The Balearic Islands lie in the Mediterranean off the north-eastern coast of Spain. Included in the group of islands are Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Cabrera. Both Spanish and Catalan are spoken here. The Balearic Islands enjoy hot summers, cooled a little by the sea, and mild winters.

Each of the Balearics has very much its own style and identity and they are best described individually. However, in very broad terms: Mallorca is in most parts peaceful and relaxed although busy and lively in parts, with some excellent scenery; Menorca is similar, but smaller and quieter; Ibiza is very much a young person's party island, Menorca; Formentera is flat and sandy, ideal for outdoor and family beach holidays; Cabrera is tiny and is given over entirely to a National Park, which can be visited only by boat on day trips.

Accommodation here very much adheres to the Mediterranean norm, although there is some variation across the islands - villas and apartments with pools to let by the sea and farmhouses and cottages to hire inland. Formentera has no high rise developments and places to stay consist mainly of apartments and small private hotels. There are no rental properties on Cabrera.