Destinations > Spain > Balearic Islands

Balearic Islands

Situated in the sunny Mediteranean, the Balearic Islands are off the budget travellers route and are frequented by a mix of package tourists and stylish Europeans.

The three main islands each have a distinct feel so you'll find what you want whether it's quiet secluded beaches, package-tourist hell or European party central.

The islands are easily accessible by ferry from Barcelona and Valencia, although Ibiza and especially Mallorca also recieve plenty of charter flights from northern Europe.

Ibiza (Eivissa)

Ibiza (Eivissa in Catalan) is party central with techno music thumping from the myriad nightclubs. This hot party island has one of Europe's top club scenes and it is also a popular gay destination. Unfortunately there's a real shortage of budget accommodation which puts it off-limits for many budget travellers, particularly in the peak season.

Ferries from the mainland arrive at Ibiza City which boasts a beautiful walled old town.

Practical Information

Ibiza Tourist Information Centre

Calle Antoni Riquer, Ibiza

Tel (971) 30 19 00

American Express/Viajes Ibiza

Carrer de Vicent Cuervo 9, Ibiza

Tel (971) 31 11 11

Mallorca

With more than six-million visitors each year, Mallorca is the most developed of the Balearic Islands. With the frequent charter flights from Germany and the UK, it is also easy to get to and for some travellers, their introduction to Spain.

Although parts of the island represent package-tourist hell, the capital Palma de Mallorca is a vibrant city with an impressive cathedral and pleasant sun-filled plaças.

Palma is a good base for exploring the island's rugged coastline and there are some good beaches within a short bus ride from central Palma. If the sun is shining you may even be able to overlook the thousands of tourists.

Practical Information

Mallorca Tourist Information Centre

Carrer de Sant Domingo 11, Palma de Mallorca

Tel (971) 72 40 90

Plaça d'Espanya, Palma de Mallorca

Tel (971) 71 15 27

American Express

Avinguda d'Antoni Maura 10, Palma de Mallorca

Tel (971) 72 23 44

Accommodation

PALMA DE MALLORCA

Albergue Playa de Palma

Calle de la Costa Brava 13, 07610 Palma de Mallorca
Bus 15 (stop: Hotel Acapulco)

Tel 971 260 892

Hostal la Mimosa

Calle Suècia 5, 07015 Palma de Mallorca
Tel 971 400 3

Hostal Terramar

Plaza Mediterraneo 8, 07014 Palma de Mallorca
Bus 1, 3
Tel 971 73 99 31

ALCÚDIA

Albergue La Victoria

Carretera del cap des Pinar km 4.9, 07400 Alcúdia
Tel 971 545 395

Menorca

The second largest of the Balearic Islands, Menorca is seldom visited and represents a striking departure from the tourist-saturated islands of Ibiza and Mallorca.

Menorca is the place to discover quiet rural backwaters and secluded beaches. It also offers a wealth of prehistoric ruins dating from the Cave through to the Iron Age.

Most ferries arrive at Maó - a small town on the east coast with a distinct British heritage. Ciutadella on the island's west coast is the other major town with a much more Spainish feel it to.

Practical Information

Menorca Tourist Information Centre

Plaça de s'Esplanada 40, Maó

Tel (971) 36 37 90

Plaça d'es Born, Ciutadella

Tel (971) 38 26 93

Accommodation

Albergue Sa Vinyeta

Finca Sa Vinyeta Camí Rafal de Compte s/n, Ciutadella de Menorca
Tel 971 487 763