Balearic Island Holidays – Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera offer fantastic holiday experiences for all!
It surprises many that the Balearics are made up of 151 islands, although virtually all of them are uninhabited. The exceptions are, of course, the big hitters of Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera, all of which have different personalities.
One of those uninhabited islands is Little Cabrera, a beautiful nature reserve situated just off the southern coast of Majorca. Here, you will find an unspoiled landscape and the feeling of being removed from civilisation despite being barely half an hour by boat from Saint Jordi, making it one of the jewels of the Mediterranean. By-passed by most visitors to Majorca, you can visit a small museum, a castle, a lighthouse and botanical gardens, but the attraction lies mostly in its crystal-clear waters and the numerous walks along the rugged coastal paths.
Formentera’s personality has a very bohemian feel to it. The most southerly of the Balearics, this blissful and relatively unspoilt island is where you can lose yourself in the surroundings of beautiful beaches and sparkling waters. It has managed to maintain its laid-back quality and is far less frequented or developed than its big sister, Ibiza, although only a thirty-minute ferry ride away. Formentera offers miles of meandering coastline dotted with white sand beaches and turquoise seas, ideal for swimming, snorkelling or diving. Off the beaten track and away from the main beaches, there are classic deserted coves to discover and steal away from any crowds, scattered with small towns and villages filled with character and charm. Although several hotels, apartments and hostels are available, they don’t overwhelm the island. With the island’s maritime history, fish takes pride in the varied menus in many restaurants. Cars are available, although many visitors make use of bikes or mopeds, all available for rent and visit the six or so artisan markets, including the lantern-lit stalls at El Pila de la Moila, the highest village on the island. Nightlife is laid back, but there is still plenty to be had on the island, mainly in Es Pujols, and with time to spare, the pink hues of the salt-lake flats make for great photographs, especially with the considerable amount of birdlife in the area.
Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera – Balearic Island Holidays have it all!
Menorca’s personality is more family-orientated, drawing those with younger children like a magnet. Life is gentler here, allowing the discovery of wonderful white beaches with shallow waters, little coves, and rippling waves lapping onto the shoreline. Cala Mitjana, Cala Trebaluger, Cala Macaralleta, and Son Bou are the best beaches. The island also has an outstanding collection of archaeological, architectural and cultural monuments. Its rich history comes from its importance as a strategic crossroads in the heart of the Western Mediterranean. In May, the spring flowers are a revelation set against the backdrop of a deep blue sea. With no less than seven lighthouses skirting the island shoreline to investigate, it is little wonder that Menorca offers classic picture postcard scenes.
The island capital, Mahon Port, is the Mediterranean’s largest and the world’s second-deepest natural harbour. At nearly 4 miles in length and an astonishing 100 feet deep, a boat trip around the harbour will take you past historic fortresses, small islets and harbour-side cafes and bars. With pretty pastel alleyways, food markets, squares, and the Cathedral Cathedral, Mahon is not camera shy and makes the most of its attractive setting. The charming Xoriguer Gin distillery in Mahon Harbour is well worth a visit, although it may be wise to avoid the area while cruise ships are in port. At the other end of the island sits the original capital, Ciutadella, a splendid town with many important buildings, cafes, and independent stores that provide a welcoming atmosphere. It has cobbled alleyways, street cafes and a cathedral, while ancient palaces line Placa des Born, the old town’s main square.
Elsewhere, the original fisherman’s village of Binibeca has tiny white buildings festooned with flowers and set in a maze of winding alleyways. There’s a small sandy beach, bars, restaurants and shops. The visitor could be forgiven that this village has existed for a considerable number of years. It was built in the 1970s by architect Antonio Sintes; his dream was to create a destination which would inspire artists and a few like-minded bohemians. The fisherman’s village of sloping alleyways and wooden balconies has ultimately been extended along the coast to produce new homes and villas at New Binibeca.
Probably the coolest place in Menorca for a cocktail at sunset is Cova d’en Xoroi. This unusual cave bar is housed in a series of caverns and terraces clinging to the cliffside. Stunning views over the ocean and the dramatic coastline make for both epic and romantic sunset moments.
You’ll find holidays for all – Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera – Balearic Island Holidays
The white Isle of Ibiza and nightlife go together like gin and tonic and is world-renowned for having the best clubs, open-air bars and DJs that money can buy, with enough options for guests in a different venue every night of the week. Ibiza’s personality is more than outgoing; however, as everyone needs to rest, and for those who are not party animals, it would be wrong to dismiss or ignore Ibiza. During summer, it can be crowded, mainly on the beaches and in the clubs, but exploring the UNESCO-listed Ibiza Old Town with its majestic Dalt Vita Fortress and other pieces of history entrenched in its cobbled hills, flower-filled streets, white facades, and pretty colourful terraces, and the island will reward you in different ways. Es Canar offers unique fashion, Salinas Beach is the place to be seen alongside the jet set, and Ibiza Town marina is for boat watching while engaging with the many elegant restaurants, boutiques and trendy bars. Then there is the large Las Dalias market, which has been running for over forty years. For a romantic interlude, visit the magical rock of Es Vedra. It’s impossible to miss this huge edifice emerging from the sea, only thirty minutes from Ibiza Town, allegedly the third most magnetic point on the planet, with the accompanying myths and legends. You can admire it from many places on the island, but the spectacular view is at its best at sunset. If you are looking for the quieter side of Ibiza, go west. Discover Portinatx, Cala Vadella or even the even more peaceful Es Cubells, and you will find yourself a long way from the party vibes found elsewhere on the island.
Which will be your favourite – Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera – Balearic Island Holidays
Majorca can’t be categorised in the same way as the other islands because of its diversity, and it has so many different aspects to its personality that it can offer something to everyone. As the biggest island in the Balearics, it has jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches, sophisticated nightlife suiting all styles, and over 2,500 restaurants and 40 marinas where you won’t be at a loss for great food or sailing off into the many sunsets. The vibrant capital, Palma, offers attractive promenades and trendy boutiques with the spectacular Basilica Santa Maria gothic Cathedral overlooking the bay and the Moorish-style fortresses.
Just outside the city, the Sierra de Tramunterra mountains provide a host of walking trails, and for art lovers, the Es Baluard museum has Dali’s and Picasso’s hanging beside other, just as impressive but somewhat less valuable works.
The big resorts are well known, but there are many other sights and sounds in Majorca worth seeking out, including small, quiet coves and beaches dotted around the island. In the north, the small fishing village of Colonia de Sant Pere has an uncrowded beach, a promenade and several restaurants. Or maybe take a drive down the spectacular “snake” road to the amazing Sa Colobra beach. In the mountains, Soller may be too popular, but it is still worth a visit transported by the small tram from the centre of Palma. Further south on the coast road, the Jardines de Alfabia has plenty of flowers, orchards and palm trees mixed into the UNESCO gardens, while the refreshing sound of water runs through nearby canals. The villages of Santanyi and Arta make interesting stops for lunch or dinner, while the nearby beach of Cala Mesquida is a largely unspoilt tract of sand with rolling waves washing onto the bay.
Surrounded by vineyards and bodegas, Binisselem is the centre for wine tasting. Although the village remains a sleepy, authentic Mallorcan town, locals and tourists keep the few bars and restaurants busy. Capdepera and its castle are ancient towns with many 14th-century manor houses in the northeast, and walking up to the fortress through the narrow streets is worth the effort. The list is endless, but we end with one of Majorca’s great natural treasures – Mondrago Natural Park covers the same area as Gibraltar and is renowned for its vast vegetation, animal diversity and fabulous beaches. This is it if you want to find a haven of peace and quiet in wonderful Majorca.
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