Formentera Beach Voted Best in Spain

If you love beaches, you will love Playa de Ses Illetes in Formentera as it has been voted best beach in Spain in the 2014 Travellers' Choice section in Tripadvisor, and is also ranked as the top of 25 attractions on the island.

The beach is a slender sandbar which stretches towards the tiny island of Espalmador and reviews include:

Holidays in Alcudia, Mallorca - Not Just a Beach Resort

When you think of Alcudia in Mallorca, you may have a picture of a sandy beach with lots of hotels and apartment complexes to take care of the number of tourists that flock here throughout the summer season.  

The town Alcudia is located on the northeastern coast of the Balearic Island of Mallorca and is surrounded by 14th century walls which separates it from Pollensa Bay to the north and Alcudia Bay to the south, and when you enter Alcudia you will pass through the Port de Moll gate.

The Orange Groves of Mallorca

The Oranges of Mallorca

In 1869, Tomas Forteza wrote the Hymn of Praise to Mallorca in which he describes the oak trees of the forests of the island of Mallorca, and the fruit trees that can be found around the landscape with particular mention of the orange groves and their fragrance. He was really referring to the area of Soller in the northern part of Mallorca where the tram running from Palma to Soller runs so close you can almost pick the oranges from the trees.

The orange trees were first planted in Mallorca as far back as the 11th century when the Arabs planted bitter oranges to decorate their courtyards and gardens. The bitter orange was also used for medicinal purposes with the peel of the orange used to sweeten the breath by chewing on it and the fragrance from the orange used to dissipate stale air from rooms not ventilated by fresh air. The juice from the orange was even believed to cure outbursts of rage.

Manacor - the Pearl of Mallorca

Visit the second largest city on the island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands - Manacor - located inland in the eastern part of the island. Here you will not only find an array or furniture businesses, but the product for which Manacor has become famous, namely the cultured pearl, and is the reason why the majority of people come to this city.

All over the island, you will see shops specialising in the sale of pearls. However he most well known company is Majorica that is easily recognisable as you walk along the streets of the larger resorts.

Deya - An Idyllic Village in Mallorca

Deya - La Residencia Hotel

Idyllic and rural Deya [Deia] is probably the most famous village on the island of Mallorca and is paradise for people who enjoy walking, and who do not wish to spend their entire holiday lazing on a beach. Located just inland on the northwest coast, approximately 32km from the airport you enter into a different world, totally away from the hustle and bustle you expect from other popular resorts around the island. Today, you will probably see many artists sitting quietly amongst the pretty streets and steep paths that lead past houses adorned with vines and flowers, and all this with the dramatic backdrop of Puig d'es Teix standing at a height of 1062m.

It is very difficult to find fault with this pretty village, perched on high ground with the steep terraced hillsides packed with vegetable gardens, orchards of fruit trees, almond and olive trees as well as the occasional vineyard.
  

A Spanish Self-Catering Holiday Will Cost Less

Make your Euro go further

According to a report produced by the Post Office, the best places for value for money on a self-catering holiday are resorts in Costa Blanca, Lanzarote, Menorca and Mallorca.   

It transpires that the Spanish resorts are far cheaper for tourists to carry out their self-catering shop than resorts in other European resorts in Corfu, Turkey, Crete and Cyprus.    The only other destination to come in the top results was The Algarve in Portugal.

Balearic Islands Beaches in Top 10 in Spain 2013

Following our previous blog on the Canary Islands' beaches in the Top 10 in Spain for 2013, the Balearic Islands are also proud of having not only 2 in the Top 10, but also having 1 of these featuring at number 12 in the Top 25 Beaches in the World!

Playa de Ses Illetas, Formentera

Voted in at number 2 in Spain, and number 12 in the World is Playa de Ses Illetas in Formentera with the following comments being made:

• You have emerald water on both sides which makes it unique
• Crystal clear water
• Amazing views
• Feels like being in the Caribbean
• Incredible sunsets

Voted in at number 9 in Spain is Es Trenc in Mallorca with the following comments being made:

• Blue waters, white sands and a cool breeze
• Transparent and warm water
• Uncommercialised - a must see
• Shallow and safe for children
• Like the Caribbean

With both Formentera and Mallorca featuring in the Top Beaches for 2013, how about experiencing a holiday in Formentera for a change and experience a touch of the Caribbean.

Discounts at the Mallorca Rocks Hotel

We are pleased to announce that we have discounts available for the Mallorca Rocks Hotel of up to 20% for stays during the summer season.

Mallorca Rocks in Magalluf

The Mallorca Rocks Hotel is a popular accommodation for the "young and lively" in the busy resort of Magalluf in Mallorca.  Located only 300m from the beach and in the heart of the nightlife and entertainment venues Magalluf has to offer, this will be an ideal holiday for those wishing the relax during the day and then visit an endless selection of clubs during the night through to the early hours of the morning.

The Mallorca Rocks plays host to a number of well known artists as well as DJs playing international music [their full 2013 line-up is still to be finalised].

Your apartment will have a twin bedroom, lounge area with sofa bed, balcony or terrace with furniture, bathroom, fully equipped kitchenette, telephone and safe.   On the complex itself, you can relax around the large swimming pool and enjoy a drink from one of the pool bars.

So, if you want to party the night away then contact Corona Holidays for up-to-the-minute prices and benefit from our 20% discount on accommodation prices.  Remember you can book the Mallorca Rocks with or without flights - the choice is yours.  Call us on Freephone 0800 5 677688 or its 01582 421117 from a mobile.

For an idea of prices, we have 7 nights on self-catering for just £355 per person including flights departing the UK on 4 September 2013.

New Flights to the Canaries and Balearics

Summer 2013 will see lots of new flights being added to departure timetables for a few flight operators from the UK.

New Flights to the Balearic Islands
COSMOS has added services from East Midlands airport to Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca and from Leeds Bradford airport to Mallorca and Menorca
RYANAIR has added services from East Midlands to Menorca from April

Top 3 Water Parks for Family Days Out

One of the most popular days out in the summer for families is a visit to a water park.   Here's our top 3 places to go for a proper dunking:

SIAM PARK IN TENERIFE
Siam Park is located in the resort of Costa Adeje, Tenerife, which is just a 10 minute drive from Playa de las Americas.  It is one of the largest water park in Europe and has the general appearance of the ancient kingdom of Siam in Thailand with slides set amidst tropical vegetation.   Ride highlights include:
Tower of Power - a 28 metre almost vertical drop.
The Dragon - spins riders in a 4-man raft
The Volcano - a whirling crater
It also has a great man-made beach, a wave pool which features 3 metre high artificial waves together with a selection of bars and restaurants to keep the whole family amused. 

WESTERN WORLD IN MALLORCA
Located in the popular resort of Magalluf in Mallorca, this water park has been inspired by the wild west and has an excellent range of rides, pools and rivers.  Ride hightlights include:
The Beast - a kamikaze slide with a vertical drop
Wild River Rapids
Kids' WaterlandWestern World is centrally located just minutes from the main hotels in Magalluf.  A complimentary bus service runs from Magaluf, Santa Ponsa and Paguera.

WATERWORLD IN CYPRUS
Located in the popular resort of Ayia Napa, Cyprus, the park has an ancient Greek theme this is an award winning park and the largest on the island of Cyprus.  Ride highlights include:
Drop Atlantis - the only water ride in the world which features light, sound and visual effects
Fall of Icarus - a boomerang ride
Mount Olympus - a 75 metre vertical drop
Thunderbold - new for 2012 with sharp twists and a steep drop 

Lanzarote and Ibiza in "Bars of the World"

Recently, Lonely Planet in conjunction with Singha Beer, have brought out a guide to the world's best bars.  Included are:
La Cueva in Nazaret, Teguise, Lanzarote, Canary Islands  ... Off the Beaten Track
"Surely the most magical nightspot ever imagined, this surreal bar is built into volcanic cliffs with exposed rock walls.  There are tunnels, stairs, ladders and stepping stones across turquoise pools to connect the various bar areas.  Sip some Canarian rum and dance along to the tunes coming out of the caves above you."
Mari Pins in San Antonio Bay, Ibiza, Balearic Islands ... Pubs/Clubs
"The top DJs at Mari Pins really know what to play to get the party into full swing.  Fun themed nights and fun prizes [an evening's free drinks, a free jet ski ride], 80 different shots, lotsa lagers and an extensive cocktail list, coupled with a bar terrace and a snooker table, set you up for a great night".

Formentera Salt Marshes - Did You Know?

The flat and salty marshes found along the road leading from La Savina to Es Pujols in Formentera are famous for their birdlife.  The most common species include the heron and the fen duck.

During the summer season, the grounds of the marshes are visited by flamingoes.

Until recently [1955] it was commercial viable to produce salt here, but the area was then declared a listed zone and now the area forms a nature reserve.

3 Day Weather Forecast - Canaries and Balearics

The following is the forecast for the next 3 days Tuesday 27 / Wednesday 28 / Thursday 29 July. 

The forecast will be updated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays of each week for both the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands.



Tenerife
27 July : Sunny 31 degrees
28 July : Sunny 30 degrees
29 July : Sunny 30 degrees

Lanzarote
27 July : Sunny 28 degrees
28 July : Sunny 29 degrees
29 July : Sunny 31 degrees

Gran Canaria
27 July : Partly Cloudy 26 degrees
28 July : Mostly Sunny 26 degrees
29 July : Windy 26 degrees

Fuerteventura
27 July : Sunny 27 degrees
28 July : Sunny 28 degrees
29 July : Sunny 29 degrees

La Gomera
27 July : Sunny 27 degrees
28 July : Sunny 27 degrees
29 July : Sunny 27 degrees

La Palma
27 July : Mostly Sunny 23 degrees
28 July : Partly Cloudy 23 degrees
29 July : Mostly Sunny 24 degrees

El Hierro
27 July : Sunny 31 degrees
28 July : Sunny 30 degrees
29 July : Sunny 30 degrees

Mallorca
27 July : Sunny 32 degrees
28 July : Sunny 32 degrees
29 July : Sunny 32 degrees

Menorca
27 July : Sunny 29 degrees
28 July : Sunny 30 degrees
29 July : Sunny 29 degrees

Ibiza and Formentera
27 July : Sunny 30 degrees
28 July : Sunny 31 degrees
29 July : Sunny 31 degrees

Monarch - More Flights to Mallorca

If you are looking to go on your holidays to Mallorca and like to travel from Gatwick airport, then from the 17 July this year, Monarch will start to fly 3 times a week to Palma - on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Mallorca, or Majorca, is the largest of the Balearic Islands and is a popular destination due to the almost guaranteed fine summer weather and excellent beaches.  There's a wide range of accommodation on the island, as well as as excellent restaurants, entertainment and leisure facilities.   A 2 hour flight from the UK takes you into Palma de Mallorca - the island's capital.  Palma is a bustling city with a Gothic cathedral and a medieval castle.  There's also a very chic marina packed with yachts.

Take a look at our holiday deals for Mallorca - we can arrange flights from all the major UK airports.

Menorca Lighthouses

A holiday to Menorca will probably mean that at some point during your holiday, you will come across one of the many lighthouses on the island.  They not only serve to light the way for boats on the coastline, but also as historic monuments for this popular holiday destination.

Located in some of the most beautiful spots on Menorca such as Punta Nati and Cap d'Artutx where they are located on the cliffs, or the Cavalleria lighthouse which dominates what looks like a lunar landscape.  There are another 2 on the island - the Favaritx and the Illa de l'Aire [the latter located opposite the beach of Punta Prima.

The photogragphers amongst you will find each lighthouse a different opportunity as each one differs architecturally.  They also provide excellent opportunities for walkers and tourists looking to escape to the peace and quiet.

Corona Holidays have lots of offers avaialble for your next Menorca holiday - just take a look.

Hotel Bon Sol offers New Spa Facilties

If you are planning a holiday to Mallorca, why not take a look at the Hotel Bon Sol in Illetas [just west of Palma de Mallorca]. 

This 4 star hotel has introduced a new range of spa facilities at its Nirvana Spa and includes new treatments and therapies.  A new TMT [Transcutaneous Meodermic Therapy] system has been added.  The combines a range of treatments including electrotherapy and anti-ageing, anti-stretch marks, anti-flaccidity and after-sun products all aimed to generate results from the first session.

Men are equally catered for with tailor-made treatments such as detoxifying and de-stressing face treatments, or specific massages - great for athletes and golfers! 

An example of prices with Corona Holidays is £691 per person in a double/twin room on a bed and breakfast basis, including flights from Gatwick.  

Balearic Islands features top European beaches

It was recently reported that the Balearic Islands featured highly in the top 5 beaches in Europe and Spain.   Coming out top in Europe and Spain was the Playa S'Amarador located in Cala Mondrago, Mallorca.  Here the sand is very fine and white and the beach is very clean.  The crystal clear water is also very clean.   Not a long beach, but reasonably wide and flat. 

Second in Europe and Spain is Cala Salada on the island of Ibiza, located in Santa Agnes de Corona.  This natural beach comprises rocks and cliff faces, fine white sand, and crystal clear water.  The beach itself is not very long and is quite narrow.

Cala de San Vicent in Ibiza was the 4th best beach in Spain, and is located close to the village with fine white sand and crystal clear water.

Playa sa Caleta in Cala Blanca, Menorca was the 5th best beach in Spain - again with fine white sand and crystal clear water although is again quite short and narrow. 

Each of the beaches benefit from several places available to eat and drink and all easily accessible on foot apart from Playa sa Caleta which has to be reached by climbing a trail or walking downhill. However, all the beaches have parking facilities nearby.

The reviewers of onbeach.com judged 3,000 beaches on over 100 criteria including cleanliness, facilities and suitability for swimming.

Nadal is "ace" for the Balearics

It was recently reported in the Travel Trade Gazette that the Balearic Islands Tourism Office would be featuring Rafael Nadal, the world's number 2 tennis player, for the second year running in their marketing campaign.

The marketing campaign will be promoting the Balearic Islands to both the public and to companies.  They will be concentrating on meetings and conferences for business clients and on sailing, golf, walking and rural holidays to the tourist in an effort to introduce another side to the islands rather than just "sun and beach" holidays.

They also hope to extend the length of the summer season beyond the main months.

Bahia Palma Nova

Going to Palma Nova in Mallorca next year?  Why not stay at the 3 Star Bahia Palma Nova?

This is a very popular hotel located on the beach promenade overlooking Palma Nova beach and just a 10 minute walk to the centre of Magalluf.   We have an excellent offer available for next May flying from Gatwick [other UK airports are available] on a half board basis at just £298 per person for the week.

You will find the Restaurante Bahia Palma Nova at the front of the hotel - specialists in paella and fresh seafood.  Sit on the covered terrace, enjoy the views over to the beach and relax.   I have eaten at this restaurant on 3 occasions now, and cannot fault any of the food and the service has always been excellent.

If you would like us to look at a stay at the Bahia Palma Nova or another hotel in Palma Nova just give us a call or send an enquiry.

Villa Vensala in Pollensa, Mallorca

Villa Vensala was one of our most popular villas this year and we have excellent prices for 2010.  If you are looking to go in June you can stay for £1325 per week for 8 people - that's only £165 each!

Villa Vensala [or Finca Vensala] is a 4 bedroom villa in the very popular La Font area just under the mountains of Boquer and Puig de Maria. The terrace looks out onto the private pool area which is raised up a few steps, and a sunbathing terrace made of local Mallorcan stone. To stay cool there is a poolside shower. Inside, the villa’s rooms are spacious and comfortable with a mixture of antique and modern furniture. They are also air-conditioned. There’s a large kitchen with views out onto the terrace.

If you would like a quotation to stay at the villa during 2010 either call us on freephone 0800 5677688 or send an enquiry.  For a full description of Villa Vensala - click here. Flights are available from most UK airports.