Balearic Islands www.spain.info Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Published by: © Turespaña Contents Created by: Lionbridge NIPO: 086-18-006-3 Introduction 3 FREE COPY Mallorca 4 The content of this leaflet has been created with Menorca 12 the utmost care. However, if you find an error, please help us to improve by sending an email to 10 fantastic beaches 18 [email protected] Ibiza/Eivissa 20 Front Cover: Cala Macarella, Menorca. Back cover: Ibiza. Formentera 28 Balearic Islands all year round 30 How to get there 34 2 INTRODUCTION a LA SEU, PALMA MALLORCA Discover the special beauty of each Visit towns and villages steeped in the of the Balearic Islands: Mallorca, culture and history of the Balearic Is- Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. The lands, with museums, modernist pal- climate, with over 300 sunny days a year, aces, Gothic churches and medieval and the beautiful countryside make for castles. There are even pre-historic endless possibilities for enjoying out- remains like the Bronze Age megaliths door activities such as horse riding, called talayots. boat trips, ballooning and water sports. Entertainment is guaranteed, with con- The clear, warm waters of the Med- certs, festivals, clubs and so much more. iterranean and fantastic beaches You'll never have a problem finding some- are ideal for taking a refreshing dip. thing to do. Take part in a traditional festi- The choice is endless, from fami- val, have a drink on a terrace overlooking ly-friendly beaches with a full range the sea and dance till dawn in a beach club. of services, to hidden coves in idyl- Join us as we take a look at the main at- lic surroundings where you can enjoy tractions and you'll be amazed by the amazing sunsets. beauty and magic of these islands. 3 BALEARIC ISLANDS MALLORCA Nature, sports, beaches, charming villages, underground grottos, a great range of leisure possibilities for families... Mallorca has so much to offer. So what are you waiting for? Photo: ANTONIO BALAGUER SOLER/123rf.com BALAGUER Photo: ANTONIO a PLAZA MAYOR, PALMA MALLORCA CULTURE The beautiful historical old town of or Royal Fortress and it is one of the Palma, the capital of Mallorca, is amaz- Spanish Royal Family's residences. You ing. Overlooking the Roman wall which can see both buildings reflected in the used to surround the city, the Gothic waters of the artificial lake in the Par- cathedral called La Seu rises majesti- que del Mar before the tour contin- cally over the sea. It was restored by ues towards La Lonja which used to be Antonio Gaudí and contains a spec- the headquarters of the Guild of Mer- tacular mural created by Miquel Bar- chants. It is one of the most beautiful celó. Nearby stands the Almudaina, buildings in the city and is used as a ven- another beautiful Gothic monument. ue for temporary art and photography Its function is that of a Royal Palace exhibitions, etc. 4 MALLORCA There are even more treasures hidden in the narrow streets and alleyways in the town centre. The March Palace Mu- seum houses an interesting collection of contemporary sculptures and ancient books. Then on to the Convent of San Francisco which features a basilica and a Gothic cloister with slender columns. The Church of Santa Eulalia has a sur- Acosta Allely/123rf.com Photo: David prisingly high bell tower and several gar- a BELLVER CASTLE, PALMA MALLORCA goyles overlooking the terraces around the temple. Now on to the Monastery of Miramar, You can see some of Miró's les- in the district of Valldemossa, in the ser-known paintings, one of the major mountain range to the north of the is- figures in Surrealism, in the Pilar y Joan land: you can visit the museum and stroll Miró Foundation. around the beautiful gardens. For a privileged view of the island you And finally, a travel back in time and vis- should climb up to the Gothic style it the Talayots, the settlements built by Bellver Castle, about 3 kilometres from the islands' first inhabitants. One of the the historical town centre and one of largest and best preserved can be found very few round castles in Europe. in the Artà district: Ses Païsses, located in a pretty holm oak forest. b PILAR AND JOAN MIRÓ FOUNDATION MALLORCA 5 BALEARIC ISLANDS SHOPPING IN MALLORCA You'll just love the shopping on offer on Palma's streets, such as the Calle Sant Miquel, Jaume III and El Born. If you're looking for craft work then you should try the stalls laid out in the Plaça Mayor a ENSAIMADA in the morning. MALLORCA The seaside towns host lively street markets offering a wide selection of TASTING MALLORCA goods. Taste the flavours and the variety of You might like to purchase some of Mal- Mediterranean cuisine prepared with lorca's most highly-prized traditional local products from the island: fish and products like fabrics, gold and silver seafood, locally produced meat and fruit creations, basketwork and pottery. An and vegetables from the gardens. excellent souvenir could be a siurell Try the typical cold-meat products made which is a small, white clay figure with a from pork, like the renowned sobrasada whistle whose origins date back to the sausage. And you'll love some of the tra- Talaiotic Period. ditional dishes like coca de trempó, a flat pastry with several vegetables, or arròs brut, spicy rice in broth, originally made Unique pieces are created with vegetables, meat and game. using the glass-blowing For dessert you have the famous technique developed by ensaimada, a pastry cake in the form of the Phoenicians and they a spiral and sprinkled with icing sugar. are fascinatingly colourful Mallorca is also famous for its honey. and beautiful: wineglasses, You can taste it in sponge cakes, marzi- pan and exquisite cheese cake. Almonds lamps, bottles, chandeliers... also play a leading role in local culinary tradition: you'll find them in ice creams Special mention should go to leath- and nougats. er goods, like footwear which are re- In the Santa Catalina Market, the old- nowned worldwide for their quality. est in Palma, there is a blend of tradi- If you're interested in discovering the tional and gourmet stalls. While you’re craft process involved in their produc- here you could have a snack in one of tion you're best bet is to visit a factory in the bars or eat in one of the restaurants one of the towns where they are made, in the surrounding area. like Inca in the Raiguer Region in the centre of the island. 6 MALLORCA a DRACH CAVES, PORTO CRISTO MALLORCA NATURE In Mallorca there is beauty everywhere you chambers and galleries and broad terraces look. Even under the ground. Can you im- with fantastic views of the Sierra de Tra- agine listening to a classical music concert montana mountains. In Palma you'll find the in an underground grotto over 5,000 years colourful Génova caves, 36 metres under- old? In the district of Porto Cristo you can ground and fed by fresh water springs. experience this in two different venues. In Then there's the wonderful Sierra de the Drach caves you can take a boat across Tramontana Nature Reserve, the larg- Lake Martel, one of the largest underground est protected area in the Balearic Is- lakes and in the Els Hams caves there are lands. The easiest way to explore it is some surprising rock formations: the Plains by taking the hundred-year-old railway of Fra Mauro, the foso del infierno (hell's pit) from Palma to Sóller where it connects and the mar de Venecia (Sea of Venice), an with a wooden tramcar. If you prefer underground lake. hiking then take the Ruta de Piedra Seca In the Artá caves, located in the Capdepera route. In the far north you'll get capti- cliffs, you can make out Gothic construc- vating views from the lookout points tions and monsters in the vast caverns. The and coves of Cape Formentor, just a Campanet caves have amazing, seductive few kilometres from Port de Pollença. 7 BALEARIC ISLANDS a ARTÁ MALLORCA One of the most attractive outings you The Mondragó Nature Reserve in can take during your stay in Mallorca Santanyí has abundant Mallorcan wild- is to the natural monument of Torrent life and plants. You can take one of the de Pareis, a spectacular cliff location. four suggested itineraries on foot or by It is an impressive 3-kilometre gorge bicycle. You'll pass through pine forests which leads onto the lovely Playa de Sa and farmlands, skirt around lakes and Calobra beach. It can be reached on foot see incredible cliffs. or by taking a boat from Port de Sóller. If you like diving then this is a paradise. In the town of Campanet you'll find an Mallorca has a number of Marine Re- extraordinary, spectacular natural phe- serves around the coast, like those of nomenon: the Ses Fonts Ufanes, a natu- the Bay of Palma, Llevant and Migjorn ral spring-fed stream that winds its way de Mallorca. Dive down to a seabed amongst the trees and the rocks. covered with sea-weed and coral and swim amongst protected species. 8 MALLORCA BEACHES The town beaches provide comprehen- sive facilities. You can relax on a sun lounger under a rented parasol, enjoy a delicious meal in a restaurant overlook- ing the Mediterranean and enjoy your favourite water sport. In the Bay of Palma you have several choices, like S'Arenal, with its long, palm tree-lined seafront promenade, while the Oratori de Portals (or Cala Portals Nous) is one of the most popular and easy to access.