The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
Your bumper booking guide to the Balearics
As summer holidays to the islands become more likely, Anna Nicholas selects some highlights
With the promise of balmy weather, fine white sandy beaches, glorious local gastronomy and a swag bag of culture and history, it’s hardly surprising that the four main Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca have long been a favourite destination for British holidaymakers. Add in nature reserves, ancient Talayotic sites and authentic inland villages and you have scooped the summer jackpot.
The addition of the Balearic Islands to the UK’s “green watch” list this week enables British holidaymakers to travel to the islands and return to the UK without the need to quarantine, albeit with the possibility of amber status being reintroduced at short notice. For the time being, then, we are able to ponder the possibility of basking on those beaches and cooling off in those shimmering waters.
This most recent addition also spells hope for things to come, as the move suggests that Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will also consider islands as separate entities from their mainland – who knows, perhaps the Greek isles could be next.
But as we continue to wait for more of Europe to open up to us for travel, here are eight breaks to whet your travel appetite.
GO GREEN, FORMENTERA
The Green Routes, an 80-mile network of cycling and walking trails, run through peaceful countryside and along the coast of Formentera. Enjoy vistas of verdant vineyards and forests of pine and juniper trees, passing drystone walls and shaggy sheep along the way. Stop off at the island’s historic watchtowers and lighthouses, and take a refreshing dip in the glassy waters of hidden coves. Stay in Es Pujols at the new, luxurious, bohochic Five Flowers, which offers a spa, rooftop bar, restaurant and large pool.
Ibiza isn’t all about clubbing – so discover its tranquil side
HOW TO DO IT: Take a taxi to Eivissa port and a 30-minute ferry across to La Savina in Formentera. Double rooms at Five Flowers (telegraph.co.uk/ tt-five-flowers-formentera) cost from £353pn, excluding breakfast (£21). Regular ferries sail between Eivissa and Formentera from £32pp one way (0034 865 608 423; balearia.com). Bikes and cars can be taken on board
SET SAIL, MALLORCA
Take the magical one-hour sail from Colonia de Sant Jordi in the southeast of Mallorca to the national park of Cabrera. This archipelago, comprising Cabrera and 10 small islets, is the largest protected marine environment in the eastern Mediterranean. It’s worth prising yourself away from the pristine beach – flanked by island flora – to explore the ruined castle, built in the 14th century to defend against marauding pirates. The local museum also tells the story of the island’s long and turbulent history.
HOW TO DO IT: A six-hour sailing adventure with Marcabrera (0034 971 656 403; marcabrera.com/en) costs from £41 for adults, £22 for children
Includes a four-hour stay on Cabrera and a brief swim at the famous blue cave on the return trip. Sails every day at 9.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm
FUN FAMILY THRILLS, MENORCA
With its fine white sand and shallow sapphire waters, Es Grau beach and nature reserve is perfect for families heading to Menorca. Visitors can swim and snorkel; book kayaks for the day and head out to explore nearby Colom Island; or make the short trip to the virgin beaches of Tamarells and Sa Torreta, which is known for its sweeping underwater meadows of Posidonia.
HOW TO DO IT: Guided 2.5-hour kayaking trips with Dia Complert (menorcakayak.com/en) are available from £30 for adults, £21 for children, including instruction. Available Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from June to September
FROLIC WITH FLAMINGOS, IBIZA
A birdwatcher’s playground, the 7,400acre Ses Salines nature reserve in Ibiza is the place to go to see wetland birds and flamingos, which gather in their hundreds from July to October. The landscape is carved out into centuriesold salt pans, and being so close to the coast there are plenty of secret coves to discover. The park also has World Heritage Status for its sub-aquatic fields of Posidonia oceanica, which is the best preserved in the Mediterranean basin.
HOW TO DO IT: Stay at bijou Hotel La Ventana (telegraph.co.uk/tt-/hotel-laventana), in the ancient citadel of
Dalt Vila in Eivissa town. Double rooms cost from £137pn, excluding breakfast (£6pp).
KEEP FIT, MALLORCA
The rugged Sierra de Tramuntana, a Unesco Heritage Site, extends 62 miles from Andratx to Pollença in Mallorca, and while it suits hikers of all levels it will test the mettle of inexperienced cyclists. Try the easy-going seven-mile (12km) circular hiking route from Cuber Reservoir to Refugi Tossals Verds, a peaceful rural hostel plum in the mountains where you can pre-book a hearty three-course luncheon or dinner for approximately €15 (£13) including wine. The scenery is spectacular and the hike only takes about two hours each way.
HOW TO DO IT: An idyllic stay can be enjoyed at Finca Can Beneït (0034 871 811 871; fincacanbeneit.com), a 200-hectare historic estate in the hamlet of Binibona in the foothills of the Tramuntanas. Double rooms cost from £245, including breakfast.
COLOUR AND CULTURE,
MENORCA
A treasure trove of cultural and historic sights, Ciutadella, on Menorca’s western coast, oozes local colour. Potter through the cobbled streets, past wellpreserved medieval churches and pretty squares, before visiting the Gothic cathedral and central Plaça des Born. Enjoy Xoriguer local gin, tapas or lobster stew on the scenic marina after exploring the megalithic tomb of Naveta des Tudons and Cala Morell, a pre-Talayotic necropolis, just 10 minutes away by car.
HOW TO DO IT: Stay at family-friendly Hotel Tres Sants (telegraph.co.uk/ tt-hotel-tres-sants), a former 18th-century palace, in the heart of the old town. Double rooms cost from £189pn, including breakfast
TAKE IT EASY, MALLORCA
The Sóller valley in Mallorca is famed for its orchards of citrus fruits, the vintage wooden train that runs to Palma, and the local tram that trundles between the port and town. Aside from Can Prunera, the modernist art museum, the town is also home to mature botanical gardens and the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences. In nearby Deià, a visit to Can Alluny, erstwhile home of English poet Robert Graves, is a must, as is a stroll around the Carthusian monastery of neighbouring mountain town Valldemossa.
HOW TO DO IT: A stay at luxury Belmond La Residencia (telegraph.co. uk/tt-belmond-la-residencia) in Deia with its spa, tennis courts and pools is just the ticket. Double rooms cost from £600 including breakfast.
Can Prunera (0034 971 638 973; canprunera.net) opens every day from 10.30am to 6.30pm; €5pp (£4.30). The Botanical Gardens (0034 971 63 40 14; jardibotanicdesoller.org) is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 2pm; €8pp (£7). Can Alluny (0034 971 63 61 85; lacasaderobertgraves.org) opens Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm; Saturday 10am to 3pm; €7pp (£6)
Get in line for modernist and abstract art in Palma de Mallorca
FINE ART AND FEASTS, PALMA
A compact coastal capital with a rich and diverse history, Palma certainly packs a punch. For neoclassic, modernist and abstract art, head to Es Baluard museum or Caixa Forum for permanent and temporary contemporary collections. The city is awash with local and international gastronomy, from Michelin-starred havens to inexpensive tapas bars. The markets of Olivar and Santa Catalina also tempt with fresh seafood platters and tapas served with wines and cavas.
HOW TO DO IT: Stay at the contemporary and stylish Nakar Hotel (telegraph. co.uk/tt-nakar-hotel), situated on Jaume III, close to the most popular sights. Double rooms cost from £150pn including breakfast.
Caixa Forum (0034 971 178 512 caixaforum.org) is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 8pm; Sunday 11am to 2pm; free entry except for temporary exhibitions. Es Baluard (0034 971 908 200; esbaluard.org) opens Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 8pm; Sunday 10am to 3pm; €6pp (£5)