The Iles Balears, which include the four main inhabited islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, possess a surprisingly diverse identity.

The largest island Mallorca is home to the best and worst of Spanish tourism with the excesses of the mega resorts of Magaluf and the Bay of Palma contrasting with the seclusion of the Sierra de Tramuntana and the picturesque beauty of the towns and villages in the north.

Ibiza, famed for its clubs and gay scene, also has a split personality if you escape from the main resorts. Menorca is a rather more sedate, family-oriented island, while Formentera has the best beaches of all but few cultural attractions.

As for food, the gastronomy is equally diverse. Seafood specialities are combined with some excellent cheese and olive oil. Mallorca is famed for its sobrassada, a variety of spicy sausage rather like a mild chorizo and eaten like paté and its sweet pastry ensaimadas. Menorca's capital Mahón is reputed to be the birthplace mahonesa or mayonnaise. The islands even have their own wines which have come up in the world in recent years.