The Balearic Islands are a popular choice with tourists from Britain thanks to direct flights to the likes of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza and warmer winter temperatures.
While England is set to face Storms Dudley and Eunice this week, Mallorca - sometimes spelled in English as Majorca - will be enjoying the sunshine. Over half-term week, the BBC's early forecasts say holidaymakers can expect sunny days and temperatures of up to 17C, compared to 9C in Newcastle. After almost two years of Covid-19 restrictions, it's easy to see why a winter trip to Spain's Mediterranean islands is tempting this February.
There are direct flights from Newcastle to Palma, Mallorca, running now via EasyJet, but the airport's direct links to Menorca and Ibiza will not resume until March, via Ryanair, and then later in the season from Jet2. Those wanting to fly from Newcastle to Ibiza or Menorca before March can do so via airports like Amsterdam, Alicante and Palma.
Read more : Canary Islands Covid rules
Spain recently changed its coronavirus rules to allow in children who are not fully vaccinated, if they can produce a negative PCR test. Adults travelling to Spain from the UK as tourists must be fully vaccinated.
In addition to Spain's rules - which require masks to be worn indoors and on public transport, and people to keep 1.5m apart - there are different regional rules throughout the country.
The Balearic Islands of Mallorca (sometimes spelled Majorca), Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera set their own rules on closing times, dancing, and the number of people who can be inside a venue at any time.
Spain Covid-19 entry requirements including vaccines and boosters for UK tourists
To enter Spain as a tourist from the UK, adults must be fully vaccinated. For those who have had a two-jab vaccine, like Moderna, AstraZeneca or Pfizer, or a one-shot vaccine, like Janssen, that means they must have had their final shot at least 14 days before travel and no more than 270 days before travel.
Those whose final jab was more than 270 days ago will require a booster jab, although you do not need to wait 14 days after your booster for it to be valid.
Those who are fully vaccinated or aged under 12 do not have to take a Covid test before travelling to Spain.
All tourists aged over six must complete a Health Control Form.
The vaccine requirement applies to tourists aged over 12 travelling from the UK, but 12 to 17-year-olds who are not fully vaccinated can enter Spain if they produce a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their journey, the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office has confirmed.
Covid rules and restrictions in Spain - including Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera (Balearic Islands)
There are coronavirus safety rules that apply throughout Spain. These must be followed in addition to extra regulations set by the Balearic Islands Government.
Masks must be worn indoors and at some large events. It is no longer a requirement to wear a mask outdoors in Spain, although in some situations you will have to. You can remove your mask to eat and drink.
The FCO says : "The use of face coverings is mandatory for anyone over the age of six years old on all forms of public transport in Spain and in many other indoor public spaces. Face masks are also mandatory at large, open air, standing events and seated events where social distancing of 1.5m cannot be observed. There are no other requirements to wear face masks outdoors."
Spain still has a social distancing requirement, set at a distance of 1.5 metres. Spain no longer requires a Covid pass to visit venues.
Within the Balearic Islands, there are extra rules to follow as well.
Covid rules and restrictions in the Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands have their own additional Covid rules which must be followed in addition to the laws that apply to all of Spain.
The rules can differ from island to island too. Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera are under level 4 restrictions, which are stricter than the level 3 rules which apply in Menorca.
Throughout the islands, there is no general curfew, and venues can mostly close at the time agreed on the licence.
What are the Covid rules for Ibiza, Mallorca, and Formentera, in Level 4
According to the Balearic Tourism Agency (Agencia de Turismo de Baleares), Ibiza, Mallorca and Formentera are all under level four rules.
- No curfew is in place.
- Bars and restaurants (that are not music or late night led) can operate at 100% capacity indoors and outdoors. There are no limits on the number of people sat at a table and no limit on closing times, other than the one usually set by the venue's licence
- Music bars and late-night bars are only allowed 75% capacity indoors, and 100% outdoors.
- No smoking in the interior or exterior areas of venues, including terraces
- "Cultural events" can run at 80% indoors and 100% outdoors
Ibiza aims to reopen most nightclubs as normal from April, reports Mix Mag.
What are the Covid rules for Menorca in Level 3?
- No curfew is in place
- Bars and restaurants at 100% capacity, inside and outside. No per person limit on tables. No set closing time
- Late night and music bars can open at 100% capacity, with no per person limit on tables
- No smoking in interior or exterior areas
- "Cultural events" can run at 80% indoors and 100% outdoors
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