Travel to the Balearics

The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is best known for the wild nightlife of Magaluf and its huge tourist complexes.

But that would be to miss the point. Majorca hides some very beautiful beaches that have been spared mass tourism. This is particularly true of Cala d'or, a seaside resort bursting with charm, with coves lined with pine trees and shimmering turquoise waters.

The area around Cala d'or beach is also ideal for exploring the Mondrago nature park and its splendid coves. If you've already been enchanted by the coastline around Cala d'or, wait until you see what the interior of the island has in store for you. Your trip to the Balearics can't be complete without a visit to Palma.

Mallorca's capital will delight you with its superb historic buildings, including the Gothic cathedral and the Almudaina royal palace. During your stay in Palma, don't hesitate to hop on the little rustic train linking the capital of Majorca to Sóller, a pretty little town lost in the mountains.

Lovers of old buildings will also love wandering through the walled streets of Alcúdia and the charming villages of Estellencs and Valldemossa. Another must-do activity on Mallorca during your Balearic holiday is a road trip through the Serra de Tramuntana to Cape Formentor.

There, the mountains seem to plunge into the Mediterranean, offering a breathtaking backdrop at the end of the world.

The most authentic of the Balearic Islands, Menorca boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago.

Less crowded, cleaner and wilder, its stretches of white sand are a delight for idlers and surfers alike. As well as its secluded coves, Menorca has a number of pretty towns where you can enjoy a stroll in the sunshine, starting with Port Mahon, its capital.

Compared to Palma, Port Mahon has a much more British character, with its Georgian houses and buildings dating from the British occupation. Another city of interest in Menorca, Ciutadella is much more picturesque, with its magnificent palaces, cathedral and squares turning the city into a veritable open-air museum.

Finally, make the most of your stay in Menorca during your Balearic Islands holiday to sample Maó cheese, which has been produced by hand on the island for centuries. On your walks, you'll see that the island is dotted with meadows where cows graze, proof of the agricultural culture that is still very much alive in this part of Spain.

The most festive and famous island in the Balearic Islands, Ibiza attracts clubbers from all over the world to its nightclubs, where the world's greatest DJs mix.

But Ibiza is also an island full of surprises that will delight party-goers and lovers of history and nature alike. Far from the hustle and bustle of the southern beaches, the north of this Spanish island hides immaculate little villages with whitewashed houses, such as San Juan de Labritja.

Closer to the discos, the old town of Eivissa, the island's capital, invites you to step back in time in the narrow streets of Dalt Vila. This historic quarter is surrounded by ramparts and home to numerous art galleries and craft shops.

Finally, if you fancy getting away from the festive atmosphere of Ibiza for a day, don't miss a trip to the neighbouring island of Formentera. Ideal for disconnecting, it invites you to wander among its prickly pear trees and stretch out on the white sandy beaches so popular with stars from all over the world.

A trip to the Balearic Islands is a succession of atmospheres and settings under the generous Spanish sun. Book your holiday now to discover all the facets of these islands!