Lush islands sprinkled with golden sands and glittery nightlife
Majorca encompasses all that’s great about the Balearics in one hugely varied island. Its principal resort, Alcudia, grabs your attention with a fantastic waterpark and more than six miles of stunning white sandy coastline. Nearby, also in the north of the island, Puerto Pollensa places you close to the rising peaks of a mountain range, while it also leads you to authentic bars and restaurants. In contrast, the livelier south of the island draws you towards the pulsing dance beats in Magalluf and the family-friendly water parks, crazy golf and zoos in Palma Nova.

However, if you’re really up for all-night partying, Ibiza will be your island of choice. It offers the liveliest holidays in the Balearic Islands, and yet it also features resorts of idyllic beauty a world away from the neon glow of the nightclubs. San Antonio Bay is popular, because it’s close enough to the action-packed atmosphere and sunset-strewn bars in San Antonio, whilst also having quieter streets lined with family-based restaurants and activities. Ibiza’s east coast takes on a different approach again as Es Cana brings you to Bohemian markets, and Playa d’en Bossa adjoins water parks, sports grounds and beach bars into one heady mix.

For the most peaceful holidays in the Balearic Islands, Menorca will meet your needs. Even its most popular resort, Cala’n Bosch, has a laid-back character and sheltered beaches. The juniper-lined coves of Cala’n Forcat are even more secluded, whilst Cala Galdana has one of the most breathtaking an expansive beaches in the Balearics. So whether you want to relax or pick up the pace with activities and nightlife, holidays in the Balearics are for you.

All the best of the Balearic Islands
Because holidays in the Balearics take in such a wide range of terrains and beaches, the activities and attractions you’ll come across are incredibly varied. Due to the popularity of its shorelines, you could be forgiven for thinking that all Majorca has to offer is great beaches. Yet inland it boasts mountains, forests, wetlands and caves of an incredible nature.

For instance, holidays in the north of the island, in Puerto Pollensa, will bring you within gasping distance of the Tramuntana Mountain Range. It’s highest point, the Puig Major, gives you endless views of textured rock faces that support dense fields of pine and mists drifting lightly over glassy lakes. And if you love such scenic surroundings, the Cap de Formentor at the very tip of Pollensa will astound you with its sheer edges and sharp triangular rocks that angle into flat azure waters.

Whilst beaches such as Es Trenc are a real highlight of holidays in Majorca thanks to its white sugar coated coastline, the island has plenty to offer in the form of man-made attractions too. That’s the case across history, starting with the Gothic studded spires of the 15th century Le Seu Cathedral and ending with the modern selection of slides at the Hidropark in Alcudia. Based close to Palma Nova in the capital of Majorca, Palma, Le Seu Cathedral embraces elegance both inside and out, whether you’re admiring its grand buttresses or olive-tree courtyard. Instead, the Hidropark captures your interest with all-out fun and entertainment, combining slides, wave pools and plenty of sun loungers. Stay at the Club Mac Alcudia Resort & Waterpark with Jet2holidays this summer and you’ll have unlimited entry to the Hidropark too.

Wonderful scenes continue in Ibiza, which even has a way of combining beautiful natural attractions with its wild nightlife. Head to the Sunset Strip in San Antonio and you’ll witness the burnt orange sun melting into the sea at dusk, all accompanied by the smooth chill out sounds from Café del Mar and Café Mambo that line the waterfront. As a plus point, the Mar I Vent Apartments available with Jet2holidays are just moments from these iconic bars. World famous nightspots appear elsewhere on the island too, especially on the south-eastern coast, which features the open-air terrace of Space in Playa d’en Bossa and the glamorous decor of the dance club Pacha in Ibiza Town.

Slowing the pace down a little, the Dalt Villa is the original hilltop town of the capital Ibiza Town. Climb its steep cobbled streets for a taste of authentic Ibizan culture, culminating in the Ibiza Castle perched high over the water’s edge. This historic sight is just a few miles from Playa d’en Bossa, which also provides plenty of family activities at the football pitches, mini-golf and trampolines of its sporting theme park, Club Fiestaland.

Though Menorca is the quietest option for holidays in the Balearic Islands, it still has plenty of must sees of its own. The cove at Cala’n Forcat is highly recommended for its high-sided headlands that keep you secluded even when you venture out into the emerald water. Or for even deeper headlands, you should visit the Mahon Harbour at the island’s capital, Mahon. One of the longest natural marinas in the world, it stretches for over three miles, lined with juniper trees, hillside sugar cube houses and glistening yachts. Touring the inland from Son Bou will take you to the Torre d’en Galmes, perhaps the most important archaeological site in all of the Balearics. Dating back to 1,400BC, the collection of silvery stone houses and huge boulder-built monuments proves that the appeal of staying in the Balearic Islands is timeless.

Ideal for families
Alcudia in Majorca has a fantastic water park and 6 miles of white sandy coastline for safe children’s swimming. Cala'n Bosch in Menorca is also brilliant for families, thanks to its beautifully clean golden beaches. Playa es Figueral is a real favourite too, as it places you amongst the peaceful shores in the idyllic north of Ibiza.

Ideal for friends
The ultimate partying holidays for friends start and end in San Antonio or Playa d’en Bossa in Ibiza, the range of huge clubs and stylish bars is simply staggering. Magalluf in Majorca appeals too for its cheap drinks and its activities ideal for large groups. As an alternative, Palma Nova offers a great choice of exciting watersports, whilst still being close enough to enjoy all the bars of Magalluf.

Ideal for couples
The beautiful pine walk in Puerto Pollensa in Majorca will give you plenty of opportunity to wander hand-in-hand. For fine dining in elegant surroundings, Santa Eulalia in Ibiza certainly fits the bill. Es Castell in Menorca offers perfect peace yet is close enough to enjoy all the atmosphere of the capital Mahon, with its beautiful harbour and authentic eateries.