Flights to the Balearic Islands

There is no shortage of flights to the Balearic Islands, with hundreds a week in the busy summer months from all over the UK...

Majorca, the main island and commercial centre of the Balearics, is less than two hours' flying time from the UK. There's a regular bus from the island's airport (PMI) to the popular resort town of Palma, five miles away, and on to the sea port. Alternatively, visitors can use one of the many airport transfer services or hire a car to get from the airport to their accommodation. All the big holiday airlines, such as TUI and Jet2, offer flights from around the UK. You will also find non-stop flights from easyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian and British Airways.

Menorca is a family-driven and more laid-back island. Frequent flights from the UK and mainland Spain arrive at Mahon Airport (MAH), which is linked to the main town of Mao by a bus that stops at popular tourist accommodation sites en route. Taxis are another fairly inexpensive way to get around the island, but for complete freedom of choice and to make the most of your time, hiring a car is an excellent way to get around. In addition to easyJet and Ryanair, holiday companies such as TUI and Jet2 fly to Menorca. However, direct flights run only from early April through to the end of October. Connecting flights in winter can be found via Barcelona and Palma.

The islands of Ibiza and Formentera are serviced by Ibiza (IBZ) Airport - Formentera is a further ferry trip away. On Ibiza, there's a good provision of licensed taxis and buses to transport visitors between the airport and the three main cities. Ibiza is known for its summer party season but is equally suitable for families in the quieter, east-coast resorts. Once again, the big airlines and holiday companies operate flights from the UK to Ibiza in the warmer seasons. In winter, you can fly via Barcelona or Majorca.

The Balearic islands themselves are linked by a ferry service. Again, hiring a car, which you can take on the ferry, is an ideal way to explore each island and its sights.

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There's a huge range of options for onward travel on arrival at airports in the Balearic Islands...

Palma Airport has the biggest choice, with a range of bus services taking you into the capital within 20 minutes or on to resorts along the southern coast. There is a huge taxi rank for transport to any part of the island and one of the largest depots for car rental in Europe; you'll save money and have more choice if you pre-book before travelling. You'll also find plenty of companies offering transfer in small coaches to any of the resorts. Again booking in the UK before you travel will get you the best price.

Ibiza airport has a bus service into Ibiza Town, plus a taxi rank whose drivers are used to arrivals in the early hours. Car rental desks offer a good choice of vehicles, and you can pre-book transfers with a number of companies from here at home. The same applies in Menorca, with buses into Mahon plus the usual taxi ranks, access to hire cars and transfers from private companies.

For Formentera, take the bus or a taxi into Ibiza Town and pick up one of the many ferries over to the island. They take between 30 minutes and one hour. On arrival grab a cab to your final destination or pick up a car on arrival.

Each island has a slightly different character, but all are warm and welcoming to visitors. Accommodation ranges from basic and traditional to luxury high-end apartments and villas. The mix of self-catering, hotel and all-inclusive options should suit any group and budget...

In Majorca, you'll find something for everyone, however busy or quiet a break you want. Families head to resorts such as Alcudia in the north, with its long, gently shelving sandy beach; party crowds congregate in the interlinked resorts south-east of the capital, such as Magaluf and Palma Nova. Couples may head for the quieter, cove-style resorts on the east coast, such as Cala Bona or Puerto Pollensa in the north-west. If you fancy a city break, then the capital, Palma, is ideal for a short holiday with plenty of accommodation in the centre of town.

On Ibiza, the busiest resorts are Playa d'en Bossa and the area of San Antonio Bay. They cater for both party goers and families, although pick your hotel or apartment block carefully to ensure you get the right balance of fun and peace and quiet.

Menorca is far sleepier, with resorts strung along both the north and south coasts. Popular places to stay are Cala'n Forcat and Cala'n Bosch as well as Santo Tomas and Son Bou with its huge stretch of golden sands.

On Formentera you'll find the accommodation spread out. The small resorts of Es Pujols or Playa de Migjorn are really the only concentrated area of holiday accommodation and places to eat and drink.