If you’re on the hunt for a tried-and-tested beach holiday destination, look no further than these do-it-all islands in Spain. Each one offers prime package holiday settings, all less than a three-hour flight from London. Visitors flock here during the summer months for their beach and fishing village-speckled coastlines, natural sights and party credentials.
Majorca’s the biggest Balearic of the bunch, and its size means there’s plenty going on. On one hand, you’ve got the bar-spangled south, featuring the famous nightlife spot, Magaluf. Then, in the north, family holiday hive Alcudia takes centre stage. Elsewhere, Palma de Majorca, the island’s capital, lines up a neck-craning cathedral and the throwback Soller steam train, which chugs its way between mountains and through orange groves.
Menorca’s the place to go if you’re after a crowd-free, beachy break. Its 135-mile coastline packs in more sandy spots than Ibiza and Majorca combined. Playa de Son Bou, in the south, is one of the big names – it’s the longest beach on the island. Towards the west, pine-tree bracketed Cala Turqueta’s famous for its teal waters. And, inland, plenty of camera-ready walking routes wind through the countryside.
Ibiza’s got a well-deserved rep as a top party island – San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa’s clubs are the cream of the crop. But, there’s more to it than bass-heavy beats. Historical hotspots are ticked off in Ibiza Town’s Dalt Vila, while the island’s picture-perfect beaches make it easy to go with the flow. Plus, from here, you can easily pop over to neighbouring island Formentera for the day and try its sands on for size.