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Everything you ever wanted to know about the Balearic Islands
The pearls of the Mediterranean
Balearic Islands, composed of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, is one of the most chosen destinations in the western Mediterranean. Its dreamy coves, beautiful sunsets and an overflowing nature make this archipelago one of the best destinations in this area of Europe.
Their islands are places where one can get lost in their fishing villages, discover their movie landscapes or practice water sports and forget the crazy and fun nights.
Why the Balearic Islands?
One of the best destinations to spend the summer is Ibiza. If you are looking for partying, this is the place. Apart from the mad nights, Ibiza also offers other activities, such as visiting its beaches and coves, enjoy the variety of dishes and the typical island drinks, as well as buying handcrafted items in their traditional markets.
For lovers of culture, the Castell de Bellver, located in Palma de Mallorca (capital of the Balearic Islands) is one of the few in Europe with a circular floor plan. From its walls, you will have the best views of the Bay of Palma and the Sierra de Tramuntana.
On the same island of Mallorca, in the south, is the small Islands of “Es Vedrà”. This islet (one of the most visited points of the Balearic Islands) has a height of 385 meters, and since 2002 is considered a natural reserve (to enter you need a permit).
If what you are looking for is more tranquillity, the islands of Menorca and Formentera are the best. The first, known for its coves and quiet beaches, is the ideal place for couples and families. The second, smaller but not less visited (its proximity to Ibiza makes it a good getaway for a day), offers beaches that could be from the Caribbean itself thanks to the green and turquoise colour of its waters.
Of course it’s weather is outstanding check the monthly weather statistics for Mallorca before booking your holidays.
The Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca
A little about gastronomy
Gastronomy is a fundamental part of the Balearic Islands since they treasure a great diversity of exquisite products of first quality such as oil, ensaimada, sobrasada, cheese, wine, flaó, herbs or sea salt. All these products are linked to the land, to its roots and each of the characteristics of the islands that have given all of them a stamp of identity-based on authenticity, quality and tradition. All these products can be found in markets, wineries and restaurants. Furthermore, it is possible, and at the same time very advisable, to take as a souvenir any of these foods that are unique to these islands.
How are the Balearic islands
According to INE (National Institute of Statistics) data, the population of the Balearic Islands is more than 1,100,000 people. The most populated island is that of Mallorca, with almost 900,000 inhabitants. Ibiza and Menorca are around 100,000 inhabitants, while Formentera has a little over 10,000 people living on the island.
The island of Mallorca can be reached by boat or plane (its airport is the third largest in Spain). There are also multiple connections by sea with Ibiza, Menorca, Barcelona, Valencia and other cities in Spain and the Mediterranean. The airport of Mallorca offers routes to the main cities of Spain and Europe. There are many roads that can take you anywhere on the island. There is also a train line that crosses the island from the south (Palma de Mallorca) to the north.
In Ibiza, there is a road network that leads to any corner of the island, and there are also different bus lines that lead to populated areas of it. The airport of Ibiza has flights to the largest cities in Spain and Europe. There are also boat connections to the other Balearic islands (Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera) and to Barcelona and Valencia.
As for Menorca, it also has a road network that leads to any corner of the island. The airport of Menorca, located near Mahón, has connections to the main Spanish cities. In addition, there are boat connections to the other Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera) and to Barcelona and Valencia.
Formentera, the smallest of all, has a main road that crosses the whole island. The rest are dirt roads that lead to the beaches. The port has multiple daily connections with Ibiza.
Find everything on the Costa del Blanca: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities and last but not least the top beaches.
Download here our map of the Balearic Islands
Events and parties
As it could not be, the Balearic Islands also have a wide schedule of parties. For example, in Palma de Mallorca the city day is celebrated on January 20 (fiestas de San Sebastián) where small bonfires called ” foguerons ” are made. On the same island, in Pollença, on August 2, the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels is celebrated, where Joan Mas’s fight against the invading pirates is staged.
In Menorca, in February the Mahón carnival is celebrated. On the same island, exactly in Ciutadella, the Fiestas de San Juan is celebrated at the end of June, this being one of the most attractive in Spain. The celebration of this population is more than 600 years old. One of the highlights of the celebrations is when the horses get caught up in the crowd of the public.
On August 24, San Bartolomé celebrates important cultural and sports festivities in San Antonio, Ibiza.
In Formentera, on August 5, a very popular party is celebrated, that of Santa María de las Nieves, with cultural events.
Cala Agula, Mallorca
How is the real estate market in Islas Baleares?
In 2017 it seems that the price per square meter has stabilized and has begun to rise. Right now it is at around € 2,000 , although still far from its historical maximum that was around € 2,750 (mid-2007). As far as islands are concerned, the prices are as follows:
- The average price per square meter of Ibiza -Formentera (around € 4,500) is one of the most expensive in Spain. In the island’s capital, Ibiza, the average price was € 4,724 at the beginning of 2017. As regards housing, in May of this year the average price stood at € 829,501, which meant an increase of almost 30% compared to the previous year.
- As for Mallorca, more exactly in the capital, Palma de Mallorca, the price per square meter was € 1,769 this year.
- In Menorca, the average price per square meter stood at € 1,803 in November 2017.
The forecasts for next year are that they continue to rise. As for foreigners, according to the real estate agency Ibiza VIP Area
“British, Germans, Dutch and French are the biggest buyers, being English and German who are investing more this year in the sector”.
Check the real estate price evolution for the Balearic Islands since 1995
Read our article of last year on Palma de Mallorca if you want to learn more: Mallorca, a paradise in the middle of the Mediterranean
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Balearic Islands Infographic information
- Airport: Ibiza, Menorca, Palma de Mallorca
- Ave stations: –
- Cities: Manacor (40,300 inhabitants), Inca (25,900 inhabitants), Pollensa (16,200 inhabitants), Alcúdia (19,300 inhabitants), Ibiza (132,600 inhabitants), Ciutadella de Menorca (28,600 inhabitants), Mahón (28,100 inhabitants), Palma de Mallorca (402,900 inhabitants),
- Unesco sites: None. Find all the UNESCO Sites in Spain on our page: “10 reasons why you should buy in Spain”
- Top beaches: Balnearion de San Juan, Plage de Ses Illetes (Formentera), Cala Comte (Ibiza), Playa de Muro Beach (Playa de Muro), Cala Pregonda (Minorque), Cala Macarelleta (Minorque), Port de Pollença Beach (Port de Pollença), Playa de Alcudia (Port d’Alcudia), Playa de Son Bou (Alaior), Playa de Llevant (Formentera), Cala Turqueta (Ciudadela), Cala Mitjana (Cala Galdana), Playa de Migjorn (Migjorn), Cala Saladeta (Sant Antoni de Portmany), Cala Millor Beach (Cala Millor)
- Kids Parks: “Western Water Park (Magaluf), Forestal Park Mallorca (Palma de Mallorca), Aqua Center (Cala’n Blanes) Katmandu Park (Magaluf), Jungle Parc (Santa Ponsa), Marineland Majorca (Calviá), Hidropark (Port d’Alcudia), Wave House (Magaluf), Aqualand El Arenal (El Arenal), Katmandu Park (Magaluf) .
- Shopping Malls & Outlets: Centre Comercial S’Escorxador, Centro Comercial Porto Pi, Fan Mallorca Shopping (Palma de Mallorca)
- Traditional & Flea markets: Binissalem (Mallorca), Las Dalias (Ibiza), Ciutadella (Menorca), Palma de Mallorca (Mallorca), Calviá (Mallorca), ahón (Menorca), Ferreries (Menorca)
- Top golf courses: Son Gual Alcanada, Son Muntaner, Son Vida Maioris, Vall d’Or Puntiro Play with the best golf clubs sets in Spain thanks to our local partner.
- Natural Parks: Cabrera Archipelago Parc Natural de Mondrago (Cala d’Or), Lithica (Ciutadella), Parque natural s’Albufera de Mallorca (Can Picafort), Artestruz Mallorca (Campos), Parc Nacional de Cabrera (Colonia de Sant Jordi), La Gola (Port de Pollenca), Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant, Parc Natural Ses Salines d’Eivissa i Formentera, Mondragó Natural Park, Sa Dragonera Natural Park, Archipiélago de Cabrera National Park
- University: Universitat de les Illes Balears (Palma de Mallorca)
- Hospitals: Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Hospital Son Llàtzer (Palma de Mallorca)
Read further on the Balearic Islands and Spain
- TOURIST OFFICES:
- AIRPORTS: All the Spanish Airports and flights info on the official site of AENA
- TRAINS: Renfe website
- BEACHES: Where will you find the top beaches in Spain?
- GOLFS: Reread our Summer paper on the subject What are the top golf courses in Spain? Play with the best golf clubs sets in Spain thanks to our local partner. Check the Spanish Federation here: Looking for a Golf Club in Spain?
- KIDS PARKS: Our selection of the Top parks for children in Spain
- MUST VISIT IN SPAIN: Our top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain, Find all the Unesco sites in Spain
Find all our other articles and maps on the Spanish Costas:
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