Balearic Islands

Spain's Balearic Islands, off the Valencia coast, are a beachgoer's paradise rich with the cultural and historical elements that tourists expect when visiting this fine country. In addition to the sandy-beach coastlines coveted by sun worshipers, the major islands are known for their impressive cave systems, many of which are easy to visit. Majorca's cave-dwelling center is Palma, where one could spend at least a day spelunking — the Drach Caves tour includes a classical music concert to accompany the impressive geological show, while the Hams and Artá sites are filled with impressive prehistoric stalactites and stalagmites. Thanks to ...

Spain's Balearic Islands, off the Valencia coast, are a beachgoer's paradise rich with the cultural and historical elements that tourists expect when visiting this fine country. In addition to the sandy-beach coastlines coveted by sun worshipers, the major islands are known for their impressive cave systems, many of which are easy to visit. Majorca's cave-dwelling center is Palma, where one could spend at least a day spelunking — the Drach Caves tour includes a classical music concert to accompany the impressive geological show, while the Hams and Artá sites are filled with impressive prehistoric stalactites and stalagmites. Thanks to the preservation endowed by National Parks, the relatively small land area of the islands is home to several unique and virtually untouched ecosystems. The Archipélago do Cabrera, a national park off the coast of Majorca, is perhaps one of the most impressive with literal fields of Neptunegrass and an abundant population of native birdlife. Golfers will find the courses breathtaking as well as impeccably groomed; Majorca's Calvia is the main island's golfing mecca, and there are more than a dozen courses island-wide.

About the Expert

Lura Seavey is the author of Fun with the Family in Vermont and New Hampshire and she has contributed to several Thomas Cook guidebooks, including Drive Around Catalonia, Travellers Mallorca, and Travellers Barcelona.