Operator view: Balearics
We asked three specialist operators to tell us about their favourite destination in the Balearics
Minorca
Style Holidays marketing manager Natasha Shane
“Minorca is a naturally beautiful island ideal for nature lovers, walkers, beach lovers and those who want a relaxing holiday away from it all. The island is also a family favourite, ideal for those who want some good old-fashioned fun, such as building sandcastles, playing beach games and barbecues in the evening.
“My favourite part of the island is the resort of Cala Galdana. It has a superb horseshoe bay with fine white sand bordered by pine-clad cliffs.
“The beach is clean and safe and offers a number of watersports, and best of all there are two fantastic walks along the cliff top either side of the resort to a couple of secluded beaches where you can totally relax and do some snorkelling.
“For a night out I recommend the capital Mahon. It has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a wide choice of restaurants and some late-night bars and clubs.”
Majorca
Thomson head of Spain planning Tony Hopkins
“I like Majorca because it offers something for everyone. Palma is my favourite spot because it is a really nice city with a very Spanish feel to it, and yet there is also the lively scene at Magaluf and Palma Nova.
“When selling Majorca, it is important that agents match the right client with the right property because they all offer different things for different people. In our programme it is not really the resort that’s important but the hotel. For example, some are suited to middle-aged couples, some to young families, some to teenagers, and some have facilities specifically for sporty people.
“My favourite time to go would be June when it is a little bit quieter than in July and August, although there are still some peaceful areas on the island during the peak season.”
Ibiza
Unijet general manager for short-haul John Riley
“I spent some time working in Ibiza at the start of my career and liked it so much that I’ve gone back there since for family holidays.
“Ibiza is an island with two faces. It is definitely a party island but there is another side to it.
“The San Antonio bay area is very lively, and I like that a lot, but there are some very relaxing, peaceful places such as Santa Eulalia and Cala Llonga with good beaches and clear blue sea which are ideal for families.
“Now is a fantastic time to go if you are young and looking for a lively holiday, but the off-peak months are much quieter and more suited to families. You can find plenty of quieter resorts in the high season, but September is generally a more relaxing time to go.”