Family Holidays to the Balearic Islands

Treat the family to a week or two of Balearic bliss

With average flight times of under three hours from UK airports and a choice of resorts, a Balearic holiday ticks all the right boxes when it comes to booking a family break.

With average temperatures of around 18°C in May shooting up to around 25°C in July and August, there’s plenty of scope for beach days, waterparks and excursions across the islands, which all have their own character. The largest, Majorca, is a real stunner with an eclectic capital city, Palma, to explore. Palma Cathedral is considered to be one of Majorca’s top attractions, so a visit is a must if your clan is in the area.

Ibiza, though famous as a party island, also boasts many family-friendly resorts and waterparks. Menorca is low-key by comparison and promises lazy beach days, beautiful landscapes and pretty villages.

Best family-friendly beaches

Majorca’s beaches are as diverse as its resorts – head east to Cala Millor to enjoy shallow waters and sandy coves, escape the crowds on the quieter southeast coast at Cala Llombards, or join surfers and those in search of watersports on the northern coast.

Ibiza presents lots of choice, too, with Cala Tarida beach showcasing a long, sheltered strip of platinum sands and a selection of beach bars and restaurants perfect for families. Just a 30-minute drive from Cala Tarida is Playa d’en Bossa, the largest beach on the island, offering watersports, bars and restaurants galore.

Menorca’s 200 kilometres of coastline will also provide plenty of natural playgrounds for the kids on some of the Balearics most authentic beaches. The pretty cove of Cala Canutells is a real family favourite with its velvety sands, shallow waters and beach bar serving snacks.

Best family activities in the Balearic Islands

In Majorca, kids will love the Caves of Drach, a labyrinth of underground caverns featuring enchanting stalactite and stalagmite formations and an underground lake. Visitors to Ibiza may wish to check out Ibiza Cova de Can Marca – Ibiza’s most spectacular caves system. Enhanced by lighting effects – it’s an enchanting day out. The island also has an array of activities such as 10-pin bowling, crazy golf and golfing to fun days out are definitely on the agenda. While in Menorca the whole family can also enjoy several fun waterparks including Splash Sur Menorca with its waterslides, splash park and lazy river.

Other family holiday destinations

When it comes to family holidays, the Balearic Islands are by no means the only choice. Cyprus entices with its delightful mix of historic sites and shallow waters. Thrill seekers and activity lovers may fancy a week or two in fun-packed Florida with its theme parks and attractions. Or, head to the Canary Islands to soak up year-round sunshine and lounge in well-equipped resorts. But, if Balearic bliss is what you’re after, check out our handy travel guide for top tips and hints.

Cyprus | Greece | Turkey | Florida | Tenerife

Holiday Village Majorca

The Holiday Village Majorca supplies six pools, a free shuttle bus to the beach and a kids’ clubs for newborns to 15-year-olds, so parents and children will have plenty to keep them busy. Active visitors can try archery, table tennis or work up a sweat on the multi-sports court. An artificial grass football pitch gives all the budding Beckhams out there some quality practice time, while entertainment for all ages includes party nights, pop shows and cabaret. Food-wise, even the pickiest eaters can find something to enjoy in the on-site buffet, Italian, Tex-Mex or Indian restaurants.

Sensatori Resort Ibiza

Chic, stylish and family-friendly, the TUI Sensatori Resort Ibiza lives up to its top-notch status. The Play House provides amazing kids’ activities including Silly Science Lab, Crazy Kitchen and Arts and Crafts Zone, while the Sensory Nursery for newborns up to age four will provide parents with some free time to enjoy the facilities at just a small additional charge – just make sure to pre-book from the UK to secure nursery sessions. Activities such as tennis, archery and a gym will keep the grown-ups happy and six restaurants give the family options when it comes to dining together.

Holiday Village Ibiza

Just minutes from Port d’es Torent beach, the Holiday Village is ideal for those looking for a beach-based break. On-site a playground, kids’ buffet and kids’ pool with themed areas and splash zones, promises fun for young ones, as do the five kids’ clubs available for newborns to 15-year-olds. Adults and older children can make the most of activities such as tennis, archery and table tennis while foodies can enjoy various dining options including three themed restaurants, a buffet restaurant and La Palmera snack bar.

Globales Bouganvilla Hotel

With its own waterpark, two swimming pools and range of sporting activities including water polo and mini-football, active families will love the Globales Bouganvilla Hotel. The restaurant serves buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner and there’s also a pizzeria and barbecue grill. The hotel-run kids’ clubs for ages five to 12 will keep little ones happy, as will the children’s play area. Sa Coma’s beach is around a 15-minute walk away for additional days in the sun.

Grupotel Mar De Menorca

With a large pool, family-friendly buffet restaurant and small cove nearby, the Grupotel Mar de Menorcas provides all the right ingredients for a fun-packed break. Activities are varied and include tennis, aerobics, football and water polo, plus a small gym. Head to the lounge bar for refreshments and expect daytime and evening entertainment including professional dance shows twice a week. Other features include a kids’ club, separate children’s pool and a playhouse.