Discover The Balearics (from home)

Sun, Sea and Sand: Holiday inspired ideas to brighten your day [View online here]( | Pause emails for [1 month]( | [2 months]( [Travelscoop] This week we're celebrating the beautiful Balearic Islands! East of the Spanish mainland in the Mediterranean Sea sit the four main islands – Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera. Each maintains a character distinct from the rest of Spain and from each other. In this email, we'll explore these stunning Spanish islands, in time for your 2021 post-CORONA holiday. Please note that we are not promoting any travel deals at the moment, but simply providing some inspiration until you're ready to explore the world again. The islands are hotly debated. Some of us live for the endless party of Ibiza, the White Isle. Others seek the seclusion of Menorca. And a few of us have even heard of Formentera. We've been sharing our thoughts and photos on our Facebook page. Let us know what you think on the [Facebook post here]( and remember to Like our page and join the community while you're there 🙏🏼 ~ Stuart In this issue The Balearic Big 4 • 20 of the Most Beautiful Places • Catalan, Spanish & Mediterranean cuisine • 16 of the Best Things To Do [---] The Balearic Big 4 The vast majority of holidays to the Balearic Islands revolve around the beach. But dig a bit deeper and you’ll find everything from rugged mountain ranges to prehistoric ruins. [Mallorca]( TUI The Balearics’ biggest island is all about the beaches. And whether you pick superleague stretches like 13-kilometre-long Ca’n Picafort, or tucked away coves, such as those around billionaire’s playground, Cala d’Or, you can bank on golden sand and calm waters. There are hundreds of them, running the full spectrum from long, golden and sandy to hidden, tiny and pebbly. At last count, 32 of them had been awarded a coveted Blue Flag award. THE SECRET BEACH To slip away from the crowds, catch a boat from the port of Alcudia to Cala Truent. It’s a half moon-shaped stretch of shingle on the northwest of the island, and is framed by steep cliffs fringed with pine forests. There aren’t any beach bars or restaurants here, so it’s worth bringing a picnic basket if you’re planning to stay awhile. [Read more]( [Ibiza]( TUI Ibiza is the king of Europe’s club scene. The island’s main resort, San Antonio, is home to world-famous dance spots like Pacha. It’s a different story up on the north coast, though. Make your way to the countryside around Puerto San Miguel and you’ll find hidden caves and walking trails through thick pine forests. It's haloed by some of the most scenic beaches in the Balearics. We’re talking tucked-away coves with bright white sands, and golden sweeps bracketed by forest-topped cliffs. Look out for what the locals call ‘chiringuito’ bars. Even the sleepier beaches tend to have at least one nearby, and they’re the best places to head for authentic tapas dishes, fresh seafood and jugs of sangria. THE SECRET BEACH If you’re after a beach that’s off the tourist trail, seek out Cala Xuclar. This small, crescent-shaped bay is tucked away in the north of the island, around a 5-minute drive from Portinatx. There’s nothing but green hills and a few fishing huts framing the sands, and refreshments come courtesy of a tiny bar that sells tapas and seafood dishes at lunchtimes. [Read more]( [Menorca]( TUI If you're after an island that moves at a slower pace, Menorca hits the spot. Families flock here for quiet beaches like Son Bou and Cala’n Forcat. Plus, there are prehistoric relics like the village of Torre d’en Gaumes, which is over 3,000 years old. Menorca has more beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza put together, and most have been given Blue Flags thanks to their quality and cleanliness. Caribbean-like white sands are ten-a-penny in the south of the island, while the north has a slightly rockier coastline, with darker, caramel-hued sands bracketed by steep cliffs. THE SECRET BEACH Cala Presili’s crescent of white sand has no facilities to speak of, so you’ll need to bring a picnic if you’re heading down to spend the day here. The lack of amenities means there’s also a lack of crowds, though, so it’s perfect if you want to escape the busier resorts. To get here, you’ll need to make the 20-minute drive from Mahon and then walk about 15 minutes down to the sands. [Read more]( [Formentera]( TUI If you want to really drop off the radar, head over to Formentera. Its 20-kilometre coastline is dotted with secluded stretches of white sand. Some, like Playa Mitjorn, have been compared to the Caribbean. The sand on the beaches is bright white and cotton soft. Rustic beach bars known as chiringuitos sell sangria and fresh fish dishes, and beachfront buildings are banned by island conservation law. Sunbathers in Formentera don’t keep office hours. Instead, they stick around on the sands until late evening to watch the sunsets. THE SECRET BEACH Cala es Ram is meditatively quiet. This pebbly beach on the island’s south side is framed by rugged cliffs and pine trees. You can even hear cicadas chirrup while you sunbathe. It goes without saying there aren’t any restaurants on this secluded beach, but you have got a sleek eco resort a few metres from the sand, which has a roof terrace where you can watch the sunset in comfort. [Read more]( [---] 20 of the Most Beautiful Places ...in the Balearic Islands There’s always that one image from every trip; the postcard moment that sticks in your mind. A landscape, a moment, a smile… something that, although fleeting, will always be remembered. Which one will you remember? [S’Espalmador]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Formentera WHAT: Nature [Read more]( [Sóller]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Mallorca WHAT: Location [Read more]( [Albufera des Grau]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Menorca WHAT: Nature [Read more]( [Fornalutx]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Mallorca WHAT: Location [Read more]( [Ses Salines Natural Park]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Formentera WHAT: Natures [Read more]( [Valldemossa]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Mallorca WHAT: Location [Read more]( [Sa Calobra]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Mallorca WHAT: Nature [Read more]( [Las Salinas]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Ibiza WHAT: Location [Read more]( [Can Marroig]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Formentera WHAT: Nature [Read more]( [Cala Macarella]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Menorca WHAT: Beach [Read more]( [Torrent de Pareis]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Mallorca WHAT: Nature [Read more]( [Playa de Ses Illetes]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Formentera WHAT: Beach [Read more]( [Cala Saladeta]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Ibiza WHAT: Beach [Read more]( [Cape Formentor]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Mallorca WHAT: Nature [Read more]( [Cala en Turqueta]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Menorca WHAT: Nature [Read more]( [Calo Des Mort]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Formentera WHAT: Beach [Read more]( [Playa S’Alga (Espalmador)]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Formentera WHAT: Beach [Read more]( [Platja d’en Bossa]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Ibiza WHAT: Beach [Read more]( [Cala d’Hort]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Ibiza WHAT: Location [Read more]( [Playa de Es Trenc]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Mallorca WHAT: Beach [Read more]( [---] Catalan, Spanish & Mediterranean cuisine We've shown you some of the most beautiful places to visit next time you find yourself on one of these stunning Spanish islands, and we'll take a closer look at some of the best things to do while you're there, but first, we're going on a culinary journey to explore some of the regions best produce and wonderful local delicacies. From Ensaimada and Caldereta de Langosta to their incredible local Maó Cheese, Balearic Almonds that grow all over the islands and the end-of-meal digestive, Hierbas Mallorquinas, here's everything you need to know about the incredible Balearic diet. Bakery and confectionery: Ensaïmada - pastry sprinkled with powdered sugar Coca - similar to Italian pizza but without cheese Flaó - Cottage cheese tart Vegetables dishes: Tombet - fried courgettes, potatoes, aubergines and red peppers baked in tomato sauce Fava parada - Fava bean and mixed vegetable puree Trempó - refreshing summer salad made of pepper, onion and tomato Meat dishes: Sobrassada - a cured sausage made with ground pork, paprika, salt and spices Arròs brut ("Dirty Rice") - meat, vegetables, rice and spices cooked in a meat broth Macarrons amb gravi - Penne pasta in a sauce similar to gravy Fish dishes: Caldereta - Lobster stew Arròs de peix - rice cooked in a fish broth did you know... All i oli (Mayonnaise) - It's believed that mayonnaise originates from Mahon (known in Catalan as Maó), the capital of the Balearic island of Menorca. [---] 16 of the Best Things To Do ...in the Balearic Islands From glorious churches, ancient villages, and inspiring monasteries to lively ambience, beautiful beaches and a nature reserve that conceals one of the finest beaches in the world. Discover the best things to see and do in this popular holiday destination with our list of some of the top attractions on Spain's Balearic Islands. [Catedral de Mallorca]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Mallorca WHAT: Attraction [Read more]( [Snorkelling at Cala Mitjana]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Menorca WHAT: Beach [Read more]( [Dalt Vila]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Ibiza WHAT: Attraction [Read more]( [Cueva de Can MarçÃ]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Ibiza WHAT: Caves [Read more]( [Ibiza Old Town]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Ibiza WHAT: Location [Read more]( [Naveta des Tudons]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Menorca WHAT: Attraction [Read more]( [Ferrocarril de Sóller]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Mallorca WHAT: Attraction [Read more]( [Cathedral Ciudadela]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Menorca WHAT: Attraction [Read more]( [Favaritx Lighthouse]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Menorca WHAT: Attraction [Read more]( [Museu d'Art Contemporani d'Eivissa]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Ibiza WHAT: Museum [Read more]( [Far de la Mola]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Formentera WHAT: Attraction [Read more]( [Caves of Drach and ArtÃ]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Mallorca WHAT: Attraction [Read more]( [Palma Aquarium]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Mallorca WHAT: Attraction [Read more]( [Puerto de Mahón]( Tripadvisor WHERE: Menorca WHAT: Port [Read more]( [Barbaria Lighthouse]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Formentera WHAT: Attraction [Read more]( [Bellver Castle]( Lonely Planet WHERE: Mallorca WHAT: Attraction [Read more]( [Photo of Stuart] [Stuart] Stuart Lewis Travel Editor [Facebook]([Twitter]( How Travelscoop works You might be wondering how Travelscoop works. 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