Two things come to mind when thinking about a summer vacation: Spain and paradise islands. Besides France, Spain receives more tourism than anyone. And, whilst mainland Spain does have a lot to offer, its stunning islands offer the best of both worlds.
But, this article will put forward the argument in favor of choosing the Balearics over the Canaries, as it’s often a deliberation that many have to make. Whilst we would say the Canaries – which are situated just off the African coast – are better for a winter holiday due to their year-round hot weather, the Balearics have a lot to offer in summer.
Before starting, here are a couple of tips when traveling to the Canaries. ROIG’s Mallorca car rental is without a doubt the easiest way to get around the island of Mallorca, whilst Ibiza has good public transportation. It’s possible to get a boat from mainland Spain to the islands, but there are many airports that fly (particularly from London) for cheap.
Now let’s take a look at what the Balearic Islands offers summertime visitors, making these Spanish islands the ultimate summer holiday.
Diversity
In every which way possible, the Balearics have fantastic diversity. When it comes to activities, there’s something for the party-goers, something for the bird-watchers, something for the cycling enthusiasts…and much more. The best part is that you don’t even need to head to a specific island for a specific activity: Ibiza has stunning wildlife, whilst even Mallorca, which is full of mountains, also has great nightlife.
Furthermore, this brings with it a diverse set of people. Beyond the locals, of which there are plenty, visitors of all backgrounds are attracted to the Balearics. Beach bums staying in resorts are situated in and amongst those on their golfing holiday. It’s a great melting pot of cultures.
Culture and History
The Balearics have a rich history and culture, which is reflected in their architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The islands were once inhabited by the Talayotic people, who left behind fascinating ruins and artifacts. The islands were also invaded by the Moors, who left their mark in the form of beautiful mosques and palaces.
Today, you can visit museums, art galleries, and cultural centers to learn more about the islands’ history and culture. You can also sample delicious local dishes, such as sobrasada sausage, ensaimada pastry, and paella.
Accessibility
For American, Asian and European visitors, it’s almost certain that it will be easier to access the Balearic islands. Not only do more flights go there, but most direct flights are from European places like London. And, from this direction, the Balearics are a shorter flight time.
It’s also more accessible if you’re already situated in Spain too, as the Balearics are close by. For example, Ibiza is only around 50 miles from the east coast of Spain. Both Valencia and Barcelona are within close proximity to the islands, not to mention that both Palma and Ibiza have large airports.
Festivals and Events
The Balearics are known for their lively festivals and events, which take place throughout the year. These events range from traditional fiestas to modern music festivals, and they provide a great opportunity to experience the islands’ culture and nightlife.
Some of the most popular events in the Balearics include the San Juan festival in Ibiza, the Sant Antoni festival in Mallorca, and the Ciutadella Horse Festival in Menorca. In addition, there are many music festivals throughout the year, such as the Ibiza Rocks festival and the Mallorca Live festival.
Nightlife
The Balearics, particularly Ibiza, has long been known for their vibrant and exciting nightlife. The island is home to some of the world’s most famous nightclubs and DJs, attracting party-goers from all over the world. But it’s not just Ibiza that offers a great nightlife scene. Other islands in the Balearics, such as Mallorca and Menorca, also have plenty of bars and clubs, as well as live music venues and beach parties. In fact, Magaluf hosts many world-famous DJs too.
The islands’ warm climate and laid-back atmosphere also contribute to the festive vibe, making the Balearics a top destination for those looking to dance the night away.
Lanzarotte’s New Tourist Clampdown
Lanzarotte’s own lawmakers have described the place as a “tourist-saturated area”. Not only is this admission highlighting that the Canaries have an issue with tourism, but that there may be consequences in the future. In a new strategy to “reduce dependence on the British market”, Lanzarotte is considering limiting tourism. The details of this plan haven’t yet been announced, but this could have implications for people wanting to visit in the future. The Balearics, however, has announced no such strategy.
