The Balearic Islands

This unique destination where the sunshine is virtually guaranteed for 300 days a year is home to a group of islands as rich in diversity of character as in its varied landscapes and atmospheres. The Balearics are composed of four main islands - Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera - nestling in the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by a number of small, rocky islets. They cover an area of roughly 5000 sq km and are situated between Spain and the North African coast.

The climate is typically Mediterranean with relentless sunshine in the summer and pleasant temperatures during the spring and autumn. Despite their popularity, the Balearic Islands have managed to retain an air of peace and medieval mystery, and their natural heritage and historic importance are evident wherever you go. Stone-age ruins and Gothic cathedrals appear amongst the many orange orchards, olive groves, and tranquil fishing villages.

Mallorca

The Island of Mallorca, often called Majorca, is the largest of the Balearic Islands covering an area of around 3,500 sq km. The capital, Palma, is home to almost half the island's population, and is a bustling, cosmopolitan community that stretches for 15 km along the coastline. This is the most popular charter start/finish location.

With exquisite beaches and ample facilities, including a vast selection of supermarkets and places to buy your provisioning. The impressive Serra de Tramuntana - a mountain range that peaks at Puig Major (1445m) is a scenic backdrop of unrivalled beauty overlooking unspoilt plains and olive groves. The north of Mallorca has rugged mountains and rolling hills on one side with spectacular anchorages cut deep into the cliff face, and quaint harbours and sandy bays on the other. In the southeast you will discover some of the best natural harbours and anchorages in Mallorca and possibly in the whole of the Balearic Islands.

Ibiza

Ibiza is the third largest island and most westerly in the Balearic archipelago, covering an area of roughly 540 sq km. It has several harbours and hundreds of quiet small anchorages surrounded by dramatic coastline and hilly terrain with great swathes of heavily wooded countryside.

Areas of outstanding beauty, and picturesque villages and towns from where stunning views can be had across the island and out over the sparkling Mediterranean. This is also the epicentre of all things festive, lively and decadent and many young visitors come to enjoy the night-club culture that has few parallels elsewhere in the world. Despite this, Ibiza is still a fabulous holiday destination for the whole family with attractions and facilities catering to all ages.

Formentera

Formentera is the fourth inhabited island in the Balearic archipelago and forms a perfect contrast to the hectic hedonism of Ibiza. It is a haven of natural beauty and its tranquil environment attracts many visitors to its unspoilt shores. The only access to Formentera is by boat. With its breathtaking landscapes and traditional white painted villas, this island has a peaceful atmosphere and easy pace of life.

Menorca

The Island of Menorca is 47 km long and roughly 15 km wide, but it has a magnificent coastline of some 200 km giving the impression that this Balearic Island is not much more than beach! In reality it is so much more, with attractive anchorages and several unique ecosystems within the island's natural environments earning it the accolade of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.

Menorca attracts visitors who enjoy the many luxurious beaches and undeveloped, rocky coves that surround this island, as well as absorb its tangible sense of cultural heritage. There are more than 90 caves in the coastal cliffs that once would have served as homes for the islanders, and the wealth of archaeological sites and prehistoric stone formations that litter Menorca is more history than could be taken in over the course of one trip.

Weather Conditions

Climate

General weather for Malta

Ibiza

Ibiza has a Mediterranean climate and has milder winters but slightly cooler summers than Majorca. In winter conditions are generally mild with temperatures around 15 degrees during the day and 8 degrees at night. The hottest period is July to August with daily temperatures often reaching 30°C. The winds in the eastern part of the island are mostly from the NW and NE and from May until August generally NE or ESE.

Mallorca

Mallorca has a warm pleasant climate, making it an excellent charter destination most months of the year. Hot and dry summers and autumn/winter rains. Most of the island receives between 45 cm and 65 cm of rain over the year, most of which falls between September and November. Most of the rain that falls is concentrated within a few days of precipitation, with some very heavy rains in autumn and lighter rains over the rest of the year. Excluding the high mountain areas, the average annual temperature is between 16 – 18 degrees with a maximum summer average of 29-31 degrees and a minimum average winter night-time temperature of 5-9 degrees. Mallorca´s sea breeze is known as the Embat; a typical daily onshore wind resulting from the sun heating the land more than the water.

Menorca

The island sees around 300 days of sunshine per year. Summer is the best time to visit but be sure to book ahead if you are planning to visit in the summer; July and August are particularly busy. Late spring and early autumn also experience fantastic weather. Menorca is the most northern of the Balearics, so it is slightly cooler and wetter than its southern counterparts. It is also in the path of no less than 8 prevailing winds, leading to its nickname, the ‘windy island.’ Menorca has the first ever wind farm in the Balearic archipelago.

Average Conditions - Malta:

Current Forecast:

Palma De Mallorca Marine Forecast

Day	Temp	Wind	Wave	Vis	Weather
Thu 21st	27°C	12 kts	2.3 ft	4 miles
Fri 22nd	26°C	12 kts	3.5 ft	3 miles
Sat 23rd	27°C	8 kts	3.3 ft	2 miles
Sun 24th	25°C	3 kts	1.9 ft	1 miles
Mon 25th	27°C	9 kts	0.8 ft	3 miles

Weather Forecast by Weather2

General Information

Flights to Balearic Islands
There are regular international flights to Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. Local flights run by Iberia (IB) (www.iberia.com) link all the islands. Air Europa (www.air-europa.com) and Spanair also fly between the islands and mainland Spain.

Flight Times:
From London to the Balearics is around 2 hours 15 minutes.

Departure Tax:
None.

Language:
The principal language is Spanish though residents also speak Catalan (in the local dialect called Mallorquin). English and German are widely spoken in all tourist destinations.

Money in Mallorca

ATM:
ATMs are widely available.

Banking hours:
Mon-Fri, generally 0830-1330.

Credit cards:
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available.

Currency information:
Euro (EUR €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency restrictions:
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Traveller’s cheques:
International traveller's cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros or Pounds Sterling. Traveller's cheques should be changed at banks or exchange bureaux.

Internet:
There is a variety of Internet cafes in Palma and all the larger resorts.

Media:
Broadcasting in Spain has witnessed a spectacular expansion in recent years with the emergence of new commercial operators and the launch of digital services.

Mobile telephone:
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good throughout the island.

Telephone:
Emergency calls: 112. Area codes are incorporated within a nine digit number.