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
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
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
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
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis A.
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.
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.
Rabies
Rabies has not been reported in Spain and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B.
Safety & Security in Spain - Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Palma Majorca, Formentera, Menorca)
Personal Safety
The Balearic Islands recorded one of the highest crime rates in Spain during 2023 and 2024, with crime increasing by 4.4% through the third quarter of 2024 and by 2.4% for the full year 2024. Theft remains the most common crime, although these offenses fell by 2.1% in recent data. Drug trafficking offenses increased by 3.2%, while assault and battery rose by 8.4%. The islands experience seasonal crime fluctuations, with a 28% increase during peak tourist months. Pickpocketing and property theft are particularly common in busy tourist areas like Palma, Magaluf, and Ibiza Town. Cybercrime in the Balearics surged by 19.5% in 2024, the highest regional increase in Spain. Despite the high overall crime rate, the islands recorded no homicides in 2022. Violent crime remains relatively rare compared to property offenses. Petty crime tends to concentrate in heavily touristed zones during summer months. The islands maintain a moderate crime level when compared to major European cities, though higher than rural Spanish regions.
Extreme Violence
The Balearic Islands experience very low levels of extreme violence. The islands recorded no homicides in 2022, despite having the highest overall crime rate in Spain. Spain as a whole has a homicide rate of 0.64 per 100,000 population, well below the European Union average. Drug trafficking remains present, with 939 arrests in 2023, representing a 10.7% increase over the previous year, and cocaine seizures growing by 138%. While drug-related crime exists, it does not typically manifest as extreme violence against tourists or general public. Terrorism is a concern across Spain, with authorities warning that attacks could be indiscriminate and occur in places frequented by foreign nationals. A machete attack at two churches in Cadiz in January 2023 resulted in one death. However, no specific terrorist incidents have been reported in the Balearic Islands in recent years. There have been serious accidents at illegal commercial parties in villas and private homes on Ibiza and Mallorca. Licensed establishments must meet safety standards, while unlicensed venues lack proper emergency protocols. Extreme violence remains rare in the islands, with property crime being the primary concern for visitors.
Political Unrest
The Balearic Islands have experienced significant anti-tourism protests since April 2024. On May 26, 2024, about 10,000 people protested in Palma de Mallorca under the slogan ‘Our islands are not for sale,’ with additional protests occurring on May 25 in Menorca and Ibiza. In July 2024, approximately 20,000 people marched through Palma demanding limits on tourism, with some protesters using water guns to spray tourists. Demonstrations continued through summer and autumn 2024, with protest groups planning ongoing action into 2025. The protests center on housing affordability, with about 1,000 residents of Mallorca living in vehicles as of 2024 due to the housing crisis. Protesters demand restrictions on non-resident property purchases, limits on tourist accommodations, and caps on visitor arrivals. In 2025, Mallorca expects over 19 million tourists, intensifying local frustrations. The protests have been largely peaceful, with the Balearic government praising organizers for respectful conduct. However, British media reported that some tourists felt mocked or jeered. The anti-tourism movement has joined forces with similar groups in Barcelona, Malaga, and the Canary Islands. While protests may cause temporary disruptions, they pose minimal safety risk to visitors. Demonstrations typically occur in city centers and tourist areas with advance notice.
Areas To Avoid
Several neighborhoods in Mallorca present higher crime risks. In Palma, Son Gotleu is deemed one of the most dangerous neighborhoods, associated with violence and drug trafficking. El Rafal Nou, El Vivero, and El Polígono de Levante on the city outskirts report heightened theft and crime, particularly after dark. La Soledat Nord and La Soledat Sud experience notable theft and crime incidents. Son Ferrer in Calvià is recognized for violence and crime incidents. In the tourist areas, El Fortí in Magaluf occasionally reports offenses, and visitors should avoid walking alone or in small groups at night. Magaluf itself concentrates nightlife-related incidents, often linked to excessive alcohol consumption. Maioris in Llucmajor has a history of violence and drug-related activities. Pont d’Inca in Marratxí is acknowledged for potential theft and criminal activities. Historically, serious incidents related to excessive alcohol consumption have occurred in localized areas including Platja de Palma, S’Arenal de Llucmajor, Magaluf, and Sant Antoni de Portmany in Ibiza. These issues do not imply universal risk, as most visitors experience no problems. Natural hazards include jellyfish in coastal waters, particularly the dangerous Portuguese Man o’War, and hiking trails with steep terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions.
