The Balearics

The Balearics
With the spotlight firmly focused on up and coming non euro destinations such as Turkey and Egypt, it’s easy to forget the huge and enduring popularity of Spain.

The balmy climate and beautiful beaches of the Balearic Islands are still a big draw and they remain some of the most popular destinations for the British market. Last year, nearly 3.4 million Brits visited the Balearics, and that level has remained stable over the last decade.

Hoteliers are dropping prices, there are fabulous special offers and customers can expect the same next year. It’s not just the hotels; restaurants also know they can’t expect Brits to pay too highly, so visitors will find plenty of meal deals.

Majorca
Package tourism on the largest of the Balearics started in 1952 and Brits have been flocking there ever since. Majorca is the most versatile destination you can think of, in terms of the different types of resort. There’s a constant investment, which keeps standards high.

It’s a year round destination with something for families, older couples, the young and lively, as well as the high end of the market. The classic beach break is still available; Alcudia is very family focused and Magaluf and Palma Nova are great for younger more boisterous groups.

The city of Palma has developed into a lovely city break location, with its sun-warmed sandstone offering a contrast to the dramatic Gothic architecture. Visitors can lose themselves wandering around the historic city centre, indulge in a spot of shopping, then retreat to a bar for a cocktail or some tapas as the sun sets over the bay.

The Tramuntanta mountain range that runs up Majorca’s backbone, provides great terrain for walkers and cyclists in the cooler shoulder season, and a quiet rural retreat in summer.

On the east coast the Arta Caves is a network of fascinating caverns nearly 50 metres above the sea. The island has 19 golf courses and a wealth of spa product, with a well-established tradition of luxury hotels. The first deluxe hotel, the Gran Hotel in Palma, opened in 1903, and is now a cultural centre.

Menorca
Majorca’s quieter little sister has its own distinctive charm – not least its beaches, which number more than Majorca’s and Ibiza’s put together.

Perhaps surprisingly, considering an annual average of 2,712 hours of sunshine, the island is very green, with beautiful rolling fields. Menorca was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1993, with the S’Albufera d’es Grau national park, a bird-filled wetland, at its heart.

There’s plenty for history buffs, too, with the oldest preserved building in Europe, the Naveta des Tudons, among other archaeological treasures.

The capital, Mao, which has a large harbour popular with cruise ships, and the former capital, the small and picturesque Ciutadella, are both worth a visit for a spot of sightseeing and to indulge in the café culture.

Easy-going and laid-back, the island’s resorts tend to be low-rise, and the family market is particularly strong. However, it also has much to offer couples and groups looking for a more peaceful break. You won’t find big hotels in Menorca. Everything has a real Spanish feel. It’s great for chilling out.

Ibiza
The island’s reputation as superclub central isn’t unearned; it’s still one of the best places for those who want to dance all night. The south, particularly San Antonio, is the palce for those who yearn for the hedonistic party scene. Most of the large clubs are in San Antonio or Ibiza Town, or on the road that connects the two.

However, as many tourists are discovering, there’s much more to Ibiza. Hippy communities flocked here in the 1960s and there are still hippy markets and a general anything goes, tolerant, tie dyed sort of atmosphere.

Ibiza Town, though it has its fair share of party potential, is an absolutely stunning walled city, with winding streets inside the sun-kissed fortress walls and a glitzy marina, where millionaires’ yachts moor up. It’s a wonderful place to wander, or visit a museum or gallery, before hitting the restaurants and bars.

There are plenty of family-friendly areas, particularly Playa d’en Bossa, which has large family hotels and a theme park called Fiestaland.

The north of the island is much quieter, full of forested hills and secluded bays. There are plenty of accommodation options, or it’s easy to explore with a hire car from a busier resort.

For pretty beaches head to Benirras or Cala Xuclar, or turn inland and visit historic hamlets such as Balafia, where you can see the beautifully simple white-walled Ibizan houses and churches that inspired architects such as La Corbusier. Luxury is a developing market in Ibiza, which has a rash of chic, high-end hotels.

Formentera
The kind of expansive white beaches and warm, clean, azure sea you might expect from the Caribbean can be found much closer to home in Formentera. This small, tranquil island is just south of Ibiza, where visitors need to fly into before taking a boat across.

Formentera is a place to escape to – there aren’t many inhabitants and it’s easy to get around by bike. It’s great for those who want to do nothing in its quiet resorts, but also for those who like to explore unspoilt landscapes. The latter can visit La Mola, to see the dramatic cliff face and lighthouse, see ancient megalithic villages in the Barbaria area, or take a boat trip to Espalmador for a mud bath in the lagoon.

Castilla y Leon
Despite being the largest region in Spain, Castilla y Leon, which comprises the former kingdoms of Castilla (Old Castile) and Leon, is often overlooked by UK travellers.

The region, to the north of Madrid, is home to over half of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can explore more than 200 castles, almost 400 museums and 11 cathedrals, not to mention Salamanca’s charming Plaza Mayor, the Roman aqueduct in Sergovia and the historic walled city of Avila, while the food is so good it makes buttons pop off.

And if all that gastronomy and culture doesn’t sate your appetite, the region is also home to 21 ski resorts, 38 golf courses and wonderful walking trails.

Urban Delights / Green & Gothic

One of Europe’s greenest cities, by the River Arlanzon and overlooked by its castle, is the instantly appealing Burgos. After entering the impressive Gate of Santa Maria, the highlight is the steeple-strewn 13th century Gothic cathedral, also the final resting place of the medieval fighter El Cid.

In the perfectly preserved old quarter, it’s not unusual to see pilgrims on the Route to Santiago. The riverside Paseo del Espolon is a great way to soak up Burgos’ relaxed river town feel.

Hidden Gems
A couple of hours southwest, by the River Pisuerga in the Ribera del Duero wine region, is Valladolid. The highlights being the cathedral, Church of San Pablo and university façade. Spain aficionados may experience a sense of déjà vu upon entering Plaza Mayor, as its arcaded design has inspired many of the country’s other squares, most notably Madrid’s and Salamanca’s.

Piece de Resistance
Salamanca is the liveliest, most cosmopolitan hub of Castilla y Leon, home to Europe’s oldest surviving university and the beautiful Baroque-style arcaded Plaza Mayor, lined with restaurant terraces.

There are two cathedrals, the old and new, which are joined to each other. Both are appropriately elaborate, but look closely at the 18th century façade and you’ll find an astronaut and a demon with an ice cream – added by 20th century restorers with a sense of humour. The distinctive golden hue of the historic centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is best appreciated from atop the cathedral tower.

Castles & Aqueducts
The walled city of Segovia is a heart capturing sort of place, its Roman aqueduct towering over the entrance. At the other end is the Alcazar de Segovia, a turreted, blue-roofed castle fortress on a rocky hillock, supposedly inspiring Disney’s Cinderella castle (the resemblance is uncanny).

Walking through the historic Jewish quarter, past the majestic cathedral and Moorish architecture, is a reminder of how these culture, Jewish, Muslim and Christain, have shaped the city.

Just outside Segovia is the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. The sumptuous interior is fascinating, but its gardens and fountains, commissioned by Philip V, the King of Spain in the 18th century, to recapture his childhood at the French court, are the real highlight.

Medieval Magic
Save the best until last? Perhaps. It’s like stepping back in time in Avila, the entire medieval walled city is a World Heritage Site. It’s 1.6 mile long walls, Spain’s best conserved, are the world’s largest floodlit monument.

From the Cuatro Postes (Four Posts) monument, views over the city and Gothic cathedral satisfy the appetite of even the most jaded traveller.

Gastro Giants
Castilla y Leon takes its food seriously. At Segovia’s family-run Meson de Candidio, situated by the aqueduct since 1786, dining is positively ceremonial. The speciality, cochinillo, legs splayed post-roasting, is “introduced” to the diners by the host who demonstrates its tenderness by slicing it using a plate edge. The restaurant also specialises in Castillian white bean and pork soup, and punch cake, a liqueur-soaked marzipan sponge.

At the Meson del Cid in Burgos, the speciality is lechazo, roast suckling lamb. Hanging hams are a familiar sight, especially in Salamanca, which produces 60% of Spain’s Iberian cured jamon. Other dishes worth a try include the spicy sausage, farinato, and hornazo Salmantino – a chorizo, pork, ham and egg pie.

Valladolid is home to the region’s newest Michelin-starred restaurants, Ramiro’s. Set in the Science Museum building, the 10th floor restaurant overlooks the River Pisuerga and serves up morsels of gourmet cuisine, such as mussel soup and ice cream made at the table.

Wine Growers
Nine of the region’s wines hold a Designation of Origin. Castilla y Leon is renowned for its fresh, fruity whites from the Verdejo grape. In Rueda, close to Valladolid, the Yllera family co-own the Grupo Yllera winery. Individual and group visits/tastings can be booked in advance. Nearby is their former winery, located above a 14th century underground cellar. The 0.6 mile tunnel is now used to store sparkling and reserve wines and there is a huge dining room for private parties.