Balearics (Spain)

Set in the Mediterranean, to the South of Spain are the Balearic Islands, the three main islands being Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca. If you're looking for fantastic weather in the summer months, a party holiday, top class restaurants, stunning architecture, plenty of activities for the kids and gorgeous beaches and coves mixed in then look no further. This is probably what UK holiday makers flock back to the Balearics year after year.

The Islands

Ibiza - Majorca - Menorca

Here's a brief guide to each Island, just click on the links to find out more.

Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, the island has so much to offer you can visit year after year and have an entirely different holiday experience each time. From purpose built modern mass market resorts to chic boutique hotels set in magnificent surroundings you'll find it all here.

The younger crowd head off in their droves to Magaluf, renowned for its nonstop party atmosphere coupled with a great beach for daytime recovery. Palma Nova is next door a purpose built resort ideal for families wanting lots to do, it has a great beach lined with a vast array of restaurants, pavement cafes and souvenir shops. Palma Nova also has mini golf and the Aqua Parks and popular Pirate Dinner Show are all close by. Also located on the South East of the island lies the capital Palma. A cosmopolitan delight Palma is full of beautiful architecture including its magnificent gothic cathedral located on the Passeo Maritimo with an excellent array of designer shops located around the cobbled streets, restaurants, bars and stunning marina full of multi million pound yachts.

The main resorts in the North popular with families and couples are Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Pollensa Old Town. Both Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa have stunning long expanses of beach and a great variety of restaurants with excellent fish restaurants in the Port at Puerto Pollensa.

Both Puerto Pollensa and Pollensa have beautiful squares lined with cafes and restaurants where parents can relax whilst the children play or watch the street entertainers. Also equally popular Cala d'Or, Ca'n Picafort and Porto Colom all great family resorts with great beaches and a good selection of shops and restaurants.

Ibiza is full of contrasts, being Europe's Summer Party Capital drawing crowds from all over the world such is the diversity of the resorts on offer. Its capital is Ibiza Town a beautiful sight day or at night when the old town is lit up. Great for shopping during the day and partying in the evening. Head to San Antonio if it's nonstop partying you're after, most popular place on the island for the younger crowd. Playa d'en Bossa next to Ibiza Town which has the longest stretch of beach on the island and Santa Eulalia are equally popular with couples, families, young and old alike. For a quieter more relaxed holiday visit Portinatx in the North.

A holiday in Ibiza wouldn't be complete without a visit to its neighbouring island Formentera, a beach lovers paradise with fine white sand and shallow aqua marine waters with some excellent quality beach restaurants for long lazy lunches.

There's also a daily ferry between Palma, Majorca and Ibiza Town, Ibiza if you fancy exploring the delights of the two islands.

Menorca is the 2nd largest of the Balearic Islands and is much quieter than Majorca and Ibiza although it boasts more beaches. Holidays in Menorca take a much more relaxed pace with days spent lazing on the beach accompanied by leisurely lunch and dinners.

Worth a visit is a trip to the capital Mahon with its narrow streets and small squares for shopping, whilst the harbour area has some wonderful cafes and restaurants. The main resorts are Cala'n Bosch with a lovely marina and plenty of welcoming bars, cafes and restaurants. Son Bou has the longest sandy beach lined with beach bars and offering a selection of watersports. Cala'n Forcat is a popular location with families and couples situated on the West coast near to the old capital of Ciutadella a white washed town where you can stock up a local cheese, jewellery and other local produce.