ENJOY A COVID-SAFE HOLIDAY IN THE BALEARIC ISLANDS
As big cities and popular beaches become slightly less appealing due to COVID-19 worries, the Balearic Islands are suddenly a summer hot spot. Many holidaymakers are looking for breaks in destinations like these that offer more space and isolation. To lend a hand, the Balearic Islands Tourism Board suggests five hidden spots perfect for summer isolation in the islands of Spain.
Connect with nature in Cabrera National Park
Cabrera is an uninhabited island which floats ten miles off the coast of Mallorca. It is one of the Balearic archipelago’s most hidden gems. Thanks to the island’s landscape, that has remained unchanged for centuries, Cabrera is home to an abundance of seabirds, rich marine life and indigenous flora and fauna. It was recognised as a National Park in 1991.
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Water and wetlands make up to 85% of the surface of the park. So the area is particularly well known for having over 160 species of marine plants. 22 of these are endemic, including the Posidonia Oceanica which purifies the water and contributes to the natural process of cleaning up the sea. This plant helps create the lagoons and jagged coves that the islands are known for.
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Visitors to Cabrera must sign up for diving or snorkelling. These allow visitors to explore the biodiversity underneath the water’s surface including turtles, cuttlefish and over 500 other species.
How to get to Cabrera
A boat service runs every day during the summer season. This allows visitors to reach Cabrera from Colonia de Sant Jordi, located in Las Salinas (Ses Salines) in the south of Mallorca. The island also has a refuge for those who wish to stay there overnight. However, the lodgings are limited to four rooms for 12 people maximum.
Take on archery in rural Ibiza
Besides its bohemian vibe and picturesque beaches, Ibiza is also known for its charming villages of whitewashed buildings. Many of the island’s traditional lime-coloured farmhouses have been turned into stylish rustic hotels and retreats. Guests here often come to enjoy the island’s tranquil and natural surroundings.
About Es Cubells
Es Cubells is one of the smallest villages of the island. It’s nestled in the southwest amongst scenic olive groves and citrus orchards. With fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, this isolated gem offers charming authenticity and spectacular views over the neighbouring Formentera. Formentera can be seen from a dramatic cliff located in the village’s centre.
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From the square, visitors can reach several beaches including Cala des Cubells, Ses Boques or Cala Llentrisca. These remain unspoilt and uncrowded due to the limited access.
In addition to its 19th-century church and a couple of restaurants serving traditional Ibizan cuisine, Es Cubells is also home to a small sports centre. Visitors can practice archery, the village’s most popular sports activity, here. The Club De Tir Amb Arc Es Cubells is a formal body organising archery courses in the village. It offers several courses for all levels and ages.
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Located only 11-minute drive from Es Cubells, Los Jardines de Palerm Hotel is a an idyllic 400-year-old finca. It offers two swimming pools in exotic gardens and nine bedrooms, most with their own private terraces.
Discover the charming island of Formentera
Dangling off the south coast of Ibiza, a mere half-hour away by fast ferry, the 20km-long island of Formentera is somewhat left out from the collective conscience of Britons who think of the Balearics. The picture-postcard island is worth a trip. Visitors will find pristine Caribbean style beaches and preserved nature all around.
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Platja de Ses Illetes (Illetes Beach) was created by the stunning split of Mediterranean sand. The beach is surrounded by calm blue waters. It is the perfect place to relax in the blissful sunshine. On the other hand, more active travellers can try their climbing skills on Formentera’s rocky cliffs. Meanwhile, bike riders can follow the scenic and well-marked Circuitos Verdes cycling route and even climb to the highest point on the island. The village of Pilar de la Mola offers stunning panoramas.
About the Sant Francesc Xavier Village
Sant Francesc Xavier Village is the island’s cultural hub. It offers a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for meandering around the quiet avenues and small plazas. Nearby, there’s the TerraMoll Vineyard, which is the largest winery in Formentera. It’s located on the highest part of the island, in the La Mola area. This vineyard produces a diverse range of wines that reflect the character of Formentera.
Blanco Hotel Formentera is a 15-minute cycle away from the secluded beach of Platja de Ses Illetes. This family-owned 4-star hotel offers 78 bright and stylish bedrooms, a large outdoor swimming pool and a small gym.
Embark on a solo hike in Menorca
Home to an abundance of winding coastal paths and rugged coves, Menorca is a prime hiking destination. Depending on their physical condition and personal preferences, visitors can choose between the rugged and steep northern coast and sandstone paths in the south.
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Routes around the island include the Santa Galdana Bay Walk. This is an easy trek along coastal paths and through breezy headlands. Meanwhile, the Punta Prima to Sant Esteve walk leads to the Torre d’Alcaufar, a restored lookout tower.
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Then there’s the famous Camí de Cavalls, a historic path running around the entire coastline of the island. The whole of the Camí de Cavalls is nearly 115 miles long and is divided into 20 stages that can be either walked as a single long hike or individually in sections.
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Regardless of the route and distance, there is a wide variety of accommodation scattered across the island. Visitors can choose among guesthouses and hostels, apartments, hotels and rural retreats.
The Hotel Xaloc Playa is located in Punta Prima, on the eastern coast of Menorca. Thanks to its convenient location and proximity to several hiking trails, the hotel serves as an ideal starting point to the Camí de Cavalls. In addition to standard double rooms, Xaloc Playa offers also bungalows, which provide an isolated accommodation for groups of up to five people.
Where to go in Palma de Mallorca
The bustling city of Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the Balearic Islands. It’s home to iconic monuments such as Palma Cathedral. Its city centre is full of medieval streets adorned with gargoyles and arches. There are rose windows in the gothic churches. Everywhere you’ll see secluded squares and the famous Mallorcan patios.
Credit : Palacio Ca Sa Galesa
There are over 40 patios in Palma. Each Mallorcan patio in the stately homes of Palma boasts of a unique architectural space. Each has its own aesthetics, identity and character. Many of the patios are private properties so they can only be viewed from outside. However there are a number that have become public institutions. Visitors eager to see examples of the beautiful Mallorca patio can head to the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art, the Palau March Museum, the High Court or San Pere I San Bernat Hospital.
The origins of Palma’s patios go back to the Roman period. However these enjoyed a revival during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Today visitors can stroll through Palma’s ancient streets, discovering the different patios and the history behind them.
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Palma’s cultural heritage is also reflected in the city’s array of unique accommodation, housed in historic palaces and town houses. For example, the characterful Ca Sa Galesa, located in the heart of Palma’s historical old town, offers a space of calm and tranquillity just a stone’s throw away from the majestic La Seu cathedral.