Balearic Islands General Information Area: Mallorca: 3640 sq km (1405 sq miles). Menorca: 700 sq km (270 sq miles). Ibiza: 572 sq km (220 sq miles). Formentera: 100 sq km (38 sq miles). Total: 5014 sq km (1935 sq miles). Population: 821,820 (1999). Population Density: 164.0 per sq km. Capital: Palma de Mallorca. Population: 326,993 (1999). GEOGRAPHY: Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza are the main islands in this group, which is situated 193km (120 miles) south of Barcelona off the east coast of Spain. The landscape of these islands is characterised by woodlands, almond trees, fertile plains and magnificent coastlines with numerous sandy coves separated by craggy cliffs. The largest island, Mallorca (also known as the ‘Isle of Dreams’), has a varied landscape: mountains and valleys, rocky coves and sandy beaches. The main geographical feature is the Sierra del Norte, a mountain range running along the northern coast. The island is covered with pines, and with olive and almond trees, which blanket the countryside with blossoms in springtime. Menorca has evidence of ancient history and a strong feeling of connection with Britain, owing to Admiral Nelson’s stay on the island. Both the capital Mahón and the old town of Ciutadella at the north end of the island are set at the ends of deep inlets forming natural harbours. There are many bays and lovely beaches on the island. Ibiza, the third-largest island, has a rugged coastline with many fruit orchards and woods. The main town of the same name is situated above a busy harbour. A narrow channel separates Ibiza from Formentera, the smallest inhabited island in the group. Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Travel - International AIR: Local flights run by Iberia (IB) link all the islands. Approximate flight times: From Palma de Mallorca to London is 2 hours 15 minutes; from Menorca is 2 hours 20 minutes and from Ibiza is 2 hours 20 minutes. International airports: Palma de Mallorca (PMI) (Son San Juan) is 11km (7 miles) southeast of the city. Buses to the city leave every 30-60 minutes (0705-0005) (travel time – 30 minutes). Return is from Plaza España. Taxis to the city are also available. The airport has a 24-hour (in summer) duty-free shop, first aid facilities, 24-hour bank/bureau de change, 24-hour bars, car hire, tourist information and post office. Mahón (MAH) is 6km (4 miles) from Mahón. Coaches or taxis are available to the town. Ibiza (IBZ) is 8km (5 miles) from the town of Ibiza. Buses to the city leave hourly (0700-2330). Taxis are available to the city. SEA: The following shipping lines run services to the Balearic Islands: Compañía Trasmediterránea (car ferry) (website: www.trasmediterranea.es) from Alicante, Barcelona, Valencia and inter-island to Palma, Balearia; Buquebus España SA; CNAN – Compagnie Nationale Algérienne de Navigation (car ferry) from Algiers; Balearia Eurolines Maritimes (website: www.balearia.com). The main ports are Palma (Mallorca), Mao and Ciutadella de Menorca (Menorca) and La Savina (Formentera). Local: There is also a ferry service from Sète (France) to Palma. There are regular ferries from Ibiza to Formentera (travel time – 45 minutes). RAIL: On Mallorca, narrow-gauge trains run from Palma to Soller five times daily, and to Inca every hour. The Inca-Manacor line is scheduled to reopen in 2003. Inter-Rail passes are not valid. There are no railways on any of the other islands. ROAD: There are generally good bus services on the islands connecting resorts with main towns. Car and scooter hire is generally available. The steep, narrow inland roads make it difficult for coaches and cars to pass each other (although there are special passing points). On Mallorca, there are over 110km (68 miles) of road, and three toll-free highways lead from Palma to Manova, Cala Blava and Inca. For travel by coach, it is best to check timetables before commencing your journey to avoid difficulties; hotels can often provide this information. Accommodation Note: From 1 May 2002, the Balearic government has been levying an ‘eco tax’ on people holidaying in the islands. This compulsory fee (equivalent to approximately €1 a day) is to be collected by accommodation providers and is, as yet, not generally included in travel agents’/brochure prices. HOTELS: Establishments of all categories exist in the Balearics, including hotels catering for around 230,000 visitors, chalets, apartments and bungalows. It is possible to rent furnished or unfurnished chalets for the season, although visitors must book in advance, owing to demand. Rates vary according to season and the standard of accommodation. Numerous ‘packages’ are available. CAMPING: There are nine campsites in the Balearic Islands. For further information, contact the Spanish Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses in the main Spain section). YOUTH HOSTELS: The Spanish Youth Hostel Network (REAJ) runs a youth hostel in Palma, at Costa Brava 13, 07610 Palma de Mallorca (tel: (971) 260 892; fax: (971) 262 012; e-mail: albergue.platja.de.palma.@bitel.es). There is also a youth hostel in Alcudia, at Ctra. Cap Pinar Km 407400, Alcudia 07400 (tel: (971) 545 823; fax: (902) 111 188; e-mail: lavictoria@bitel.es). Introduction The Balearics is the name given to the archipelago of four main islands off the Mediterranean coast of Spain (193km/120 miles south of Barcelona). Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza are all popular tourist destinations, offering remarkably varied scenery as well as beach resorts that provide every kind of amenity. The largest town in the Balearics is Palma (Mallorca). Regular ferry services link Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Mallorca Of all the Balearic Islands, Mallorca probably has the most to see and explore, lending itself to a number of half- and full-day excursions all of which can be made from Palma. The best scenery lies in the north of the island. One way to enjoy the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana and the photogenic villages clinging to the lower slopes is to take the antique tourist train to Sóller – a tram takes visitors the short distance to the port and coastal resort of the same name. Another worthwhile excursion is to the beautifully sited Monastery of Valldemossa, where the composer Frederic Chopin spent the winter of 1838-9, trying, without success, to regain his health. He was accompanied by his mistress, George Sand, who later published a famous account of the disastrous visit. Tourists are also shown the Formentor Peninsula, famous for its pinewoods and secluded coves, and the caves of Hams and Drac, on the eastern coast near Porto Cristo. Mention should also be made of the enchanting village of Deía, one-time home of the English poet Robert Graves. The island’s coastline is 300km (186 miles) long and while some stretches have suffered from over-development, many of the beaches retain their natural beauty. The busiest resorts area is the Bay of Palma (there are regular bus services from the city). Also popular is the Bay of Alcúdia in the northeast of the island. There is a daily boat service during the summer from Port d’Alcúdia to Menorca (Ciudadela). PALMA: The capital clearly demonstrates its long association with maritime commerce and its history as a major Mediterranean port. The old city is beautifully situated on the Bay of Palma with modern developments to the east and west. Palma is overlooked by the 14th-century Castle of Belver, and other notable buildings include the golden sandstone cathedral (La Seo), the Archbishop’s Palace, the Monastery and Church of San Francisco and the Montesion Church. Apart from these major buildings, there are many beautiful palaces and churches in the city, many of which were built from the profits of commerce. Palma also offers excellent facilities for holidaymakers including health care. Menorca, Ibiza & Formentera MENORCA: The second-largest island in the group lies some 40km (25 miles) northeast of Mallorca. The capital, Mahón, has many buildings dating from the period of British occupation (1713-83) and is best explored on foot. The attractions include the Town Hall (Casa Consistorial), the Church of Santa Maria and the Church of San Francisco. Trips are available around the harbour. A good highway links Mahón with the older town of Ciudadela (the former capital) on the opposite side of the island. It has a Cathedral, partly dating from the 14th century, and also boasts several elegant palacios and medieval churches. Despite the lack of coastal roads, it is possible to explore most points of interest from these two centres, both of which have good beaches within easy reach. Across the island, visitors will encounter prehistoric stone formations from the Talayot civilisation of the second millennium BC. The most important site is Talatí de Dalt. Menorca has conserved its stock-farming and leather-working traditions, making its economy less dependent on revenue earned through tourism. Dairy farming centres on Alaior where the local cheeses are on sale in the market. IBIZA: The third-largest island in the group has never been more popular, thanks largely to its frenetic nightlife. The clubs specialising in house music are concentrated in Ibiza Town and San Antonio. Ibiza is much quieter during the October to May period when it retains some of its traditional atmosphere. There are good sandy beaches south of the capital at Ses Salines and Es Cavallet. Away from the coast, the island is densely wooded. Ibiza Town has a medieval fortress and the Dalt Vila (Upper Town) is well worth exploring. Southwest of the town centre is the Punic cemetery Puig des Molins. The two other major tourist centres are the coastal towns of San Antonio Abad and Santa Eulalia del Río. FORMENTERA: Separated from Ibiza by a 4km (2 mile) channel (hourly boat services operate during the summer), the main settlement is the large village of San Francisco Javier. Like the other islands in the group, Formentera has no shortage of pinewoods and sandy beaches, and the pace of life is generally more relaxed than on Ibiza. Sport & Activities Watersports: Underwater fishing is especially popular, with sea bass, sole, dentex, dorado and sea bream all plentiful. It is possible to swim in the sea virtually all year round. Innumerable heated swimming pools are also available. There are facilities for different forms of sailing in the many sheltered bays. The Balearic Islands are also an arrival point for many Mediterranean yacht cruises. Mooring fees in any of the yacht clubs (Palma de Mallorca, Mahón, Ciudadela, Andraitx and Ibiza) are reasonable. Facilities for other watersports, including water-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing and diving, are also available. Other: Tennis can be played in the Real Club of Palma and in Ibiza, as well as on the private courts of the major hotels of the different towns. There are golf courses attached to the big hotels. American bowling alleys are available on all the islands. Horse racing and riding have long been popular. Bikes can be hired. Social Profile Food & Drink: The varied local cuisine includes rabbit, a wide selection of seafood and pork dishes, Mahón cheeses from Menorca, numerous locally grown fruits and vegetables. Dishes include Mallorcan ensaimada (light, sweet pastry roll), Ibizan flao, graixonere de peix, tumbet, escaldums of chicken, sobresada, Mallorcan soups, and mayonnaise, the famous culinary invention from Menorca. The islands have plenty of good wines and aromatic liqueurs, such as palo, which is made from locally grown St John’s bread (carob beans) and frigola. Imported alcoholic and soft drinks are also widely available. Nightlife: There are numerous nightclubs and discos (especially in Ibiza), some with open-air dancefloors overlooking the sea, floorshows, live bands and orchestras. There are also many cinemas, theatres, concerts and art exhibitions. Approximately 18km (11 miles) west of Palma, in Magaluf, there is an elegant casino with a large restaurant. For the latest news on the local nightlife, and details of current events, artistic and cultural, consult the local English-language newspaper The Bulletin. Shopping: On the Balearic Islands, there is a strong tradition of craftmanship. Purchases include furniture, hand embroidered works, handpainted ceramics, carved olive-wood panels, wrought ironwork, glassware, items made from raffia and palm leaves, handmade shoes, the famous pearls made in Mallorca and other costume jewellery from Menorca. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1300 and 1630-1930. Climate The islands enjoy a temperate, Mediterranean climate. The maximum temperatures are not excessive, even in high summer, owing to the cooling influence of the sea. The climate during the winter is mild and dry, and temperatures below zero are practically unknown. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.