Balearic Islands from London Heathrow

Mallorca suits travellers who want a varied island holiday. Its coastline combines sandy beaches, rocky coves, mountain scenery and historic towns, so a week can include swimming, walking and easy food-focused evenings. Palma suits travellers who value a strong city base, while quieter resorts and coastal villages suit those who prefer a slower rhythm away from busier centres.

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

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

Menorca has an especially relaxed character, with countryside routes, coves and villages that work well for couples and families seeking space around the accommodation. Ibiza offers beaches, coastal viewpoints, lively towns and a broad mix of places to stay. Formentera is a natural choice when clear water, open landscapes and a short, uncomplicated island stay suit the group.

Think about the holiday before choosing the flight destination. A family with a packed daily programme may value airport access and a straightforward resort transfer. A couple seeking walking and quiet evenings may prefer a village or rural coastline. Splitting a longer trip between two islands offers variety, though it means moving bases and planning transfers carefully.

For a seven day Mallorca plan, start in Palma and use the city for historic streets, local markets and a straightforward introduction to the island. Keep the first day light after the journey, with time to settle into the accommodation and explore nearby at your own pace. Palma also works well as a base for a longer city break within the holiday.

Change base for the middle of the week and spend the daytime around the coast. Days in the southwest can centre on beaches and clear water, while trips towards the mountain foothills add scenery and walking. A balanced itinerary should leave space for swimming, a scenic drive or a village meal without filling every available hour.

Finish with several days in a quieter coastal area. From there, visits to nearby coves, small towns and viewpoints can be arranged with short journeys between stops. The final day is best kept flexible, with time for the market, a final swim and an easy return to the departure point. Review transfer details and every booked item before setting out.

August is the hottest month at 30 °C, while January drops to 14 °C. July is the driest with 2 rain days and September the wettest with 11. June brings the most sun, around 11 hours daily.

Comfortable sightseeing weather, with highs between the low twenties and about thirty degrees, comes in May, June, July, August, September and October.

For August, plan for heat: 30 °C in the day, 25 °C after dark, 5 days of rain. The packing list in your plan adjusts itself to the month and the days you pick.

Families often find Mallorca gives them the broadest choice of beach days, child-friendly places and varied scenery. A plan can alternate between a pool or beach morning, a practical lunch and a shorter afternoon activity. Staying in one area for several nights also makes daily organisation easier and leaves more time to enjoy the holiday.

Menorca suits travellers who prefer a gentle pace. Build days around coastal walks, a swim, a village visit and a long lunch. Ibiza works well for groups combining beach time with cultural visits, shopping or evening plans in towns suited to their interests. Formentera suits a short break centred on open landscapes, cycling and the coast.

Couples can choose a relaxed pace with one or two stops daily, while friends travelling together may prefer a balanced plan. The side panel can change the arrangement when your priorities change. Ask it to move a beach day, replace an inland activity or make the final day more restful, and the map updates around those choices.