Balearic Islands travel guide

Majorca

An easy mix of city life, sandy bays, mountain villages and rural retreats that lets you shape exactly the kind of holiday you want.

Ibiza

Beautiful beaches, sunset spots and laid back villages with the option of world famous nightlife when you feel like turning it up.

Mallorca is the all rounder, the island that can be as easy or as interesting as you make it.

Palma gives you a proper small city by the sea, with a huge cathedral, waterfront walks, local markets, cafes and rooftop bars. It is a good base if you like a bit of culture and food with your beach time. Along the coast you find long sandy bays that work well for families, smaller resorts with a slower feel, and a good choice of hotels from simple to very polished.

Drive inland and the island changes. Farmhouses, vineyards, olive trees and quiet villages sit under the Tramontana mountains, where small winding roads lead to views over the sea and hidden coves below. You can spend one day exploring hilltop towns, the next floating in clear water at a sheltered beach, and the next doing nothing more than walking to the harbour for dinner.

Mallorca suits you if you want variety without stress. It works for couples, solo travellers, groups and families. If you are unsure which Balearic island to choose, this is usually the safest first choice.

Ibiza has the reputation, but you get to decide how you use it.

Yes, there are famous clubs, beach parties and a full calendar of events in high season. If that excites you, you will not be bored. But step away from the biggest names and you find another island entirely. Small coves with calm water, pine covered hills, simple beach bars, farmhouses and villages where evenings are about food and conversation instead of speakers.

Ibiza Town is a highlight for everyone, not just night owls. The old walled quarter, Dalt Vila, looks across the harbour and is full of stone lanes, viewpoints and terraces. You can spend your days swimming, exploring coves by car or boat, browsing local markets and watching the sun go down from the west coast with a drink in hand.

Ibiza is for you if you enjoy a stylish but relaxed setting, want the option of big nights but not the obligation, and like the idea of beach days that feel a little more polished without losing the sea and sky.

Menorca

Calm coves, clear shallow water and a softer traditional feel for travellers who prefer space, nature and quieter nights.

Formentera

Long pale sands, shallow turquoise sea and slow barefoot days made for simple, stress free escape.

Menorca moves at a calmer pace and is proud of it.

Here the focus is on space, sea and simple days. The coastline is lined with many small bays and beaches, some wide and easy to reach, others along short paths through pine forest with water so clear it barely looks real. There are no endless strips of high rise blocks. Instead you get low key resorts, natural coves and a coastline that still feels looked after.

Maó and Ciutadella are relaxed, handsome towns with harbours, old streets and enough bars and restaurants for an evening wander without turning into a heavy night out. Inland, stone walls, white houses and open countryside give Menorca a softer, rural feel that is very different from the louder image some people still have of the Balearics.

Choose Menorca if you like quiet beaches, coastal walks, swimming in clear shallow water, and a more traditional atmosphere. It is a strong choice for families who do not want constant noise, and for couples who prefer natural beauty to big party scenes.

Formentera feels like the simple answer to a complicated year.

You reach it by ferry from Ibiza, and once you arrive, everything slows down. The island is small, flat and open, with long pale sandy stretches and shallow turquoise water that looks almost unreal. There are no huge resorts. Life happens around the beaches, beach bars, small villages and a few pretty lighthouses and viewpoints.

People cycle or take scooters to move between beaches and coves. Lunch easily turns into late afternoon, and sunset becomes the main event. The mood is barefoot, relaxed and low pressure. You come here to swim, lie in the sun, read, share plates of fresh food and sleep well.

Formentera is ideal as a romantic escape or a peaceful add on to a busier trip. If your perfect holiday is stunning sea, soft sand and very few decisions, this is the one.

A quick honest guide:

• Pick Mallorca if you want a bit of everything in one place.

• Pick Menorca if you want calm coves, nature and a softer feel.

• Pick Ibiza if you enjoy good beaches, sunset spots and the option of nightlife.

• Pick Formentera if you want clear shallow water, simple days and no rush.

You can also combine two or more islands in one trip with ferries and short connections, especially Mallorca and Ibiza with Formentera as a side escape. Whichever you choose, the Balearic Islands are at their best when you keep it simple: good company, good sea, and time to actually enjoy both.