Plan a trip to Balearic

These sun-kissed, beautiful islands are located in the western Mediterranean Sea approximately 50 miles off the coast of Spain. The total area of the islands is about 1928 square miles, and the archipelago consists of 3 large islands – Mallorca (also spelled “Majorca”), Minorca, and Ibiza – and 2 small ones, Formentera and Cabrera.

Ibiza is well-known among travelers and, as a party mecca, is famous for its clubs, beautiful beaches, and all-night dancing.

Mallorca (also spelled “Majorca”), the largest of the archipelago, is the only island with a mountainous region, and it is also the home of the historic capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Majorca. Mallorca blends culture, history, and nature - offering something for everyone.
With an area of 1398 square miles, the breathtakingly beautiful island features traditional mountain villages, rugged cliffs, pine forests, almond and olive groves, and historical sites – along with over 200 miles of coastline, with golden sand and crystal-clear waters, offering outstanding sun, sea, and sand recreation.

Palma de Mallorca is the vibrant and elegant capital city of the island and home to architectural gems. The city is characterized by its charming cobblestone streets and alleyways filled with cafes, restaurants, chic boutiques, clubs, and entertainment. The local cuisine, which combines traditional Spanish dishes with Mediterranean flavors, is a delight, and the island is also renowned for its outstanding wines.

The large Santa Maria Cathedral (known also as “La Seu”) in Palma, which overlooks the Bay of Palma, is a Gothic landmark which took 4 centuries to complete – from the 13th century to the 17th century. The Moorish-style Arab fortress, the Almudaina, serves as a palace and the official residence of the royal family during their stays in Mallorca. The Bellver Castle, which hosts the city history museum, is a 14th century Gothic-style castle in a rare circular shape. As it sits atop a hill, the balcony offers full panoramic views of the bay. Mayor Plaza is Palma’s main social and cultural hub filled with shops, street artists, bars, and restaurants and is renowned for its year-round crafts market.

The Lonja, a 15th century Gothic style building with elaborate domes and large windows, served as the home of the silk exchange in the late 15th and early 16th centuries and is, today, another popular city attraction.
Looking for outdoor adventure in Mallorca? Try windsurfing, scuba diving, rock climbing, and hiking the trails along the island’s mountain peaks!
Whatever your interests, a great vacation awaits in Mallorca!

Menorca is a charming, stunning island with turquoise waters and pristine beaches as well as a rich history. For those looking for a more relaxed vacation, this is for you!

Formentera, the smallest and most tranquil of the islands with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, is a paradise for those looking to escape the city.

Cabrera, a barren island, is an archipelago in itself, and it is part of Archipelago de Cabrera National Park which was established in 1991. Its landscape consists mainly of rocks and low bushes, and there are many rocky coves along the shore.

The history of the Balearic Islands dates back to 3000 BC when they served as harbors for the ancient Phoenician traders. The Carthaginians followed and founded the city of Ibiza, making it one of the most important trade ports in the Mediterranean. The Romans came next, and, after them, the Muslims who conquered the city in the 8th century. The Muslims ruled the islands for 300 years and left a legacy with vestiges that are visible to this day. In the 13th century, Alfonso III annexed the islands to the territory that was under Catalonia’s control.

Jumping ahead several centuries to modern times…the population of the islands grew in the 1960’s due to tourism, and today it numbers over a million people. In 1978, the islands received the status of an autonomous community, and the Catalan language joined Spanish as one of the region’s official languages.