The Balearic Islands a are well known holiday destination. Sun and beach are the keywords. Blessed with a benign subtropical climate, the islands are interesting for hiking too. The two largest islands - Majorca and Menorca - offer interesting long distance paths, not just by connecting some rural roads together, but by restoring old roads and landscapes. These trails - GR221, GR222, GR223 - are described in guidebooks, waymarked, and the Majorca authorities also put refuges in place.

Even with the Mediterranean nearby, summer is hot for hiking. Spring or autumn are better seasons. October can be wet.

The four main islands are, in order of size:

• Mallorca, 3.640 km2, mountains in the north, two great long distance trails
• Menorca, 695 km2, great coastal trail along the entire island
• Ibiza, 572 km2, rural interior and some hills, find your own hikes
• Formentera, 83 km2, small island with loooong beaches