Balearic Islands from Birmingham

Mallorca gives you the broadest mix of beaches, historic towns, countryside and family attractions. It works well for a first visit because a single base can support several kinds of days, from time beside the sea to visits inland. Palma, the Serra de Tramuntana and the southern coast each give the island a different character.

IbizaiPhoto: Saaremees · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

MenorcaiPhoto: Cash2013 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Menorca suits travellers who value calm coastal scenery, smaller settlements and a slower rhythm. Ibiza offers beaches, lively towns, music culture and easygoing days by the water. Formentera has an island feel and works well for a holiday centred on open landscapes and sea swims, though travellers should check the ferry arrangements that suit their dates.

Think about the kind of holiday you want before choosing the island. Families often find Mallorca and Menorca practical for variety, couples can choose betweenIbiza's varied scene and Mallorca's quieter corners, and active travellers may prefer routes combining walks with coastal days. The right choice comes down to your interests, preferred pace and the accommodation area that suits your group.

A balanced week based around Palma can begin with the city's architecture, waterfront and local meals. Use the first day to settle in after the flight from Birmingham and keep the schedule gentle. A second morning can explore the old city before the plan heads towards the Serra de Tramontana for scenery, villages and a change of pace.

The middle of the week suits a change of coast. Build a day around a scenic drive, a hill walk, a beach stop and a long lunch, allowing the afternoon to remain flexible. A visit to Sóller can connect mountain scenery with a recognisable town centre, while the western coast provides places for open-air dining and time by the water.

Reserve the final days for Palma, a coastal excursion or a slower finish near your accommodation. A packed itinerary can place several activities in one day, while a relaxed plan benefits from one or two stops. Leave room for a swim, a café stop and a walk through the lanes near your base, since the island rewards travellers who balance discovery with time outdoors.

Daytime highs range from 14 °C in January to 30 °C in August. Rain is rarest in July (2 days) and most frequent in September (11 days). The sunniest month is June with 11 hours a day.

For walking and sightseeing in pleasant warmth, aim for May, June, July, August, September and October.

With 30 °C by day and 25 °C at night and 5 rain days in August, pack for heat. Your plan builds this list for you and updates it when you change the dates.

Menorca works well for a week centred on Ciutadella, the coast and unhurried days outdoors. Spend time exploring the old town, visiting nearby coves and following walking routes through the countryside. A relaxed pace gives you space to repeat a favourite beach, try a local restaurant and adjust the plan around the weather.

Ibiza suits a holiday that combines the sea with variety. Old towns, coastal viewpoints, beaches and evening entertainment can occupy the same week without repeating the same routine. Choose a base that matches your evenings, whether you want convenient access to restaurants, music venues or a quieter setting from which to explore by day.

Formentera makes sense when the focus is a short, scenery led island break. Build the days around beaches, cycling, walking and time outdoors, then organise transport around the dates you choose. Since island travel involves connections as well as the flight, allow the plan to show each transfer clearly and keep the final day free from unnecessary commitments.