Property in Spain can be in any one of a number of geographic locations. There’s the mainland, of course, with its infamous Costas that continue to attract tourists. Far to the south, the Canaries are still part of the country’s jurisdiction – and, as such, are one of the furthest outlying components of the European Union.
However, for many people looking for a holiday property in Spain, the Balearics could be the first port of call. Known mainly for the four largest islands – Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera – the holiday hotspot of the Balearic Islands has attracted visitors from the UK for decades and remains high on the list for many holidaymakers each year.
Party animals may need to look no further than property in Spain’s party capital of Ibiza for a memorable getaway. The island has cemented its place as one of Europe’s clubbing capitals in recent years, providing the chance to hit the bars in early evening, move on to the dance floor by midnight and still be up to greet the sun as it rises in the east.
If you’re heading to San Antonio, one of the clubbing areas of the island – just behind Ibiza Town itself – the sun will actually set over the ocean off the western shore. Local clubs to head to once it dips beneath the waves include Eden and Es Paradis.
In Ibiza Town, El Divino and Pacha await, while Space can be found just to the south, towards the airport.
People looking for property in Spain for more traditional reasons might prefer Minorca. The island has a calendar of fiestas that take place throughout the summer, from late June through until Our Lady of Grace is honoured in Mahon in mid-September.
This rounds off the summer schedule with a memorable celebration combining horse processions and a general party atmosphere. At nightfall, a seemingly unknown force draws the crowds to the harbour walls for a spectacular firework display that is as haunting to the memory as it is breathtaking at the time.
A little extra sparkle might be added to those bursts of fire and colour, thanks to the sale of Pomada by street vendors. This mix of gin and bitter lemon is a local delicacy and is usually available to buy in the streets of Mahon during the fiesta.
Property in Majorca, Spain’s geological gem
Geography-lovers looking for property in Spain that offers a variety of different natural features to enjoy could find Majorca serves their needs the best. The island is the largest of the Balearics and has some grand-scale geology to match.
To the east and the north-west, mountain ranges bookend the island, with peaks of around 1.4 km in height above sea level. The highest accessible point to the public is 1,364 m up at Puig de Massanella, although the military-controlled Puig Major is actually slightly higher.
Closer to sea level, two broad bays – Badia d’Alcudia and Badia de Pollenca – offer a chance to get up close to the waves, as well as providing the location of some of the main tourist destinations.
Property in Formentera, Spain’s Balearic baby
To really get away from the crowds, property in Spain’s smallest Balearic island of Formentera could be the solution. There are still tourists around, but the island is mainly accessed by boat from Ibiza and, thanks to the extra step required to reach it – plus its smaller size – the crowds might not be so thick here.
Permanent population on the island is less than 10,000 and the entire surface area comes to little more than 30 square miles, so if you want somewhere to explore, but that you can ultimately get to know well, Formentera could be the best of both worlds.