Balearic Islands
Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza: turquoise coves, mountain villages and easy family resorts, around two and a half hours from UK airports.
Three islands, three different holidays, all a short flight from home. Mallorca has the mountains, the old capital and the long family beaches. Menorca is quieter, greener and ringed with pine-backed coves. Ibiza pairs its famous sunsets with whitewashed villages and a slower north coast, and the ferry to Formentera leaves from Ibiza Town.
Why go
The sea is the reason most people come: clear, shallow water on sandy bays in the north of Mallorca, small limestone coves in the south of Menorca, sea caves and cliffs along the west of Ibiza. Behind the coast there is plenty to do on land too. Mallorca's Serra de Tramuntana is a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape, Menorca has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993, and Ibiza's old town, Dalt Vila, is part of the UNESCO site "Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture".
When to go
The beach season runs from May to October. July and August are the hottest months, with daytime highs around 30°C and the sea at about 25–26°C. June and September are warm and a little calmer, which suits families with young children and couples alike. Spring and autumn are good for walking and cycling, and winters are mild, around 15°C by day.
Getting there from the UK
The flight takes roughly two to two and a half hours. Palma (PMI), Menorca (MAH) and Ibiza (IBZ) all have direct flights from London and many regional airports in summer, with Palma served all year. Tell us your nearest airport and we will match the flight to the hotel.
Where to stay
- Mallorca, north: Alcúdia, Playa de Muro and Port de Pollença have long, gently shelving beaches that suit families, and Pollença Bay is a classic for couples.
- Mallorca, east: Porto Cristo and the coves around it are close to the Caves of Drach and good for big all-inclusive resorts.
- Menorca: Es Castell and Mahón for harbour views and town life; the north coast around Fornells for quiet family beaches.
- Ibiza: Santa Eulària for a relaxed town with a promenade; San Antonio Bay for sunsets and family resorts.
What to do
Ride the 1912 wooden train from Palma to Sóller and take the boat round to Sa Calobra. Go underground at the Caves of Drach, where a short concert plays on an underground lake. Walk Palma's old town and its Gothic cathedral, La Seu. Take a boat to Formentor beach from Port de Pollença. In Menorca, sail along the south coast coves from Cala Galdana. From Ibiza, spend a day on Formentera or paddle a kayak into the sea caves near Cala Codolar. With children, a day at Aqualand El Arenal is a safe bet.
Food
Try an ensaïmada, the spiral pastry of Mallorca, and sobrassada, a soft paprika-cured sausage, on bread with olive oil. In Menorca, Mahón-Menorca cheese and caldereta de langosta, the island's lobster stew, are the dishes to look for. Ibiza's sweet is flaó, a cheesecake flavoured with mint.
Good to know
- Currency: euro (EUR)
- Time: one hour ahead of the UK all year
- Plugs: types C and F, 230 V. Bring a European adaptor
- Languages: Spanish and Catalan; English is widely spoken in resorts
- A small sustainable tourism tax is charged per night at your accommodation, paid locally
Every trip can be tailored: tell us your dates, your airport and who's travelling, and we'll suggest the right island and hotel.
