The idea of a tropical vacation in the Mediterranean fills us all with happiness. However, most of the time, if we have a family that includes children or elderly people, we wonder what kind of vacation suits everyone. The Balearic Islands offer adventure water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, diving, surfing, and pedal boats for fitness fanatics, but they also offer plenty of options for the less fit.
Located in the western Mediterranean, the Balearic Islands archipelago consists of four large islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. There are several other smaller islands such as Cabrera, Dragonera and S’Espalmador. The official languages are Catalan and Spanish since this archipelago is part of Spain, however, if you speak English, you shouldn’t have much trouble navigating the islands.
These islands enjoy the tropical sun all year round and therefore you can even choose your winter holidays as the perfect time to visit these places. The beach holiday season begins in May and continues through October, yet these islands are packed with activities throughout the year.
Majorca / Majorca
If you are a nature lover and you love biking or walking, then explore the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbing the highest peak of the Puig Major will give you a feeling of success and joy. Being the largest island in this region, this place has something for everyone in the family.
For the youngest members of the family, the Palma Aquarium is the perfect place to enjoy. Seeing how the botanists feed the sharks can become the first experience of its kind for many. The whole family can take the old wooden train from Palma to the quiet town of Sóller. Along the way you can see hectares of pine forests, olive groves and citrus orchards as the train passes through the Sierra de Tramuntana.
If you are a wine connoisseur, visiting the town of Binnisalem can be a fruitful journey. José L. Ferrer, Macià Batle, Vins Nadal or Son Prim are some of the famous wineries in the area. You can witness the transformation process of the local varieties of Manto Negro and Callet grapes into red wines and of Moll grapes into white wines.
The capital city of Palma will give you enough options to fill your souvenir shopping bags and stomachs with exotic Mediterranean dishes. The small town of Artá is also a great place to stroll through the cafes and enjoy a lazy afternoon. If you like a bit of history, don’t miss the talayotic settlement of Ses Païsses on the outskirts of Artá. It is believed that they were established more than 3,000 years ago.
For bird lovers, S’Albufera Natural Park is the perfect place to spend a day watching Eleonora’s falcons and gray herons. There are more than 200 species of birds that visit this natural reserve at different times of the year.
Menorca / Menorca
The lazy island of Menorca is perfect for history buffs to witness some of the world’s unique monuments. The taluas that were built for religious or astronomical purposes, the Navetas, ” which are burial chambers and talaiots, or talayots that were built to be used as watchtowers, are known for their exceptional architectural value.
These monuments, which date from the year 1000 a. C. and beyond, speak very well of the civilization of the natives of this region. Talua ‘Torralba d’en Salort’ ‘and’ Naveta d’Es Tudons ” are the most notable structures for tourists, however if you walk or hike in this area, you will explore many of those structures.
Ibiza
Ibiza is a very popular destination with young people and is known as an international party destination. World famous DJs travel to this place to perform and this island is known for its exotic nightclubs.
The lively resorts of Playa d’en Bossa in San Antonio are the perfect places for any partygoer who wants to enjoy the latest songs. There are club opening parties that start in mid-May and continue through October. If you are a lover of hardcore rock music, you will not miss the Ibiza Rocks music festival in San Antonio. The lavish party ends with the club closing festivals that begin in late September and continue through October.
To feel the city, visit Ibiza Dalt Vila, which was built by the Phoenicians. The castle was built in the 16th century to keep Turkish pirates away. The Cathedral is at the highest point and one wonders how the inmates of this small island made use of the strategic location to keep the city safe.
Diving is another favorite water sports and there are dive centers all over the island, such as Active Dive in San Antonio and Subfari in Portinatx.
Aguamar water park is loved by children and adults alike, it has seven slides to choose from. There are pools and playgrounds for children and separate picnic spots for the whole family to enjoy.
Formentera
Visiting this small island from Ibiza by boat is a perfect way to spend a summer vacation. Get off at the port of La Savina and rent a bicycle or scooter to navigate the island. Enjoy the nude beaches and get a magnificent tan. If you love bird watching, the salt flats are the best places to hang out. These nature reserves can give you a glimpse of some exotic birds that you have always wanted to see.
So, are you ready to pack your bags for a fun-filled holiday in the Balearic Islands this summer?
