By Nadine Mellor, Kids Collection Editor
The sunny Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca are perennially popular with families, yet each has its own distinct personality and vibe. Which one do you think will suit you and your family best?
1 Mallorca
The largest of the Balearics, friendly Mallorca is blessed with striking and diverse scenery: the rugged Tramuntana mountains run SW-NE along the island; its coastline is over 500km in length with over 70 delightful white-sand beaches and picturesque coves. The bustling capital, Palma de Mallorca, sits on a wide bay and has an attractive Old Town and good restaurants. Inland, on the central plain, you’ll find hidden valleys and ancient olive terraces, citrus groves and orchards, historic small towns and picturesque villages. The lovely coastal town of Soller can be accessed by train and tram.
Frequent flights and some fantastic (and affordable) family-friendly places to stay make Mallorca an ideal destination for those travelling with children.
Where to stay:
StayCatalina, Palma
A townhouse turned lovely light-filled apartments for 2-5, all with terraces or patios and well-equipped kitchenettes. It’s a short stroll to the harbour and the Old Town, and there are loads of restaurants and shops on the doorstep.
Esplendido Hotel, Puerto de Soller
On the mountainous NW coast, this hip hotel has excellent views across the horseshoe bay, bright and airy rooms (most with seaview terraces) and a swanky heated pool with a shallow section for kids. The beach below is safe and shallow, and there are boat trips, ice cream shops and tram rides to enjoy.
The Fornalutx Hideaway, North-West Mallorca
On the edge of a pretty village, this stylishly restored house comes with large windows giving onto breathtaking views of the Tramuntana mountains, a 13-metre long pool, roof terrace and wonderful large flowering garden with plenty of space and football nets. Inside is a sociable open-plan kitchen-diner opening to a gorgeous dining terrace and four bedrooms, each ensuite, and two of which can be made up as twins. Soller beach is just down the road and there’s a well stocked games cupboard and toy chest, plus gaming in the TV room.
Santanyi Townhouses, South-East Mallorca
In a honey-coloured market town, these beautifully restored townhouses sleep 6 & 8 apiece, have high spec kitchens, a secluded shaded internal courtyard with a plunge pool each, and are 10 minutes from idyllic turquoise coves.
2 Ibiza
Renowned as the home of Balearic beat, and with a well-established party reputation, Ibiza is surprisingly beautiful and peaceful away from the clubs. It boasts lots of Unesco World Heritage sites, hidden caves, secluded bays, traditional countryside and gorgeous beaches.
Where to Stay:
Agro Can Gall, Northeast Ibiza
On the wilder side of the island, this relaxed finca comes with wonderful huge grounds and flowering gardens for hide and seek, a 25m heated infinity pool with a shallow end and sun loungers, and special mealtimes for families. There’s a farm next door, plenty of kid-friendly beaches nearby and bikes to hire.
Can Talaias, Northeast Ibiza
Alternatively, this boho hilltop agriturismo has incomparable views, a vast sea-facing terrace, gardens and swimming pool, home-cooked meals, charming service, and innumerable coves within a 10-minute drive.
Can Vistabella Boutique Resort, nr Sant Antoni, Ibiza
This chic boutique resort is a short drive away from the beaches of San Antonio, but a world away: set in secluded lush gardens with a range of bungalows connected by meandering footpaths, and with a shimmering pool surrounded by muslin-draped day beds. There’s a kids menu in the excellent restaurant, and the bungalows come with basic cooking facilities for simple self-catering.
3 Menorca
The second-largest Balearic island, tranquil Menorca is the least crowded and most unspoilt of the trio. It has traditional summer fiestas, megalithic stone monuments, is rich in wildlife, yet boasts the same number of beaches as Mallorca and Ibiza combined – perfect for a relaxing potter-about family holiday.
Where to Stay:
Menorca Luxury Farmhouse, Central Menorca
This beautifully restored farmhouse in the middle of the island comes with colourful sprawling gardens, a sparkling swimming pool, and acres of farmland. It sleeps up to 12 in assorted bedrooms and annexes – so it’s a superb option for extended families. There’s a covered courtyard terrace for al fresco dining, a private tennis court and spectacular beaches are within easy reach.
The Menorca Hideaway, Central Menorca
On the outskirts of peaceful Alaior, a derelict 19th-century manor house has been re-imagined as an enchanting four-bedroomed villa with sunny patios, magical gardens and orchards, and a pool in a former water tank. It’s a quick drive away from the unspoiled beaches on the southern shore.