




The idyllic Balearic Islands are the jewels of the Mediterranean, 120 miles southeast of Barcelona. While on holiday in the Balearic Islands you can take your pick from picture postcard sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, dramatic landscapes, clubbing in the hotspots of Ibiza and Majorca, historic cultural cities like Palma or shopping heaven in Ibiza Town.
Whether you are after golfing, historical churches, thrilling watersports or nature reserves, the beautifully diverse Balearic Islands really do have it all. All this - and just a short flight from the UK.


The Balearics enjoy 300 days of sunshine a year, and the Mediterranean climate means hot summers, mild autumns and pleasant winters. Boasting average annual temperatures of 16-17°C, the Balearic Islands are popular with visitors all year round, however the summer months are always the busiest!
During the summer months of July and August, the Balearics enjoy up to 11 hours of sunshine each day with a beautiful average temperature of 29°C and rainfall extremely rare.
The Spring and autumn months are a both a great time to visit the Balearic Islands if you prefer a more comfortable low heat, but still gloriously sunny. The temperature during these months range from 22°C to 28°C and the cooler temperatures make activities away from the beach, such as golfing, walking and cycling ideal during these months. You will see between 8-10 hours of sun, however the weather can be unpredictable and the evenings temperatures drop significantly.
Winter in the Balearic Islands are bright and crisp, with the average temperature dropping to 15°C and the hours of sun dropping to only 5. The chance of rainfall does increase during October through to February, however the weather will be significantly better than what you will find in the UK, which is why the Balearics are still a popular holiday destination during these months.
Wherever you spend your holiday in the Balearics, you'll be wondering how to fit everything in!
If cities are your thing, Palma is crammed with contemporary art galleries, a Gothic cathedral, museums, excellent shopping, and plenty of public art scattered around.
There are waterparks located nearby in Magalluf and El Arenal, while the Parc Natural de s'Albufera is perfect for wildlife lovers and birdwatchers. Ibiza Town's old quarter is a historical gem perched on a rocky promontory, and Dalt Villa, the medieval part, has a Gothic cathedral and sprawling castle. Check out the area's Museu d'Art Contemporani in Dalt Vila, with its selection of avant garde paintings and sculptures. The Lady of the Snows Cathedral is one of Ibiza's most impressive buildings. The nearby Placa de la Vila is crammed with shops, cafes and restaurants. Menorca’s capital, Mahon has an old town, with small squares, cobbled streets and a natural harbour. At the Port of Mahon are the remains of the Castle of Sant Felip, and the La Mola fort. The Museu de Menorca on Placa des Monastir holds a selection of artefacts. Just north of Mahon is the Parc Natural de S'Albufera des Grau, an important wetlands reserve area, home to many birds and superb hiking territory.
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There is no shortage of nightlife in the Balearics Islands, with everything from the coolest bars and clubs to fine dining, a sundowner on the beach to just a quiet evening on your hotel balcony with a glass of local tipple.
Experience creative dance culture at its hottest on holidays in Ibiza - one of the party capitals of the world! Resorts like San Antonio or Ibiza Town are renowned for their cutting edge dance culture and massive nightclubs. Amnesia in San Rafael is the epicentre of Ibiza's club scene, while Blues in Ibiza Town pulls in a local crowd, especially out of season.
If you fancy clubbing in Majorca, head for Magalluf, but don't write off the nightlife in Palma. Expect quieter evenings in Menorca, where tourism is less developed, and more focused on families.
The Balearics have literally hundreds of beaches. In Majorca, take your pick from long sandy beaches in Alcudia or little bays like Cala Mesquida. At Puerto Pollensa the Tramuntana Mountains run down to the sea, creating a dramatic effect with exquisite views from the beach. Majorca's west coast is rugged, but there are spots for swimming and snorkelling. For stunning views, head for the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis which shapes Sa Calobra, with rock formations, a small beach and crystal clear waters to enjoy.
Ibiza alone has more than 50 beaches. Platja d'en Bossa, a large idyllic sandy stretch south of Eivissa, with the Aguamar waterpark behind it, is popular with young clubbers and families alike. Other popular hotspots include Cala de Boix, framed by green hills, and boasting a superb view.
Menorca too is an island of idyllic beaches, particularly along its south west coast. Expect clear waters and beautiful white sands in Cala Blanca, with fewer crowds. Peace and quiet is on the menu, and beaches are attractive, although smaller than on the other islands.
The Balearic Islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, and there have been numerous important pre-historical findings - some 500 on Menorca alone. Majorca was conquered in 1229 by Jaime I, of the Spanish kingdom Aragon. Menorca became part of Aragon in 1231. The island was also attacked by pirates, and many fortifications remain. In the 18th Century, as a consequence of the treaty of Utrecht, Menorca belonged to the British empire. After a short French domination the island became part of Spain in 1802. Findings on Ibiza prove that Ibiza was an important Carthaginean colony. From 707 it was dominated by Moors, until they were thrown off by Jaime I.
There are colourful fiestas across the Balearic Islands all year round. In Majorca and Menorca, the grape harvest festivals and processions of giant papier mache heads are a specialty. The main festival on Menorca is Sant Joan, in late June. The distinctive Menorcan horse opens this festival, with rider and whooping crowds.
Other fiestas across Menorca include those at the end of July in Es Mercadal, Fornells and Es Castell. In August things get pretty spicy almost every weekend. In September, Mare de Deu de Gracia in Mao hosts its fiesta. The fiestas are essentially an excuse to have a week long party.
Attractive to everyone from fun-loving party people to families looking for a quiet break, the Balearics have a unique appeal to holidaymakers, who are drawn back year after year by the sheer diversity of these islands' appeal, and the relaxed, sun-soaked lifestyle.
On the Beach has terrific value deals on flights and accommodation right now. With so much fun and relaxation just a few moments away - what are you waiting for?