Balearic Islands Holidays

The rocky coast of Cap de Formentor on Mallorca The rocky coast of Cap de Formentor on Mallorca
The Balearic Islands are a group of Spanish islands which include the popular holiday destinations of Ibiza, Majorca, Minorca and Formentera.

Located in the western Mediterranean Sea they have long been a tourist hotspot since the package-holiday started to become popular in the 1970s. Each of the four main islands has a unique character of their own. Majorca is the largest of the four and home to the Balearic Island capital of Palma de Mallorca. Resort towns such as Alcudia, Can Picafort, Magaluf and Can Pastilla offer sun, sea and sand as well as a thriving nightlife that appeals to many European holidaymakers looking for a summer break. Ibiza has long been regarded as one of the clubbing capitals of the world with bars and party venues in plentiful supply. However, outside of the main towns this island has much in the way of secluded beaches and unspoilt scenery for those wishing to avoid the hedonistic crowds. Menorca is the second largest of the islands and has maintained much of its laid back allure, shunning the high rise hotel and resort developments of Majorca and the noisy nightlife of Ibiza. Known for its large number of beautiful beaches and offering a more traditional Spanish experience it is a firm favourite with families and nature lovers. Formentera is the smallest island and, much like Menorca, tourist developments have been strictly controlled giving it a more laid back feel. Travellers to the island are usually day- trippers, from the other three main islands, who come to enjoy the idyllic deserted beaches.

Featured Hotels

Cala D'Or

Cala'n Bosch

Calas De Mallorca

Magaluf

Palma Nova

Puerto Alcudia

Travellers' top tips for places in Balearic Islands Beach
  • San Antonio: Hire a car as there are some fantastic beaches dotted around the island. sanlat
  • Palma Nova: dont buy anything from the converted toilets to a beach bar he will rip you off mickyb123
Food & Drink
  • Cala Millor: Take a boat or bus to Porto Cristo go to the furthest restaurant at the top over the harbour lateromantic
  • Puerto Alcudia: Visit the beach. Funny Bunny's excellent for food. Peach Pit excellent for children's entertainment. mhangers
Nightlife
  • Ibiza Town: If you´re in Ibiza for the nightlife, make sure you go to the Zoo Bar or Chupitos in the port to start the night. There you will meet club promoters! skybertha
  • Santa Ponsa: If you want nightlife, you must wait to go out until about 1 in the morning, when it all kicks off! shanpm
Shopping
  • Puerto Alcudia: Keep your purse or wallet safe in the sunday market THEGASMANIsleOfWight
  • Es Cana: visit the hippy market. Good range of market stalls, live music and bargains. MickyJ34
Weather
  • Santa Ponsa: Take you sun tan cream as it is very hot in July and hotter in August KimberleyR
  • Puerto Alcudia: some areas will need insect repellant,mosquitos and nats!, and can be very hot in height of summer so very high factor sun cream BonkersBev

View Balearic Islands hotels on map

Map for Balearic Islands
Balearic Islands travel tips from your fellow travellers
  • El Arenal: Don't go out alone at night. - by colbmth
  • Cala Llonga: Appreciate the beauty of the place & the laid back lifestyle it has to offer. - by 1969bunny
  • Portinatx: It is perfect place for relax. If you want party every night, go to San Antonio or Ibiza. - by holidaygirl1981
  • San Antonio: See the sunset from Cafe Del Mar, Cafe Mambo or for a quieter bar the Golden Budha which is closest to the hotel. - by Vic080
  • Cala'n Porter: rent a car to visit the rest of the island - by FrankNYC_11