Mediterranean, 240km (150 miles) due east of Valencia, Spain.

GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Mallorca: 3,640 sq km (1,405 sq miles). Menorca: 700 sq km (270 sq miles). Ibiza: 572 sq km (220 sq miles). Formentera: 100 sq km (38 sq miles). Total: 5,014 sq km (1,935 sq miles).

878,627 (official figure 2006).

175.2 per sq km

Palma de Mallorca. Population: 375,048 (official figure 2006).

The landscape of these islands is characterised by woodlands, almond trees, fertile plains and often dramatic coastlines with sandy coves separated by craggy cliffs. Mallorca has the most varied landscape featuring mountains and valleys, rocky coves and sandy beaches. The main geographical feature is the Sierra del Norte, a mountain range running along the northern coast. The island is covered with lush pine forest, and with olive and almond trees, which blanket the countryside with blossoms in springtime. Menorca is less impressive, though the two main towns, Mahón and Ciutadella, sited at either end of the island, sit above deep inlets forming natural harbours. There are many bays and cove beaches on the island. Ibiza has a rugged coastline with many fruit orchards and woods.