Luxury hotel holiday Hospes Maricel and Spa near Palma

Highlights of Mallorca and the Balearic Islands

Mallorca: Palma de Mallorca, home to attractions such as the Gothic La Seu Cathedral which sits overlooking the harbour, 10th century Arab baths and authentic old streets. The pretty villages including Deià, Valldemossa and Fornalutx which you will encounter if you drive along the winding roads which run along the western coast, set between mountains and sea. Appealing coastal resorts including Alcúdia, Puerto Pollensa and Puerto de Soller. Hilltop sanctuaries which are dotted throughout the island, including Lluc Monastery in the Tramuntana mountains and the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador in the south east of the island. Traditional fishing villages such as Cala Figuera. Beautiful beaches including Es Trenc, Es Carbo and Cala Barques. The Caves of Drach near Porto Christo. Formentor, the peninsula in the northeast of the island which is home to a famous lighthouse in a stunning location. Natural parks including S'Albufera wetlands near Alcúdia, Llevant Peninsula nature reserve in the north east and the Cabrera archipelago off the southern coast of Mallorca. Ibiza: The dark sands and rocky cliffs of Cala Boix. The bohemian market at the bottom of the hills around San Carles. Clear-water beaches including Benirras and Cala Saladas. Boat trips to neighbouring Formentera to see the windmills and cycle or hike across the hills. Menorca: The hiking trails around Mount Toro. Cultural and historic cities including Mahon and the old town of Cuitadella. Caves and gorges at the Cales Coves. Sandy beaches at Binibequer and Cala'n Porter in the south, and Punta Prima to the east, amongst many others. The ruined castle of Santa Àgueda in the north of the island. With a number of interesting towns and villages, stunning beaches and a great variety in the natural scenery, the Balearic Islands are outstanding holiday destinations with plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling as well as seaside relaxation.

Festivals in Mallorca and the Balearic Islands

January: Festival of Palma de Mallorca's patron saint, March/April: Holy week celebrations, April: Pollença wine fair, May: Palma International Boat Show, May: Ibiza International Film Festival, April/May: Spring fairs, June: Midsummer's eve festivals, July: Festival of the patron saint of fishermen, July: International Folklore Festival (Soller), June: Festival of Sant Joan (Ibiza, Menorca), July: Sant Martí­ horse festival (Es Mercadal, Menorca), August: Summer Music festival (Menorca), August: Earth Festival (Ibiza), September: Festival of King Jaume I, September: Grape harvest celebrations (Binissalem), October: Alcudia agricultural fair, November: Caimari olive fair (Tramuntana mountains), December: Christmas markets.

Gastronomy of the Balearic Islands

Traditional cuisine in the Balearic Islands is rich and varied, making excellent use of the abundant local ingredients including pork, fish and vegetables as well as olive oil and lard. Olives, almonds and citrus fruit are grown across the island, as are the grapes which are used to produce a selection of white, rosé and red wines. Local specialities in the Balearics include ‘Sobrasada’ (a type of sausage), ‘Arros Brut’ (saffron rice cooked with meat and vegetables), ‘Frit mallorqui’ (fried offal with potatoes and vegetables) and ‘Ensaimada’ (a sweet bun). Local desserts are made with almonds or nougat, and seafood dishes, including ‘Caldereta de Ilagosta’ (lobster stew), are a staple. Speciality spirits from Menorca include Maó Gin, made from juniper berries, and Port. The Hierbas Ibicencas, and Frígola in Ibiza are aromatic drinks built around aniseed and thyme respectively.

Climate of the Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands have a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild and stormy winters. There is some variation across Mallorca as the Tramuntana Mountains protect the southwest of the island. Average summer temperatures are around 25 degrees, when seas are also warm and a cooling breeze prevents excessive heat. Spring and autumn are great seasons to visit as temperatures are pleasant but there are fewer tourists, although nights can be cold and there is some rainfall. Average temperatures in winter are around 10 degrees with occasional showers and snow falling in the mountains.