We have a challenge for you!
Think of somewhere warm, think of somewhere fun. Think of somewhere with a choice of party, pool or quite. Think of somewhere where the food is fantastic, the people sophisticated and friendly and all just a hop, skip, jump away. (Check out Holiday Supermarket to see how quick - and cheaply - you can book a Balearic Islands getaway.)
Have you made the leap to the islands of Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera yet? These beautiful islands just off the eastern coast of the Iberian peninsular make up the Balearic Islands - Spain's foremost holiday destination. The Balearic Islands are right in the most beautiful stretch of the Mediterranean; lightly kissed by the warm Spanish winds, yet cooled by the alpine winds coming down from northern Europe at nights. The Catalan food is just spectacular with hat unique Spanish taste to everything.
Palma is the capital city in the group and you can stop here or move on to your choice of island. The beauty of the Balearic Islands is this choice; do you want to party hard, rocking out 'til dawn, crash by the pool, raise your weary head for breakfast at 3pm and start all over again? One word; Ibiza.
Do you like a high quality experience? Then the Balearic Islands experience you want is on Majorca. Capital Palma has many fabulous hotels and a nightlife based around quality restaurants and bars, plus those ubiquitous sidewalk cafes that Spain does so well. Is there anything better than cruising the cafe scene, resting awhile and doing some serious people watching with a cool drink in hand?
The beaches on Majorca are the real draw card but there's plenty else to do. Visit the Cap de Formentor, for example, and prepare to be amazed. The road out to the Cape is a windy, scary, hairpin galore and full of mad cyclists and ridiculous scooter riders, but the eventual view is stunning. Wait until you see sunset out there!
If you're staying in Palma check out the Cathedral (Le Seu). This Gothic masterpiece with its solid block construction, soaring stained windows and rugged aspect dominates Palma and a visit within is well advised. Explore it on an off day perhaps and you'll appreciate the experience even more. The drinks in the surrounding cafes are a touch expensive - be warned. See if you catch the sunlight coming in through the windows - this is worth the price of entry alone.
Balearic Island holidays also include the beautiful island of Minorca. The smaller of the two islands, Minorca boasts some of the most spectacular beaches and some wondrous historical sites. A spectacular beach close to Fornells is Cala Cavalleria in the north of the island. It's relatively untouched - to the extent that you'll need to bring food and drink - and this is what delivers its charm. The red sand beach is enchanting and you access the beach by rickety wooden stairs. And if you're of a natural bent, you can make a mudpack of the red sand, red mud and saltwater and spread it over your skin. Delightful!
Mahon Port on Minorca is one of those special places that make Balearic Island holidays so famous. The beach creeps into the town, the port looks wonderful and exotic in a full on Spanish midday and you're hard pressed not to fall in love in this quaint spot! The water is warm and crystal clear and the sand warm underfoot. You'll easily spend a day here just bathing, lying ion the sun and dipping into the water again! There are dozens of little bays and the laid back atmosphere is charming.
Just south of party town Ibiza is Formentera. You can only get there by ferry from Ibiza and not that many people make the effort. The rewards for those that that do, though, are stunning. It's beautiful, unspoilt and has many magnificent beaches where swimming is just one of the simple pleasures. Make sure you visit Illetes, a lovely stretch of gorgeous white sand where you snorkel off the beach and check out the local marine wildlife, which hangs around in abundance.
If you have the time late in the afternoon, visit the Es Cap de Barberia Lighthouse. The light as the sunset catches the tower is great. The view out in the seemingly vast blue Mediterranean is spectacular and the sheer drops off the cliff edge will reengage you with your will to live!!
A popular beach? Head for Calla Saona. It's about 20 minutes from Es Pujois and the road goes through scenic farmland. The beach and the harbour with all the yachts in the anchorage area are very pretty. (You’ll want to live here!) There's plenty of people if you crave a little company but equally you can explore the rocky crags for a bit of 'me' time.
Ahh Ibiza. We've left the most famous until last. Contrary to pop opinion, Ibiza is not just party central. Well, it is, but there's much more to it. Ibiza has the Ibiza Castle to its name and this spectacular old town is what Spain is all about. Formidable walls, craggy cliffs and strong battlements. You can see and feel the attacking hordes! The castle and the museum are well worth a visit and you'll get new insight into what this part of the Mediterranean went through. It's a lovely walk up from the old town.
Ibiza town, or the old town is magical. To see it lit up at night is one of the world's great sights. The forts and old buildings, the snaking alleyways and the friendly tapas bars and drinking establishments on every second corner make this a nightlife explorers dream!
Ibiza is much more than great clubs. And the Balearic Islands truly hold something for everybody - from the inveterate clubber to the Formentera beach lover.