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Balearic Islands Holidays

Balearic Island holidays are a top choice if you want a mix of beaches, nightlife and traditional towns, all within a short flight from the UK.

Easy-to-reach islands

The Balearics are well set up for a simple summer break. Each island offers something slightly different, but all are easy to get to in under three hours from London. Expect a mix of beaches, pretty coastal towns and natural scenery, along with The Balearics are well set up for a simple summer break. Each island offers something slightly different, but all are easy to get to in under three hours from London. Expect a mix of beaches, pretty coastal towns and natural scenery, along with livelier areas if you want more going on. areas if you want more going on.

All-in-one Majorca

Majorca is the largest island, so there’s plenty of variety. The south is known for its nightlife, including Magaluf, while the north tends to be quieter and more family‑focused, with places like Alcudia. Palma, the capital, gives you a bit of everything, from historic sights to easy daytrips, like the Sóller train through the mountains.

Chilled-out Menorca

Menorca is a good option if you want a slower pace. Its coastline is packed with beaches, from larger sandy stretches like Son Bou to smaller coves such as Cala Turqueta. Inland, you’ll find walking routes and countryside villages, which makes it easy to mix beach time with something more active.  

Iconic parties in Ibiza

Ibiza is best known for its nightlife, especially in San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa, but there’s more to it if you look beyond the clubs. Ibiza Town has a historic side, and the island’s beaches and quieter corners are easy to explore. You can also take a day trip to nearby Formentera for a change of scene, where pristine white beaches are lapped by clear, turquoise water.

Best places to stay in the Balearic Islands

Top Balearic Islands holiday deals

Why we love the Balearic Islands

Here are some top tips from our team

Balearic Islands FAQs

The best times to visit are during the shoulder seasons of May to June, and September to October. During these months, the Mediterranean Sea is warm enough for swimming, the weather is reliably sunny, and you avoid the intense heat and heavy crowds of the peak July and August season.

Menorca is the definitive choice for pure tranquillity and low-key, boutique luxury. However, the rural interiors of both Majorca and Ibiza have seen a surge in spectacular, high-end agroturismos (converted farmhouses) that offer complete seclusion well away from the busier coastal resorts.

If you plan to stay mostly in a resort, a taxi from the airport will suffice. However, to truly experience the Balearics – accessing hidden coves, mountain villages, and remote vineyards – hiring a car is a smart idea.  

Formentera doesn’t have an airport. The most seamless way to reach the island is to fly into Ibiza and take a fast ferry from Ibiza Town port. The crossing is scenic, comfortable, and takes approximately 30 minutes.

Scattered across the western Mediterranean, the Balearic Islands make it easy to slow things down and enjoy some proper sun. There’s a lot more here than the old party reputation – think quiet countryside stays, protected landscapes and small, tucked‑away coves you’ll need to seek out.

Picking the right island can shape your whole trip. Here’s a straightforward look at the four that make up the Balearic Islands – and what each one does best.

1. Majorca

Majorca gives you a bit of everything – a lively capital, scenic drives and peaceful mountain villages.

Key attractions:

• Palma Cathedral (La Seu): A striking Gothic cathedral right by the water in Palma – easy to visit if you’re staying nearby.

• Serra de Tramuntana: A UNESCO-listed mountain range with winding roads and small villages like Deià and Valldemossa. Hiring a car makes it much easier to explore.

• Port de Sóller: A relaxed bay with a vintage tram linking it to the town – a good spot for a simple seafood lunch by the water.

2. Menorca

Menorca is the quieter option. It’s slower, less built-up and well suited if you just want beaches and space to unwind.

Key attractions:

• Cala Macarelleta: One of the island’s best-known beaches, with clear, shallow water. It can get busy in peak season, so go early if you can.

• Camí de Cavalls: A long coastal path that circles the island – you can walk or cycle shorter sections depending on how much you want to do.

• Mahón Harbour: A laid-back place for an evening walk, with plenty of simple restaurants along the waterfront.

3. Ibiza

Ibiza still has its nightlife, but you don’t have to be part of it. Away from the clubs, there’s a more relaxed side with markets, beaches and countryside stays.

Key attractions:

• Dalt Vila: The old town of Ibiza, with cobbled streets and good views over the harbour.

• Las Dalias: A long-standing market known for crafts, clothes and food stalls – worth a visit if you want something a bit different.

• Es Vedrà: A rocky island just offshore. It’s a popular place to watch the sunset, especially from the cliffs on the south-west coast.

4. Formentera

Formentera is the smallest and least developed of the four. You can only get there by boat, but that’s part of the appeal.

Key attractions:

• Playa de Ses Illetes: A long stretch of white sand with very clear water – one of the island’s main draws.

• Cap de Barbaria: A quiet, open headland with a lighthouse. Best reached by bike or car, and a good spot for sunset.

• Sant Francesc Xavier: The island’s main town, with a small square, shops and cafés – easy to spend a slow morning here.

Each island does things slightly differently, so it’s worth thinking about what matters most – whether that’s easy access, quieter beaches or a bit more going on. If you plan it right, you can keep costs under control too, especially by travelling outside peak summer or mixing higher-end stays with simpler accommodation.

When you click through to book your holiday, we’ll supply the exact travel requirements for your chosen destination through our partner, Passolution. In the meantime, check the FCDO for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and health and safety information.