Destination overview

Comprising four islands that float serenely in the glittering Mediterranean, it could be said that these islands have a theme. Mallorca is the senior island, combining a little of everything, from spectacular mountain scenery and hiking through to the standard seaside tourism. Ibiza is synonymous with clubbing and is the island that gave Europe the rave. Menorca is a haven of tranquillity, with splendid isolated beaches and coves and prehistoric monuments standing as taciturn reminders of how small we are in the grand scheme of things.

And then there is tiny Formentera, a chilled-out island where some people lose themselves for the entire summer, needing little more to keep them happy than beaches and sunset parties. Known as the tranquil little sister island of Ibiza, Formentera is blessed with white sandy beaches and beautiful turquoise waters. It is one of the last outposts of paradise in Europe and is just off the coast of Ibiza.

Every year masses of tourists invade the islands in search of a piece of this multi-faceted paradise. The total population of the islands does not amount to one million, but many times that number is involved in a round-the-clock airlift and disembarkation of sun and fun seekers from Easter to October.

Surprisingly, the islands have managed to maintain much of their intrinsic beauty. Beyond the high-rise resort hotels, bars and more popular beaches are Gothic cathedrals, Stone Age ruins, fishing villages, spectacular walks, secluded coves and endless olive and almond groves and citrus orchards. And a growing range of elegant, rural retreats and A-list eateries are attracting a range of visitors beyond the party-package crowd.