Tourism in Spain Tops the Charts

According to recent tourism reports, Spain has welcomed 3 percent more tourists in 2008 than in 2007. Between January and September 2009, 41.5 million tourists arrived in Spain. Certain locations in Spain, like the Balearic Islands, are great year-round vacation destinations. Winter temperatures are very nice compared to the snow-covered places in the world and a very welcomed change for tourists who enjoy warmer climes.

Catalonia is Spain's Number One Destination

Catalonia is located in the northeast corner of Spain. It is divided into four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona. Each province holds the attention of a different crowd of tourist. Barcelona often attracts beach-goers and sight-seers. The capital city is Barcelona, home to some of the most impressive architecture in the world. A simple walk through the streets of Barcelona is a history lesson.

Catalonia's nearest neighbours are France and Andorra to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the east. Paris, France is also a very popular European tourist destination with millions of tourists per year. Andorra is one of the most popular ski areas in the world and is quickly becoming a year-round vacation spot for extreme sports fans. The Balearic Islands are situated south of Catalonia in the Mediterranean Sea and rank number two in Spain's most popular tourist destinations.

The Balearic Islands Tourism Hotter than Ever

As the second most popular vacation destination in Spain, the Balearic Islands welcomed 7.5 million tourists during the first nine months of 2008. The Balearics are comprised of four large islands: Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera. The capital city is Palma, also called Palma de Majorca. Each of the Balearic Islands offers a new, exciting experience to all who visit. Due to their location, the Balearics are a very popular year-round vacation destination.

Package tourism officially began in Majorca in May of 1952. Prior to 1952, doctors from the northern climes would send patients to the islands to unwind, de-stress and keep warm during the winter months. A good, long holiday away from the stress of everyday life was quite literally "just what the doctor ordered." Since the introduction of mass tourism, Majorca has grown in popularity with beach lovers around the world.

The Balearics Appeal to Families

Mass tourism opened the floodgates for less expensive travel opportunities and great deals. In recent years, low-cost airlines have boosted tourism to an all new high. Several European based airlines offer lowered fares in effort to gain more business. In the actual swing of things, these airlines opened a plethora of vacation possibilities for Europeans and tourists from around the world. Some famous families who call Majorca home include Catherine Zeta-Jones and husband Michael Douglas, Claudia Schiffer, Julian Lennon and Steve McManaman.

Many of the resorts on the islands offer great opportunities for children, teens and parents. Children's activities and teen clubhouses give mum and dad time to relax and enjoy time together.

The variety of resorts allows families to choose the best location for their specific needs. Some areas have a very vivid nightlife, while others may have an almost non-existent nightlife. The variety of vacation options available in Spain is one of the many reasons to be one of the millions of visitors to vacation there in 2009.

More information about the Balearic island of Majorca is available with http://www.yourmajorca.net