inclusive resorts to a nature-oriented experience.
Minorca Balearic Islands Spain is perfect for laid back travelers looking to find breathtaking wonders and hidden beaches. Ibiza has a reputation for being the spot for the best nightlife, but it will also surprise you with rugged natural beauty and old towns.
Lastly, Formentera is the smallest of the island chain and only accessible by a ferry from Barcelona, Denia, or Ibiza, making it a less visited island but worth the visit as it feels exclusive.
Exploring the Balearic Islands: A Spanish Archipelago
By looking at a map of the Balearic Islands you can see how close the islands are dotted along the Mediterranean Sea. A lovely vacation idea would be to hop islands as they are all so close together and offer different amenities.
You can travel from island to island by boat or ferry making it a wonderful and unique experience. To make it even better, Balearic Island hotels are marvelous places to stay and relax.
Depending on your budget you can splurge and enjoy a luxury resort with everything included or you can find cozy hotels located in the whimsical villages tucked away in the mountains or on the coastline. The islands have it all!
There are so many activities to do on the islands that you will never be bored. Every island has hidden treasure spots just waiting for you to discover them and marvel at the natural beauty all around you. Here we will share some of the most amazing spots worth exploring, some activities to enjoy, and delicious foods to devour.
Majorca
The largest of the Balearic Islands is the best place to start your vacation. Flying into Palma de Mallorca is the easiest option as well as an excellent place to start as it is the capital of the island. It offers many historical sites as well as stunning beaches that are easily accessible from the city.
Palma also has a lively nightlife perfect to dance the summer night away with friends. For the more adventurous travelers, it is worth it to rent a car and enjoy the freedom of exploring the quaint towns and hidden coves that are dotted along the coast.
The hidden coves of Majorca have astonishing beaches with water so clear that it is inviting you to take a swim. You can easily spend an entire day basking in the warm sun and swimming in refreshing water. Some must visit coves and beaches to spend the day are Cala Pi, Cala Agulla, Cala des Moró, Cap de Ses Salines, and Cala de Mondragó.
You can even take a boat trip to Cabrera Balearic Islands of Spain, an archipelago of 19 small islets located off the southern coast of Mallorca. It is an ideal boat trip to spend your day surrounded by nature in an oasis to native maritime species in the Laguna Azul or even in underwater meadows.
Once you’re finished relaxing on the beach all day, you can visit a picturesque village for dinner. Some of the most enchanting villages to visit are Valldemossa, Sóller, Pollença, Alcúdia, or Andratx. The streets are inviting you to explore every cobblestone corner and enjoy the beautiful flowers and colors of the houses.
Typical food that you can’t miss in Majorca
Plus, it is easy to find enticing restaurants to try Mallorquin staples such as sobrasada a spreadable cured sausage. Sobrasada is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be spread on bread for a simple tapa, used to flavor pastas and stews, or even used in pastries and desserts for a savory twist.
Tumbet a vegetable bake that is similar to ratatouille. It is a dish made only with vegetables, another of the basics of Mallorcan gastronomy. Usually it contains eggplant, potatoes and peppers, among others. It is cooked in a tomato sauce and can be eaten alone or as an accompaniment to a meat or fish dish.
And for dessert an ensaïmada a quintessential pastry. Each bite is a rich taste of Mallorca’s baking tradition. Its popularity has even extended beyond the island’s borders, making it a beloved treat all over Spain and even internationally.
Lastly, you can’t miss out on the scenic sunsets over the Mediterranean Sea. The spots with the most charming views are Mirador de sa Foradada which is a lookout over the sea and Cap de Formentor which is a lighthouse atop a mountain providing you with pleasing views of the island.
Ibiza
Ibiza may be known for its nightlife and wild nights, but in contrast it also has a laid-back hippie atmosphere. The island is full of surprises( Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture – UNESCO World Heritage Centre). Visitors have the freedom to find themselves and experience true serenity by visiting the beaches.
There are many options such as Cala d’Hort, Es Caló d’es Moro, Ses Variades, and Cala Benirrás. The island also offers unique environments such as Benimussa Valley a green valley surrounded by mountains; El Pla de Corona which is a rural area full of carob trees, olive trees, and almond trees; Cova de Can Marçà arguably the best place on the island to see natural caves with interesting formations, lakes, and waterfalls; and Es Vedra an island off the shores of Ibiza with a mysterious and magical past.
The gastronomy of Ibiza is similar to the rest of the Balearic Islands because it promotes the use of seafood and fish. Borrida de ratjada is no exception. It contains pieces of ray marinated in lemon and salt with potatoes and a sauce made with almonds, garlic, boiled eggs, saffron, and olive oil. For dessert you can enjoy a slice of flaó which is similar to cheesecake, but made with locally produced sheep’s or goat’s milk.
Minorca
This island is ideal for adventurous vacations. Here you can go sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, and scuba diving in the turquoise waters. While out at sea you can appreciate the landscape of cliffs and pines along the coastline. The island also offers wonderful outings on foot through the various trails in the forest since Minorca has the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation. The island is diverse and provides visitors with extraordinary opportunities to participate in new activities.
For the cuisine enthusiasts, we encourage you to try the various options this island has to offer. We love to try the local foods and immerse ourselves in the flavorful dishes of the island. That is why we enjoy visiting Mahon a small port town in the Menorca Island to get our hands on the mouthwatering Mahon cheese which is exclusively produced here. Additionally, we enjoy the Caldereta de Langosta, lobster stew, as it is a rich tomato-based stew with fresh Mediterranean lobster.
Formentera
Formentera is the most concealed island since it is only accessible by boat. This hidden gem is the smallest island, but is home to perfect white sand beaches. This island is meant for rest and relaxation by sunning on the beach. The best beaches to visit are: Platja de Ses Illetes that stretch on for miles surrounded by cerulean seas. Platja de Llevant the perfect surf spot. And Platja de Migjorn for a more relaxed beach experience with calm bays and white sands.
The must-see villages are enchanting and historical—perfect for a lazy stroll to admire the rustic beauty. Sant Francesc Xavier is the capital of the island and full of immaculately white buildings. A little east of the capital is Sant Ferran de ses Roques, a small inland town. Lastly, El Pilar de la Mola is the highest point on the island with a spectacular view of Formentera. The town is quiet and welcoming surrounded by cliffs and forests.
Local Delicacies: Sofrit Pages and Peasant Salad
Once in the town you must visit the local restaurant to try sofrit pages. It’s a delicacy reserved for special occasions. It is a rich stew with chicken, lamb, sobrasada or butifarra, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables.
A classic must try tapa is the ensalada payesa or peasant salad. It consists of red and green peppers, tomatoes, onion, boiled potatoes, boiled eggs, olives, bread crumbs, and bacalao. This is a perfect way to enjoy the fresh produce in a delicious summertime dish.
No matter what island you choose to visit in the Balearic Island chain. You will not be disappointed by the tranquil blue seas, gorgeous white sand beaches, and the plethora of activities to participate in for fun memories. The allure of the islands will call to you to explore their hidden coves, relax on the beach, or try new and exciting Mediterranean foods.
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