The Balearic Islands are a cluster of holiday islands just off the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Mallorca (or Majorca) is the biggest of the three and over the last three decades has become the most loved island for sun-sea-and-sangria with tourists from Northern Europe. Many sections of the island and particularly around the southern coastline are built up with high-rise hotels and apartments.

Aside from the gorgeous coastline however it is a different story, especially in the beautiful unspoiled Tramuntana hills. In recent times the whole island has been given a large regeneration. In the areas where many take package holidays, such as Magaluf, old-style hotels have been replaced in a symbolic effort to rebrand the island. And the capital, Palma, is now one of Spain’s most beguiling and trendiest small cities.

Ibiza is famous for its rave scene, which is concentrated in the charming hippy-chic capital of Ibiza Town, the high-rise canyons of San António and in the resort of Playa d’en Bossa. Away from these areas however, the island is remarkably rural.

A narrow channel divides Ibiza from Formentera, the smallest inhabited Balearic, fringed by soft white sands and only accessible by ferry. Although both Mallorca and Ibiza also have exceptional beaches, Menorca is renowned for its picture-postcard coves. Tourist growth on Menorca is largely low-key and the island attracts families and older holidaymakers.