In the battle of the Balearic Islands, Ibiza often overshadows Formentera, Mallorca, and Menorca, but the latter three can more than hold their own against the White Isle – especially when it comes to activities and architecture.
Of course, if you like your holidays to come with a super club vibe, one may measure up a bit better than the other, but each has its fair share of pros and cons – all of which my girlfriends and I weighed while planning an upcoming holiday. For the benefit of the other Travelettes out there, I’ve put together this best-of list for Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca to help you decide on the Balearic break that’s right for you.
Ibiza
The best bits
You can’t talk about Ibiza without mentioning clubbing, though it’s important to point out there is far more to the island. While you may want to pay a trip to the massive clubs of San Antonio, Ibiza is equally as popular for family holidays. The largest city, Ibiza Town, is an architecture haven, which boasts a world heritage area. There is good shopping too – from fancy boutiques to beach front stalls, and elsewhere you’ll find the Es Cana market, famed for its hippy wares.
Travel here if…
Ibiza is known for clubbing, shopping and the fabulous yachts mooring in the marinas. Santa Eulalia is starting to amass a strong foodie following and the gorgeous flora and fauna on the island provides plentiful photo opportunities.
Be aware of…
Drinking in the major resorts is a superbly expensive affair as is club entry, though you can budget this by buying tickets in advance. You may also encounter similar pricing problems in restaurants as costs can be elevated to compensate for the short season.
Formentera
The best bits
Ibiza’s southern sister has a very laid back vibe, though that is not to say entertainment can’t be found on the island. With a 69-mile coast of white sand there are startling similarities with the Caribbean. Comparisons are made more prominent thanks to the beachfront architecture that remains under conservation protection. Wander through the sleepy town’s hippy markets, take a peek at Bob Dylan’s 60s hideaway, or sip sangria at a chiringuita.
Travel here if…Â
Those interested in marine life should check out the Freus Marine Reserve, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Balearic Islands that was actually the first natural site in the whole Mediterranean to gain the coveted title. Formentera is famed for its stunning sunsets, watch from the beach or at Es Cap de Barbaria Lighthouse, which is said to be the best spot on the whole island.
Be aware of…
Truth be told, Formentera is not big on nightlife, you’ll find some lovely cocktail bars that will more than quench your thirst but if it’s clubbing you crave Ibiza is just a 30 minute trip away by boat.
Mallorca
The best bits
Mallorcas’ clubbing capital Magaluf is currently working on a rebrand to counter its reputation as a boozy resort, but it is definitely the place to head if you want to see world-class DJs in sunny spots. The resort stands in contrast to other areas of the island – the North of Mallorca is far quieter than the South West where you stumble upon big clubs and all-inclusive package holiday resorts. The North East of Mallorca is particularly picturesque and boasts beautiful coastline alongside the Llevant National Park nature reserve. Shopping enthusiasts should head to the island’s capital Palma where an abundance of shops can be explored alongside art, history and architecture. The Miro foundation is just a few miles from the city and is a must-visit for the culturally inclined.
Travel here if…
If you’re an active type, Mallorca is a great holiday destination – walking, swimming, sailing, golfing and cycling are all offered in abundance. With hills and mountains to climb and coasts to explore, you can choose how leisurely your leisure activities are!
Be aware of…
Jellyfish! Swimmers should be aware that there are some small jellyfish in the waters that can give you a nasty sting. If you’re walking or cycling, make sure you cover up and wear cream to protect you from the sun. In busy touristy resorts you should watch out for the usual tourist scams and pickpocketing. The mountainous Mallorcan roads are very scenic, but are often steep and winding. With this in mind, be aware of other road users at all times, particularly the Lycra-clad cyclists who flock to Mallorca for sports holidays.
Menorca
The best bits
The Menorca coastline proves that size really isn’t everything. It may be one fifth of the size of Mallorca, but Menorca boasts more beaches, which are thankfully populated with fewer high-rise hotel buildings. The island was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, which means there’s a higher degree of control over urban development and beautiful areas for walking and photography. The capital Mahon is significantly smaller and less cosmopolitan than rival Palma, nevertheless, it boasts some impressive Georgian architecture and a fantastic fish market. If you’re a bit of a foodie, the markets are well worth a visit. You can eat on site at tapas stalls or make a fresh fish purchase to cook back at your apartment. Sample local cuisine galore by choosing a self-catering break on the island and explore the wide variety of delicacies.
Travel here if…
If you’re looking for a tranquil holiday where you can soak up the environment around you as well as sunshine, Menorca is the destination for you. Activities to try on the island include walking, painting and birdwatching. While it’s not a party resort, there’s more to interest and intrigue than you might expect. Perhaps give Menorca a miss if you’re planning a stag or hen do though.
Be aware of…
As a fairly quiet spot, Menorca typically winds down in the colder months. This means many restaurants, bars and other attractions do close between November and March so be prepared to make your own entertainment a little if you choose to visit during this time. Opting for self catering accommodation where you can cook for yourself means you won’t need to rely on restaurants being open and there’s still plenty of attractions that aren’t aimed directly at tourists.
Whichever island you choose, you can be pretty sure of welcoming weather during the months of April to November, which makes either Balearic break a good bet in most people’s books. As for us, we went with Mallorca! We wanted the party atmosphere but a place to stay that could accommodate eight and wasn’t an impersonal hotel. We found an awesome villa with a kitchen and a pool through this platform – we’ll be living the high-life!
Our trip is still upcoming – do you have any tips and recommendations about what we need to do and see on our trip to Mallorca?
This is a guest post by Alyssa James who writes and blogs on her website.
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