Balearic Islands

The rugged and beautiful coastline of each of the Balearic Islands is just one reason they’ve long been a popular holiday destination. Add in the short flight time, reliably scorching summer sun and resorts that fit the bill for every budget and interest – and what’s not to like! Each island has its supposed personality; Mallorca is the all-round destination, Ibiza the party island and Menorca the more peaceful option. However, each of the Balearics oozes with beguiling local variety and are all worth considering whatever your preferred type of holiday.

Check out our superb deals on each of the Balearic Islands:

Mallorca holidays »
Ibiza holidays »

Currency

The Balearics official currency is the Euro often signified by € or EUR. One Euro is divided into 100 cents.  Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates.  All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops.   ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.  The Euro is used in 12 members of the European Union.  Countries and territories using the Euro include: Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, The Vatican, Martinique, Guadalupe, Reunion, Montenegro, and Kosovo.

Balearics Climate

The climate in the Balearics does not vary much between the spring and winter. The warm temperatures make the whole year enjoyable, with mild to moderately hot summers and mild winters, it does not matter what time of year you visit!

The humidity rating on most of the Balearic Islands does not increase much passed seventy percent. There are usually around 300 days of pure sunshine ranging from ten or more hours in the summer and approximately 5 hours during the fall and winter.

Time

Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Language

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas.

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 or 225 volts, 50Hz. 
European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

Tipping

Hotel and restaurant bills usually include service charges, but additional tips are welcomed for services rendered.  In established restaurants tips of about 10% are expected.  Drivers of metered taxis expect small tips and it is customary to tip usually 5-10% for most services, including guides.

Communication

The international access code for Spain is +34.  The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom).