How about a Mediterranean vacation that includes fabulous beaches, natural beauty, clubbing opportunities, Gothic cathedrals and historic charm? Well, then, the Balearic Islands will fit that scenario. An independent Spanish province, the island group has a little bit of everything for everyone. The four largest islands in the group are Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Despite their attraction to tourists, the islands have retained their natural beauty. There’s Gothic cathedrals, Stone Age ruins, quaint fishing villages and spectacular opportunities for hiking.

Interested in attending a rave or finding scenery to rave about? GetAway Travel can help with your island adventure.

Majorca, the island of calm

 Majorca is the largest island of the group and the seventh largest island in the Mediterranean. The island has two mountain ranges, Seres de Llevant to the South and Serra de Tramuntana to the North. At each end of the plain between the mountain ranges is the Bay of Palma, home to the capital and the Bay of Alcudia.

It is an island steeped in history. It reflects Roman, Moorish, Arabic, Byzantine, Muslim, Jewish and Christian influences. It is the site of conquests, captures, re-captures and some pirate action thrown in for good measure.

Because of its proximity to Spain, Italy and North Africa, it has a unique blend of architecture, charm and cuisine.

The island is home to Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas and it draws famous visitors like Annie Lennox, Claudia Schiffer, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Branson. But there’s plenty to do when you aren’t gawking at celebrities.

Palma Cathedral is a Gothic marvel constructed of golden sandstone, hence the nickname, “Cathedral of Light,” The nave, central part of the cathedral, is one of the highest in Europe and the 61 stained glass windows pour light into the interior. The giant rose window, almost 43 feet in diameter, is a sight to behold. Gaudi’s giant illuminated crown of thorns sculpture hangs above the altar.

Constructed in the 14th century, the unique round Bellver Castle offers panoramic views of Palma. The castle museum has artifacts from Spain’s Roman, Arab and Spanish periods. It is Spain’s only round castle.

The Royal Palace or Palau de L’Amudaina was originally an Islamic fort and it was converted to what is largely a symbolic residence for the royal family in the 13th century. It is a beautiful building with amazing artwork and wall hangings in the royal apartments.

Alcudia Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site gives a snapshot of the island’s past. You can walk on the 14th century walls around the city, check out the historic ramparts and gates and don’t skip the amazing markets on Tuesday or Saturday if that fits into your schedule. Shop for produce, food products, craft items and souvenirs.

The Caves of Drach are on the eastern coast of Majorca. The stalactites and stalagmites are part of a complex and stunning underground landscape. The illumination from the dim light is beautiful and the tour experience includes a light show to simulate a sunrise was well as a concert with the orchestra on boats.

The Arab Baths are interesting, the Modern & Contemporary Art Museum of Palma is located in an unusual building that merges with the old city walls. There are 700 works of art done by local artists. The island’s oldest museum is the Musen d’Art Sacre which has displays of religious artwork.

There are about 20 wineries on Majorca. The longest running is Jose L. Ferrer Cellar & Bodega. In existence since 1931, enjoy a tour and tastings there, or at another winery.

The natural paradise of Menorca

 Much of Menorca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site biosphere reserve. About 42% of the island is protected to preserve its natural beauty and wildlife. It is in the middle of a Mediterranean migratory route and more than 200 different species of birds can be found on the island.

The island is known for Mahón Cheese a buttery, slightly salty cows milk cheese which gets its salt content from the salty sea grass eaten by the cows.

Windmills used to supply all the power to the island and there are several open for tours.

To the North you can find red, rugged landscape and to the South, white sandy beaches and quiet coves. Mahón is the capital, Ciutadella, which used to be the capital, has a large selection of boutiques, tapas restaurants and coffee houses.

The Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria Ciutadella is a lovely example of Catalan Gothic architecture. It is one chamber with several chapels branching off as well as a convent and cloister. It was built on the foundation of a mosque.

Mahón is the second largest natural harbor in the world and it used to be a very important British port.

The Museum of Menorca in Mahón is in a Baroque-style convent. There are artifacts, including maps, sculptures and art,  from the Taliaotic, Ryan, Byzantine and Islamic eras.

There are a number of old monuments on the island. Naveta d’es Tudors is a 3,000-year-old monument made of stacked stones. The building is held together without mortar and Is believed to be the oldest roofed building in Europe. But there are numerous Stonehenge like megabuck monuments, caves, pillars and walls of boulders around the island.

La Mola is an impressive 19th century fortress built to prevent British re-occupation and Fort Marlborough is an 18th century fort built by the British. You can see a siege reenactment with costumed soldiers and special effects, walk through the tunnels and see the rooms carved into the rock.

There are numerous wineries including the Binitord Bodega, a family run winery in a deactivated quarry that, using sustainable practices, produces with, red and rosés as well as artisanal vermouth.

Xoriguer Gin Distillery teaches you about all things gin and you can enjoy cinnamon or chocolate gin in the tasting room.

Ibiza and Formentera

 Ibiza is party island, think electronic dance music clubs, hippies and drum circles during sunsets. But also, stunning beaches and a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Old Town.

There are still hippie markets which pay homage to the island’s Bohemian heritage. They provide a unique shopping experience and you can find jewelry, artwork, craft items and souvenirs. There’s also live music and entertainment.

The oldest and most famous is Las Daias Hippy Market with more than 200 stalls with a plethora of international cuisine options as well as it being a shopping Mecca.

Old Town is surrounded by ancient stone walls that date back to the 16th century. The Catedral de Eivassa has been the seat of the Roman Catholic diocese in Ibiza since 1817. It is a beautiful example of Gothic Baroque architecture and there is an array of artwork and sculpture inside.

Works from major international artists are on display in the Ibiza Museum of Contemporary Art. The Puig des Molins Necropolis is a 7th century BC Phoenician settlement which includes a large well preserved necropolis of more than 300 tombs. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the pirate caves of C’an Marca and the large natural cave Cap Blanc which is a lobster nursery as well as an aquarium site.

Formentera is a 30-minute ferry ride away. The lighthouse is an island symbol and there are three on the island you can tour. The largest shipwreck in the Mediterranean, the wreck of Don Pedro, attracts diving aficionados.

Ses Salines is a huge nature park with salt pans (shallow salty depressions left from evaporated sea water). The lagoons and marshes in the park are home to 210 species of birds.

Are you interested in the Spanish Balearic Islands? An advisor at GetAway Travel can get you to the sunny, charming islands! We can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel