Balearic Islands Archives - Europe Up Close

The Celebrated Menorcan Horse of Spain

Published/Revised June 12, 2014 By Guest Contributor This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

When I traveled to Menorca, Spain I hadn’t realized my visit would coincide with the Balearic Island’s annual parade of world famous horses, the Menorcan. On June 24th and 25th thousands of visitors from across Europe converge on Ciutadella’s main square to wait for a drummer on a donkey to lead 150 elegant, ebony horses through the city as they showcase the doma menorquina riding style ... Read Full Article

A Day Trip on Spain’s Historic Menorca Island

Menorca, Spain is best known as a yachter’s dream destination. Private coves and beaches are found all around the island, but if you’re like me and travel mostly by public transportation, rest assured you’ll find plenty to explore on Menorca’s terra firma, too. These are just a few of the places to visit on Spain’s less frequented of the Balearic islands. Ciutadella The starting point for my ... Read Full Article

Party with the Festa de San Sebastian in Palma de Majorca

Published/Revised November 3, 2014 By Guest Contributor This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

If you are heading to Majorca in January, be sure to join in the fun at the Festa de San Sebastian, or the Saint Sebastian Festival, which is a major event on the island. This traditional festival is celebrated throughout the city of Palma de Majorca. It is a fantastic cultural attraction for visitors, and a highly meaningful event for the island’s residents who look forward to it with great ... Read Full Article

My Own Private Ibiza

Published/Revised July 15, 2015 By Andrea MacDonald This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

It can hit you upon arrival, or sneak up after a few days; the realization that you have found one of the most exciting places of your life. For me that was Spain's Ibiza. You know right away when it happens. It’s something more than just liking the looks of a new destination. It’s when something in the spirit of a place speaks directly to you, where you walk around with eyes wide open in ... Read Full Article

Where to Stay in Ibiza, Spain

Published/Revised June 12, 2014 By Mattie Bamman This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

The island of Ibiza has a limited number of hotel options, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite ‘where to stay’ recommendations. When choosing where to stay in Ibiza, it helps to know whether you want to enjoy peace and quiet or party all night in world-famous clubs. We have given preference to hotels in the town center as well as the club area to the west, and we also include two exceptional ... Read Full Article

Formentor, Majorca’s Hidden Bay

When you think of Formentor in the northeastern section of the island of Majorca (Mallorca), picture a secluded, sheltered cove, a beautiful beach, swimming in crystal clear water, and being surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. Getting To Formentor Bay Although scary, the view alone makes the drive to Formentor Bay on the famous Peninsula Road unforgettable. There are high cliffs ... Read Full Article

Cala Figuera – Mallorca’s Sleeping Beauty

Published/Revised August 21, 2009 By Guest Contributor This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Cala Figuera, a tranquil and picturesque fishing village situated in a bay surrounded by cliffs, is one of the most scenic spots on the island of Mallorca and a world away from the tourist crowds. The setting is postcard picturesque with houses hanging off the cliffs above whitewashed boat houses with green colored doors. In the harbor below, sail boats peacefully rest on crystal clear turquoise ... Read Full Article

Valldemossa, Mallorca – an Inspirational Hideaway

Published/Revised December 28, 2010 By Guest Contributor This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Drive the 17 km of winding roads from Palma and you will reach one of the most famous villages in Mallorca – Valldemossa. At 437 meters above sea level and with a beautiful setting in a valley surrounded by mountains – the village looks like it is taken from a fairytale. Painters come here for the wonderful light, writers and musicians for the inspiration. The famous pair Frédéric Chopin and ... Read Full Article

Spain’s Sophisticated Sóller, in the heart of Mallorca’s Tramuntana mountains

You need to travel to the north west side of Mallorca to find two of the most beautiful and sophisticated towns on the island – Sóller, and the more chic beach resort Port de Sóller. The Arabic name Sóller means “golden bowl” and it aptly describes the town’s breathtaking setting in a valley of orange, grapefruit and lemon trees. To get to Sóller, many tourists take the historic railway train ... Read Full Article

Palma de Mallorca – Pearl of the Mediterranean

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic islands, has it all - fantastic sandy beaches, hiking trails in the mountains, jetset harbours, ancient buildings and lots of history. If you are traveling in Spain, consider hoping on the ferry from Barcelona or catch a short flight to beautiful Palma de Mallorca. You will not regret it. Palma de Mallorca, the cosmopolitan capital of Mallorca with more ... Read Full Article