Baby it’s cold outside … it’s also dark and when the wind and rain are also conspiring against you, there’s only one thing to do – book next year’s summer holiday! Our friends at TUI offer holidays and flights from Southampton Airport to the perennially popular Balearics so get browsing and check out the best resorts and deals in Majorca and Menorca. Book early for 2020 so you have something to look forward to over the cold, winter months.

MAJORCA

For some of Spain’s best beaches, mountains and a dramatic coastline you can’t beat Majorca. This truly beautiful island, the largest of the Balearics, can guarantee sunshine almost all year round. Its coastline is dotted with caves, inlets and sandy coves so you can find that coveted quiet spot. But if you want to stay at one of the popular resorts, that’s absolutely fine – it’s your holiday!

Palma

With its Gothic cathedral, Majorca’s capital is well worth a visit when you’re on holiday. Lose yourself in cobbled streets in the medieval quarter, go designer shopping then stop off for lunch. If you want to get away from it all, go into the Tramuntana Mountains by vintage train from Palma – the pretty village of Sóller, with its beautiful harbour, is well worth checking out.

The Strip

If it’s fun and frolics you’re after then it can only be Magaluf. This ever-popular resort attracts people of all ages looking for a good time and its Strip has bars and clubs lining both sides of the road. It’s not all British bars and a full English breakfast though – you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants further out along the beach.

Katmandu Park

For a great day out, this family-friendly theme park has something for everyone, including an upside-down house, a 4D cinema and Wild West-style shoot-em-ups. There’s also the Katlantis Splash Park wild water fortress for kids and Boro, the friendly yeti.

Beachlife

About 30 of the 200-plus beaches on the island have a Blue Flag and calm, clear waters which means they’re perfect for families. Veer off the beaten track, however, and you’ll find unspoiled and uncrowded beaches.

Cycling

Fancy some cycling in the sun? Majorca is known as a training destination for elite cyclists but you don’t need to be preparing for the Tour de France to cycle here. The roads are well maintained and there are plenty of places that are safe for families to explore.

Set Sail

A day on the water is a great way to relax. Book a boat or catamaran tour – there are plenty of options from various locations – and enjoy sailing, swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing.

MENORCA

Did you know that Menorca has more beaches than Ibiza and Majorca put together? It’s perfect for families and couples, quieter than its sister islands and great for water sports and activity holidays – so take your walking boots if you fancy a hike!

Mahon

The cliff-top capital Mahon, with its churches and Ciutadella, is set around the biggest natural harbour in the world, so make sure you take a boat tour. It’s also proud of its architectural legacy bequeathed by the Moors and the British and is easily explored on foot.

Ciutadella

This was Menorca’s original capital. Ciutadella, a port city, is home to a beautiful Old Town and Gothic Santa Maria cathedral. The lively harbour is home edged to restaurants ranging from smart, high-end eateries to casual tapas bars.

Camí de Cavalls

Constructed during the 14th century to connect the island’s many cliff-top forts and castles, this 186km coastal path encircles Menorca and is one of the best ways to explore its rugged coastline and hidden coves.

Shoes

Menorca has a long history of shoe-making, and the island’s famous sandals – known as Menorquinas or Avarcas – are fashionable, comfortable and reasonably priced. You’ll not struggle to find a shop that sells them, and they’re available in every colour imaginable.

Summer Festivals

Fiestas run throughout the summer in Menorca and are a great spectacle. Popular ones include the Sant Joan Festival in Ciutadella, the Sant Jaume Festival in Es Castell in July, and the Ciutadella Summer Music Festival which runs throughout August.

Xoriguer Gin Distillery

The British introduced distilling gin here in the 18th century and this one in Mahon is the only traditional distillery left, using copper stills that are more than 100 years old. Gin is also the island’s favourite tipple and you can try Xoriguer for yourself on a guided tour.