Sitting off the east coast of mainland Spain the Balearic Islands are consistently among the most popular holiday destinations for UK holidaymakers. Made up of four individual inhabited islands: Majorca, Menorca, Formentera and Ibiza, the Balearics sit in the Mediterranean Sea. With their combination of wonderful beaches, fantastic scenery and warm weather it is easy to see why Balearics holidays are so popular.
Although the overriding influence is Spanish the islands each have their own individual charms and attributes. Majorca is particularly popular with families and has the most blue flag beaches of all the Balearics, it offers great facilities for an array of different holiday types from bustling beach resorts to quieter resorts and the main city of the Balearics; Palma. With such variety it is unsurprising that Majorca attracts the most visitors of all Balearics holidays. Ibiza is mainly associated with the party scene and does offer an array of world famous nightclubs, but away from these ‘party’ resorts there are quieter more family oriented areas. Menorca is generally the quietest of the Balearics, offering more laid back resorts although it is arguably the most scenic and beautiful of the islands.
Balearics holidays have so much to offer that there is a resort to suit whatever you need. Families, couples of all ages and groups of friends can all find the perfect Balearics holiday for them. So search through our exclusive deals and find the best cheap holidays to Balearics in 2025 and 2026.
Relax on one of the amazing beaches of the Balearic islands. The Balearics beaches vary greatly from large bustling family beaches to quiet, secluded coves, find the perfect beach to suit your needs and enjoy relaxing on the sands and topping up your tan. Take advantage of the great water sports facilities available on Balearics holidays and enjoy jet skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, wind surfing and more in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
One of the great attractions of Balearics holidays is that as the islands are surrounded by the Sea, fresh seafood is in plentiful supply. Enjoy paella at a beachfront restaurant or in a romantically lit harbour restaurant, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of dining in the Balearics.
Balearics holidays have plenty to offer, from water parks and amusements for families to enjoy, to historical and cultural sites for those interested in the heritage of the islands, wonderful scenic views from hills and mountains for walkers and cyclists to embrace, to wonderful beaches for beach lovers to indulge. Whatever you want from a holiday, there is a Balearics holiday perfect for your needs.
Majorca
The magical island of Majorca has everything you need for a sensational holiday experience in the glorious Mediterranean sunshine.
Pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, wonderful restaurants and vibrant nightlife are just some of the key attractions which make the island a compelling choice for couples, families and groups of friends.
Majorca, the largest of the Balearic islands, is also steeped in rich history and culture, with fascinating archaeological landmarks, old traditional villages, ancient monasteries and captivating castles and ports.
You won’t struggle to find some healthy outdoor activity in Majorca – kayaking at sea caves, hiking around the mountains, forests and gorges, scuba diving beneath the turquoise waters and setting sail on a catamaran to explore the awe-inspiring coastline are just a few of the options available.
Banana boats rides, pedalos and glass-bottomed boats are among the activities available for families on the waves, while museums, aqua parks and bustling markets are among the places of interest on land.
Majorca is blessed with a myriad of fun-packed resorts, with a sun-soaked getaway to suit all tastes. Popular choices include Alcudia, Cala d’Or, Magaluf, El Arenal, Porto Cristo, Cala Millor and Palma Nova.
Another marvellous place to stay is the island’s magnificent capital, Palma, with its great beaches, pulsating nightlife, excellent restaurants and massive Santa Maria cathedral which overlooks the bay.
Menorca
The magnificent island of Menorca serves up a perfect mix of fun, relaxation and entertainment to create magical holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
Pristine sandy beaches, charming harbour towns, craggy coves, luxurious hotels and water sports galore are among the many delights in this enthralling Mediterranean getaway.
You’ll also discover a plethora of high-energy night clubs, bustling markets, gourmet restaurants and plenty of water parks and nature attractions for the little ones.
The island has many historical and cultural attractions for a day out with your partner, family or group of friends. These include the capital city of Mahón, Cala Morell Necropolis, Castle of Santa Águeda and the wondrous ancient settlement of Talati de Dalt which was built in 1500 BC.
You have no trouble finding sports and leisure activities in the great outdoors – popular pursuits on the island include hiking, diving, catamaran trips, sightseeing, jeep safaris, Segway riding, bird-watching, jet skiing, cycling and horse riding.
Menorca boasts an abundance of top-class hotels with all the amenities you need for a fabulous holiday experience including spa and gyms, mini water parks, infinity swimming pools, kids clubs and sensational restaurants.
The island has an amazing choice of fantastic resorts, with a sun-kissed escape to suit every category of holidaymaker. The main holiday havens include Ciutadella, Cala’n Forcat, Binibeca, Cala Blanca, Cala’n Bosch, Es Castell, Cala’n Blanes and Punta Prima.
Ibiza
There’s so much more to the awe-inspiring island of Ibiza than just it’s world-famous nightlife – stunning beaches, charming villages, thrilling water sports and top-class restaurants are among the many other attractions you’ll discover.
This sunshine getaway has something for everyone – romantic and secluded coastal resorts for couples, fun-packed beach resorts for families and vibrant clubbing resorts with lively bars and nightspots for groups of friends who want to party from dusk till dawn.
The island’s invigorating all-year-round sunshine makes it the perfect destination for getting out and about to explore the beautiful landscapes, gorgeous bays and coves, pine-clad mountain areas and untouched nature reserves.
There’s also plenty to keep the little ones occupied during their stay in Ibiza including fabulous water parks, go karting tracks, ziplining parks and sea life aquariums. Older children and adults can enjoy a range of water sports action including surfboarding, paddleboarding, canoeing and parasailing.
Ibiza also has many impressive historical and cultural attractions including Puig des Molins Necropolis, the Phoenician site at Sa Caleta, Balansat Tower and Ibiza Cathedral.
The most popular resorts on the island for enjoying a dream holiday include Formentera, Cala Gracio, Es Cana, Figueretas, Ibiza Town, Playa D’en Bossa, San Antonio and Portinatx.
Beach lovers will be wowed by the myriad of sandy stretches and beautiful bays and coves waiting to be discovered in the sun-drenched Balearics.
The islands of Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza are all blessed with stunning beaches which can deliver a fabulous feast of fun – you’re never far away from a healthy helping of sun, sea and sand.
Each destination has all options covered, with everything from family-friendly beaches with calm and shallow waters to magical secluded bays where romantic couples can wander hand in hand along the golden sands.
Family favourites in Majorca include Port de Pollenca with its impressive 1.5km Blue Flag beach which is ideal for sandcastle-building sessions, pedalo rides and plenty of water sports fun. Playa Palma Nova is another option with its glorious sands and a wonderful promenade packed with shops, bars and restaurants.
The rolling sand dunes and crystal-clear waters at Son Bou beach in Menorca is a real winner with families, while Platja Es Grau has plenty of appeal for families with young children who can take to the safe and shallow waters.
Ibiza is home to more than 80 beaches and popular choices for families in Ibiza include Playa d'en Bossa, the island's longest sandy expanse, with its golden sands, child-safe calm and shallow waters, and superb selection of bars and restaurants. Ses Salines beach hits the spot with party lovers who are spoilt for choice at an array of pulsating beach bars and dance clubs on the sands.
If the idea of somewhere more laid-back and idyllic appeals to you, then Cala Varques is a mesmerising sandy cove on the east coast between Porto Colum and Porto Cristo. This quiet and unspoilt hideaway is postcard-like with its white sands, turquoise waters, rocky cliffs and verdant landscape. The remote pebble beach at Es Coll Baix, with its sparkling waters and surrounding pine forest, is another quiet and exclusive option.
Calas Mitjana in Menorca is a great choice if you crave some tranquillity and seclusion - this enchanting sandy cove on the south of the island boasts golden sands, turquoise waters and beautiful pine-topped cliffs. Another option is Cala Trebalúger, a charming little cove which can only be reached by boat.
Ibiza also hits the mark when it comes to gorgeous remote sandy options, far away from the crowds. Cala Llentrisca is a hidden gem where the secluded little beach is backed by verdant pine forests. Another peaceful spot is S’Illot des Renclí with its little inlets, pine trees and a charming restaurant for a relaxing meal and drink.
You won’t be disappointed with the fabulous choice of gastronomic delicacies to savour in the Balearics – Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca all have superb traditional dishes to satisfy the most discerning palate.
As you would expect, tapas and paella feature prominently in the menus throughout the islands – but there’s much more to tantalise your taste buds, from scrumptious seafood specialities to hearty meat stews.
A popular main dish in Majorca is tumbet, a tasty offering similar to French ratatouille and consisting of layers of potato, red peppers and aubergine, topped with tomato which has been fried with parsley and garlic.
Sopas Mallorquinas is a thick and delicious soup made with an array of vegetables including spinach, carrot, cabbage, beans, tomatoes, cauliflower, courgettes, potatoes, onion and garlic. Porcella is a sucking pig dish which is another favourite in Majorca.
Highly-regarded main courses in Menorca include spiny lobster stew (Caldereta de Langosta), roast goat or sucking pig cooked in a wood fire (Cabrito Lechona es Forn) and rostit which is an oven-cooked pork dish prepared with liver, eggs, apples and bread.
Fabulous dishes to try during a holiday in Ibiza include Zarzuela de Mariscos, a seafood stew in a saffron-flavoured stock featuring mussels, scallops, crab and prawns, squid and various types of fish. Sobrassada is a delicious meat sausage made from ground pork and a range of spices which can be eaten as a starter or main course with vegetables.
You’re spoilt for choice in the Balearics for wonderful desserts, but among the delights you’ll come across are buñuelos which are ball-shaped fritters, packed with various sweet fillings, flan casero which is very similar to caramel custard and flaó, which is a cheese and peppermint pie, flavoured with anise.
The Balearics also have their own traditional drinks which are worth sampling during your holiday. Herbs de Majorca is a delightful herbal liqueur, made from anise and other aromatic plants.
A popular liqueur in Menorca is calent which consists of aniseed, wine, cinnamon and saffron, while a huge favourite in Ibiza is Hierbas Ibicencas, a unique concoction of island herbs in a distinctive triangular-shaped bottle.
Katmandu Park
It’s family and excitement all the way at this fabulous theme park in Magaluf in Majorca. A huge range of attractions include a huge splash park, a House of Magic, a Steambot Lazer Challenge, a Wild West simulated horseback ride and an amazing 4D cinema experience.
Loc de Menorca Zoo
A visit to the fabulous animal attraction provides a fabulous day out if you are holidaying in Menorca. You’ll encounter creatures from around the globe in a myriad of themed areas including wetlands, a lemur forest, birds of prey zone and a macaque dome.
Aquarium Cap Blanc
This is a superb attraction in a sea cave near San Antonio in Ibiza. You’ll stroll along a series of raised boardwalks to gaze in awe at the creatures in the water below which include morays, conger eels, rays, sea turtles and grouper.
Monte Toro
Get your hiking boots on for an exhilarating climb to the top of Monte Toro, the highest mountain in magical Menorca. You’ll discover a charming 13th century church at the summit and enjoy spellbinding panoramic views.
Genova Caves
If you are holidaying in Majorca you won’t be disappointed with a visit to the magnificent Genova Caves. You’ll descend deep underground for a guided subterranean adventure featuring huge rock columns, winding corridors and tranquil water pools, as well as witnessing an amazing light show.
Sunset Ashram
This highly-regarded restaurant in Ibiza provides a truly romantic setting for couples to enjoy a meal together and observe a spellbinding sunset. Sunset Ashram is nestled on a peak near the sandy beach of Cala Comte and delivers gastronomic delights including Indian, Japanese and Mediterranean fare.
Dalt Vila
This famous fortified ‘old town’ in Ibiza is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site which is a magnificent example of Renaissance military architecture. The attractions in this amazing historic landmark include a cathedral, seven bastions, a monastery and several museums.
Jungleparc
Hit the dizzy heights in the largest tree attraction in the Balearics. Jungleparc is located in a glorious pine forest in Majorca’s Santa Ponsa. You’ll be gripped with excitement as you make your way around the huge network of ropes, bridges and zip wires.
Jeep Safari
An off-road adventure in a 4x4 vehicle is a great way to discover parts of Menorca which are normally inaccessible. You’ll enjoy a thrilling drive to spellbinding coastal areas, lush woodlands, rolling hills and captivating ancient landmarks. Lunch is normally included in the price.
Hippy Market
Try out your bartering skills at a hippy market during holiday in Ibiza. The colourful spectacles feature a myriad of merchandise including jewellery, handicrafts and local produce. The biggest markets are in Punta Arabi, Es Cana and Las Dalias.
Vintage train ride
Step back in time for a journey in Majorca aboard a century-old narrow-gauge vintage electric train which takes you on a 17-mile adventure among the pine forests and olive groves between Palma to Sóller. This fabulous trip crosses the Sierra de Alfàbia mountain range via tunnels, bridges and viaducts.
Menorca Museum
This charming Museo de Menorca in Mahón offers a great insight into the history and culture of Menorca. It is housed in a former Franciscan monastery and features many wonderful exhibits including artefacts from the Roman, Talaiotic and Byzantine periods.