Wanting to spend their vacation on the islands of sunny Spain, many tourists do not know which is better to choose - the Canary or Balearic Islands. It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question which of these two archipelagos is better suited for recreation. To decide on the choice of a vacation spot, first of all, you should take into account the goals and time of the year of the planned trip.
Canary Islands
The Canary archipelago is located in Atlantic Ocean... It includes eight inhabited and several small uninhabited islands... Inhabited islands include: Tenerife, La Gomera, Hierro, La Palma, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
The climate of the archipelago is characterized as a tropical trade wind. Constantly blowing trade winds soften the dry climate. The Canary Islands are characterized by the absence of sharp changes in temperature and a small amount of precipitation throughout the year.
Most large island Archipelago - Tenerife. Its area is 2034.38 km², and the population in 2012 reached 908 555 people. Tenerife is on one geographic latitude with the Sahara desert, which affects its climate. The main feature of the climate is that the maximum seasonal drops in air temperature are no more than 10-15 ° C. Therefore, the Spaniards call Tenerife sla de la Eterna Primavera, which translates as "the island of eternal spring."
Summer average temperature air fluctuates from +24 to + 28 ° С, and in winter from +13 to 18 ° С. On sunny winter days, the air can warm up to +21 ... + 22 ° С. The water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Tenerife in the period from December to January is + 18 ... + 21 ° С.
Mountain ranges divide Tenerife into two parts: north and south. In winter climatic conditions in these parts differ significantly. In the north, it rains more often and the climate is more humid. In the south, the climate is dry, and precipitation is much less frequent.
On all inhabited Canary Islands With the exception of La Graciosa, many hotels have been built, including budget and luxury chain hotel complexes. There are no large hotels on La Gracios, which is not surprising, because it is the smallest inhabited island of the archipelago.
Balearic Islands
The Balearic archipelago is located in the western part Mediterranean Sea... The largest islands in the archipelago are Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza (Ibiza) and Formentera. Ibiza is a bustling youth resort for lovers of bars and nightclubs. Stormy nightlife boasts also Mallorca. Therefore, lovers of tranquility are advised to relax in Menorca or Formentera.
The climate of the Balearic archipelago is Mediterranean. This type The climate is characterized by dry hot summers and mild winters with an average air temperature of + 8 ... + 15 ° С. In summer, the average air temperature in the Balearic Islands is + 27 ... + 31 ° С. The water in the Mediterranean Sea warms up to + 25 ° C in summer. The beach season in the Balearic Islands starts in April and lasts until around mid-October.
Where to go to rest?
If your vacation falls between November and March, and you want to enjoy the southern warmth, then a vacation in the Canary Islands will be not a bad option... For example, you can go to one of the southern resorts of Tenerife. On the island of Gran Canaria in the autumn-winter period it is also quite warm - in January the air temperature can reach + 20 ... + 21 ° С.
For those who do not like the sultry heat, summer in the Canary Islands will also be very comfortable. After all, the climate of the archipelago is softened by trade winds and cold currents. Therefore, even at an air temperature above +25 ° C, the heat will be easily tolerated.
A summer vacation in the Balearic Islands will appeal to lovers of hot weather and sultry sun. The hottest summer months are July and August. In the second half of September begins the Velvet season.
If you are interested in sightseeing vacation, then in the autumn-winter period you can go to Mallorca. The most interesting sights of Mallorca are located in the capital of the island - the city of Palma. Medieval churches, cathedrals and the Royal Palace are well preserved in Palma to this day.
The climatic features of the Balearic Islands region are complemented by the picturesque relief of the area, which is mountain ranges and long sandy shores with lush green vegetation of coniferous forests, fruit trees, olive groves. On the territory of the Balearic Islands, thanks to the favorable weather and landscapes, are located nature reserves included in the list of protected sites by UNESCO.
In addition, the well-developed infrastructure allows you to easily get to local resorts. International airports are located in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, hundreds of flights from different parts of the world take all year round. Those wishing to visit mainland Spain, sunny Andalusia or mysterious Catalonia can use the ferry or local by air... To travel to the islands, tourists use buses, taxis, and in Mallorca, rail transport.
The Balearic Archipelago is located east of mainland Spain and is one of its autonomous regions. In addition, the closest neighbors of the Balearic Islands are the southern side of France and the north of the African coast. The total area of the island is about 5,000 square kilometers, and the total length of the coastline of the line reaches 1,500 kilometers. In addition to the large islands: Ibiza, Menorca, Mallorca, Formentera, many small ones also belong to the Balearic ones. The total number of all islands is 50. Sunny weather on the islands lasts 300 days a year, precipitation is short-lived, mainly in spring and autumn, summer is usually hot and dry.
Each of the large Balearic Islands has its own administrative center... The island of Mallorca and its capital, Palma de Mallorca, are world famous for their Dragon Caves with one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Ibiza with the capital of the same name is famous for noisy youth parties, discos, dance events of a world scale, where show business stars love to come. Menorca and her main city Mahons attract tourists with a rich variety of architectural attractions, which are organized interesting excursions... Formentera offers tourists a relaxing, secluded getaway. Undoubtedly, the main component of all the Balearic Islands is their magnificent beaches and Mediterranean weather, refreshed by sea breezes in summer and sunny during winter.
The archipelago of the Balearic Islands enjoys mild weather during the winter months and differs little from one island to another. The average temperature in December is 16 ° С, January 15 ° С, February 16 ° С. The nights are cool. Daytime temperatures drop significantly as the sun sets. The night minimum, noted on the coast, is 5 ° С, however, the average air temperature ranges from 7-10 ° С. Tourists who come to Spain in winter on the Balearic Islands sunbathe in the sun, but do not swim in the sea, the water at this time is not more than 15 ° C. Winter precipitation is about 20% of the average annual, mostly rainy weather in the Balearic Islands occurs in February, 7-8 days of the month. In December and January, the rains are accompanied by wind, but they pass quickly, lasting 4-5 days a month.
With the arrival of March, the rainy season is established on the Balearic Islands, during this period cloudy weather can last 8-9 days a month, in the evenings it rains and winds blow. The average air temperature in March is 18 ° С, in April 19 ° С, in May 23 ° С. After winter, the water is still cool, in March 15 ° C. By the end of April, by the onset of the tourist season in the Balearic Islands, the thermometer noticeably creeps up. The spring sun is already warmer, daylight hours lasts 7-8 hours. The water temperature reaches the initial bathing marks of 18-20 ° C by the end of May. In May, the beach season opens, however, in the evenings it is still cool no more than 15 ° C, so for night walks it is best to bring warm clothes.
Summer in the Balearic Islands is famous for the abundance of sunny weather, lack of precipitation, warm cool nights. In June, the air temperature rises to 25 ° C, the water warms up to 21 ° C, it can rain 3-4 days a month. With the onset of July, hot dry weather sets in, the air warms up to 27 ° С, in August to 30 ° С. The water at this time is kept at a comfortable bathing mark of 24-25 ° C. The nights are warm, at least 20 ° C. The peak temperatures of the thermometer coincide with the number of tourists on local beaches... In the summer, the islands are filled with tourists, and the daytime bustle turns into nightlife, thus, the summer resort life on the Balearic Islands does not subside for a minute. Outdoor enthusiasts come to the Balearic Islands to practice aquatic species sports.
Almost half of the autumn of the Balearic Islands is spent on continuation beach season... The weather in September practically does not differ from the summer one, there is a slight drop in temperature to 27 ° C, the water warmed up to 26 ° C and does not cool down yet. September is a velvet season, a great option for lovers of light coolness and not bright sun. The rainy weather in the Balearic Islands in September lasts about 3-4 days. With the onset of September, the temperature reaches 22 ° C, on cloudy days about 20 ° C, at night the onset of autumn is felt, the temperature is about 14 ° C or less. In November, the rainy season begins, good sunny weather is increasingly replaced by gusty winds and long showers. The air temperature is 18-19 ° С, the water is cooled to 19 ° С.
When you want to organize a holiday in Spain in the Balearic Islands, you should remember that weather data is approximate, most often repeated for last years, and the temperature on one island may differ insignificantly from that of another. For a specific resort and time frame, it is best to check the preliminary forecast. The most successful periods for the organization sightseeing tours are April, May, October, September. There are much fewer tourists than in summer, prices are slightly lower, and the weather is not very hot. Comfortable 20-25 ° С will allow you to spend a lot of time under open air... You should not be afraid of rains, because in these seasons they are mainly at night or for a short time during the day. In winter, many tourists come to the Balearic Islands with a shopping program, buying fashionable novelties from leading Myrrh designers.
The Balearic Islands are located in the Mediterranean Sea and are a Spanish province. As a rule, tourists visit the largest islands - Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca. Among other resorts in the Mediterranean, this archipelago stands out for its clean ecology. The climate here is temperate and maritime. However, compared to other Mediterranean islands, the temperature difference and humidity are higher here. In winter, the air temperature varies between + 8 ° C - 15 ° C. And in summer - from + 27 ° С to + 30 ° С. At the same time, the summer heat does not cause discomfort here thanks to the Embat sea breeze, which brings coolness to the islands. Tourists are attracted by the fact that there are about 300 days a year - sunny, and in the summer the sun shines for 10 hours a day. Well, the water here is just a miracle, in summer its temperature is about 25 ° C.
The largest island in Mallorca
The largest and most popular tourist island in the Balearic Islands is Mallorca. Vacationers on the island are amazed by the purity of the azure sea, and the beauty of mountain landscapes and white beaches, and lush vegetation, and a variety of leisure activities and attractions.
One of the advantages of the Balearic Islands is their amazing nature.
The island of Mallorca is especially famous for the variety of flora and fauna. It is known for its picturesque mountain ranges, protected forests and fertile valleys. The clear blue sea and white beaches attract tourists from all over the world. In the north of Mallorca, there is a rocky place called Formentor. There you can climb one of the mountain platforms and enjoy the view of the mountain ranges and the endless sea.
On southeast coast the islands are worth visiting such places as Sala de Or, Cala Santanyi and Cala Lombards. In the south of Mallorca is located National park Mondrago, where sand dunes along the coast merge into oak forests with orchids in the deeper part of the reserve. Mallorca is also famous for its caves, which are a creation of nature from the Miocene era. Stalactites and stalagmites create bizarre shapes; inside some caves there are lakes and even underground rivers. Dragon Caves, Drakh Caves and Arta Caves are especially popular.
Sanctuary of Menorca
The second largest of the Balearic Islands is the island of Menorca. In 1993 he was recognized Biosphere Reserve thanks to the efforts local residents for nature conservation. There are unique representatives of flora and fauna that are not found anywhere else. Of particular interest is the Albufera des Grau lagoon, a beautiful quiet place- a paradise for all kinds of water birds. Herons, ducks, coots and long-eared cormorants nest here, and the lagoon provides conditions for ornithological research. There are over 30 species of orchids in Menorca. And there are many other plants as well. The island is especially beautiful during the flowering period.
Pine Ibiza
Ibiza is classified as a pine island due to the fact that, despite the variability of the relief, almost the entire island is covered pine forests... These trees are known to have a wonderful effect on the air, making it healthier. And in Ibiza there are quite a few types of pine trees. Also here you can find olive and almond trees, palms and a huge variety of fruit trees. In the forests you can find hares, squirrels, quails. Falcons soar in the sky. The symbol of Ibiza is lizards, of which there are also many here, but dangerous insects or poisonous snakes are not found on the island.
Holidays in the Balearic Islands
Each of the Balearic Islands can surprise and delight its guests. Tourists arriving in Mallorca should visit Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the island. There are many architectural monuments different eras. It is worth paying attention to the Cathedral and Bellver Castle. Since the Balera Islands belong to Spain, Spanish traditional shows such as knights' tournament or bullfight are regularly held here. In addition to architectural attractions, there are many natural monuments, for example, caves with underground lakes.
Balearic spa resort Magaluf
The most popular resort in Mallorca is Magaluf. Here, a high level of service is combined with excellent natural conditions... Spacious beaches with clean sand, calm bays with clear water - all this is Magaluf. Those who want to spend a vacation with their family should pay attention to Illetas - a cozy place with spacious bays.
Mallorca has 76 beaches, about a third of them are highly rated for their cleanliness and amenities. Moreover, absolutely all beaches on the island are free. People most often flock to Playa de Palma, Cala Major, Calla, Vinas and Palma Nova. And fans of small, uncrowded bays should choose the beaches of Cala Gran, Cala D'Or, Cala Ferrera or Cala Llonga. There is also a pebble beach - Son-Kalju. On any beach you can find umbrellas, sun loungers, pedal boats and cafes.
Often people come to Mallorca for diving. The best months for this sport are September, October, May and June. Underwater world off the coast of the island is striking in its variety. And diving schools will allow a beginner to sink to the bottom or organize a more difficult dive for professionals.
Features of rest in Menorca
The capital of Menorca is the city of Mahon. Sometimes it is compared to a museum, because there are a lot of cultural monuments here. Of particular interest is the Church of St. Mary with a 19th century organ. There are many squares with palaces and other structures from different eras.
The city of Ciutadella is also interesting, which with all its appearance reminds of bygone times. Here you can stroll along the medieval narrow streets and see the ancient castles. Of particular interest is the Cathedral, as well as the palaces of Salort, Vivo, Olivas, De Saura.
In Menorca, buildings have survived from the Bronze Age, the so-called Talayot culture. This mysterious civilization lived here about 3.5 thousand years ago and left a memory of itself in the form of bizarre structures.
The most popular beaches in Menorca are Caya Galdana and Caya Anna. Comfortable hotels are located next to them. There are also quite a few beaches in the south of the island, including nudist ones. For those who prefer a quiet and secluded vacation, it is better to go to the north coast. Here nature is better preserved, and cozy coves with crystal-clear water invite to rest and relaxation.
For impressions on Ibiza
Even those who have repeatedly visited this country and who seem to know it well, usually do not take into account the simple fact that Europe is not the whole of Spain. She also has other territories.
Insular Spain
Located in the Mediterranean, the islands are an autonomous territory of Spain. Majorca, the largest island in the archipelago, has long been a center of attraction for tourists from all over the world. This is due to a number of reasons, primarily climatic. The Balearic Islands have opulent, evergreen tropical landscapes and rich heritage European Middle Ages, most of which is well preserved and successfully survived to this day.
When is the best time to go to Mallorca?
The secret of the popularity of this Mediterranean island is due to the combination of natural and historical factors... A beach holiday of the highest level is successfully combined here with the opportunity to join the historical and cultural heritage the most peculiar part of which is the island of Mallorca. If the weather differs from month to month, then not so much that the island loses its attractiveness. There is simply no month of the year in which you should not plan a visit to the Balearic Islands. Even considering the fact that the beach season lasts here from April to October, do not forget that this is Spain. Majorca, where the weather remains quite comfortable even during the winter months, is an insular territory of this country, and it is good at any time. And getting to know its cultural and historical heritage this season of the year is even better.
To Majorca for a holiday in the "high season"
The traditional notions of "high" and "low" tourist seasons exist in the Balearic Islands, but they are not as pronounced here as on the continent. This is typical for many Mediterranean islands, including Majorca. The weather is different from month to month here so that you can choose the most acceptable one according to your taste. temperature regime... In the summer months, the island is quite hot, with the average temperature approaching thirty degrees. At the same time, it is impossible to call such a temperature debilitating. It has long been noticed that the same air temperature is perceived in a completely different way by a person in the interior of the continent and on the sea coast. Tropical humid climate the western Mediterranean makes such a temperature very comfortable for a person accustomed to the climate of the middle zone. The weather in Majorca in June and other summer months is ideal for a beach holiday. The water warms up to 25 degrees Celsius.
Mallorca in spring
In early spring, the air temperature on the island warms up to plus 20 degrees. At this time, the tropical nature of the Balearic Islands gradually wakes up after winter holiday and is going through a period of exuberant flowering. Mallorca is literally buried in flowers. And it deserves to be seen at least once. Moreover, the weather in Mallorca in April is quite conducive to the beginning of a full-fledged beach season. This period of the year is also characterized by the fact that the beaches, hotels and restaurants are not yet very crowded. The main flow of tourists arrives in the Balearic Islands during the summer months. And along with their arrival, prices rise in all enterprises of the service infrastructure. This is clearly noticeable already at the end of spring, because the weather in Mallorca in May is already really summer.
The Velvet season
This period lasts about two months in the Balearic Islands: from mid-September to the first ten days of November. It is the velvet season that weather-sensitive people should pay attention to. air at this time drops by about five degrees, but the weather in October in Mallorca continues to be comfortable, especially for those who are contraindicated in heat for medical reasons. Among other things, during the velvet season on the beaches of the island there is noticeably less noise and bustle: a significant part of tourists return to their permanent habitats. Both the price level of the ticket and the daily expenses are reduced accordingly. The Balearic Islands are especially beautiful during this period of the year, and the evergreen nature takes on the features of its characteristic autumnal expressiveness. Among other things, tourists at this time expect an abundance of minimal prices. Many of those who were lucky enough to visit these shores note that the summer here lasts much longer than on the continent. Indeed, the weather in Mallorca in September is almost no different from the summer. The boundary between the seasons can be drawn here rather conditionally.
Some climatic features
Tourists purchasing tickets to popular beach resorts, cannot but be interested in the question of how often precipitation in the area where they are going to go. But an interesting climatic feature and a significant positive aspect of a beach holiday in the Balearic Islands is the fact that rainy days are extremely rare here. Only slightly more often than in the nearby African. Of course, precipitation occurs here, but they occur mainly in the form of short-term rainstorms. Which, however unexpectedly, come to an end just as suddenly. And in an hour the sky is usually clear, and the sun is shining again. This is the climatic feature of the island of Mallorca. Monthly weather is fairly stable here, and the level atmospheric precipitation about the same. Most of the days are sunny here, and nothing stands in the way of a beach holiday.
What to see in Mallorca
total length coastline this island is more than half a thousand kilometers. Long beaches with clean sand, coastal cliffs, large and small bays and bays are abundant here. But the highest level beach vacation- this is far from the only thing that Mallorca is famous for. The monthly weather does not vary as noticeably here as on the continent, and it does not in the least interfere with the acquaintance with the historical and natural sights of the island. Even during the so-called " low season". It is low mainly in terms of prices for services of tourist infrastructure. The unique expressiveness of the island is given by a unique combination of tropical nature with historical architectural heritage. Much has been well preserved here from the Middle Ages and the Moorish period of Spanish history, but monuments from the Roman Empire have also survived in Mallorca. Terraced mountain slopes overgrown with lush gardens and vineyards are a characteristic feature of the landscape on the island. It is not hard to guess that Mallorca, among other things, is also famous for its winemaking. You can try and appreciate it both in the capital and in small villages in the depths of the territory. A very good option for traveling around the island is the two railway lines connecting the capital of Mallorca with two other cities. Both routes follow the most picturesque places and are traditionally used for excursion purposes.
Capital of the island
But most of the historical and architectural sights are concentrated in the capital city of Palma de Mallorca. It's pretty Big city with more than a thousand years of history. Such outstanding examples of Gothic architecture as the Cathedral of La Seu, founded in 1229, and the Palau del Almudaina, the traditional residence of local monarchical dynasties, give it special expressiveness. The architecture of Palma shows traces of both Aragonese and Moorish influences. All central part cities for cathedral retained its original historical layout in. Of particular note is the church of Agia Eulalia located here, it is one of the oldest religious buildings not only on the island of Mallorca, but also in the entire south of Spain. One day to get to know historic center the capital of the island is often not enough.
How to get to the island
At the height of the "high" tourist season, you can fly to Palma de Mallorca by regular plane from Sheremetyevo. In other seasons of the year, only charter flights from this airport. Therefore, you will have to get there with a transfer in Barcelona or Madrid. There are also flights from a number of other cities on the European continent. But you can get to the island and by water transport... Regular connections with the port of Palma de Mallorca are from Barcelona, Valencia, Menorca and Ibiza.
Autonomous region of Spain, a large tourist area, which is an archipelago of small islands. The Balearic Islands lie in the western Mediterranean, equidistant from the Iberian Peninsula, southern France and northern Africa.
The archipelago consists of two groups of islands: the Gimnesias Islands (Menorca, Mallorca and Sabrera and the small islands of Dragonera, Isla de Aire, etc.) and the Pitiusas Islands (Ibiza, Formentera and the small islands surrounding them).
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