Travel Insurance for the Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are an archipelago just off the east coast of Spain. These Mediterranean islands are perfect for partygoers and families alike and they offer tourists sandy beaches, historic towns, fun activities, and water sports.
Emergency Contact Information
The emergency numbers for the Balearic Islands are the same as the ones on mainland Spain. The general European emergency number is 112, and this will connect you with all emergency services. You can also call 061 in the case of a medical emergency and call 080 to be put in touch with the fire department. There are individual numbers for the different kinds of police there. Calling 091 will put you through to the national police, 092 is for contacting the local police, and 062 will put you through to the civil guard.
If you need to replace a lost or stolen travel document, you can contact the British Consulate in Ibiza or the British Consulate in Palma de Mallorca.
Travel Safety Tips
The Balearic Islands are generally safe places to visit, but as with most places, you should be aware of street crimes, such as pickpocketing and petty theft. Keep your phone, wallet, and other valuables in your bag or in a zippered pocket. Never leave your belongings laying around.
Spain is a hot country, especially in the summer, so drink plenty of water and regularly apply sunscreen. Some of the Balearic Islands, such as Ibiza and Mallorca, are popular places for club goers. Keep an eye on your drink and try to avoid getting to inebriated so you can be aware of your surroundings.
One of the best ways you can protect yourself during your travels to the Balearic Islands is by purchasing travel insurance before your trip. For more information on safety, security, health, and entry requirements, consult the FCDO travel advice for Spain.
Places to Visit on the Balearic Islands
There are four main islands that people usually vacation on; Ibiza, Mallorca, Formentera, and Menorca. While the Balearic Islands are made up of over a hundred islets, you can visit some of them on a day trip via a boat ride from one of the larger islands. If you’re looking for tips on what to do on your vacation, here are a few of our favourite things to do while holidaying on the Balearic Islands.
Ibiza
This party island is well known for its nightlife. If you’re looking for something to do during the day, there are regular tours of Can Marçà cave and the underwater Aquarium Cap Blanc. Benirrás beach is one of the more popular sunbathing spots, although Cala Jondal and San Miguel beach are also tourist favourites. The historic old town of Dalt Vila has plenty of restaurants, shops, and an archaeological museum. Take your camera with you to photograph the beautiful cathedral and Ibiza Castle, but don’t forget to make sure it’s insured with Oasis gadget cover.
Mallorca (Majorca)
Many people will recognise Magaluf, one of the most popular resorts on the island, which is known for its many bars and clubs. The city of Palma offers many sightseeing opportunities, such as La Seu cathedral, the art galleries along Via Verí, and Bellver Castle. At Palma’s oldest market, Mercat de Santa Catalina, you can wander the stalls and try out delicious Balearic cuisine. If you want to go on a unique daytrip, you can hop on a 100-year-old restored wood-panelled train that will take you from Palma to Sóller.
Mallorca is the home of several golfing championships and is a paradise for golf lovers. There are more than 20 golf courses for tourists to visit, so while you’re deciding which one to go to, you should also get golf cover travel insurance.
For others who are into sports and outdoor activities, Mondrago Natural Park is a popular place for cycling, hiking, and swimming. Many tourists hire a car just so they can experience driving along the Sa Calobra Road to get to Cala Tuent, a 100-metre-long beach, one of over 200 on the island.
Formentera
Formentera is one of the smaller inhabited Balearic Islands. While it can quickly be explored by car, those who wish to savour the unique atmosphere of Formentera prefer to explore it by bike. There are plenty of well signposted cycling paths that will take you around the island and to the flea markets and it’s three lighthouses and windmills. To discover more about Formentera’s history, you should consider stopping by Museum of Ethnography of Formentera and Megalithic site of Ca Na Costa, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to go scuba diving to see the Don Pedro shipwreck. Before you take part in any activities, make sure they are covered by your travel insurance policy by carefully reading the policy wording.
Menorca
Mahon, Menorca’s capital, is famous for it’s natural harbour and for its fish market and the market in the Plaça de s'Esplanada. Here, you can visit Santa Maria Church, the Mola Fortress, the Menorca Museum, and the Gin Xoriguer Factory. Foodies will be delighted to know that Mahon cheese and mayonnaise originated here.
Those who travel to Ciutadella should stop by the Port of Ciutadella, tour the gothic cathedral, and get a photo with the Born obelisk. If you travel there in June during the summer solstice, you may be able to participate in the festivities at the Fiestas of Sant Joan de Ciutadella.
Son Bou beach is the best place for families to visit and is a great place to go diving. For anyone interested in viewing the Menorcan coast, they can walk or go mountain biking along the Cami de Cavalls. If you’re interested in traditional Menorcan food, you should try some lobster stew and flaó (cheesecake) or helado (ice cream) in the seaside town of Fornells.
Cabrera
This Balearic Island is a national park. There are not hotels on the island so travellers will need to take a one-hour boat ride from Mallorca to see it. This island has plenty of hiking trails and is perfect for people who enjoy birdwatching. There are many things to see in Cabrera, such as the N'Ensiola lighthouse, Cabrera Castle, the byzantine necropolis, and the Museum of Cabrera. Many people who visit the island also visit the Blue Cave for an afternoon of swimming and snorkelling.
