Balearics Islands, Spain

Four main isles make up this Mediterranean family – Ibiza, Formentera, Majorca and Menorca – each with its own character, each offering distinctive Balearic Islands holidays. The throbbing heart of the Mediterranean clubbing scene, Ibiza hardly needs an introduction. But its reputation for super-charged nightlife has often overshadowed its gentler, more bohemian side that first drew artistic souls and alternative types to the island.

More secluded, and increasingly exclusive, Formentera has remained truer to its hippie-tinged origins. There’s no airport – it’s just over half an hour from Ibiza by fast ferry – but Formentera’s natural beauty and laid-back vibe combine for the perfect unplugged island escape. Bigger than all its Balearic relations combined, Majorca boasts an astonishingly diverse landscape that includes mountainous terrain, expansive fertile plains and a dramatically varied coastline. It has remained one of the top European holiday destinations for decades, attracting millions of sun-seekers annually to its well-established holiday resorts, offering everything from the restful to the raucous.

With its languid rolling landscape, unhurried pace and bucolic charm, little brother Menorca offers a chance to disconnect from the stresses of modern life, largely thanks to its abundant white sand beaches and hidden coves. One thing is certain about holidays to the Balearic Islands – whichever one you choose, their world-class beaches are all soaked in Mediterranean sunshine.

Best time to go to Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands are a safe bet when it comes to summer sun. Between June and August you can expect around 11 hours of sunshine a day, and beach-friendly temperatures that nudge up to 30°C. Temperatures in Menorca tend to be a couple of degrees lower than in Majorca and Ibiza, so it’s a good place to head if you prefer things a bit cooler. Spring and autumn see milder conditions – you’re looking at average temperatures in the high teens and low 20s – so they’re ideal for sightseeing and hiking. You might see a bit of rain, but it doesn't tend to last more than a couple of hours.

Majorca

By far the biggest and most popular of the Balearic Isles, Majorca is ne of the top holiday destinations in Spain. With hundreds of kilometres of gorgeous coastline and more than 200 beaches, it’s easy to see why. From vast sweeping bays and romantic secluded coves, to family-friendly stretches of gorgeously soft sand, Majorca holidays offer almost every kind of beach break you can imagine. While some parts of the island are lively party spots, others are more mellow and ideal for couples and families looking for a quieter holiday in the sun. Tempting as it would be to spend every day barefoot on the beaches, it’s not just traditional bucket-and-spade tourism that makes people choose holidays to Majorca. Just as much of a draw are authentic island experiences. The capital, Palma, has become a popular destination for city breaks, with a historic old town and a wealth of world-class restaurants. Resort-wise, families flock to the shores of Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Cala Bona, which are brimming with restaurants, shops and cafés. Ca’n Picafort is another favourite. This former fishing village has got a 13-kilometre ribbon of sand to its name. Sa Coma, meanwhile, is great for couples thanks to its tree-lined prom and romantic eateries.

Destinations for Majorca

1.      Palma de Mallorca

2.      Magaluf

3.      Alcúdia

4.      Palma Nova

5.      Cala d'Or

6.      Puerto Pollensa

7.      Santa Ponsa

8.      Port de Sóller

These destinations offer a mix of beaches, nightlife, family-friendly attractions, and scenic landscapes, catering to various preferences and interests.

Menorca

While Majorca and Ibiza get the lion’s share of the limelight, Menorca holidays offer perhaps the most rustic and blissfully unspoilt of the three Balearic Island destinations. The most easterly of the island group, the Menorcan landscape is a picturesque patchwork of lush rolling hills, virgin pine forests and rural farmland peppered with ancient stone walls that zigzag for miles. Sleepy whitewashed villages are dotted around the interior, which spring to life on market days and during colourful local fiestas. That’s before even mentioning the main reason why most choose holidays to Menorca – its downright exceptional beaches. From long strips of powdery sand that slope gently into turquoise shallows to countless secluded coves where limestone cliffs meet shimmering crystal-clear waters, Menorcan beaches are some of the finest in the world. While a handful of coastal resorts have been developed for tourism, the whole island was designated a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1993, meaning it retains its untouched feel. There are plentiful sightseeing opportunities on a Menorca holiday, too. The capital Mahon is a fascinating cultural collage where medieval forts and British colonial mansions hark back to its various occupations. At the opposite tip of the island, Ciutadella has a labyrinthine old town, and hundreds of pre-historic sites are scattered around the island. Menorca’s laid-back vibe makes it a popular choice with families, but its unfettered natural beauty catches the eye of couples in search of romantic breaks, and adventurous travellers too. 

Destinations for Menorca

1.      Ciutadella

2.      Mahón (Maó)

3.      Cala Galdana

4.      Fornells

5.      Son Bou

6.      Binibeca

7.      Arenal d'en Castell

8.      Cala en Porter

These destinations offer a mix of historic charm, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly amenities, making Menorca an appealing destination for travellers seeking relaxation and cultural experiences.

Ibiza

While you might think Ibiza holidays are all about non-stop partying, a trip to the westernmost of the Balearic Islands can be a relaxing affair all about beaches and natural beauty. Each part of the island has its own feel – Ibiza Town is all high-end glitz, with a brightly-lit harbour full of huge yachts. Dalt Vila, the old town, is a flurry of whitewashed charm, hidden behind the town’s impressive 16th-century ramparts declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. This international award acknowledges its historical, cultural, and architectural value. Dalt Vila’s acropolis is filled with alleys and monuments such as the castle and the cathedral and it is considered one of the best preserved coastal fortresses in the Mediterranean. Here, as well as plenty of tapas and seafood restaurants, are places to appeal to every crowd – cool bars rub up against museums and picturesque churches.On the western side of the island, lively San Antonio is famed for both its beautiful bay and beaches, amazing sunsets and rural essence making it a magnet for young holidaymakers, families and sport lovers. At its southernmost salt plains, however Ibiza’s broad beaches are studded with laid-back ‘chiringuito’ – beach bars, playing mellow music – while in the north there’s countryside dotted with charming old ‘fincas’ (farmhouses) and a family-friendly feel. Yoga and wellness retreats, and hiking and wildlife trails make it popular with couples and those looking for a calmer break. Formentera, a small island just a short ferry ride to the southeast, is worth visiting for a day trip to admire its quieter beaches. Whether it’s seaside wellness or wild nights out you’re after, holidays to Ibiza have it covered. 

Destinations for Ibiza

1.      Ibiza Town (Eivissa)

2.      San Antonio

3.      Playa d'en Bossa

4.      Santa Eulalia del Río

5.      Talamanca

6.      San Carlos

7.      Portinatx

8.      Cala Llonga

These destinations offer a diverse range of experiences, including vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and scenic landscapes, making Ibiza a popular destination for travellers seeking relaxation and excitement.

Formentera

Promising blemish-free beaches, sleepy harbour towns, and colourful markets, holidays to Formentera are for people who like to lose track of time. Formentera’s calling card is its beach scene. The smallest of Spain's Balearic Islands is known as the ‘last paradise’ because there’s a blanket ban on beachfront buildings, and the island’s sands are uniformly long, white and unspoilt. Most of them come with Blue Flag status, too, including the five-mile stretch at Migjorn. Despite being just 17 kilometres from Ibiza, Formentera is a million miles away in terms of personality. While Ibiza burns the candle at both ends, Formentera’s flames flicker gently in the laid-back harbour-side restaurants of La Savina, and the lantern-lit hippy markets of El Pilar de la Mola. Even the island’s capital has go-slow as its default setting. San Francisco is built around an unhurried central square, where notice boards advertise massages and yoga classes. That’s not to say there’s no nightlife on Formentera. Es Pujols, on the island’s north coast, has a collection of cocktail bars and open-air street cafes, which are open until the early hours. And if it’s bright lights you’re after, it’s easy to catch a boat over to Ibiza. 

Destinations for Formentera

1.      Es Pujols

2.      Platja de Migjorn

3.      Cala Saona

These destinations offer a blend of stunning beaches, charming villages, and scenic landscapes, making Formentera an idyllic destination for relaxation and exploration.

Nightlife for Adults

Nightlife in the Balearic Islands is legendary, offering a vibrant and diverse scene for adults seeking entertainment after dark. Ibiza, often dubbed the party capital of the world, is renowned for its world-class clubs such as Pacha, Amnesia, and Ushuaïa, where international DJs spin pulsating beats until the early hours. Mallorca's nightlife is equally lively, with bustling nightlife districts like Magaluf and Palma attracting revelers with their array of bars, clubs, and beach parties. Menorca and Formentera offer a more laid-back atmosphere, with beachfront bars and tavernas providing the perfect setting for enjoying cocktails and live music under the stars. Whether you're dancing until dawn in Ibiza's super clubs or sipping cocktails by the sea in Menorca, the Balearic Islands offer an unforgettable nightlife experience for adults.

For Families 

The Balearic Islands offer an ideal setting for families seeking a memorable vacation experience. Families can enjoy a wide range of activities, from building sandcastles and splashing in the gentle waves to exploring charming villages and historic sites. The islands boast family-friendly accommodations, ensuring comfort and convenience for parents and children alike. Moreover, the culinary scene caters to all tastes, with fresh seafood, local delicacies, and international cuisine readily available. Whether it's embarking on a boat excursion, visiting water parks, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, the Balearic Islands offer endless opportunities for quality family time and creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Beaches - generally calm waters, especially during the summer months. Flight times - 2-3 hours from the UK Child-friendly accommodation - apartments, villas and hotels Gastronomy - range of restaurants to cater for all budgets Transport - Public transport in the Balearic Islands typically includes buses, with some islands having railways and ferries, offering convenient and efficient travel options.

Family days out - beach outings, water parks, boat trips, exploring historic sites, and visiting family-friendly attractions like aquariums or wildlife parks.

GREAT PLACES FOR FAMILIES TO VISIT

·         Katmandu Park (Mallorca): An amusement park with thrilling rides and interactive attractions.

·         Aqualand El Arenal (Mallorca): A water park with slides, pools, and attractions for all ages.

·         Caves of Drach (Mallorca): Impressive caves with underground lakes and guided tours suitable for families.

·         Ibiza Karting San Antonio (Ibiza): Go-karting track suitable for families with children.

·         Santa Eulalia Beach (Ibiza): A family-friendly beach with calm waters and soft sand.

·         Es Canar Hippy Market (Ibiza): A vibrant market offering crafts, clothing, and souvenirs, suitable for browsing with the family.

·         Menorca Lighthouse Route (Menorca): A scenic drive or hike with stunning views of the coastline and lighthouses, suitable for families with older children.

·         La Mola Fortress (Formentera): A historic fortress with panoramic views of the island, suitable for exploring with the family.

·         Equipo de Esquí Náutico (Formentera): horseback riding excursions along the island's picturesque trails and beaches