Balearic Islands
Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera are a short hop from London and the UK's classic summer beach islands. Mallorca has the most range, from Palma's cathedral to the Tramuntana mountains; Menorca is calmer and family-friendly, Ibiza mixes clubs with quiet coves, and Formentera has some of the Mediterranean's clearest water. Go in June or September for warm seas without peak crowds, or May for walking.
Overview
Most trips are a week or two on a single island, and each has a distinct character. Mallorca is big enough to combine Palma's old town, walking in the Serra de Tramuntana and family resorts around the bays of Alcúdia and Pollença. Menorca is low-rise and largely protected, with turquoise coves reached on foot. Ibiza runs from San Antonio's sunset bars and the superclubs to rural fincas in the north, and Formentera works as a day trip or a barefoot week. July and August are hot, busy and expensive; June and September bring warm water and fewer crowds, and May suits walkers and cyclists. Outside Palma, much of the islands closes from November to March.
Map of Balearic Islands
Highlights
- 1Nature
Serra de Tramuntana
The UNESCO-listed mountain range along Mallorca's north-west coast holds stone villages such as Deià and Valldemossa and the GR221 Dry Stone Route. Ride the 1912 wooden train from Palma to Sóller, then the old tram down to the port.
- 2Architecture
Palma Cathedral
La Seu, Palma's Gothic cathedral, rises above the old sea walls and has one of Europe's largest rose windows. Antoni Gaudí reworked the interior in the early 1900s, and Miquel Barceló's ceramic chapel is the modern counterpoint.
- 3Beach
Menorca's southern coves
Cala Macarella, Cala Turqueta and their neighbours are pine-fringed coves of white sand and clear water on Menorca's south coast. In summer use the shuttle buses or walk the Camí de Cavalls coastal path, as car parks fill early.
- 4History
Dalt Vila, Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town's walled upper town sits behind 16th-century Renaissance bastions, with the cathedral at the top and views over the harbour. It is UNESCO-listed together with the island's Phoenician sites and seagrass meadows.
- 5Beach
Ses Illetes, Formentera
A narrow sand spit on Formentera's northern tip, with water as clear as anywhere in the Mediterranean thanks to the protected seagrass meadows offshore. The fast ferry from Ibiza Town takes about half an hour.
Where to stay
Palma, Mallorca
A proper Spanish city with a historic centre, tapas bars and city beaches, open all year and ideal for short breaks and cyclists.
Port de Pollença, Mallorca
A calm, shallow bay in Mallorca's north, popular with British families, walkers and cyclists, with quick access to the Tramuntana and Formentor.
Ciutadella, Menorca
Menorca's elegant former capital, with a small harbour, good restaurants and the best southern coves nearby; suits couples and families wanting quiet.
Santa Eulària des Riu, Ibiza
Ibiza's calmer, family-friendly side, with a promenade, sandy beaches and good restaurants, well away from the San Antonio party crowd.
When to go to Balearic Islands
Best time: May–Jun, Sep.
Average climate in Palma, Mallorca
How much does Balearic Islands cost?
Per person per day excluding flights. Return flights from London typically cost £90 off-peak and £350 in school holidays.
Visas & entry for Balearic Islands
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in Spain are different.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Rabies
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Spain
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Tue 8 Dec 2026 | Immaculate Conception |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Wed 6 Jan 2027 | Epiphany |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Tue 12 Oct 2027 | National Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- Hotels and holiday lets add the Balearic sustainable tourism tax per adult per night, paid locally and higher at upmarket hotels; under-16s are exempt.
- Outside Palma, many hotels and restaurants on Ibiza, Menorca and in Mallorca's resorts close from November to March; for a winter break, base yourself in Palma.
Plugs, money, phrases, emergency numbers and more: see our Spain guide.
Crete
Turkish Riviera (Antalya, Dalaman coast)