Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is so well-known as to be practically synonymous with sun, sea, sand and summer holidays. Tourists from all over Europe flock to the Mediterranean, and about ten million each year follow the lead of the Spanish Royal Family and spend their holidays in Majorca.

Visiting Majorca in winter, on the other hand, can provide a good way to avoid the crowds and excellent chances to explore more of this beautiful island, particularly for travellers who are looking for sporting activities and adventures. The mild climate lends itself to year-round outdoor activity, so the popular pastimes of hiking, cycling, horse riding, sailing, diving and watersports – jet skiing is much loved – are still available in the winter months and generally more comfortable to take part in when the weather is a little cooler. Away from the beaches, the island boasts some stunning mountain scenery, pine forests and caves to explore.

Throughout the Christmas and New Year period, as with all the Catholic Spanish territories, Majorca has a wonderfully festive atmosphere with lots of entertainments and treats especially for children. And the party is by no means over in January – early in the New Year, Spanish children celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings (los Reyes Magos), with a huge parade in the evening, gifts and sweets being given the next morning. Then for a whole two weeks (14-29 January), the Balearic capital of Palma comes alive with celebrations of its patron saint, Sebastian – it’s a perfect opportunity for visitors to see and take part in a traditional Spanish fiesta. The festivities include street parties with live music, bonfires and fireworks, fancy dress parades and huge outdoor barbecue feasts.

Prices for accommodation drop by around €20 per night in the ‘low season’ after the summer rush. Some of the most tourist-focused establishments may be closed during winter but a massive selection of quality hotels in Majorca remains open throughout the year. Along with the scores of three and four-star all-inclusive beach resorts – most suitable for large groups of holidaymakers – there are some exclusive, five-star designer hotels, aparthotels and around cities, converted mansions, manor houses and villas are found.

Many of these locally-owned hotels boast excellent cuisine, so are a good place to sample local specialities such as seafood paella, the spicy, warming Sobrassada sausage, wild mushrooms and olives, and the locals’ pride, almond cake and almond ice-cream. There are also some fine local wines, mainly using the Tempranillo (grenache) grape and the local varietals Callet and Manto Negro.

About the Author:

Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.

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The Hotel Aimia in Puerto Soller on the northwest coast of Mallorca received a nomination as one of four contenders in the Most Excellent European Value for Money Award. Many of the Aimia Hotel’s rooms face the Puerto de Soller and offer breathtaking views of Mallorca’s white sand beaches. Nearby Port De Soller is the only commercial seaport in the Serra De Tramuntana.

Porto Petro Beach Resort Hotel, just opened in 2005, is neatly tucked into two beautiful, sandy coves along a half mile stretch of Mediterranean coastline in Porto Petro. This 300 room waterfront resort was nominated for the Most Excellent European Value for Money Award in 2007.

Porto Petro Beach Resort offers the Blaudi Club for Kids. Kids ages 2 to 17 can play all day in age-appropriate playgroups, play in the pool and other sports in an area especially designed with kids in mind. In nearby Lake Martel, the Caves of Drach offer visitors the opportunity to take boat rides or enjoy classical concerts in one of the inside chambers of the cave. Lake Martel is one of the world’s largest underground lakes.

La Residencia hotel received second place in Best Leisure Hotels in Europe, Asia Minor and the Russian Federation via the 2007 Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. In addition, La Residencia also received:

* #34 in the 2007 Conde Nast World’s Top 100 hotels

* #2 Best Hotel in the 2007 Conde Nast Travel and Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels in the World

* #4 Best Hotel Spa in Europe in the 2007 Conde Nast Traveller’s Best Spas in Europe

* El Olivo Restaurant, La Residencia Restaurant, Best Restaurants in Spain in the 2007 Restauradores Awards

* Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in the 2007 Wine Spectator Awards

La Residencia, set in 30 acres of citrus groves, offers 59 rooms and suites housed in two manor houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The La Residencia hotel, elegantly furnished in Mallorcan antiques, houses three restaurants including the award winning El Olivo Restaurant.

Mallorca has been a major summer holiday destination for several years. Many people don’t realize the magnificent deals to be taken advantage of during the winter months as well. Winter visitors can stay at the same beautiful, award-winning hotels and resorts for a fraction of the price. Winter time is also the season when you can enjoy newly ripened citrus fruit from the local groves. Wintertime holiday packages can be booked for as little as 325 euros.

Many people prefer the slower paced winter holidays to the hustle and bustle of the busy summer holiday season. Temperatures in the winter season range from 6 degrees Celsius (42 degrees Fahrenheit) to 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit). These mild temperatures help make Mallorca the perfect wintertime destination for those who enjoy cooler temperatures and mild winter weather.

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For holiday information about Mallorca, including Mallorca hotels visit YourMajorca.net

The Mallorca holidays guide includes a map, today’s weather and airfare deals for Mallorca flights

Ibiza is approximately a two and a half hour flight from the UK and flights depart from all the major UK airports throughout the summer.

The high season in Ibiza for the nightclubs is between August 1st and September 15th. If you are embarking on a family holiday in Ibiza at this time you should avoid booking a holiday in Ibiza town, Playa d’en Bossa and the hostels and apartments in San Antonio. These are all popular with clubbers and will get very lively and noisy at night time.

The resorts of Santa Eulalia, Es Cana and Cala Llonga on the east coast, San Antonio Bay and Cala Vadella on the west coast, and Portinatx in the north are all suitable for families throughout the summer. Journey times from the airport are approximately 40 to 50 minutes for the east coast resorts; 30 minutes to the resorts in the west and around an hour to reach Portinatx. The ideal way to get around the island is to arrange holiday car hire; however regular buses and taxis are available from the airport. The normal taxis carry a maximum of four people and will not usually be able to provide safety seats for children so it may be necessary for you to book a private transfer.

With temperatures rising above 30ºC in the height of summer and even water temperatures reaching 25-27 ºC, the beach is the ideal place to be. The waters of Ibiza are amongst the cleanest in the Mediterranean with many of the beaches repeatedly awarded the EEC blue flag denoting cleanliness and safety. The beaches at Cala Tarida near San Antonio Bay and Cala Portinatx both possess this coveted award and are very popular with families, while the very shallow water and lifeguards at Sa Caleta make it ideal for young children, although it can get busy at weekends.

Young children will also enjoy the play parks and play areas in Playa d’en Bossa, San Antonio Bay and Cala Llonga. Here you will find climbing frames, trampolines and plently of enclosed, safe space for children to run around and play. Also look out for the mini trains that make frequent tours of the countryside.

For older children, the Aguamar water park in Playa d’en Bossa is very popular. The park features 7 sets of water flumes and a huge swimming pool. Entrance fees to the park are approximately €18 for adults and children over 12 and €10 for younger children. For more aquatic fun you can enjoy a variety of water sports in Ibiza including windsurfing, sailing, pedaloes, banana boats and parasailing. Also worth a visit is the medieval Eivissa castle at D’alt Villa which overlooks Ibiza town.

Other attractions in Ibiza include glass bottomed boat trips for a unique view of the marine life, a round of golf at the Ibiza golf course in Roca Llisa (beware the rather steep green fees), shopping in Ibiza town or simply driving around the island to admire the beautiful countryside.

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About the Author
Harry Lawrance is an experienced writer based in the UK.

In fact, the history of this island is what makes it so interesting to outsiders, as it has changed ownership several times over the centuries, inevitably showing the architectural and art influences with each successive change of rulership. Of particular interest to traveling Americans is the fact that Menorca was completely under British control in 1763 thanks to the Treaty of Paris, fell capture to Spanish and French forces during the American Revolutionary War – only to change hands again to the British during the French Revolutionary Wars.

This is of course before Spain acquired the island in 1802 once and for all. This does not suggest however, that Menorca lived peacefully ever after. Political stresses have continued to pull the island back and forth between reigning parties and powers over the years. Aside from this rich history, Menorca is known for bringing us some fun facts and trivia.

For instance, this little section of the world is responsible for sobrassada – a sausage that’s made with paprika. The natives here also brought us gin and Mao cheese among other things like the world-known megalithic stone monuments: navetes, taulas, and talaiots for example. As you can see, Menorca has much to offer the new world traveler or adventurer and it really is to your advantage to experience some of the new and exciting things that the culture of this land has to offer.

In an effort to learn as much as you can during your stay in Menorca, take a crash course in Spanish, the native language of the island. It’s not necessary to become fluent – although that would certainly make things easier for you and the locals that you communicate with. But it’s helpful to learn at least a few phrases that will enable you to get help when needed or to develop a meaningful and educational relationship with the people that you interact with.

You should be comforted in knowing that Spanish is one of the most easiest languages to learn and chances are that you already know a little Spanish if you’re an American. Many words of the English language are derivatives of the Spanish language, so as you learn it, you’ll find that it’s something you can pick up rather quickly.

Of course you could also educate yourself about the island prior to your visit. Learn about Menorca by reading books, learning about its art, literature, and music, its geography, its political history, and more. Viewing photographs will help you associate what you’ve learned from books with the images of the land so that they’ll be easily recognizable once you get there.

At Menorca however, don’t let books dictate how you’ll receive the island. Another way to absorb Menorca’s culture is to just get out and about and interact with people and the events that you find. The two major towns of this island are Ciutadella and Maó. So bring along a camera and really get into the experience so that you can not only enjoy it, but also learn from what the cities of Alaior, Es Castell, Ciutadella, Ferreries, Mahon, Es Mercadal, Es Migjorn Gran, and Sant Lluís have to offer.

Just be sure that if you’ve arrived to the island with a schedule to follow, you can arrange your list of activities so that they grant you ample time to tour significant landmarks, taste the food, visit its religious buildings, and experience it’s landscape. If time allows, rent a car and adventure out on your own or sign up for a tour. Treat the island as if it were your own homeland and experience it to the fullest.

Being so close to Spain, you can take a short trip to the mainland and witness the las fiestas de San Fermin celebrated every July 7th. This unique festival is known as “the release of the bulls” and precedes the exciting bullfights that this country has become famous for. Or you could take in a quick but intense game of futbol (soccer).

The important thing is that you make an effort to learn a new style of living, that you observe how that style of living works for others as well as how it can work for yourself and others you care about, and that you bring what you’ve learned back home. If all goes well, you should return home with a wider perspective and bigger appreciation of how the world really works.

Travel in Menorca by Taxi

Traveling by taxi in Menorca provides an extremely convenient way to move about and “sight-see.” Like traveling by taxi in the United States, minimum charges accompany metered mileage plus a small additional fee for baggage and evening – night – or holiday drives.

Menorca Driving Advice

European Union citizens (18 years or older) must own a national driving license to drive in Menorca, however non-European Union citizens (18 years or older) also need an International Driving Permit as well. Both types of citizens must have car insurance and identification (license, passport, etc.) by law, is required at all times. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers, and travelers under the age of 14 must be seated in the back seat of the vehicle. When driving, remember that driving positions are reversed to American drivers. You must yield to on-coming traffic from junctures and traffic circles. Driving speeds are generally restricted to 30 mph (in urban areas) to 56 mph (on major routes).

Special care should be taken to restrict your driving to the main routes outlined on the most recent maps of this area as other routes may not be appropriate for driving (dirt roads, mountain passes, etc.).

Traveling in Menorca by Car / Car Rental

Because Menorca’s city centers are so popular, you are cautioned to avoid driving in these areas – especially since the narrow roads in these places can accommodate traffic traveling in one direction only. In addition, parked automobiles make driving extremely difficult. Traveling by car rental is best accomplished by following a current map of its roads – which offer views that are nothing short of amazing

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Every Car Hire in association with Auto Europe provides discounted car rental with leading rental companies such as Hertz, Alamo, Budget and Europcar. For information on car hire or car rentals visit Every Car Hire at Car Hire Menorca.

These days however, Menorca is known for her sun-speckled beaches, incredibly blue waters, native attractions and exotic foods. The small island, which spans a mere 35 miles long and wide, is located in the Mediterranean Sea. Under Spanish control, the island has long been known, and visited, by travelers from around the world who wish to see two thousand year old, giant megalithic stone monuments as well as to absorb its rich pirate history. Pirates no longer use Menorca as a haven from Romans seeking them, but Menorca is just as popular as it always has been due to its beautiful landscapes, sheer cliffs, mysterious caves, sea life and laid-back vacation atmosphere.

However, the island, despite its gentle appearance, has a history rich in battles and military history. The British have long found Menorca to be one of the most popular holiday spots, though few know of its illustrious, if occasionly dubious, military history. Following recent incidents involving the British Royal Navy, the British people, proud of their military history and participation in the defense of freedom, may not be surprised to discover that another incident which involved the Royal Navy persists to this day, the roots of the incident rooted deep in the sands and ruins of British occupation on Menorca.

In 1757, a British sea admiral by the name of John Byng was shot by a firing squad because, according to his British peers, he failed to “do his utmost” to defend St. Phillip Fort against attack by French forces. It did not seem to matter to his peers, snug in their homes in England, that he was undermanned and commanded ships already damaged during previous skirmishes, nor that he probably saved the lives of his crewmen by sparing them battle which would most probably have hastened them to their doom. Byng was court-martialled, labelled a coward and executed on March 14, 1757.

Despite the passage of 250 years, Admiral Byng’s descendants have attempted to gain him a posthumous pardon, who seems to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, a time when sound judgment passed for cowardice during the traumatic Seven Years Wars fought between 1756 and 1763. Byng is buried in Bedfordshire. His epitaph reads, “To the perpetual disgrace of public justice, the honourable John Byng, admiral of the blue, fell a martyr to political persecution on 14th March in the year 1757, when bravery and loyalty were insufficient securities for the life and honour of a naval officer.”

Menorca, a favorite holiday destination, is filled with historical memories and lessons to be learned if we but care to remember and listen to the voices and legacies of those who stepped on her hot, white sands before us. Visiting Menorca provides not only prime holiday favorites; sunshine, glistening ocean waves and warm, luxurious sands, but an opportunity to explore history, up close and personal.

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Information about Menorca Real Estate can be found via propertymenorca.info For a guide to Malta, including details of Malta expedia holidays visit YourMalta.com , and for the Monaco GP visit YourMonaco.com

Even in the south, there are little beaches such as Cala Binibeca, with a small restaurant, and Els Canutells, a small resort close to Cala en Porter. And a 10-minute drive from San Clemente, brings you to Calas Coves where impressive cliffs surround two very small beaches.

When you’ve tired of lazing on the beach, there are many interesting caves to discover. Over 100 Bronze Age caves, complete with paintings and carvings, are cut into the cliff overlooking the sheltered bay. At the eastern end of Son Bou can be found the ruins of an early Christian basilica. Finally, the charming capital Mahon, on the east of the island, has lovely Georgian architecture and second largest natural harbour in the world, second only to Pearl Harbour.

Northwards to escape the crowds

While the north of Menorca has some busy resorts, it also has a good share of the island’s uncrowded little beaches, interesting country walks, and a range of water sports including sailing. At Cala Pregonda, a 15-minute drive from Son Parc and Fornells, then a 20-minute walk from the car park, is a remote sandy beach with crystal blue waters. The rocky outcrops offshore provide good snorkelling. Take a picnic, since there are no facilities. The long sandy beach at Cavalleria is also quite isolated, and, again, come with provisions, since there is nowhere to buy food or drinks.

Not far from the lively family beach of Arenal d’en Castell with its rows of sunbeds, bars, restaurants, and organised water sports is Na Macaret, with its small sandy beach. It’s a local favourite and there are some good restaurants at the water’s edge. Just further to the southeast, near the lighthouse at Cap de Favaritx, is the lovely white-sand beach of Cala Presili. The beach is a 15-minute walk from the car park and there are no facilities, so this beach is certainly one of Menorca’s most secluded. Somewhat more developed, but perfect for small children is Es Grau, with its wide bay, sandy beach and shallow water. If you take a boat trip to the nearby Illa d’en Colom, an island in the Mahón Bay, you’ll find a string of beautiful isolated beaches.

When you are ready to book villas in Menorca, Solmar Villas offer a range of high-quality villas, all with their own private pools, which sleep from 1 to 12 people. The villas are located in Cala Galdana, Binibeca, Binibeca Nou, Binibeca Vell, Son Bou, Belin, Cala ‘n Porter, and Satalya, so once you’ve hired a car, you’ll be well within reach of Menorca’s stunning beaches.

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About the Author
Every Car Hire in association with Auto Europe provides discounted car rental with leading rental companies such as Hertz, Alamo, Budget and Europcar. For information on car hire or car rentals visit Every Car Hire at Car Hire Menorca.

The majority of visitors to these resorts are British package holiday makers looking for fun in the sun, and few leave dissatisfied. Palma Nova has three sandy beaches, each with blue flag status, water sports and boat trips and plenty of sports facilities, particularly golf courses in the vicinity. In addition to this, in adjacent Magalluf you will find more watersports including jet skiing, kite surfing and scuba diving, a giant waterpark and a Wild West theme park.

Shopping in Palma Nova and Majorca is probably what you would expect from such a tourist oriented place, with plenty of gift shops, convenience stores and shops selling beachwear and souvenirs. Better shopping is available in the islands capital Palma, a short bus or taxi ride away.

The long promenade in Palma Nova provides Chinese, Italian and Mexican restaurants along with Spanish bars serving tapas during the day. In Magalluf there is also a wide selection of restaurants, many of which cater to British tastes; there are several that even serve Sunday roasts, bangers and mash, fish and chips and other British favourites. As these resorts are generally favoured by young budget travelers, there are also the usual fast food outlets available.

There is a huge amount in Magalluf and Palma Nova to keep night owls and other party animals entertained. In Palma Nova you can expect to find late night bars with DJ’s and dancing, English style pubs and karaoke bars while Magalluf boasts some top class night clubs well known on the European club circuit and competes with Ibiza as the clubbing capital of the Mediterranean.

Both Palma Nova and Magalluf can get very busy during peak season and beaches and sidewalks can become crowded. As such, this area of the island will probably not be a good choice during the summer months for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing break from their Majorca holiday.

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About the Author
Harry Lawrance is an experienced writer based in the UK.

However, there are plenty of places on Majorca where you can escape the crowds. Deserted sandy coves, where mountains meet the sea, and remote beaches, only accessible by boat or on foot, are perfect for a quiet holiday. In the traditional rural villages, surrounded by olive and almond groves, with their centuries-old monasteries and delightful bars and cafes, you can mix it with the locals and get well away from the crowds.

If you’re short of time, you don’t have to head for remote parts of Majorca to escape the masses. Not far from busy Palma, Illetes has two pine-lined coves with beautiful sandy beaches. And in the west of the island, you can follow in the footsteps of poet Robert Graves, who used to take the coastal path across to Lluc Alcari. Stop for a swim in the deep azure waters of Cala Deia, where weathered rocks form amazing shapes, and continue to the seaside village of Port Soller for refreshments.

The north of the island, where the Tramuntana mountains meet the sea, near the resorts of Port de Pollenca and Port de Soller, you’ll find beautiful, sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and much less competition for that spot on the sand. On the east coast, the little bays of Cala Mesquida have good waves, and are popular with surfers in the know. At both Port de Pollenca and Port d’Alcudia are more idyllic fine sandy beaches, and further southward, Cala Rajada has more small bay beaches that are easily accessible.

Some of the most isolated places are away from the coast, and the mountains offer some great walks. Starting from the central northern village of Selva on the eastern flanks of the Tramuntana, you can trek cobbled cart tracks to the lovely monastery at Lluc. Along the way check out the pretty village of Caimari, an important centre of olive cultivation, and continue on through a dramatic steep-sided canyon. In the eastern part of the island, recently declared a nature reserve, you can walk from the secluded beaches at Estreta and Torta, along lanes, coastal paths and horse trails to Cala Rajada and rarely meet another walker.

The hottest summer months of July and August are the busiest time on Majorca, and resort and villa accommodation is at a premium. Crowds are obviously less than at other times of the year, and the weather is often still pleasant in May, June, September and October, when swimming is still possible. Even in the middle of winter, January and February, there are beautiful sunny days, although the nights can be very cold.

The best way to enjoy a holiday on this special island is to rent your own Majorca villa. Villa operators offer great value rental properties, each with a private pool. These villas are located all over the island, with easy access to un-spoilt coastal beaches and the small villages and mountain regions in the interior of the island. But you are never far from major towns, where there’s plenty of shopping, fine dining and exuberant nightlife should you need to see crowds again

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Rod Ritchie writes for many publishers including AA Publishing and Fodors. Solmar Villas offer holiday villas in Majorca. Book online from a selection of quality Majorca villas.

Alcudia boasts a six-mile long coast, and its crystal clear waters and stunning sandy beaches mean that sunbathing is naturally a popular pastime for holidaymakers in the town. However, many visitors to Alcudia choose to spend their time walking through its historic old town. The narrow streets of Alcudia’s inner-walled town are serene and tranquil and its pedestrianized areas are home to some beautiful squares in which you’ll be able to find places to eat and drink. Alcudia’s old town also plays host to a market every week, so you’ll be able to pick up a few bargains on your travels as well.

Alternatively, take a walk down to the Port D’alcduia, from which you’ll be able to take boat trips around parts of the island and catch daily ferries to Menorca and Barcelona. Here, holidaymakers will also be able to find some high quality shops in which to buy local porcelain, jewellery and other items. What’s more, you’ll be able to find secluded coves north of Alcudia’s town walls that provide perfect opportunities for snorkelling or sunbathing away from the beaten track.

If you’re keen to hire a car in Alcudia, you’ll be able to explore the town’s surrounding areas with ease. For instance, take the ten minute drive south along Alcudia’s beach and into Playa de Muro, where you’ll be able to visit S’Albufera. S’Albufera is a nature reserve that is popular with bird-spotters, and can provide some much-needed relaxation from the busier beaches of the town. You’ll also be able to drive to the Roman town of Pollentia, which lies just outside the town walls, and visit the smallest Roman Amphitheatre in Spain.

So whether you decide to spend your holiday in Alcudia walking along its peaceful historic streets or driving along its breathtaking coastal spots, you can rest assured that this town will provide you with a Majorcan holiday experience that’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of the south!

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About the Author
Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist who lists travelling and rugby among his interests.

The big clubs like Pacha, Amnesia, Space, Es Paradise, Privilege, Eden and El Divino start the big party’s in June, July and August. They have a different promoter each night who will bring his own music and decoration. Carl Cox is at the club Space on Tuesday, Paul Van Dyk and Ferry Corsten is at the club Amnesia for Cream on Thursday. The party Manumission is the big party at the club Privilege on Friday. All the clubs are closing at the end of September. After the season they get back to their country ore partying around the world. The Pacha is the only big club open al year around.

Even in the little bars and cafes there is always party time. Like the Bora Bora right at the beach Playa d´en Bossa. It is “the” party beach in Ibiza. A great place to hang out right at the beach after a hard party night. Relax to balearic house music played from a resident Dj. Or have a drink at the bar and watch the clubbers dance on the table. You don’t pay for entrance and the drinks are cheaper than in the big clubs.

The café’s on the Calo des Moro in San Antonio have the greatest sunset in a romantic setting. Café del Mar is famous for its house music. It is the perfect combination of wonderfully chilled music, scenery and beautiful weather what makes the sunset a special one.
A must see!

A great place to start of the evening is the La Marina district at Evissa-Town. There are many different cafes, restaurants and bars. You will see everybody who comes to Ibiza to party. The Calle de la Virgen is the most colorful street.

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Here you can read more about the big clubs and there parties. English Version | Deutsch Version