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The Balearics, that small group of Spanish islands in the Mediterranean, share a balmy climate and claim many of Europe's best beaches. But despite the main islands of Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza being holiday hotspot neighbours, adored by fans the world over, it's there their similarities end.
Let's start with Majorca, the largest Balearic Island. It's blessed with simply the most perfect combination of holiday essentials. You'll find sheltered coves with gin-clear water next to long crescents of sandy shores, the properly cosmopolitan capital city of Palma with its Gothic cathedral, stylish hilltop villages, the rugged Sera de Tramuntana mountains, and enough restaurants, bars, clubs, boutiques, markets, malls, water parks and water sports to keep you in holidays for years to come.
Menorca is known as Mallorca's little sister, and the smaller island is as beautiful but a touch calmer and more laid-back. Proud to have remained so unspoilt after decades of tourism, Menorca successfully balances its UNESCO biosphere reserve status with its atmospheric towns (Mahon and Ciutadella both have lively, pitch-perfect harbours) and beautiful resorts.
Then there's Ibiza, the mother of all nightlife, the global leader in epic sound systems set in front of stunning sunsets and the birthplace of the Balearic sound. But beyond the beats, there are secluded sandy coves beneath rugged cliffs, fishing villages tumbling into the sea, and olive groves, pine forests and a medieval walled town. And before the superstar DJs were the hippies and bohemians, who still love this White Isle as much as everyone else.
The Balearics, that small group of Spanish islands in the Mediterranean, share a balmy climate and claim many of Europe's best beaches. But despite the main islands of Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza being holiday hotspot neighbours, adored by fans the world over, it's there their similarities end.
Let's start with Majorca, the largest Balearic Island. It's blessed with simply the most perfect combination of holiday essentials. You'll find sheltered coves with gin-clear water next to long crescents of sandy shores, the properly cosmopolitan capital city of Palma with its Gothic cathedral, stylish hilltop villages, the rugged Sera de Tramuntana mountains, and enough restaurants, bars, clubs, boutiques, markets, malls, water parks and water sports to keep you in holidays for years to come.
Menorca is known as Mallorca's little sister, and the smaller island is as beautiful but a touch calmer and more laid-back. Proud to have remained so unspoilt after decades of tourism, Menorca successfully balances its UNESCO biosphere reserve status with its atmospheric towns (Mahon and Ciutadella both have lively, pitch-perfect harbours) and beautiful resorts.
Then there's Ibiza, the mother of all nightlife, the global leader in epic sound systems set in front of stunning sunsets and the birthplace of the Balearic sound. But beyond the beats, there are secluded sandy coves beneath rugged cliffs, fishing villages tumbling into the sea, and olive groves, pine forests and a medieval walled town. And before the superstar DJs were the hippies and bohemians, who still love this White Isle as much as everyone else.
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