Mallorca has estimated that over the last 100 years, nearly 180 million people have visited what is, undoubtedly, Europe's favourite island in the sun. Over those 100 years, these visitors have gone to the beaches, the mega-resorts, the small towns, the farming villages, and the mountains. Majorca has proven that it truly is a destination for everyone.

So what led to this island becoming 180 million people's destination of choice for their holiday getaway? It was not any one incident--as with all good things, tourism in Majorca was influenced by many things. The inception of holidays in Marjoca began with the opening of The Grand in 1903. A hotel designed to cater to the wealthy, it was the first built to address the growing number of visitors the island was seeing. Majorca also decided that, with the influx of visitors, it was time to put together a tourist board to address any potential issues and to develop marketing campaigns to get even more people to visit their great island. In the 1950s, Majorca decided to use its charming and lush setting as a platform to attract lovebirds who were headed out for a honeymoon getaway. They launched their first-ever marketing campaign targeted at newlyweds who wanted to spend a few blissful days lying around on the beaches. This was also a time when many of the inland communities decided to construct villas and resorts for those who wanted a more secluded holiday experience in which to enjoy their time away.

By the 1960s, aircraft became the primary mode of transportation for tourists. Turbo props began bringing tourists in to the islands airport, and Majorca hasn't looked back since. Over time, they got the speed and convenience of a Boeing 737 on their side, and they quickly learned that they could greet new visitors several times a day. Statistics show that in 1950, the four Balearic Islands combined hosted nearly 100,000 visitors; just 23 years later, Majorca welcomed more than 7 million all on their own!

The capital city of Majorca, which is Palma, was finally given an economic boost in the 1990s. Already rich with architecture and history that visitors were enjoying, this city began to receive a facelift, and new shops and galleries began sprouting up along its streets. To this day, you will find new construction continues in Palma.

Majorca's holiday draw has grown in popularity over the years; there is no indication that it plans on slowing down any time soon. With their continued popularity, they have begun to offer additional holidays that include cycling, walking, hiking, yachting, cultural tours, and yachting. The majority of tourism still occurs during the high season, between April and October; with mild winters though, there is no reason to stay away from November until February.

About the Author - For holiday information about Majorca, including cheap Majorca holidays visit YourMajorca.net.  The guide also includes the Mallorca weather, Mallorca flights and a map of Mallorca.

The island of Menorca, also known as Minorca, has long been a favorite among holiday travelers, so much so that the island is nicknamed, 'The Holiday Island'. Anyone familiar with the novels of author Patrick O'Brian, who wrote "Master and Commander", a recent movie starring global heartthrob Russell Crowe, knows that Menorca is a prime location setting for his high seas adventure novels.

These days however, Menorca is known for her sun-speckled beaches, incredibly blue waters, native attractions and exotic foods. The small island, which spans a mere 35 miles long and wide, is located in the Mediterranean Sea. Under Spanish control, the island has long been known, and visited, by travelers from around the world who wish to see two thousand year old, giant megalithic stone monuments as well as to absorb its rich pirate history. Pirates no longer use Menorca as a haven from Romans seeking them, but Menorca is just as popular as it always has been due to its beautiful landscapes, sheer cliffs, mysterious caves, sea life and laid-back vacation atmosphere.

However, the island, despite its gentle appearance, has a history rich in battles and military history. The British have long found Menorca to be one of the most popular holiday spots, though few know of its illustrious, if somewhat dubious, military history. Following recent incidents involving the British Royal Navy, the British people, proud of their military history and participation in the defense of freedom, may not be surprised to discover that another incident which involved the Royal Navy persists to this day, the roots of the incident rooted deep in the sands and ruins of British occupation on Menorca.

In 1757, a British sea admiral by the name of John Byng was shot by a firing squad because, according to his British peers, he failed to "do his utmost" to defend St. Phillip Fort against attack by French forces. It did not seem to matter to his peers, snug in their homes in England, that he was undermanned and commanded ships already damaged during previous skirmishes, nor that he probably saved the lives of his crewmen by sparing them battle which would most probably have hastened them to their doom. Byng was court-martialled, labeled a coward and executed on March 14, 1757.

Despite the passage of 250 years, Admiral Byng's descendants have attempted to gain a posthumous pardon for the Admiral, who seems to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, a time when sound judgment passed for cowardice during the traumatic Seven Years' Wars fought between 1756 and 1763. Byng is buried in Bedfordshire. His epitaph reads, "To the perpetual disgrace of public justice, the honourable John Byng, admiral of the blue, fell a martyr to political persecution on 14th march in the year 1757, when bravery and loyalty were insufficient securities for the life and honour of a naval officer."

Menorca, a favorite holiday destination, is filled with historical memories and lessons to be learned if we but care to remember and listen to the voices and legacies of those who stepped on her hot, white sands before us. Visiting Menorca provides not only prime holiday favorites; sunshine, glistening ocean waves and warm, luxurious sands, but an opportunity to explore history, up close and personal.

About the Author - For holiday information about Menorca visit YourMenorca.net. For details of neighbouring Spanish island Majorca and the town of Palma visit YourMenorca.net.  Details of property for sale in Menorca are at propertymenorca.info

When you are having your sailing vacation in Ibiza and Formentera, you will be filled with happiness and thrill. The two places bring different types of adventure and excitement to its visitors. For instance, the island of Ibiza is famous for its summer beach parties. During the summer season, Ibiza's resto bars and nightclubs are filled with thousands of partygoers. In fact, the island is renowned internationally because of its party bars. On the other hand, Formentera is more quite and peaceful. If you want to relax and stay away from noise, this island is right for you.

The weather condition around Ibiza and Formentera is typically good for sailing especially during the summer season. The summer season is from the month of May to October. During this period, the 2 islands' beaches are warmer particularly on the first stage of May. This is when the sun will totally come out unfolding the islands' beautiful sceneries. This climate is an ideal environment for your sailing holiday in Ibiza and Formentera because the sea is relatively calm. The summer temperature is approximately from 23° to 28° Celsius. From the month of June to September, the islands have small or no rains at all. The warmest months in the summer season, which averages about 30 º Celsius, are from August to September.

On the other hand, Ibiza and Formentera's winter season are from November to April. Normally, the winter temperature will not drop below 0º. There are snows, which makes it difficult to sail clearly. Aside from sailing, the islands' beaches are also affected during the winter season. However, several tourists still come to Ibiza and Formentera during this time of the year.

The island of Ibiza has 4 regions. These include Santa Eulària des Riu, Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Sant Joan de Labritja, and Sant Antoni de Portmany.

Sailing holiday in Ibiza and Formentera through Sant Antoni de Portmany can be an exciting vacation. This place has been a favorite tourist destination particularly by the British. There are several resto bars and nightclubs in this town making it one of Ibiza's most active areas. Aside from this, Sant Antoni de Portmany also has eye-catching beaches.

The region of Sant Joan de Labritja, located on the northern portion of Ibiza, is more serene and relaxing. It is quite because there are only a limited number of tourists who come to this region. However, it has one of the clearest beaches in Spain. Among other things, Sant Joan de Labritja possesses an exceptional type of Mediterranean vegetation.

About the Author - For more info on yacht charter Mallorca - Ibiza visit D. Browall's website http://www.sboats.com - The Ultimate Guide to a Sailing Holiday.