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Balearic Sea Legend tells that the winds of Menorca modify the personality of people. Maybe that is the reason why those who came here once as tourists mostly return ... Menorca certainly has a very strong personality, and a very different one to the rest of the islands. Menorca, the "minor" island, as it was called by Romans, has an almost virginal interior (compared for instance to the "major" island, Mallorca) and shows interesting remains of its old history. On the other hand, there are beaches and lonely bays around it at a length of 216 kilometers. An ideal resort for all those who are looking for true relaxation.
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MENORCAMenorca or Minorca, whatever way you prefer to spell it, and whatever way you wish to pronounce it, is the second largest of Balearic Islands, and along with its sister islands of Majorca and Ibiza, lies in the Mediterranean Sea off the South East coast of mainland Spain. The main tourist airport at Mahon is a fairly small, but nevertheless modern facility, however, on departure be aware that the luggage trollies will need either a 50 cent or 1 Euro coin to release them. Despite the onset of mass tourism in the 1960's, Menorca still remains relatively un-spoilt and quiet when compared to its neighbours. The resorts do tend to be concentrated along the islands south coast and are almost all purpose-built in the last 30 years to meet the ever increasing demand for accommodation. In contrast to the south of the island, the north coast is very rugged with very picturesque horse shoe bays. Mount Toro is the only real mountain on Menorca, and is well worth a visit to the monastery at its peak. The only main road joins Mahon in the East to the former capital Ciudadela in the West and this road effectively splits the island in two.
The bay at Arenal d'en Castell is a near perfect horse shoe, it's warm shallow waters make this resort very popular with families with young children. But as with all beaches, do watch out for the safety flags, green means safe, yellow warns you to be careful and red you mustn't swim at all. The beach is without doubt a major attraction to this resort with fine, clean sand and a good variety of water sports and other facilities available to suit all tastes.
The cliffs that surround the bay are very picturesque and afford those with accommodation at the back of the resort spectacular views. However, for those less mobile, or families with very young children, please bear in mind that the walk to the beach is considerably easier than the return trip at the end of the day!
There are a number of small supermarkets and other tourist type shops dotted around the resort, the "biggest" being at the Coves Noves centre a few minutes walk from the beach.
As with most resorts in Menorca, evening entertainment is mainly hotel based, however, the resort does have a small number of lively bars.
Cala Blanca is one of Minorca's newest resorts, being built in the early 1990's to cater for an increasing demand for holiday accommodation on the island. The town itself now stretches from the original beach at Cala Blanca, through a confusing one way system, north towards Ciudadela, until it finally merges with neighbouring Cala Santandria. The two small beaches are very clean, with fine gently shelving sand, protected by rocky sides, but be aware they can become very busy in high season. Both also offer a fair variety of water sports for hire. The resort does have a good pedestrianised shopping area in the centre of the town around the Maribel area , with a good range of souvenir shops and supermarkets. A regular bus service runs into Ciudadela every hour during the summer months, and also the more leisurely mini train runs around the resort during the day. As with most resorts in Menorca, evening entertainment is mainly hotel based, however, the resort does have a few music bars and even a disco at Santandria. In general, Cala Blanca is best suited for those looking for a simple no-frills self catering holiday. Cala Galdana As with the resort of Arenal d'en Castell in the north, Cala Galdana is a near perfect horse shoe bay, surrounded by almost vertical pine clad cliffs. Without a doubt this resort is considered to be the most beautiful and picturesque on the island, and frequently features on the cover of many of the tour operators brochures. The height of these cliffs also gives those with accommodation at the top, spectacular views over the bay. However, for those less mobile, or families with young children, please bear in mind that access to the beach may be via a considerable number of steps. So choose your holiday accomodation carefully. The warm shallow waters make Cala Galdana very popular with families, and the beach is without doubt a major attraction to the resort with fine, clean sand and a good variety of water sports and other facilities available. By Menorcan standards the town is served by a good bus service. In high season a bus runs 5 times a day into the nearby town of Ferreries, and for the more adventurous connections are then available to both Mahon and Ciudadela. Cala Galdana is split by the only river on the island, but don't get too excited it only stretches 500m inland and ends in a marshy bog, which in high summer can get a bit smelly.
For all intents and purposes the three resort centres of Cala'n Forcat, Cala'n Blanes and Los Delfines are merged to form the one resort 2 miles to the west of Ciudadela. In typically Spanish style this appears to have been done without any central master plan. The coast around this area is very rugged, with deep rocky inlets and little or no beach area. Cala'n Blanes has probably the best beach in the area, but this can become very crowded. Cala'n Forcat beach is little more than a deep inlet with a number of concrete platforms to dive or swim off. This area of Menorca is without doubt the most liveliest on the island, of which the Los Delfines complex forms the heart, as a result the area does tend to attract families with young children and younger couples. Moving between the three centres is fairly easy, as with most resorts a Mini Train runs a regular service in the summer months, and also buses run into Ciudadela every hour, with a few going as far south as Cala'n Bosch. The Los Delfines area should satisfy your everyday shopping needs, but for a wider selection of designer labels and local crafts you will need to head into Ciudadela. Cala'n Bosch As with nearby Cala Blanca, the resort is still quite new, and now stretches over several square miles into Son Xoriguer. The focal point of the resort is it's man made marina, which is usually full of small to mid size yachts and leisure craft. The resort has two fair sized sandy beaches, although the rest of the coastline in the area is very rocky. Both beaches offer a good selection of water sports for hire. The towns shopping area is centred around the north of the marina , and has a good range of souvenir shops and supermarkets. A regular bus service runs into Ciudadela every hour during the summer months, and also the more leisurely mini train runs around the resort into Son Xoriguer during the day As with most resorts in Menorca, evening entertainment is mainly hotel based, and as yet the resort does not have any clubs or discos. Cala'n Bosch is best suited for a get a way from it family holiday or older couples not looking for too many activities.
The town, its accommodation, and most of its amenities, sit proudly on the high cliffs overlooking the beach area. The most direct route between the two is via a steep set of 192 steps. A mini train does run between the two points but at a cost of 4 Euro's per person, this may prove to be a costly option for a two week family holiday. Once there the beach is very large and being protected on three sides by the cliffs becomes a suntrap during the heat of the day. By Menorcan standards Cala'n Porter can be described as being lively, but don't go expecting to find a Magaluf, Menorca just isn't like that. The resort has a fair selection of shops and supermarkets to meet your everyday essential needs, with most stocking a wide selection of UK recognised brands. Seven buses a day run into nearby Mahon during the Summer months. Punta Prima Even by Menorcan standards this resort has to be described as being quiet, and for many a little too quiet. But if all you are looking for is a beach, a couple of hotels and a shop, this may be the very place for you. Punta Prima has a large sandy beach of fine white sand that is spoilt by an ugly concrete structure that we understand is to be demolished sometime "soon". Also, the beach does get very busy at weekends with its close proximity to Mahon. The sea although very alluring, can also be quite dangerous. Caution is needed when swimming due to strong offshore currents and rocks hidden under the waves. The resort has a few basic tourist shops but little else to spend your Euro on. There is a bus service into Mahon 8 times a day during the summer, and the 20 minute trip costs just over 1 Euro each way. For the more adventurous connections are then available to the rest of the island. A mini train runs from Punta Prima to Binibeca until late in the evening.
S'Algar is a small purpose built resort that's made a name for itself for its sports facilities rather than for its small man made beach. S'Algar is spotlessly clean and there seems to be an army of gardeners and cleaners who maintain the village on an almost daily basis. Although, Menorca is certainly not the crime capital of Europe, S'Algar being so small gives you a feeling a "safety" and isolation from the rest of the world. The town has a good bus service into Mahon 6 times a day during the summer months, and for the more adventurous connections are then available to the rest of the island. Santo Tomas Santo Tomas is a purpose built resort, although there is a real Menorcan village of Es Migjorn Gran just a few miles inland which you will drive through on your way into the resort. Here the local fiesta is held during the last weekend in July. The village has a single main street with 2 small commercial centres on either side, selling the usual array of tourist and beach goods. You may be impressed by the fact that Santo Tomas has 3 supermarkets, but since they are all owned by the same company there is really very little variety in the goods sold and no competition in the prices. Just behind the beach there is a lovely block paved promenade, which starts at the Hotel Victoria Playa and runs the full length of the resort. The path passes a number of playgrounds for the children to play in, and the pool areas of many of the other hotels. Next to the Vicroria Playa Hotel is a small wooded area that is very popular with the local Menorcan families at weekends, and beyond this rocky outcrop a path takes you over the cliffs to nearby Son Bou. The walk will take around 45 minutes and there are no bars or shops on the way, so take a drink with you. An added "bonus" on the walk is as you approach Son Bou the path takes you through the nudist beach area. The town has a somewhat patchy bus service into Mahon, Ciudadela and Es Migjorn Gran. Most unusual for anywhere in Spain the 9:15 bus to Mahon can leave as early as 8:50 if the driver feels like it. Evening entertainment is mainly hotel based.
As you drive into the resort for the first time the contrast of the blue sea and gorgeous beach will take you breath away. It is lovely. But if you remember, look back at the cliffs. Yes, those caves are inhabited even today. Son Bou has a longest, but not necessarily widest, beach on the island with almost 2 miles of fine white sand backed in the most part by a protected area of sand dunes and freshwater marshes. A couple of words of warning though, the only access to the beach is near to the two big Sol Hotels at the far end of the resort, so if your accommodation is at the other end be prepared for a long walk each day. Also despite its size, the beach does get very busy at weekends. Although not officially allowed in Menorca, the western end of Son Bou beach, going towards San Tomas, is recognised as a nudist beach. The resort has a few basic tourist shops split between 2 commercial centres. One opposite the Sol Hotels and the other near to the Son Jaime complex. The town has a bus service into Mahon 5 times a day during the summer, and for the more adventurous connections are then available to the rest of the island. Alayor is the nearest real town to Son Bou, at 5 miles inland. The local fiesta takes place here during the first two weeks in August and a small local market every Thursday morning. Evening entertainment is mainly hotel based, but the resort does have a small disco as part of the Son Jaime complex. MALLORCA
Mallorca is the largest, most populous, and most visited of the Balearic Islands, and along with its sister islands of Minorca and Ibiza, lies in the Mediterranean Sea off the South East coast of mainland Spain.
Some areas, such as the S'Arenal district of Palma, cater to British and other Northern European package tourists who come for sun, fun, and sport. But the capital city of Palma de Mallorca has many historic sights worth seeing, and a surprising number of villages and rural areas still have much of the charm that attracted visitors and expatriates to the island in the days before resort hotels and charter flights. Alcudia
Alcudia Bay The warm shallow waters of Alcudia Bay make this resort very popular with families with young children. The beach is without doubt a major attraction to this resort with almost 8km of fine, clean sand with a wide variety of water sport and other facilities available to suit all tastes. The resort has a number of attractions to suit an active family, which include a water park and go-kart track, as well as the usual array of bars, shops and restaurants. In addition to the standard "see Majorca in a day" type trips run by most of the major tour operators, a half day boat trips runs most days from the main port area. Getting around the resort is sometimes difficult, buses are often full (especially on market days), and taxis are almost non-existent when you need one. So, be prepared to walk.
The Old Town is worth a mention, but not necessarily worth a visit, with parts of the town dating back to around 1300.
Cala Bona Cala Bona is not a purpose built holiday resort but more of a traditional town that has adapted to cater for the islands tourist market. The town has narrow streets, a wide variety of open air cafes and bars and also a small working harbour. Whilst the neighbouring resorts Cala Millor and Sa Coma have developed a very German feel, Cala Bona still remains a favourite of the English tourist. The resort has a number of small sandy beaches situated between rocky outcrops. In recent years there has been a particular problem with seaweed gathering on the beach, but hopefully the local Council are now addressing the problem and are gradually bulldozing it away.
The town has few attractions for the active family, but it is possible to walk along the new promenade from the harbour at Cala Bona to the more lively resort of Cala Millor approx. 15/20 minutes away.
Public transport on the East coast is limited, so it may be worth considering car hire to see more of the surrounding area.
Cala Millor The modern resort of Cala Millor (the better bay) is on the islands East coast, separated from its more quiet and traditional neighbour Cala Bona (the good bay) by a small rocky headland. Transfer time from the airport in the south is around 2 hours. Most of Majorca's east coast is dotted with tiny creeks and coves, however, the beach at Cala Millor stretches for more than 1km along a wide sheltered bay. This beach is considered by many to be one of the best on the island, with clear water and gently sloping sands. Parasols and sunbeds can be hired along with many water sports including a windsurfing school. The resort has a wide variety of shops, bars and restaurants catering for all tastes. The nearby resort of Cala Bona can be easily reached by a walk along the new promenade, or for the more adventurous the resort of Sa Coma is 3km to the south. Public transport along the east coast is limited so it may be worthwhile considering car hire, especially if you want to visit the nearby Caves of Drach and so avoiding the Tour Operators day trip charges. Of the 3 resorts in this area Cala Millor is without doubt the more lively and has a wide selection of bars and discos providing evening entertainment to supplement that provided by the hotels. Cala Millor has a wide appeal, but is perhaps more suited for families.
Calas de Majorca is a modern purpose built resort on the East coast of Majorca. Transfer time from the airport in the south varies between 1 hour to 1.1/2 hours. The resort is quiet and generally relaxed and is perhaps more suited for those wishing a base from which to explore the island more. Public transport is limited, so car hire is recommended. Calas de Majorca has three small sandy coves (Cala Antena, Cala Domingos Grans and Cala Domingos Petis) with the usual selection of pedalos and water sports to choose from. But beware, the sea has strong undercurrents and is not suitable for either weak swimmers or children. The Calas Express road train runs between the beaches, but if you are feeling energetic, or brave, you can always take the coastal path cut into the cliffs. The resort has a reasonable selection of bars and shops concentrated at the Centro Commercial, but little other family attractions or activities. The Sunday morning market in the nearby town of Felanitx is one of the best in Majorca and well worth a visit. This is a good place to pick up some local pottery. Evening entertainment is mainly hotel based, although the resort does have a small number of bars with live music. As with most of the East coast resorts, Calas de Majorca attracts families.
Cala d'Or today is a modern purpose built resort built from an original fishing village. The resort has now spread over approx 4km of small nearby sandy coves and creeks. The resort still has the feeling of a small village and has few, if any, high rise buildings. A large marina splits the resort in two, so unless you are prepared for quite a long walk or a ride in the tourist mini train, you are effectively isolated in whatever half of the town your accommodation lies. The town centre has a varied selection of shops, bars and restaurants, but lacks many of the other familiy attractions such as waterparks, mini golf etc. Cala Gran, close to the centre of the resort, is the largest beach. Near here is Cala d'Or itself, a pine-fringed cove with a small but crowded beach. Sunloungers, parasols and pedaloes can be hired at both of these beaches, and also at Cala Mondrago. There are around 8 or 9 other small sandy coves, which give the resort it's name, which can become extremely crowded in high season. Most have a varied selection of watersports available at reasonable rates. If Cala d'Or's beaches get too crowded, take the morning bus to Es Trenc. This beautiful beach of clear blue water and golden sand, backed by pine trees and dunes, stretches for almost 5km along the wild south-eastern shore. There's a small bar-restaurant here and you can hire sun umbrellas, but there are few other facilities and the beach rarely gets packed with bodies. Be warned though, Es Trenc is popular with nudists and the bodies that you do see are likely to be bare. Public transport around the east coast is not regular, so you may wish to consider car hire if you want to see more of the island. The Sunday morning market in the nearby town of Felanitx is one of the best in Majorca and well worth a visit. This is a good place to pick up some local pottery. Evening entertainment is not rowdy and is generally hotel based, although the resort does have a small number of lively bars and discos. C'an Picafort The resort itself has a very strong German influence, with many of the numerous bars and restaurants targeting the German tourist. C'an Picafort is not a purpose built tourist resort and still has a small working harbour from where a number of pleasure trips also depart several times each day. The resort has a beachside promenade, lined with restaurants and bars, running from the marina and fishing harbour to the Son Baulo area. The main beach area is approx 1km away from the resort centre in the Baulo district, here is also where you will find a small protected nature reserve. Parents with small children should be aware that this area has a large pool of stagnant water and is host to a number of other "less protected" species of wildlife. The beach is very clean with good facilities. Other than the bars and restaurants, the resort has very little other tourist attractions and evening entertainment is generally hotel based.
The twin resorts of Palma Nova and Magaluf are situated on the islands south west coast, approx 1 hour transfer time from the airport in nearby Palma. The two resorts now merge into one, although technically the dividing point is somewhere on the rocky headland between the two beaches. Palma Nova and Magaluf are without doubt everything you associate with Majorca. You will either have the holiday of your life or a holiday from hell, all depending on your outlook on life. Although, of the two, Palma Nova is perhaps the quieter. Both resorts have fine sandy beaches with everything on hand to part you from your money. Watersports, glass bottom boat trips, as well as countless shops, bars and restaurants are all located along the wide promenades. Majorca has had a long tradition with fine leather goods..
The resorts benefit from a good regular bus service making getting around quite easy. Also worth considering when a number of people travel together would be one of the numerous taxis. Generally, fares are very reasonable, however, experience shows that it is better to agree the fare in advance, and always try to have the correct money (plus the obligatory tip) ready. Nightlife here is described in many brochures as being "lively" or "extrovert". Both resorts have numerous English style pubs and discos which rarely close till dawn. Both resorts are more suited for those looking for an active, action packed holiday, and is certainly not suitable for long lazy days on the beach and a quiet and relaxing drink in the evening. Pollensa The original Roman town of Pollensa can still be found 5km inland from the port (Puerto) and is worth a visit whilst you are there. The bay of Pollensa is home to a multitude of luxury yachts, as well as a mixture of local fishing boats. There is a number of small natural beaches in the area, as well as a recently extended artificial one. all offering the usual selection of facilities. The inviting shallow waters make it especially popular for families with small children. There is a good selection of shops, bars and pavement cafes to choose from, and new for the 2002 season a Burger King has now opened on the sea front. In complete contrast, the resort boasts several high class fish restaurants, which are claimed to be the best on the island. The main feature of the resort is without a doubt the dramatic mountain range that surround and shelter the town. For the more active, there are numerous walks into the hills from where the views are stunning. But before you venture into the mountains be sure to take a local guide book with you which documents the walk, and tells you everything you need to know. The resort has little in the way of family type attractions and is more suited for those seeking a quiet relaxing break. Tourists have been coming to Puerto Pollensa since the 1920's and the hotels on the sea front still retain an old fashioned air, having been built long before the concrete boom of the 1960's developments. Today the town attracts mainly British families looking for something more than the hussle and bussle of the south coast resorts. Santa Ponsa The resort of Santa Ponsa is found on the south west coast of Majorca approx 5km from the infamous resorts of Palma Nova and Magaluf and 30km from the islands capital and airport in Palma. The main beach is reasonably large and has the usual variety of water sports available for hire. It should be noted that the beach is popular with both tourists and locals and does become crowded in high season. There's also a smaller beach, set in its own sheltered cove, about 15 minutes walk away which can be reached from the Avinguda Rei Jaume I. Regular boat trips run from the beach at a cost of around £10 and are excellent value for money.
The resort benefits from a frequent bus service into Palma, but beware the buses get very crowded and are a haven for pickpockets. The resort come alive in the early evening, but is never in the league of its neighbours Palma Nova and Magaluf. The towns main square has an abundance of Irish themed bars and live music catering for families and children. The resort is cheerful, easy going and is essentially a family resort. IBIZA
Internationally regarded as the Party capital of Europe, Ibiza really does have an awful lot more than its nightlife to offer. A true paradise, it is a magical island with a unique charm that combines a very modern, forward thinking attitude towards tourism with respect and tradition. Ibiza has some of the best beaches in the world and during the holiday season sun seekers flock to them in their hordes. The water is also amongst the cleanest in the Med, making it a dream come true for water-sport enthusiasts. A favourite spot with families and those looking for a quieter holiday is Santa Eulalia. Sited on the banks of the only river in the Balearics it is Ibiza's Gastronomic and Cultural Centre. Its most famous gathering place is Calle San Vincente or Street of Restaurants', where people come to relax, drink, eat and socialise as musicians and artists wander amongst the crowd, creating an idyllic Mediterranean scene.
San Antonia
San Antonio Bay The Bay of San Antonio is ideal for a holiday in quieter surroundings, but it's still near enough to make the most of all the action in San Antonio itself. Well it's not 'that' quiet - you'll find some great bars and smaller clubs and plenty of other things to do right there in the Bay.
Nightlife and Entertainment
You can chill out with the island's original trance scene in the fantastically decorated Kumharas - now that's an ambient sunset! Or you can enjoy some good old fashioned entertainment - live music, comedians, flamenco, cabaret and more.
Ibiza town Ibiza Town really is THE most fascinating part of the island, day or night. Here you will see, in glorious living colour, a concentration of all the attractions and eccentricities which have made Ibiza world famous. You can stroll through the winding lanes of the Port area, soaking up the vibrant, evening atmosphere; wander up through the cobbled streets of the Old Town to admire the stunning views across the bay; browse through the many and varied stalls and designer shops; dine in a paveside restaurant, for a moment of blissful calm amidst the action; you can even catch a ferry to Formentera or the neighbouring beaches!
By night
As the day cools down the long Ibizan night warms up. In town, most of the action is located in the narrow streets of the old quarter. It's here where the onset of evening witnesses a startling transformation as Ibiza's extraordinary nocturnal fauna begins to stir. 'See and be seen' is the rule of the night as Ibiza's beautiful people emerge to rub shoulder pads with transvestites, the likes of which you've never seen before, ticket touts atop stilts and throngs of partygoers. A little higher up, towards the Cathedral, the hippie-chic boutiques, fetish shops and many gay bars which line the Calle de la virgin make for a fascinating midnight stroll. Figueretas This small suburb, with an international mixture of tourists and locals has a selection of cafés, bars and restaurants throughout the area, catering for all tastes. In the main section of the promenade from early evening until late, appear artists, caricaturists and artisans with little market stalls offering all sorts of trinkets & handmade items - something for eveybody. Along the left side, at the end of Ramon Muntaner there is a car park where you can stop and take in the panoramic view, or enjoy an ice-cream, refreshment or snack in one of the little café bars.
Playa de Bossa A large resort, which offers a variety of entertainment. There is a selection of restaurants, catering for the wide ranging tourists - with cocktail or coffee bars, some of which host live entertainment, and there are plenty of attractions for the kids. There are some excellent clubs and bars in the area, offering sounds for differing music tastes. The hotels and most apartments are all within five minutes walking distance of the beach, most are situated either side of the long palm-lined main street
The Beach Santa Eulalia Santa Eulalia, Ibiza's third largest resort is only 21 kms from the airport and is a beloved destination for families and those seeking a quieter holiday. There is a beautiful, palm-lined promenade running the length of the broad and sandy beach, (which is perfectly safe for the kids), and some excellent hotels and apartments in and around the town itself. Santa Eulalia has a long-established reputation as the island's gastronomic and cultural centre. Art Galleries, the beautiful and exclusive Yacht Marina, some of the island's best restaurants, some very exclusive shopping, and a thriving all-year community, ensure that life in Santa Eulalia is led at a rather slower and more relaxing pace, than in Ibiza or San Antonio. There are some excellent bars here, but none of the clubbers or that famous Ibiza nightlife. Es Cana Very much a family resort, with a long, crescent-shaped sandy beach and a small harbour for fishing boats, where you can catch a ferry to Ibiza Town, Santa Eulalia or even Formentera. Well known for the Hippy Market, which takes place every wednesday, Es Caná enjoys increasing popularity amongst those looking for all the advantages of a resort combined with the peace and beauty of the East of the island.
Cala Llonga A complete mini resort. Magnificent wide sandy beach borders the immensely picturesque Bay with pineclad hills on either side. Shallow waters to quite a way out, safe for children and less-experienced windsurfers etc. No shade so take cover-ups. Reached by ferry boat which runs daily from Santa Eulalia or bus or car. 30 years ago Cala Llonga could only be reached by boat. It has certainly come a long way since then, providing all the amenities you could possibly wish for to make that holiday a perfect one. Shops, supermarkets, bars, cafés and restaurants, Cala Llonga has become a much loved and thriving resort.
Portinatx A complete mini resort, ideal for families, and one of Ibiza's best known beauty spots, it's the focus of the Round The Island excursion, and has three good, sandy beaches to choose from. The largest is in the Bay across from the main Coach Park; little S'Arenal Petit, which is more private, is around the corner from the rocky promontory to the left. The third is Playa Porto Beach, surrounded by little pineclad hillocks, it is in a little cove at the end of the main road.
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Arenal d'en Castell
Cala Blanca
Cala'n Blanes
Cala'n Porter
S'Algar
Son Bou
Since the onset of mass tourism in the 1960's, Mallorca has without doubt, been one of the most popular holiday destinations for all nationalities, offering a wide range of attractions to suit all tastes. As a generalisation, the resorts on the islands south coast are the more lively and perhaps more suited for groups of young singles, or those seeking an active nightlife.
If the frantic resorts in the south of the island are not to your taste, then Alcudia may be the place you are looking for.
The resort itself is spread either side of the busy coast road, and lacks a centre or focal point. When booking it may be worth checking on which side of this road your accommodation is situated. For the more adventurous this road does have a dedicated cycle lane running the full length of the resort, which on occasions you do have to share with taxis, or locals who can't be bothered with the formality of using the main road. Bicycle hire is plentiful and relatively cheap.
Over the past 12 months the local council has visibly spent many millions of pts improving the appearance and general upkeep of the public areas of the town, something that can only be a benefit in the long term if visitors return.
Alcudia is not a loud resort. Evening entertainment is mainly hotel based, however, the resort does have a small number of discos.
Evening entertainment here is not rowdy and is generally hotel based, although over the past few years a number of more lively bars have started to appear.
The resort is not particularly suited to those seeking an active holiday, but perhaps those looking for a relaxing break.
Calas de Majorca
Cala d'Or
Magaluf
For those on self catering breaks you will never be more than a few hundred yards from either McDonalds, Wimpey, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut etc. You will never starve as long as you have money to spend. If you ever tire of fast food, Palma Nova also has a number of more traditional restaurants along the seafront.
The beach at Palma Nova is also quieter than the one in Magaluf, simply because there is less hotels there. However, both beaches are kept very tidy, partly due to the fact that it is illegal to drink alcohol on the beach or to take glass bottles of any kind on them.
A typical Spanish town they are not, Blackpool with sun is perhaps nearer the mark.
During the day you are never very far from something to do, Mini Golf courses, waterparks, Marineland Dolphin Show, Magaluf and Palma Nova have them all.
Santa Ponsa has quite a good selection of cafe, bars and restaurants and excellent facilities for visitors on self catering arrangements.
Ibiza is one of the smaller Balearic Islands, situated in the western Mediterranean Sea and governed by Spain. Ibiza's landscape appears, even today, beautiful and unspoilt. On many of the exposed coastal projections are peculiar shaped towers that served as watchtowers and defence towers against pirates. These were essential because for centuries the Pitiusas were a popular target for pirates from all nations. The economy now is more than 95% dependent on tourism.
As the sun goes down Ibiza City really wakes up, the spectacular Casino making the perfect figurehead for the riot of decadence below. This really is the ultimate party town, a reputation confirmed by the thousands of young and beautiful people who make the pilgrimage every year. The ultimate venue has to be Pacha. This 5000 plus capacity nightclub has been open since the early seventies and is home to the world famous Renaissance and Ministry of Sound parties. And, after a night of wild overindulgence what could be more appealing that chilling out on a sandy beach to revitalise yourself for the night ahead. Check out Cala Tarida, Portinax or Es Cana for some superb beach.
San Antonio, really does offer something for everybody, it's an excellent starting point for all sorts of island excursions, and only 25 mins from the airport.
The pre-season months of May and June, and the later months of September and October are very popular with families with young children and couples, who enjoy the new promenade, the safe, shallow waters of the bay and the fantastic beaches, just a short ferry ride away.
July and August are the best months to come if you are looking for buzzing nightlife, although most clubs do open mid-June and close mid-September. The predominantly British holiday makers are joined in the high season by an increasing number of Germans, Italians, Scandinavian, Dutch,
.... a truly cosmopolitan town.
Beaches
Real clubbing can be enjoyed to the max in Summum, or simply catch a taxi (cheap if shared) or the Disco Bus into San Antonio Centre or further afield to Amnesia, Privilege, Ibiza Town and beyond.
There's plenty of attractions for the kids too (mini-golf, rodeo, bouncy-castles)...
..and DON'T WORRY about the prices - San Antonio Bay is probably Ibiza's best value resort!
The old town
n the many bars that line the cobbled lanes of the harbour, do take time to sit down and admire the view. You can not only take advantage of the happy-hour prices (usually the second drink for free), if you're lucky or good-looking enough, you may even become the proud recipient of one of the much-coveted free passes for the discos that night.
A well made central beach, divided into smaller parts sits in front of apartment blocks and hotels, and is bordered by a palm fringed promenade which extends along back towards Ibiza to the left and Es Vive to the right. The view from the Hotel Cenit looking down towards the Hotel Ibiza Playa on Figueretas beach.
The longest stretch on the island, and is dotted with beach bars and café's offering a variety of scenes. The clear waters are over sand and are shallow near the shore, making it ideal for the children and great for ball games.
There is little shade so make sure you take something to cover up with. Whilst sitting on the beach there are excellent views of D'Alt Vila and fabulous close ups of low flying aircraft.
Es Cana is a very popular holiday resort, complete with all amenities, and has some stunning coastline to explore; to the north the walk to Cala Nova and Cala Leña takes in idyllic places to rest in the shade or to swim from the sandy beaches along the way. To the south past Cala Martina, and S'Argamassa the coast walk back to Santa Eulalia also takes in perfect resting spots in shady areas and swimming from rocks and sandy beaches: little bars are strategically placed.
The trip by ferryboat which runs daily to Santa Eulalia is a favourite alternative.
Only 5 minutes by car from Santa Eulalia and 10 from Ibiza Town along the old coast road stretching between these two towns. Beautiful countryside surrounds the resort, and the golf course at Roca Llisa is only 5 minutes up the road.
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