The Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands sit just to the south of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea, and are popular with visitors looking for beautiful warm weather, great beaches and more. Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera are the four major islands in the region. The city of Palma in Majorca acts as the region’s capital and center for commercial activity.

Majorca is the largest of the islands and is home to the most cultural and historic attractions. Palma is a cosmopolitan city with world-class restaurants, hotels and spas. There is also a 14th century gothic cathedral located in town that should not be missed. On the shore, there are number of white sand beaches to choose from including Cala Llombards, Cala Tuent, and Playa de Muro. Each beach has its own personality and is in proximity to great bars and restaurants. Away from the shore, Majorca is a great mountain-biking destination. Bikes can be rented from Palma and other towns, and there are well-marked trails throughout the island. Majorca’s hiking and biking trails boast some of the best views available on the island.

Majorca’s sister island Ibiza, boasts a party atmosphere, especially during the peak tourist season in the summer. The island’s amazing beaches attract visitors from colder climates looking to let loose and enjoy the sun and the sand. While laying on the beach may be Ibiza’s most popular activity, the island is also a haven for water sports, diving and boat chartering. As festive as Ibiza is during the day, tourists really let their hair down at night and nightclubs come alive with enthusiastic partygoers energised from a day at the beach.

Majorca and Ibiza are also, both home to land-based casinos, which are popular with tourists. Only those 18 and over are allowed inside the casino and a valid proof of ID must be shown. Inside, most casinos include traditional slot machines along with roulette, poker, blackjack, craps and more. Though Spanish is the main language, English and French are also typically spoken. The casinos usually open in the evening or at night, and stay open until very early in the morning, and can definitely add a bit of extra fun to your trip to the Balearic Islands. In addition to gambling, Balearic Island casinos also include excellent restaurants, cafes and even nightclubs.

Also next to Majorca is the island of Menorca. One of the more family-friendly islands, Menorca is a great place to learn about the region’s culture while at the same time enjoying its lovely beaches. Sea kayaking, horseback riding and other outdoor activities are also prevalent throughout Menorca, with much of the island boasting a decidedly rural feel. Though Menorca is smaller than Ibiza and Majorca, it contains more beaches than the two of these islands combined. The density of beaches means that Menorca feels less crowded than its sister islands, making it ideal for those looking to get away from it all.

Only accessible by sea, Formentera is the smallest of all the islands. The easiest way to get there is by taking a boat from Ibiza. The island contains 20 km of pristine, white sand beaches without the mega resorts and nightclubs found on the other islands. Truly a haven for nature enthusiasts, Formentera’s laid-back rustic feel has been preserved throughout the years.

The Balearic Islands are unique in that they are so easily accessible from mainland Spain and the rest of Europe, but feel a world away. Whether it is the natural surroundings, the beaches, nightclubs or the casinos that attract you to this archipelago in the Mediterranean, you’ll be assured to discover even more upon your arrival.

For complete information on all casinos in The Balearic Islands, choose from the list below:

• Casino Ibiza
• Casino de Mallorca