A diving destination
The archipelago is very popular with divers, and you'll find diving centers all along the coast.
Majorca. The most remarkable dive sites are to be found in the island's three bays: Palma, Alcúdia and Pollença. The underwater flora and fauna are magnificent, and the clarity of the water makes diving unforgettable.
Ibiza. Several sites are well worth a visit. The first is Cova de Ses Llegostes in Cala Gració. Here, you descend into an astonishing natural marine limestone cave. Seawater penetrates to create a sort of inland lake, home to numerous species of fish. Other highlights include the Don Pedro wreck off Ibiza harbour, El Caballo with its two superimposed arches at 25 m, home to groupers, moray eels and corbs, and the islet Llado Sud, a small rocky island. Santa Eulàlia boasts beautiful drop-offs with numerous caves, abundant fauna and even the wreck of a Dutch ship. On Isla Tagomago, rifts shelter moray eels, conger eels and groupers. Finally, you'll want to take your flippers out to the north-west of Es Vedrà island, to Sec de la Bota, an underwater mountain that rises 2 m from the surface and has a base 35 m below the surface. The boulders are home to mostella, groupers, conger eels, moray eels and barracudas. As the spot is offshore, it is popular with tuna and other pelagic species.
Minorca. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, the island is the most northerly of the archipelago. Exposed to the rigors of time, it has been shaped by the elements. The result is a highly distinctive underwater orography (caves, cavities, labyrinths...) that also forms a tomb housing hundreds of boats from all eras, providing divers with countless archaeological treasures to observe: amphorae, cannons, anchors... Exceptional seabeds combining rocky reefs, vertical drop-offs and posidonia meadows. Great diving ahead!
Formentera. Formentera is an ideal destination for beginner divers, thanks to its calm waters, perfect for an introduction to scuba diving. You can take your first dive directly into the sea, for example in the Es Freus Marine Reserve. This nature reserve was created to preserve the area's natural environment. This is where you'll find the island's most interesting diving spots.
In addition, Formentera's crystal-clear waters are home to an exceptional meadow of oceanic posidonia in the Ses Salines d'Eivissa i Formentera Nature Park. 100,000 years old, this is the largest and oldest seagrass meadow in the entire Mediterranean Sea. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Water sports for all tastes
The Balearic Islands are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for an adrenalin rush or a leisurely stroll on the archipelago's crystal-clear waters, there's plenty to do: sailing, water-skiing, wake-boarding, jet-skiing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, parasailing and more. The islands also boast a wide range of marina facilities. And virtually all the sailing schools and centers offer introductory courses (individual or group), rentals, guided tours and even weekly packages for their many activities.
A golfer's paradise
Staying in the Balearics without playing golf is like spending a winter in the Alps without skiing: in recent years, Mallorca has established itself as the island with the highest number of golf courses in relation to its surface area. The island's natural geographical conditions, combined with its climate, have made it a golfer's paradise. No fewer than twenty internationally renowned courses enable local amateurs and foreign greats alike to spend some quality time in these havens of peace. These include the Andratx and Son Antem golf courses near the Bay of Palma on Mallorca, Canyamel and Capdepera in the north-east of the island, Golf Ibiza on Ibiza and Golf Son Parc on Menorca.
Enjoy the hinterland
Hiking. Mild winters are ideal for hiking and biking. Menorca and the small island of Formentera have understood the appeal of this sport, offering visitors a fleet of bicycles all year round. Formentera can be cycled safely from one end to the other. As for Menorca, you can tour it by taking the Camí de Cavalls (Horse Trail), a way of getting in touch with this wild and unspoiled nature. But Ibiza and Mallorca (especially the mountainous north-west) are no exception to the trend, and hiking itineraries are legion on both islands. These superb trails can be explored on foot, by bike or mountain bike.
Cycling. Many cycling enthusiasts take advantage of the spring and autumn weather to explore Mallorca's trails. From flat roads through the countryside to challenging routes through the Tramuntana, the options are numerous. In Mallorca, cycling enthusiasts of all levels should not miss a visit to the Cycling Friendly website (www.cycling-friendly.com). It's the real reference for planning a 100% cycling holiday, with accommodation, services and itineraries.
Horse-riding. Despite the impact of tourism, the Balearic Islands still have many places untouched by time: mountains, natural areas, nature parks and charming villages. The splendor of these sites, between sea and mountains, can be discovered on horseback. The horse-riding tradition is very strong in the Balearic Islands, and virtually every resort has an equestrian center offering you the possibility of a horseback ride adapted to your level. This tradition is particularly strong in Menorca, where horses are the protagonists of major popular festivals. This is the case not only for the famous Sant Joan festival, but also for village festivities, with their many Jaleo, horse parades in the middle of the crowd.
