Somewhere Wonderful on the Balearic Islands Is Waiting

The Balearic Islands have always held a special place in the hearts and minds of British holidaymakers. Places such as Menorca and Mallorca are popular hotspots for sunseekers and the mere mention of Ibiza conjures up images of late-night parties and excitable youngsters going on their first solo trips abroad. All that might be true, but there’s also a lot of culture, history and speciality cuisine to enjoy for anyone looking for a broader travel experience.

Here’s a closer look at the main islands that form this sunny Mediterranean region, and some of the highlights you can’t miss on your next visit.

One of the greenest islands off the coast of Spain, Menorca has your typical sandy beaches but also a fascinating coastline where trees line the outer reaches. There’s a great mixture of wildlife for anyone looking to explore the natural landscapes, plus a series of excellent facilities for international travellers. The tiny island of Isla del Rey can be easily reached from here and was once the site of a military hospital that has now been reclaimed by nature.

Mallorca stands out as the largest Balearic island and has found a sweet spot as the perfect destination for those looking for a bit more action and adventure than what’s on offer in Menorca, but not quite the hedonism for which Ibiza is best known. The island is easy to reach from mainland Spain and other parts of Europe, with the capital Palma oozing cosmopolitan cool that is a rare commodity outside of the big cities on the continent. There’s a great mix of no nonsense resorts and luxury hotels if you do opt for a holiday here, and plenty more to do with your free time.

There’s no escaping the reputation Ibiza has cultivated over the last 30 years or so as one of the liveliest party destinations in the world. Locals have come to accept it but are just as proud of what the island has to offer away from late-night DJ sets and themed club sessions. Dalt Vila is a pretty little town that has an authentic charm to it and the beaches also serve as a wonderful location for divers to explore the coast.

A short boat ride from Ibiza, but with an entirely different atmosphere, Formentera is a bohemian retreat waiting to be discovered. Explore the island on a day trip if you’re hopping from destination to destination, but we recommend spending a few days on Formentera and really soaking up the culture on offer. The chilled-out vibe is a nice change of pace and there are some fascinating architectural landmarks to discover.

On 24 May, Spain removed all additional entry requirements for visitors from the UK unless they had previously travelled to an at-risk country. A health tracker form is needed before you travel by air. Local rules vary, but in general most restaurants, cafes and shops are open. The Balearic Islands have adopted some universal guidelines such as sensible social distancing and limited capacity in some indoor venues. It’s also worth checking if the beaches you want to visit have any additional rules in place. Overall though, Spain has taken a relaxed attitude and British visitors are expected to return in big numbers throughout the summer.

Arrivals into the UK from the Balearic Islands will be welcome, as long as you take a pre-departure test plus a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on or before day two of your arrival back into the UK. If you haven’t been fully vaccinated you need to take an additional day 8 test. You won’t have to quarantine at all – unless you test positive, of course – and won’t need to take any extra tests.