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Holiday ideas from Meon Villas

There's something rather special about being on an island. Here are three of our favourite Mediterranean isles -each with its own unique charm- perfect for a holiday whether you're looking for romantic seclusion, a spot of partying or beachy fun for all the family.

Majorca: Fun for all the family
Holidaymakers of all ages will love the largest of the Balearic islands. The shores to the east and south feature long sandy bays perfect for beach creatures, whilst the west and north coast are all craggy peaks and hidden coves, ideal for a little exploration. Teens and young couples will find bars and bright lights aplenty around the resort areas in the Bay of Palma - in particular the Platja de Palma beach. Families often really enjoy the beaches to the east around Port de Pollenca and Alcudia - they're a little more sheltered and far less built up. And it's not just beaches. If you're more of a culture creature, you'll find the capital Palma a pleasant diversion for shopping and a meander with its ancient cathedral and squares of small independent shops. The soaring peaks and winding roads of the Serra de Tramunata mountains in the west are a paradise for hikers and birdwatchers and if you're not feeling quite so energetic you can jump on the historic old train that runs from Palma to the pretty little port of Soller, taking in precipitous views of mountains, lemon and olive groves en route. There are plenty of accommodation options in all price ranges on Majorca. In the resort areas it tends to be mainly hotels, but villas in Majorca are well worth considering for families. Majorca villas come in all styles and price brackets too from cheap and cheerful to top end luxury pads with infinity pools and stunning views.

Menorca: Rather nice for romance
Quieter and less developed than Majorca and Ibiza, Menorca offers a more refined and laid back holiday vibe, perfect for a spot of relaxation with someone special. There's a host of small bays and beaches ideal for secluded sunbathing; Cala Pregonda, Cala del Pilar and La Vall d'Algaiarens along the west coast are particularly unspoilt. Attractive old whitewashed villages like Alaior and Es Mercadal offer bucolic winding streets for pleasant wandering. You can also sample some of the local cheese in Alaior or climb to the top of Monte Torro for wonderful views across the island in Es Mercadal. The bustling ports of Mao (Mahon) and Ciutadella have retained much of their 17th and 18th century character and are genuinely charming. Both offer surprisingly refined dining along their haboursides, with freshly caught lobster and a glass of chilled vino being the obvious menu selections to savour. Villas in Menorca offer some of the most attractive accommodation options; rustic on the outside, many are equipped with designer furniture and feature lovely swimming pools. You'll almost certainly need a hire car to make the most of a stay on Menorca. To really enjoy the best of the island it makes sense to get off the beaten track.

Corfu: Fantastic for friends
If you're looking for an island for a bunch of friends to head to for a holiday, the Greek isle of Corfu fits the bill nicely, offering a good balance of fun nightlife with unspoilt countryside and cultural charm. If you're an energetic bunch you can hike through ancient olive groves with breathtaking views across rocky headlands. If you're more of a chill-out crew there are plenty of hidden coves scattered around the island ideal for sunbathing and swimming in tranquility. By night there's plenty of bustle to keep you up 'til late too. Atmospheric Kassiopi in the north of the island strikes the perfect balance between buzzing bars and traditional fishing village charm. Villas in Corfu come in all styles and sizes, and if you hire one between say eight or ten of you you'll be surprised at how cheap this will work out. And a villa with a pool offers a quiet retreat for rest and recuperation if you do stay out rather later than you'd planned. The island's gem of a capital Corfu Town is also well worth a visit if you fancy a spot of culture, with two ancient historic forts to explore, several interesting museums and some rather good restaurants, where, as you'd expect, fish is a speciality.

For great last minute deals on holiday villas go to www.meonvillas.co.uk