The Balearic archipelago is a group of four main islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera) and a number of small islets, all of which are beautiful but also very different.
Menorca and its 700 square kilometres were declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1993. The island is a refuge for all those who wish to return to nature - indeed, it is everywhere, and tourism remains low-key. Its landscape is dotted with old rural houses with unadorned walls, now dedicated to agrotourism.
Eastern Menorca is home to a rich historical heritage. Ciutadella is one of the region's must-see sites, noted for its many historical monuments that testify to its Carthaginian, Moorish and Spanish roots. Don't miss Lithica, an old stone quarry transformed into a cultural centre.
East Menorca is recognised as having one of the best stargazing spots in the world. In fact, 25 years ago the island was awarded the title of Starlight Reserve and Destination by the Starlight Foundation. Since then, it has been protecting its atmosphere by limiting light pollution as much as possible. The island's Consell Insular recently installed a light meter to measure the darkness of the night sky. The result indicates that the level of darkness is so high (especially in the east) that it is possible to see the Milky Way with the naked eye!
The east of Menorca contains many paradisiacal beaches, and is more touristic than the rest of the island. White sand, an attractive seabed and crystal-clear waters, all lined with lush vegetation... sometimes it feels like being in the tropics. Among the most beautiful beaches in the east of Menorca are the unmissable Cala Mitjana, Cala Macarella, Cala Escorxada and Cala Pregonda.
If you want to discover more remote areas, the beaches of western Menorca are ideal, as there are often no hotels or water sports facilities, with some completely untouched sites such as the beach of La Mesquida or Cala Tortuga.
The west of Menorca is also home to a remarkable historical heritage. Between the town of Mahon, the island's current capital, with its cobbled streets and intimate squares, Taulas de Trepuco, a collection of historical remains covering more than 2,000 square metres, along with the Fortress of Mola, an emblematic monument built during the reign of Elizabeth I - it's hard to get bored!
The Parc de s'Albufera des Grau, the emblematic natural area of the region, is located in the western part of Menorca. The park is splendid: it covers 5,000 hectares and is a mixture of coastal and inland terrain, with a rich and diverse fauna. This park is open to visitors who are curious to discover more about the different ornithological species and the local vegetation.
Like its neighbour, Mallorca is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Europeans due to its natural environment, family atmosphere and unique lifestyle. The Spanish island attracts a large number of visitors every year who come to experience its simple lifestyle, traditional culture, unspoilt beaches and rich and complex history.
The north of Mallorca is particularly renowned for its pretty villages. The villages of Alcudia, Pollença and Soller are home to historical monuments that bear witness to the influences of the various civilisations that have populated the Balearic Islands. The Roman theatre in Alcudia and the Sant Domingo cloister in Pollença are two such examples.
The north of Mallorca is full of wonderful natural areas to discover on foot, by bike, by car and even on horseback! Our favourites are the Vallée d'Or (The Golden Valley), so called because of its vast orange groves, the Dragon's Caves and Lake Charles Martel, with its thousand legends, as well as the island of Sa Calobra and Parc de S'Albufera, which is home to numerous animal and plant species.
The north of Mallorca has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Some of them are very popular in the summer because of the water sports activities on offer, but there are also some lovely hidden coves waiting to be discovered. Don't leave northern Mallorca without visiting Cala Deia, Calo del Moro and Platja de Coll Baix.
The south of Mallorca is the true historical home of the island. During your stay, a visit to the capital, Palma, is a must. Stroll through its streets and observe its colourful architecture, its heterogeneous monuments, its historic palaces and its attractive squares. Take time to visit the Cathedral of Seu, the second most important religious monument in Spain, which is famous for having the largest Gothic rose window in the world, made up of 126 pieces of glass. A few kilometres from Palma is the Bellver Castle, whose history is shrouded in mystery and which can be explored on a guided tour.
The cultural heritage of the Balearic Islands is of course associated with a major artistic figure: Joan Miro. It was on the island of Mallorca that he drew his inspiration and found his style. In 1981, he and his wife created the Miro and Pilar Foundation so that the city of Palma could have its own cultural centre. Today the establishment is still open to visitors and houses more than 600 of the artist's works. Take a walk around the city and you will soon come across some of Miro's work, such as the Monument to the Dona next to the Palau Reial and the ceramic mural in the Parc de la Mar.
The south of Mallorca also possesses some quieter beaches, where you can avoid the hustle and bustle of restaurants and water sports. Some of the highlights include Cala Sa Calobra, Cala Mondrago, Cala Pi, Cala Muro and Es Trenc.
In the collective imagination, Ibiza is considered a destination for wild nightlife. However, the island also has many attributes that make it an ideal spot to rent a villa. Magnificent natural spaces, heavenly beaches and an important historical heritage, as well as superb restaurants... Ibiza has a lot to offer.
The markets in Ibiza were largely influenced by the various hippie communities on the island in the 1960s and 1970s and are therefore very colourful. You will find mainly jewellery, espadrilles, bags and textiles. During a stay in Ibiza, visit the markets of Punta Arabi, Las Dalias and Sant Joan de Labritja.
Ibiza is a paradise of nightclubs and beach clubs. Our favourites? Amante Beach, Babylon beach club and Experimental Beach.
The south is home to a rich historical heritage with many monuments listed as Unesco World Heritage Sites. Among them, the city of Eivissa, one of the oldest cities in the world and its archaeological museum, the Phoenician ruins of Sa Caleta and Dalt Vita.
Ses Salines beach, Cala Bassa and Cala d'Hort are among the most delightful beaches.
The south of Ibiza, and more specifically the town of Sant Antoni, is known as the beating heart of Ibiza's nightlife. The biggest DJs in the world perform here every summer. Amnesia was voted best club in the world a few years ago and Pacha is the island's legendary nightclub
The island is only 30 minutes away from its big sister Ibiza by boat. The smallest inhabited island of the Balearic Islands (83 km²) is also the quietest, with a brilliant white and turquoise coastline.
The two main towns, Sant Francesc Xavier, its capital, and La Salvina, are located in the western part. For a peaceful spot, choose the rural landscape of the east of the island, which the day-trippers from Ibiza don't have time to visit!
Its beaches are vast stretches of white sand, bordered by lush vegetation and crystal clear waters. The absence of tourists, even during the high season, lends this place an unparalleled calm and tranquillity, which is the essence of its charm. Before leaving, take a moment to visit Cala Saona, Calo des Mort and Migjorn, the prettiest beaches in the region.
The south of Formentera is home to the La Mola lighthouse, which stands 120 metres above sea level. This is a polyvalent cultural and exhibition space for concerts, conferences and plays. Simply put, the building is a historical place full of culture, in the heart of a preserved natural setting... a dream come true! If you want to walk to the lighthouse, take the green route n°29 which affords sensational views.