Balearic Islands

They're all about the same and the grub is not that much different from Valencia or Barcelona (or the rest of Catalonia). I have unsubtle taste buds, but have never noticed anything distiinctive from one island to another.

I have heard that the atmosphere was different on the different islands, some being more of a party zone and others being more tranquil. Have you noticed that?

That would have to be Palma. It gets really crowded during the day when the cruise ships are in. Also, I dimly remember Samantha Brown or somebody claiming it was a party place at night. To me it was not much different than any other resort. I've stayed out on the fringes a bit, so never noticed. For a relatively short visit, you almost need to stay on Mallorca or you won't have much to do. The other island are more of a retreat-and-read-a-book kind of place.

Palma has mountains and an active night life...Menorca is relatively flat and quieter, with nice beaches....Ibiza is small and party-central for young people.

If you're looking for a side-trip from Spain and you're interested in cuisine, you might consider Morocco. Flights to Morocco are crazy cheap and I suspect you would find a much more interesting contrast there than you would on the Balearics. Things there are a lot less expensive than they are on the Balearic Islands, too. Just a suggestion to think about.

If you want to get off the beaten path, try Formentera, a small island just south of Ibiza. You can get there by ferry...lots of small houses for rent...appartments near the beaches....I lived there for about 2 1/2 months back in the sixties...it was a wonderful escape..I've been told it is still a wonderful escape. As for the food...pretty much the same throughout the islands...