Did you know?
The first human settlements on these islands date from 5,000BC.
Language
Catalan, Spanish
Visas
No visas required for
UK citizens.
Getting there
Direct flights to Majorca, Minorca and
Ibiza from the UK; ferry from
Ibiza city to Formentera.
Flying time from London
Approximately two hours 30 minutes.
Getting around
Bus services on all the islands link major towns and resorts; there are some train lines on Majorca. Car and bike hire is also a good way to see the islands, so bring your driving licence.
Costs
Bottle of beer £1, a roll of film £2.50, meal for two with wine £9, a litre of petrol 45p, short taxi ride £5.50. All costs will vary.
Weather
In summer temperatures average 21C(68F)-29C(84F) in winter they drop to 6C(43F)-15C(58F).
Time difference
One hour ahead of GMT in winter, one hour ahead of BST in summer.
International dialling code from the UK
0034 971
Voltage
220V or sometimes 125V, so check before you plug anything in (sockets should be labelled). Plugs are two-pronged so you'll need an adaptor if you are bringing electrical equipment from the UK.
Opening hours
Clubs and bars never seem to close, local shops open 9am-1pm and 4.30pm-7.30pm although bigger shops and general stores often stay open over lunch.
Health - Before you go
No jabs are necessary, but take an EHIC form (available from the Post Office) so you can claim free treatment if you are taken ill.
Health - When you are there
The main risks are sunburn and hangovers, so take the usual precautions. Don't trust the tap water - buy bottled water to be on the safe side.
Warnings
Beware of the usual pickpockets and bag-snatchers that you find in any tourist area. Drug laws have been tightened up in the past decade and the only drug that is legal is cannabis in tiny amounts for personal use.
Emergency
National emergency number is 091. The British Embassy is at Calle de Fernando el Santo 16, 28010 Madrid. Tel: 00 34 91 700 8200. Or Plaza Mayor 3D, 07002 Palma de Majorca. Tel: 00 34 971 71 24.
Customs
Evenings out start later and end later than in Britain.
Pets
Pets can travel from one EU country to another as long as they have an Export Health Certificate, issued by a vet.
Tipping
Service charges are included in restaurants, so tipping is a personal choice: 5% is average.
Tourist office
Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square,
London W1M 5AP.Tel: 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).