EXPLORE, ENJOY & TASTE THE REGIONS OF SPAIN This is one of the most popular


destinations in the western Mediterranean, and you’ll soon find out why. You’ll find enchanting coves, gorgeous sunsets and lush natural landscapes


the island. Shopping options are good too, with traditional


craft markets in La Mola and Sant Ferran. The traditional local cuisine includes products which have become well-known outside Formentera, such as Peix sec (dried fish), liquid salt, curd cheese, and herbal liqueur.


Ibiza


Small coves lapped by the intense blue Mediterranean, pine forests that practically embrace the sea, days spent on-board a yacht, sleepy villages full of rural charm, luxury beach clubs, accommodation in paradise-like settings… Ibiza is a heavenly Mediterranean destination, a


place where you can let your hair down and enjoy the laid-back hippy atmosphere of its fashion and street markets, chill out on a Bali bed next to the sea or watch the sunset surrounded by beautiful scenery. Ibiza is so authentic that it can combine the world’s most exciting nightlife with a UNESCO World Heritage town and Biodiversity Reserves.


There are many ways to experience the coast T


here are many ways to enjoy the islands: relaxing in an atmosphere of well-deserved


peace and quiet, or partying until all hours as you enjoy the islands’ wild nightlife. These are places where you wander through the


streets of fishing villages, discover outstanding natural landscapes or enjoy a range of water sports. Minorca and Formentera, two small corners of paradise in the Mediterranean, are absolute havens of tranquillity. Majorca and Ibiza are the two largest islands. The main attractions in Majorca include its capital, Palma, the Cabrera National Park and the mountains of the Sierra de Tramontana. Ibiza, meanwhile, has been declared a World Heritage site by the UNESCO for its rich biodiversity and cultural attractions, which include the Phoenician archaeological site of Sa Caleta, the necropolis of Puig des Molins and the historic centre of Eivissa. What’s more, the island of Ibiza is known to party-goers all over the world for its exhilarating nightlife, where the beat of the music can be heard all night long.


Cabrera Archipelago


Scuba divers will find one of the best conserved sea beds on the Spanish coastline, with a dense meadow of Posidonia oceánica which favours the proliferation of a large number of species of marine fauna.


These include grouper, octopus and eye-catching sea slugs. You may also come across a loggerhead turtle or some dolphins. From the surface you’ll have the chance to go


sailing and enjoy boat trips to bathing areas only accessible from the sea. Some of these excursions will take you to lovely caves bathed by the sea which are perfect for swimming. And while you’re sailing you’ll have the chance not only to indulge in some sunbathing, rest and relaxation, but you’re bound to catch sight of various unusual seabirds flying overhead. The Cabrera Archipelago National Park also offers a range of activities on the shore. For example there are three public beaches on its bay: Sa Platgeta, Platga d’es Pagès and S’Empalmador. What’s more there are several different hiking routes. Perhaps the most eye-catching is the path up to Cabrera castle, and the route which leads to the lighthouse, ending at the Cova Blanca beach (which it is recommended to enter rowing or swimming).


Formentera


The beaches and coves of this Balearic Island, with their fine white sand and unique turquoise sea, are the perfect place to switch off completely. These coastal landscapes are dotted with little villages, natural harbours, and picturesque lighthouses, such as La Mola or Cap de Barbaria. Inland the scenery is enchanting - lakes, salt pans, caves, and woods of junipers and pines. Visitors will also find three historic villages: Sant Francesc Xavier, Sant Ferran de ses Roques, and El Pilar de la Mola. If you are looking for an active holiday, you can


take an excursion to Les Salines Natural Park, go scuba diving or kayaking, ride a horse, or explore over 30 natural hiking routes and cycle tracks on


of Ibiza - the beaches of Cala d’Hort, opposite the beautiful nature reserve of Es Vedrà, and Es Caló d’es Moro, with one of the most admired sunsets to be seen on the island; the rocky shore of Ses Variades, full of lively bars and nightclubs; Cala Benirrás, epicentre of the hippie lifestyle every Sunday with its drum parties; coves like Tarida, Jondal, Conta, and the beaches of Ses Salines and d’en Bossa, with a variety of beach clubs; or Cala Llentía, with standing stones on the cliffs, regarded by many as Ibiza’s Stonehenge. Ibiza’s unique natural environment is also home


to other landscapes of great interest. Places like Benimussa Valley and the plain of El Pla de Corona stand out for their rural charm. Apart from their traditional country houses and lush olive groves and vineyards, they are particularly attractive in winter when you can see thousands of almond trees in full bloom, adorning the countryside with delicate white flowers. Another great place to visit is Ses Salines Natural Park. The salt pans and maritime marshes extend across the south of Ibiza and the north of Formentera, and the sea here is home to a large part of the posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows. These meadows have earned the island its place on the World Heritage biodiversity list.


Mallorca Enjoy coves of turquoise water so clear that boats


seem to be floating in the air, venture into hidden caves, visit lighthouses with endless views, and see unforgettable sunsets. That’s life on the largest of the Balearic Islands, a place of idyllic landscapes where the mountains are just a step away from the beach, and the inspiration for generations of writers, musicians and painters. A trip to the island could start in Palma, its lively capital, and continue in villages where you can forget about the outside world, like Valldemosa or


Enjoy the Balearic Islands


Sóller. The climate is always mild, and everywhere you go, you’ll find the true Mediterranean lifestyle and cuisine. Because Mallorca really embodies the Mediterranean spirit. Palma is one of the most delightful cities


to explore on foot in all of Spain. As well as the Cathedral, Bellver castle, Es Baluard museum and the Pilar i Joan Miró Foundation, we recommend venturing into its courtyards, eating at restaurants with cuisines from all over the world, shopping in the exclusive boutiques of Passeig del Born, and soaking up the sun at a pavement café. You’ll be tempted to stay there forever, but


Palma is just the entrance to a fascinating island. Travellers will find enchanting villages like Valldemossa, where the composer Chopin and the writer George Sand stayed in the Charterhouse. Very close by is Sóller, where you can take an antique train. Other options include Deià and the stunning gardens of Son Marroig, Pollença and its lively port, or Alcúdia and its unspoilt coves. In all of these places, you can try the “slow


food” trend in Michelin starred restaurants, at the harbours, or in the cake shops where they sell the famous ensaimada pastry. You can take the opportunity to buy some local crafts, or just relax over a cocktail in any of Mallorca’s exclusive beach clubs.


Menorca The island has 216 kilometres of highly varied


coastline, from the rugged shores and reddish beaches of the north, to the gentle relief of the south, with golden sandy coves. There are many different options to enjoy sun and sea, whether on broad sandy beaches or at small coves surrounded by pine groves. They all have one thing in common, however: clean, crystal clear waters. You can go sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and,


of course, scuba diving here. Minorca’s stunning sea bed has been a favourite amongst diving enthusiasts for decades. The island transmits a sense of calm, largely on account of its valuable countryside. Minorca has the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation and a wealth of flora, fauna and landscapes. Outings on foot, by bike or on horseback, on the marked trails and routes, are a good way to get to know these beautiful surroundings. Most outstanding is the S’Albufera d’Es Grau Nature Reserve, a refuge for many aquatic and migratory birds, which is also one of southern Europe’s most important wetland areas.. Another of Minorca’s attractions is its archaeological and cultural heritage. Discover interesting monumental sites such as the historic old town of Ciudadela, prehistoric remains like the Naveta des Tudons Megalithic site, other prehistoric sites such as those at Mahón, and even small fishing villages that still conserve their ancient traditions.


Hiring a car is a good way to explore the island


- the longest distance between two points is 47 kilometres. You can get to Minorca by air, to its international airport, five kilometres from the capital, Mahón, or also by sea, to the ports at Mahón and Ciudadela.


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