Love Island inspired getaways
Like it or loathe it, ITV’s hit reality tv series Love Island is back again and making us pine for a Mediterranean holiday. The weather, the beaches, the food, the weather… Luckily the UK government has recently updated its green list, meaning a beach break may be closer than we first thought.
Where is the Love Island Villa?
The villa can be found in the village of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar on the beautiful island of Mallorca.
Mallorca and the rest of the Balearic islands (including Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera) have been added to the UK government’s travel green list as of 4.00am Wednesday 30th June. Which is great news for holidaymakers as the islands offer the perfect destination for a luxurious villa holiday or just a sunny break.
It's no surprise that the Balearics are so popular with UK visitors. The islands cater to all types of holidaymakers, with fantastic beaches, beautiful scenery, warm weather and a lively nightlife scene, they really do have it all.
If a getaway to the Balearics sounds like a bit of you, read on for more information on these wonderful holiday destinations.
Menorca
It takes just over two hours and a half to fly from East Midlands Airport to Mahon (or Mao), the capital of Menorca. Quieter than its neighbours Ibiza and Mallorca, Menorca boasts miles of golden beaches, curved bays lined with pine trees, and water sports to suit those looking for adventure. Popular resorts include Ciutadella, Punta Prima and Playa de Fornells.
Monte Toro, Menorca’s tallest hill, offers spectacular views over the island for those willing to make the climb, while the old cities of Mahon and Ciutadella give a glimpse into Menorca’s medieval history and status as a former naval port. There’s shopping aplenty for those looking for retail therapy, with both malls and markets to choose from, while the food and drink are what you’d expect of a Mediterranean island: plenty of wine and seafood.
It doesn’t have to be all rest and relaxation though: those travelling with family will find waterparks, water sports and a zoo to keep the kids entertained; and the island boasts its own – albeit more low-key – version of Balearic nightlight, with bars and even a cliff-face club at Cala'n Porter.
Book flights to Mahon, Menorca
Ibiza
Ibiza’s reputation precedes it, with nightlife in abundance for those who want a party holiday. Clubs including Amnesia, Pacha and Ushuaia are some of the most famous in the world, while there are plenty of bars and beach clubs from which you can watch the sun set and rise again, drink in hand.
However, there’s more to the island than its infamous bars and clubs. Those looking for something a little more low-key can enjoy the island’s pristine beaches and a slower pace of life. There’s plenty for the mind, body and soul, with well-being centres and yoga retreats for those looking to recharge.
The island also caters for architecture lovers: Ibiza Old Town, a Unesco World Heritage Site, reveals 2,500 years of history, with a fortified citadel and an old port area. Ibiza is also well known for its nightly markets selling souvenirs, artisan goods and second-hand treasures.
With resorts and hotels that range from the peaceful to the hedonistic, there’s something to suit every taste, so get your Ibiza break booked now, with flights less than three hours from East Midlands Airport.
Mallorca
Mallorca is just what you’d expect of a Mediterranean getaway. It is the ideal beach escape, with its turquoise waters and golden sands. However, it is also a great destination for those looking for adventure, with its lush and mountainous landscape. Flights from [East Midlands Airport] to the island’s capital, Palma, take less than three hours, and with plenty of beaches in the area, you need not travel far if a sun lounger and a cocktail are your idea of the perfect holiday.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach; entertain the kids at a water theme park; do a day’s sailing or hiking; enjoy the island’s rich history; or go shopping: there’s something for everyone.
There’s a whole host of villas, hotels and holiday rentals to choose from, in towns including Alcudia and Port de Pollensa in the north, and Magaluf in the west, so get planning your trip to Mallorca now.
Book flights to Palma, Mallorca
Formentera
By far the smallest of the Balearics, Formentera is a quiet island with pristine beaches and turquoise waters. There is no airport on Formentera, so the best way to reach the island is by ferry from Ibiza, making it a perfect day trip for those looking to get some R&R after a run of late nights. The slower pace of life also makes it a popular holiday destination in its own right, with beaches – including Playa de Levante and Playa Illetes – to rival those in the Caribbean. You can walk round the whole island in four hours, or hire a bike or scooter to explore its villages and beaches.
Formentera has a more upmarket feel than its neighbouring islands, with the small uninhabited island of Espalmador at its northernmost tip playing host to luxury yachts.
There’s only one resort on the island – Es Pujols – so holidaying here is much more low-key. The island’s capital, San Francisco, is the perfect place to spend a day – or evening – away from the beach, with markets for shopping, and bars and restaurants in which to enjoy some of the local fresh fish.
Entry requirements for the Balearic Island
Spain's Balearic Islands are now on the UK government’s green list (as of 4am on Wednesday 30 June), meaning that travellers returning from the islands just need to take a RT PCR test on or before day 2 of their return, and do not need to quarantine or take any further tests if the test is negative. However, the Spanish government has announced that holidaymakers travelling to mainland Spain, and the Balearic Islands, must present either a negative PCR test or proof that they are fully vaccinated.
Find out more
Travel testing at East Midlands Airport