Why Spain? » Balearic Islands

Under 1¾ hours away by plane from Europe's chief capitals, three of the archipelago's islands – Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca – have international airports, and there are also ferry links with Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante. As regards meeting and event facilities, all the large venues and convention hotels are to be found in Mallorca, above all in Palma, the island's capital, although there are also fully equipped auditoriums in Cala Millor and Alcudia.

In addition, Ibiza has a splendid congress centre, overlooking the sea, next to the marina of Santa Eularia des Riu, ideal for medium-sized corporate events. And Formentera, the smallest island, which has a ferry link with Denia and Ibiza, is an excellent choice for incentives, small meetings or pre- or post-event trips, its heavenly beaches and tranquil villages providing a relaxing setting.

There is also a lot to do. Besides sailing, scuba diving, fishing and water sports, outdoor activities include golf, hiking, adventure sports and riding, among many others. And for those who want to relax after a stressful day, the islands have a good choice of health resorts, and spa and thalassotherapy centres.

The archipelago is also well-known for its local festivals, such as Ciutadella's San Joan Festival on Menorca, the black horses and their riders rearing amidst the crowd, or the festival of San Antoni Abat, celebrated in many of Mallorca's villages. And then there are the islands' fantastic nightclubs, ideals venues for office parties and other celebrations.

The Balearic Islands have an immense historic and cultural heritage: Menorca's medieval Santa Agueda Castle and its mysterious talayotic monuments, such as of those of Talati de Dalt and Trepuco near Mahon and Torre Llafuda close to Ciutadella; the Carthaginian sanctuary dedicated to Tanit at Sant Joan de Labritja, and Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta, both on Ibiza; the wonderfully preserved mountain castle of Santueri and the Roman ruins of Polentia on Mallorca; as well as many outstanding examples Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture.

All this, together with its mild climate, fabulous beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisine, has also contributed to the archipelago's growing popularity as a MICE destination.