Balearics Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Island
The Balearic Islands have long been a popular holiday destination amongst UK holidaymakers, with each island having its own unique appeal.
Our Balearic guide will help you in choosing your perfect island...
Ibiza
Ibiza is arguably the world's premier summer clubbing destination, where top DJs (think David Guetta, Sven Väth, Armin van Buuren) fly in each year - with thousands of clubbers in their wake.
The Balearic's third biggest island has long been a mecca for the LGBT community, where an anything-goes attitude has helped to make it one of the most tolerant places on Earth - and where having a good time is the only requirement.
But Ibiza isn't all super-clubs and 6am bedtimes. There's a boho, hippy-glam side to the island too.
White Ibiza in the north is where you can rub shoulders with neo- and old-school bohemians, off-beat seniors and more than the occasional hipster.
If you want laid back days exploring fetching coastlines and pine-clad interiors, White Ibiza could be ideal.
For fans of history, Ibiza is a treasure trove of monuments and landmarks, giving the more mature holidaymaker something to do other than marvel at hungover youngsters stumbling back to their abodes.
Ibiza is ideal for:
- Groups of friends looking for world-class clubbing.
- Those seeking an all-guns-blazing LGBT night-life.
- Couples and families who want a taste of the bohemian: the north of the island features a hippy vibe and plenty of stunning coastline. The area is perfect for a tranquil, off-beat getaway (just be sure to stay away from the clubs and beaches to the south!).
Don't miss:
- Dalt Vila: Majestic hill towers and a vast castle perched high over Ibiza Town.
- Can Marça Caves: Enjoy fantastic sea views before you enter the depths of this yellow-gold subterranean universe, where smugglers of yore once transported their wares. Dramatic stalactites and stalagmites have formed beautiful, eerie shapes that will stay with you long after you return to the sunny surface.
- An all-inclusive boat party: A host of sea-born party packages are available, from VIP tickets to cheap and cheerful beach-hopping tours. A great way to enjoy the pretty coastline - and have a lot of fun.
Formentera
If you desire genuine peace and quiet along with ravishing beaches, head to tiny Formentera. The hinterland boasts rustic charm in spades - although there are few cultural attractions.
Formentera is ideal for:
- Couples and families who want a quiet, relaxing beach holiday. The splendid coastline and ravishing rustic hinterland more than make up for the island's lack of cultural draws.
Don't miss:
- Playa de Ses Illetes: Azure blue water and castor sugar beaches make this a real winner for sun worshippers.
- Parque Natural de Ses Salines: Hop on a bike and explore this delightful natural park.
- Calo Des Mort: This tiny, unique beach can get rather crowded - so head here early and enjoy the tranquillity before the masses arrive with their beach towels and umbrellas.
Discover more about Formentera
Mallorca
Best known of the Balearics, Mallorca has the island group's only genuine city, Palma.
The classic beach holiday destination, with a rowdy night-life, there are mega resorts aplenty, playing host to the quintessential package holidaymaker.
But the island also offers lashings of rustic charm and some excellent hiking opportunities.
Mallorca is ideal for:
- Couples and families who want a classic beach holiday.
- Groups of friends seeking boisterous nights on the tiles and relaxing days on the beach-mat.
- Couples, groups and singles who love hiking and tranquil hinterland villages.
Don't miss:
- Catedral de Mallorca: Completed in 1601, 372 years after it was begun, this stunning church boasts incredible stain-glass windows and a superb example of The Last Supper. The steep climb is worth it.
- Hiking in the mountains and villages: To stay on your beach mat is to miss out on some of the Balearics' prettiest interiors. Throw on a backpack and explore pine-clad hillsides and picturesque, friendly villages. If you're feeling less energetic, many tours (with transport) are available.
- Caves of Drach: The name sounds other-worldly - and the caves themselves look it, too. A dramatic, moody underworld where concerts are sometimes held, taking advantage of the amazing acoustics.
Explore 10 of the best all inclusive Majorca hotels and holiday villages.
Menorca
For a low-key Menorca holiday, explore Maó, (home to the deepest harbour in the Mediterranean) and the diminutive port of Ciutadella.
Some distance from these delightful settlements are the large resorts, where you can bag a very affordable package deal.
If Mallorca is too raucous, Menorca offers beautiful beaches with a more modest, family-friendly atmosphere.
Menorca is ideal for:
- Couples and families seeking a beach break without the hedonism of Mallorca (or Ibiza).
Don't miss:
- Camí de Cavalls: A challenging 116 miles ancient path that encircles the island. Fantastic views of the sea and interior. Many hikers cover the path over several days (or even over several holidays!).
- Cala Macarelleta: One of Menorca's most beautiful beaches, where clear, gas-blue waters promise a day of water-born frolicking and cavorting of the most delightful sort.
- A boat tour: If time is short, this is the best way to get a feel for Menorca's lovely coastline. Snorkel and swim in some of the island's most wonderful locations.