Aerial view of Cala Mesquida beach in Majorca, Balearic Islands

Holidays to the Balearic Islands

Bake in the Mediterranean sun, hike through mountains blanketed with pine forests, swim in glassy seas and seek out all-night beats… whatever you’re looking for, Balearic Islands holidays have it all.

Chilled vibes vs fiery fiestas

There’s a special yin and yang to the Balearic Islands. Looking for a chilled vibe? You can zen out on an Ibizan yoga retreat or picnic in peace on the remote coastline of Llevant Peninsula Natural Park in Majorca.

Then there's the party side to a Balearic Islands holiday. Whether you’re dancing ‘til dawn in Ibiza’s mega-club Pacha or on Majorca’s famous Magaluf strip, you can expect world-class DJs and banging beats lasting until dawn. And even the bar staff at Es Pujols in sleepy Formentera will keep the gins coming until the wee hours. Result!

Take your vitamin sea

The Med is jaw-on-the-floor gorgeous, and there’s so much to do out at sea. Snorkel in Formentera to get up close and personal with octopus and lobsters, dive through underwater caves in Menorca or spot whales and dolphins off the coast of Majorca.

Paddleboarding, kite-surfing and kayaking opportunities are everywhere, as are boat trips to hidden coves perfect for sunbathing (try Parque Natural de la Península de Llevant in Majorca).

Outdoor adventures: Earn those chips

So you’ve done the beaches? Next, discover the Balearic Islands’ scene-stealing landscapes. Strap on those hiking boots or your bike helmet and get to exploring the Tramuntana Mountains where there are plenty of trails for all abilities.

If you’re an Attenborough wannabe (really, who isn’t?), get your binoculars out at Ses Salines nature reserve in Ibiza to check out its vibrant pink flamingos. In Menorca, meanwhile, you can hop on a horse to ride the Cami de Cavalls trail or cycle Formentera’s green routes to earn a generous portion of chips with your seafood lunch.

Captivating coastal towns

The Balearic Islands’ coastal towns have plenty of top-notch restaurants perfect for romantic evenings out, and sparkling marinas that will steal your heart. Highlights include dining Michelin-style in Palma and shoe shopping in Alpargateria La Concepción.

You can also climb up to the castle in Ibiza Town and mooch around the MACE Contemporary Art Museum. In Menorca? Wobble on the cobbles of Ciutadella’s romantic streets.

Sneak Peek

Best for... Nightlife, beaches and mooching around seaside resorts🍹

Go... To Formentera’s quiet beaches to relax after dancing the night away in Ibiza ⛱️

You have to... Grab a mojito and seek out the islands’ best sunsets 🌅

Top destinations in the Balearic Islands

Ibiza

With both fitness retreats and fabulous parties, Ibiza is the island of wellbeing and, well, dancing until dawn with a few of your favourite cocktails.

Majorca

Blissful beaches, spectacular hiking and a super-cool coastal capital city with world-class food and wine… Majorca is holiday gold!

Menorca

Menorca is the quiet sibling in this island family. It’s a place to relax, tuck into fresh seafood and float in the turquoise sea. Sold!

Formentera

The petite island of Formentera has some of the best beaches in the Balearics, making it the one for beach bums.

Palma Nova

Need kids' menus, cots and entertainment at your finger tips? Palma Nova is a family favourite with three sandy beaches.

Magaluf

Magaluf is Majorca’s non-stop party town, where life’s too short for sleeping (not including midday snoozes on the beach)!

Balearic Islands holiday deals

Ferrer Janeiro Hotel & Spa

Can Picafort, Majorca, Spain
  • 1 Oct 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Bed & breakfast
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£597 pp

Hotel Riu Concordia

4.6

Excellent

Playa De Palma, Majorca, Spain
  • 22 Jan 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Half board
  • From Stansted

Prices from

£294 pp

Ses Fotges

Playa De Muro, Majorca, Spain
  • 11 Sept 2026
  • 7 nights
  • All-inclusive
  • From Stansted

Prices from

£1,097 pp

Inturotel Cala Azul

4.3

Very Good

Cala D'Or, Majorca, Spain
  • 1 Oct 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Self-catering
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£658 pp
Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Details

Currency

Euro

Language

Spanish

Time difference

GMT +1

Cost of a beer

Around €2.30

3-course meal

€30-40

Flight time

2 hrs

Siestas and sunset cocktails

It’s bottoms up and out on Platja de Ses Illetes in Formentera, where tanlines are nonexistent and the shallow sea is beautifully blue. Es Trenc in Majorca has 2km of pearly white sand to do nothing on (more of that please), while Playa del Alcúdia is perfect for building sandcastles and family ball games.

Menorca’s beaches, like Playa de Son Bou, Cala Alcaufar and Cala Turqueta, are sunny snoozing spots, while in Ibiza, Platja de Ses Salines boasts white sand, glassy seas and cracking cocktails courtesy of beachfront restaurant Sa Trinxa. For chillaxed sunsets with bongos and bonfires, head to Benniràs.

Sun, sea and slides

Sunshine? Check. Shallow seas? Check. Soft sands? Check. Entertainment to keep a tribe of restless kids busy? Checkedy-check! Majorca is the king of family holidays, with Palma Nova’s three sandy beaches, waterparks (like Aqualand El Arenal and Western Waterpark), mini golf, mini discos and crowd-pleasing menus.

Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca are also set up for youngsters. Try Talamanca’s golden sands or Playa Migjorn’s bohemian vibe if you’re a trendy parent with an even trendier toddler. You’ll find snorkelling almost everywhere along the coast, while Menorca’s Bay of Es Grau wins big for big-kid kayaking adventures.

Let the music take control

Balearic beats, funky grooves and house music will keep your feet tapping long after you return to the office (sigh) from Ibiza. Go large at Pacha or nip round to Playa d’en Bossa for Ushaïa.

The Punta Ballena strip in Magaluf is where the party’s at in Majorca. Go glam at Nikki Beach Club, sink a pint at Sinky’s Scottish Pub or channel House of Pain at BCM Planet Dance. If you’re asleep before the sun appears, something’s gone wrong.

When to go to the Balearic Islands

For ‘eat your ice cream before it melts’ kind of sunshine, visit the Balearics between July and September. Expect packed beaches with happy holidaymakers roasting away.

If you prefer your holidays slightly less boiling or you’re planning an outdoorsy trip, book a cheap Balearic Islands holiday in spring or autumn. The climate is ideal for walking and cycling in the Tramuntana Mountains or tackling the Cami de Cavalls trail in Menorca.

Mid-summer is peak season in Ibiza for clubbing too. The major DJs arrive in July and August, while the closing party season runs from September to October.