Beach, Bar or Relax: Best of the Balearics

Located in the Balearic Sea off the east coast of Spain, the Balearic islands - made up of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera - boast some of the best beach resorts in the whole of Europe, and with literally hundreds of different locations to choose from you're sure to find the perfect holiday for you.

Aside from the gorgeous weather, great food and crystal clear waters of this small yet highly popular archipelago, perhaps the best thing about the Balearic Islands is the sheer variety of destinations on offer. The bustling nightclubs of Ibiza seem a world away from the peaceful coves of Alcudia or Cala Llonga, despite the fact that the largest island measures less than 80 miles across. Very few places in the world can claim to offer so much and cater to so many different tastes in such a small space.

So if you're thinking of booking a sun-drenched holiday but don't know where to head to then read on. We've put together a small smattering of ideas for every type of traveller.

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Beach

The Balearic Islands certainly don't suffer from any shortage of sun, sand or surf, so if it's a beach holiday you're after then you're bound to find the perfect spot here. The largest beach in the region can be found at Alcudia in northern Majorca, which is a real tourist hotspot offering everything you could ever want from a coastal resort. With fine white sand stretching for 7km it's the perfect place for sun-worshipers and water sports enthusiasts alike.

Those holidaymakers looking for a bit of excitement will find a range of activities on offer all along the stretch of beach that runs from the marina to Ciudad Blanca, with windsurfing and parasailing popular choices.

Being the main centre of tourism in Majorca, there's always something going on in Alcudia, although for those looking to get away from it all Cala'n Bosch is another great choice. Known as a family-friendly destination with two medium-sized sandy beaches and a number of great hotels, the area is perfect for those looking to bag a bargain on an all-inclusive Menorca holiday online. Many of the hotels here organise their own entertainment, so it's a great choice for families travelling with children.

Elsewhere on Menorca, the island's longest beach can be found at Son Bou, where the gentle tides all along the 2km sandy bay are extremely safe for children.

Bar

The Balearic Islands also contain the number one spot in the whole of Europe for party animals. The San Antonio area of Ibiza is home to some of the most famous nightclubs on the planet, including the likes of Eden and Es Paradis, while the so-called Sunset Strip is known to offer some of the most stunning sunsets around, which can be enjoyed from one of the many bars that line the waterfront.

Over on the Island of Majorca, Magaluf also has a reputation as a great spot for partying and even features the largest nightclub in Europe, BCM Planet Dance. The Baywatch Bar is also becoming a popular choice among revellers for its now infamous 'body shots' (use your imagination if you don't know what these are!).

For those who want great nightlife but would prefer something slightly more low-key, Palma Nova is just a short journey away from the more intense Magaluf.

Relax

While staying active is all well and good for some, there's a lot to be said for doing absolutely nothing on holiday, and the Balearics offer some great locations for lounging around. Menorca's S'Algar is a quiet resort that features a man-made beach using imported sand, and provides a number of great spots to chill out and watch the windsurfers and water-skiers who frequent the area.

Cala Llonga, which sits around 10km north of Ibiza Town on the east coast of the island, has only been a tourist destination for a few decades, having previously been made up of nothing but farmland. This is a particularly good spot for British holidaymakers as most of the area's development has been overseen by businessmen from the UK, meaning the area has a distinctly British feel and contains a number of home comforts.