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The Balearic Islands form an archipelago in the northern Mediterranean Sea. The most notable of the Balearic Islands are Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza and all three are major tourist destinations. A further island, Formentera, lies close to Ibiza and is also popular with visitors and tourists. Although sharing much in the way of culture and history, each island has its own distinct customs, attractions, and characteristics. Together they form an autonomous region of Spain. Languages spoken on the Balearic Islands are Catalan and Spanish, although English and German are widely understood.
The largest of the Balearic Islands is Mallorca, or Majorca as it is often referred to amongst English speakers. The capital of Mallorca and administrative centre of the Balearics as a whole is Palma, the largest city by far on any of the islands.
As strategically important Mediterranean ports, the Balearic Islands have a long and rich cultural history incorporating Roman, Moor, and more contemporary European influences, and each has left a distinct mark on the Balearic landscape, with many ancient monuments, historic buildings, and cultural attractions. Much of the land in the Balearics is protected from further development and commercialisation through World Heritage Site status.
Although the natural beauty of the Balearic Islands attracts many visitors it is their role as world renowned beach holiday destinations which accounts for most of the Balearic tourism industry. With countless remarkable beaches and typically sunny weather, many of the best Balearic Hotels make the most of the coastal resorts. Often incorporating a full range of facilities and amenities for families such as swimming pools, restaurants and entertainment, the best Balearic Hotels are well experienced in offering some excellent Balearic hospitality.
Mallorca, being the largest of the Balearic Islands, has the longest and most established tourist infrastructure. As well as the attractions of the city of Palma, including the wonderful Cathedral, there are many beach resorts, the most popular being along the southern and eastern coasts. Some of the beaches can get busy during high season but there is always undiscovered coves and more secluded areas to explore. Mallorca also has some rough mountain terrain to explore, Serra de Tramuntana, and expansive caves which are major attractions.
Most of the hotels in Mallorca are family oriented beach resorts and can range from highly commercial and competitively priced to more exclusive luxury complexes. There is also an increase in boutique hotels and agroturismo, traditional Fincas or farms which have been developed into luxury hotels. Some of the complexes off the beaten track represent the best Balearic Hotels in Mallorca.
Menorca, often termed Minorca, represents a more unspoilt and often less commercial outlook to tourism. The smaller of the big two Balearic Islands, Menorca still offers world class beaches and beach resorts particularly on the south coast of the island. There are also more ancient remains, such as standing stones, in Menorca than anywhere else on the Mediterranean and the island attracts visitors who like to experience some of its more inland sights and activities such as cycling and hiking. The most popular inland activity in Menorca is horse riding which is something of an island speciality, and the many festivals throughout the year incorporate horsemanship displays. Some of the best Balearic Hotels in Menorca have sporting facilities available on site or by reservation.
Ibiza and Formentera represent two sides of a uniquely Balearic psyche. Ibiza is one of the clubbing capitals of the world and Formentera is the most serene and calm of the major Balearic Islands. The Best Balearic Hotels in both Islands incorporate activities and hospitality tailored for the specific visitors to each.
The Balearic Islands represent a diverse, beautiful and activity packed series of holiday destinations and the range of Balearic Hotels is similarly diverse. What is certain is that there is the best Balearic hotel for every visitor.
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