Visiting top Spain tourism destinations

Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera and seven other Spanish islands make up the Balearic Islands cluster in the Mediterranean. Bathed in sunshine and framed by golden white beaches, these islands are one of Europe's top getaway destinations.

The four largest Balearic Islands also attract the most visitors. Mallorca is making huge efforts to shake off the stigma of poor tourism due to the notorious hordes of Brits flocking to the resort of Magaluf. It is replacing the old battered accommodation with modern facilities and introducing stricter policies to restrict alcohol consumption. Meanwhile its capital, Palma, is becoming one of Spain's most alluring small towns.

On the other hand, Ibiza's hedonistic atmosphere makes it one of the world's clubbing capitals. Its old town, the towering canyons of San Antonio and Playa de Bosa are home to the top of the club scene and hundreds of tourists visit the island for the experience. However, away from the super clubs Ibiza retains its natural beauty. The centre of the island is serene with white almond trees and olive groves blooming in a rich red soil.

Both Majorca and Ibiza boast stunning beaches, but the unique bays you admire on postcards are found in Menorca. Visitors who take the Cami de Cavalls, the stunning path that hugs the island peripherally, will admire shallow coves, crystal clear waters, steep coves and calm sandy shores.

Menorca's small towns are also charming. Mahon, the island's capital, is full of steep streets and Georgian architecture, while the charm of Ciutadella lies in its quiet old town.

As the popularity of the Balearics grows, Formentera - like Menorca - remains down to earth and committed to preserving its coastline, giving the green light only to low-rise construction. The tranquillity of Formentera cannot be rivalled by any other island and is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to slow down without missing out on the unrivalled beauty of the Mediterranean coast.

The best time for your trip

The Mediterranean climate of the Balearic Islands, with its mild winters and pleasantly warm summers, allows you to visit at any time of the year. However, the ideal period for your trip is in late spring and early summer, i.e. May and June. In July and August, tourists flood the islands, and as a result the most popular beaches are packed.

How to get around

Should you choose July or August for your trip, you may prefer to rent a car to get to the less known beaches and other remote places without crowds. For those who want to see more than one Balearic Islands, island hopping throughout the complex is recommended. Ferry services are very frequent and connect all the islands, so you can easily plan your own excursions and stops. Palma airport de Mallorca Airport (PMI), also known as Aeroport de Son Sant Joan, is one of the busiest airports in Europe, especially during the summer season. The Palma airport taxi The palma airport taxi ride from the airport to the centre of Palma takes around 20 minutes, if traffic is normal, and the distance in question is just 9 km.

The weather in the Balearics

Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures averaging 26°C in June and up to 31°C in July and August. Mallorca is usually the hottest of the islands, reaching up to 31 to 32°C in August.

Accommodation

7Pines Kempinski, Ibiza: In a quiet corner of Ibiza's west coast, in a stunning clifftop spot, you'll find the 7Pines Kempinski standing between the palm forest and the Mediterranean Sea. Ideal for romantic getaways, it offers swimming pools including a fantastic infinity pool. Those who stay true to the beach, however, can walk down to Cala Codolar, just 200 metres from the hotel. After a day of exploring or relaxing on the waters of Ibiza, visit View, the restaurant of the 7Pines Kempinski. As its name suggests, it will offer you dinners overlooking the sea and the Balearic sunset.

Cap Rocat in Mallorca/Photo: Hotel's Website

Cap Rocat, Mallorca. This five-star boutique hotel is probably the most unusual in all of Mallorca, but also the most exciting and luxurious place to stay. It's built in a former military fortress and the hotel's structure is breathtaking, especially when lit up at night. The area around Cap Rocat is deserted and quiet and the buildings blend in and blend in with the beautiful natural surroundings. There is a private beach but also a secluded swimming pool in the heart of the fortress. Bonuses include relaxing spa treatments, nature walks and gourmet cuisine.

Alcaufar Vell, Menorca: Although Alcaufar Vell is located in the countryside, it is only two kilometres from the beach. Here you can enjoy the idyllic gardens and forest, swim in the pool and walk the hiking trails. The hotel staff will do everything to make you feel at home, even though you are in a luxury Balearic accommodation. In the restaurant you will taste innovative dishes that marry modern and traditional cuisine, created with fresh local produce.

Five Flowers Hotel & Spa, Formentera: A 1960s scent with psychedelic murals, colourful hanging chairs, floral motifs and other bohemian touches all make up the unique personality of Five Flowers Hotel & Spa, the first five-star hotel in Formentera. The spa offers you exceptional treatments such as Hawaiian massage and hydrotherapy. Breakfast includes a huge variety of savoury and sweet flavours, while for dinner visit the Janis Restaurant located on the highest roof of the entire island. For drinks with 360-degree panoramic views, choose the Sky Cocktail Club.

Restaurants and bars

Amante, Ibiza: By day this is a restaurant, but at night it's truly seductive. When darkness falls on the Mediterranean, the impressive cliff above Sol Den Serra beach is draped in elegant and sophisticated lighting. Low light and mysterious shadows transform the cave in which Amante is located into a magical place. Try the catch of the day, meat and organic dishes from the garden and other Spanish and Mediterranean dishes. For a truly private dinner with your partner, make a reservation for the Amante Table, the one and only table for two located in a romantic Balinese hut and offering a specially designed menu and its own waiter for the entire night.

Sky Bar, Mallorca: The Sky Bar is the newest addition to the luxurious Hostal Cuba hotel and is located on the rooftop. It offers panoramic views of the entire Palma with its Cathedral and harbour. The bar's cocktails are amazing and extremely popular. Enjoy them while admiring the Palma sunset.

Covq d'En Xoroi, Menorca: This bar is located in one of the most unusual spots you've ever seen. Spread across a series of caves that pierce the cliffs of the southern part of Menorca, Covq d'En Xoroi will offer you a wonderful sunset accompanied by live music. Book a table in one of the VIP areas, each of which will give you a different experience.

Kokoy, Formentera: Kokoy, signed by Michelin-starred chef Hideki Matsuhisa, is a world-renowned restaurant at the Five Flowers Hotel & Spa. The restaurant's team uses rich, local ingredients to create an exceptional menu that is packed with the best and most distinctive Japanese flavours. Matsuhisa is the only Japanese chef to have won an award in Spain and is considered one of the best in the country.

Hidden treasures

Cala de Algaiarens, Menorca: This beautiful cove is surrounded by rocky slopes that make it difficult to descend to the beach. On the plus side, it remains quiet in the summer, during the months of tourist fever. A hidden gem with soft golden sand and crystal clear waters, it is the perfect place for diving and exploring the underwater caves. The cove is not suitable for families because there is often turbulence in the waters. If you choose it remember to take cash with you. Cala de Algaiarens is privately owned and you will need to pay a small fee of four euros to enter.

S' Espalmador Island: North of Formentera you'll find the private island of S' Espalmador, whose white, secluded beaches are open to the public. A disadvantage here is the strong currents that make it dangerous in some cases to cross, so don't opt for boat hire. Take the small local ferry and return on the last service leaving at 5:30pm. Visitors to S'Espalmador love the natural mud baths that are said to have healing properties, so don't be surprised to see nudists drenched in clay.

Sa Colobra, Mallorca: If you're an experienced hiker you'll enjoy a beautiful five-hour hike from Escorca to the village of Sa Colobra. You'll pass through the stunning De Pareis torrent, a series of tunnels that open out onto a small, beautiful pebbled beach. Relax here for a few hours before returning by boat to Escorca.

Cala Varques, Mallorca: This one is a hidden treasure. This is a beach of stunning beauty, surrounded by hills of palm trees. For this reason, access to Cala Varques is particularly difficult and is only possible by boat or on foot. There is absolutely nothing in this remote area, no hotel, no restaurant, not even a coffee shop. This is probably why its white sand remains so pristine. For the adventure fanatics, there is an alcove in one of the hills, which leads to 500 meters long underground caves.

Tips

All of Spain's beaches are free to the public. However, the big resorts pay huge sums to be able to charge visitors for amenities such as sunbeds and umbrellas. Depending on the area you will need to pay around four to 10 euros per person.

The Balearic Islands are visited by almost 15 million people a year, so overcrowding is inevitable at peak times. There are so many people, that in case you don't like crowds one of the remote or inaccessible places is the only way for you to have a good time on your holiday.

The majority of visitors come to the Balearics for the sun and sand, but history lovers will also love this area with its rich past. Ancient indigenous cultures, numerous conquests and a long list of interesting personalities who found the Balearics their home. Menorca alone is dotted with over a thousand megalithic monuments, while the rest of the islands are dotted with historical monuments, ancient buildings and archaeological sites. By no means miss the cute archaeological centres of Palma in Mallorca and the old town of Ibiza.

Don't drink from the tap water. Water may be drinkable in the Spanish mainland, but this is not the case on the islands. It is, however, suitable for other uses, such as brushing your teeth and boiling your food.

Unless you explore the nightlife, you're not getting a real taste of the Balearics. Top in this is Ibiza, known for its bars, clubs and boat parties. To get into any of the clubs, and for all kinds of parties, get a ticket in advance, both for a lower price and to make sure you get in. Some of the most famous clubs on the island are Amnesia and Pacha.

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), also known as Aeroport de Son Sant Joan, is one of the busiest airports in Europe, especially during the summer season. The taxi ride from the airport to the centre of Palma takes around 20 minutes, if traffic is normal, and the distance in question is just 9 km.

Nas Diroo writes books about Travel. His books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. He is a New York Times and a USA Today Bestseller.