Spain - Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Palma Majorca, Formentera, Menorca)
About Spain - Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Palma Majorca, Formentera, Menorca)
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Spanish and Catalan |
| Capital | Palma de Mallorca |
The Balearic Islands, a Spanish archipelago of 151 islands and islets in the western Mediterranean Sea, is a province of Spain that was established as an autonomous community in 1983 with Palma as the capital. The main islands of Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca are popular tourist destinations.
The islands were invaded and colonized by many groups, including the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, and Greeks and Moors. After the Moors were defeated by Jaume I in the 1200s, the islands thrived as the Kingdom of Majorca. The islands went into a decline in the mid-1400s. Due to repeated raids by Barbary pirates, settlement along the coast was not constant until the 19th century when the islands became a haven for artists and musicians, as well as tourists.
The capital, Palma, is the headquarters for the Balearic Government, Parliament, and the Insular Council of Mallorca. The government is composed of the three insular councils of Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza-Formentera, and a fourth insular council for surrounding minor islands and islets. The Balearic Parliament has a Congress and Senate.
The tourism sector dominates the economy. Other industries include textiles, leather, and footwear, however, 70 percent of the population is involved in tourism and the service industry.
Travellers can enjoy beautiful beaches, Mediterranean climate, rich culture and the unique cuisine of the islands.
Recommended Vaccinations For Spain - Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Palma Majorca, Formentera, Menorca)
For Some Travellers
Rabies Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended
Recommended Medications For Spain - Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Palma Majorca, Formentera, Menorca)
There are no recommendations for Spain - Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Palma Majorca, Formentera, Menorca) at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Spain - Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Palma Majorca, Formentera, Menorca)
For Some Travellers
Leishmaniasis
There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Rabies
Rabies has not been reported in Spain and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B.
Safety & Security in Spain - Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Palma Majorca, Formentera, Menorca)
Personal Safety
In some parts of Spain it’s against the law to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts. Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You may be fined if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets. For security reasons, some public authorities in Spain do not allow the burka or niqab to be worn in their buildings. If you visit town council buildings wearing a burka or niqab, you may be asked to remove it while inside. Possession of even a small quantity of drugs can lead to arrest and detention.
Possession of large quantities will usually result in prosecution and a prison sentence.
There are strict controls on drinking and sexual activity in public places, including on beaches. Local laws limit the sale and availability of alcohol in areas of some resorts on the islands of Mallorca, Magaluf (Calvià), Playa de Palma, Ibiza and San Antonio (San Antoni de Portmany). This prohibits happy hours, open bars (such as all you can drink in 1-hour offers), the sale of alcohol from vending machines, self-service alcohol dispensers, the organising of pub-crawls and party boat trips and ‘off-licence’ sales between 21:30 and 08:00 hours.
Hotels and other establishments are obliged to evict customers who behave dangerously on balconies. Both the customer and the establishment can be fined for such behaviour.
Spain is a generally tolerant and progressive place for LGBT+ travellers. Spain does not recognise a third gender.
Extreme Violence
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Political Unrest
Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in cities. Avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches. Follow the advice of local authorities.
