Formentera

Located three nautical miles south of Ibiza Old Town from where you can grab a boat each morning lies the Caribbean-esque jewel that is Formentera. Believed to once be attached to Ibiza’s southern tip, it is an unspoiled island extension of its northern neighbor and boasts crystal-clear waters and untouched sandy beaches. Even if you don’t stay there (and there isn’t a wealth of accommodation available anyway), it is well worth a day trip or two.

Aguamar Water Park, Ibiza

Located in Playa d’En Bossa, Aguamar Water Park, (particularly good for older children and teenagers, is the largest water park on the island and has a mixture of water slides and pools to choose from. For smaller children, there are smaller slides and a separate pool, picnic areas and paddling pools, too.

Menorca zoo

Animals are in pens rather than cages at Lloc de Menorca, which calls itself a zoo but which is actually a delightful animal park. Llamas and ostriches are the sort of wildlife on show here but it’s lovely, especially with little children not seeking out big game, and there are play areas and a café, too.

Menorca's beaches

Menorca is very popular with sailors thanks to its strong winds, which make the northern side of the island a tad blustery. If you want to explore any of the idyllic Menorcan beaches, we suggest heading to the south side of the island. One recommendation is Cala Turqueta – drive from Ciutadella and you’ll see it signposted from the southern bypass. It has absolutely no facilities so bring lunch, beach towels and plenty of juice and water but, this lack of development is a bonus: you’ll find a stunning, natural, white-sand beach, protected by the local Menorcan authorities. It is quite popular with locals so we recommend you get there early in the day during popular summer months.

About

Menorca

Menorca consists of a flatter landscape than its Balearic counterparts; it has lots of lovely minute, bayed beaches and a pristine countryside. Minimal winter flights mean fewer tourists during the off-peak months and residents tend to be as Bohemien and eclectic as their Ibizan counterparts. It is tantalizing, artistic and perfect for holidays where families want some time together, rather than non-stop nanny services and kid’s clubs.

Dial 112 for emergency services; Mahon Hospital is on Ronda Malbuger, 1, Mahon, (+34 971 487 000).

Ibiza

San Antonia might be a European clubbing capital, but if you move away from the Pacha-oriented radar and into the surrounding villages and countryside of Evissa, (as it’s known by locals,) there is a whole world that couldn’t be a further cry from all-night naughtiness. Again, luxury accommodation can be found both in rural fincas and in beachside resorts.

Dial 112 for emergency services; Ute Hospital de Ibiza is on Carrer de la Corona (+34 971 31 82 28).

When to go

Menorca and Ibiza are gorgeous year round and, as with Mallorca, the early part of the year in January and February sees a relatively warm climate and the ethereal beauty of budding pink blossom sprouting from almond trees across the island, a sight that draws those in the know every year. Being smaller islands with a busier summer tourist trade, however, a lot of places shut in the winter and flights are reduced to a bare minimum, so be warned that you may not find the same bountiful eateries and activities during the off-peak seasons.