Balearic Islands

With pocket-sized bites of everything that Spain is famous for, Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca are all unique destinations in their own right.

Ibiza for one keeps clubbers in the south and offers laidback bohemian peace and quiet in the north. As the king of Europe’s club scene, Ibiza is the most famous of the islands in this part of the Med. Away from San Antonia and clubs like Pacha, the rest of the island is surprisingly laid-back. You’ll find hidden caves and pine forest walking trails in the countryside, secluded coves at Portinatx and boutiques and classy restaurants at Santa Eulalia.

Just north, Mallorca is the largest island in the archipelago; it’s celebrated for its fabulous stretches of golden-sand beaches, tucked away coves, calm waters, and the glamorous nightlife of towns such as Palma. Away from the coast, there’s the jagged, limestone mountain peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana to explore on breathtaking hikes and cliff-hanging drives. The island is flocked by nordic walkers and cyclists making the most of the various landscapes.

For an island that moves at an altogether slower pace visit charming Menorca. Its quiet but sensational beaches are perfect for families and those with an interest in history will get a thrill from prehistoric relics like the 3,000 year old village of Torre d’en Gaumes.

And if you want to tick off all four of the islands there is rustic Formentera with its 20-kilometre Caribbean-like coastline of secluded white sand is the island for you.