Want to discover one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the Mediterranean? Here are our tips for visiting the Balearic Islands!
Off the Catalan coast, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the Balearic archipelago is made up of islands, each more beautiful than the last. While Majorca andIbiza are the best-known, Menorca and Formentera, unspoiled by tourism, are not to be missed. So there are plenty of options for visiting the Balearic Islands.
Majorca boasts dozens of natural sites to discover, as well as some of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Despite its sultry jet-set reputation, Ibiza is full of beautiful hidden spots, far removed from the traditional tourist circuit.
Menorca is an ideal destination for hikers and secret coves, while Formentera can be explored on a scooter like a modern-day adventurer. In this article, we’ve put together a selection of the best things to do to visit the Balearic Islands and make your stay a real daydream.
1. Palma de Mallorca
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / vulcano
The capital of the largest Balearic island is recognizable from the sea thanks to its imposing, world-famous Cathedral . The Royal Palace of Almudeina, an ancient Muslim castle, is the residence of Mallorca’s monarchs. You can visit it and learn about the island’s history.
But a visit to Palma de Mallorca means getting lost in the narrow streets and discovering the Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture of the various buildings. Don’t hesitate to peek behind the wrought-iron gates to discover the beauty of the patios and gardens hidden within. Another must-see is Bellver Castle, overlooking the city and offering a magnificent view of the Bay of Palma. Visiting the Balearic Islands is above all discovering a breathtaking landscape!
2. Sóller
Photo credit: Shutterstock / luis abrantes
This small village on Mallorca’s northwest coast, at the foot of the Serra Tramuntana mountains, is one of the island’s most beautiful. A beautiful old tramway line links it to a small port, with stops at several viewpoints and points of interest. The route alternates between tunnels and spectacular bridges.
- Standing in the middle of the village, the Sant Bartolomeu church gives the square an incomparable cachet.
- On the harbor side, a pretty promenade along the sea welcomes terraces of bars, restaurants and souvenir stores.
- Visitors will appreciate the two beaches lined with crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and well-equipped for lounging.
- For a bird’s-eye view of the port, climb up to the mirador de Santa Catalina, the perfect spot for a romantic sunset for two. It would be a shame to visit the Balearic Islands without seeing a sunset!
3. Fornalutx
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / vulcano
Just 4 kilometers from Sóller lies another must-see village when visiting the Balearic Islands. Voted Spain’s most beautiful village in 2017, Fornalutx is built on the slopes of Mallorca’s highest peak, Muig Major. It’s an ideal starting point for a number of hiking trails on the mountainside, set against a backdrop of olive, orange and almond trees.
The narrow cobbled streets and staircases form a labyrinth that leads to the different levels of the village. The Plaça d’Espanya, right in the center of town, is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee in the shade of the plane trees, before continuing on to the church. Don’t forget to look up, as Fornalutx has a long-standing tradition of decorating its buildings with traditional tiles.
So when you visit the Balearic Islands, be sure to stop off at Fornalutx!
4. Valldemossa
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Petr Pohudka
Still in the Serra de Tramuntana province, another village is a must when you’re looking for something to do in the Balearic Islands. It is best known for having played host to a pair of famous lovers, Frédéric Chopin and Georges Sand. The author described their stay in the winter of 1838-1839 in Un hiver à Majorque, while a museum dedicated to Chopin will delight lovers of classical music.
Here too, the charm of the stone houses and the steep, narrow streets offer a romantic interlude in the heart of the mountains. Just a few kilometers away, the small fishing port, reached in 15 minutes by a winding mountain road, welcomes us in its bluish setting surrounded by creeks.
5. Cap de Formentor
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Allard One
More than just the cape, the entire Formentor peninsula is well worth a visit. Don’t hesitate to rent a car from Majorca. A winding 18-kilometer road, the Ma2210, takes you from the port of Pollença to the tip of the island’s northeastern peninsula. On your way, a succession of breathtaking landscapes. You can stop at various viewpoints before reaching the end of the road and continuing on foot to the cliff-top lighthouse.
- To get the most out of your visit to the Balearic Islands, we particularly recommend the Mirador Es Colomer, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the island, and the Talaia d’Albercutx, a highly photogenic tower built on the edge of a precipice.
- You’ll also have the chance to stop off at some of the most beautiful coves on the island: Cala Bòquer, Cala Formentor, Cala Murta and Cala Figuera. Cala Formentor is the largest and most accessible, while the others are wilder: you’ll have to walk to reach them.
To make the most of this beautiful peninsula, plan at least one day, including walks and swimming.
6. Sa Calobra
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / el lobo
By the time we reach the pass overlooking Sa Calobra, words often fail us as the scenery before us is so spectacular. A 14-kilometer road winds its way up the mountainside like a snake leading to a hidden cove.
Far below, the village of Sa Calobra is built on the seafront, with houses and restaurants overlooking a wide, bluish cove. Here you can swim and snorkel in search of multicolored fish.
The highlight of the show, however, is just a few hundred metres away on foot. Following the cliffs along a path that leads through the rock, you come to a stretch of sand hemmed in by two impressive cliffs. The crystal-clear waters of Torrent de Pareis beach are enchanting. In summer, locals and tourists alike try their hand at diving from the rocks, while others simply enjoy the scenery, stretched out on the warm sand.
The Balearic government has declared this unique spot a natural monument. A must-see when visiting the Balearic Islands.
7. Ciutadella
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Sebas Adrover
It’s Menorca’s second-largest city, after Mahon, but above all its most beautiful, with its many squares and pleasantly strolling downtown. The many palaces and the promenade along the jetty make it an ideal place to put down your bags before exploring the rest of the island.
The restaurants offer plenty of opportunities to sample seafood specialties such as octopus in squid ink or sea bream grilled a la plancha. Beaches such as Sa Caleta and Cala des Degollador are within walking distance of the town center, ideal for relaxing without having to use public transport. Visiting the Balearic Islands is all about rest and relaxation.
8. The horse trail and Minorca’s coves
Photo credit: Shutterstock / s74
The most courageous can explore all the coves by following the Camí de Cavalls. This is a path that circles the island along the coast for 186 kilometers, divided into 20 sections. The complete hike takes around ten days. However, it is possible to hike only parts of the route, as you wish.
- As for coves, don’t miss Cala Es Talaier, a beach of fine white sand surrounded by trees.
- Cala Agaiarens is perfect for underwater observation, while Cala Morel is overlooked by cliffs. Both coves are accessible by bus.
- Cala Mitjana is considered by many to be the most beautiful on the island. Rocky promontories offer beautiful views. It’s even possible to swim into a cave!
9. S’Albufera d’es Grau Nature Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock / elisabettorre23
This nature reserve to the northeast of Menorca is a must-see when visiting the Balearic Islands. The landscape is completely different from the rest of the archipelago, with a mouth where lagoons and marshes form. The beaches are often deserted, as this side of the island is much more unspoilt by tourism.
There are several routes through the park, including a lighthouse, a lookout point and the village of Es Grau.
10. Formentera
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Rocky Reborn
The small island to the south of Ibiza is the smallest of the archipelago, but also the most unspoilt. Ideally, rent a car or scooter and set off on an adventure to discover your own secret spots, between beaches and viewpoints.
- The village of San Francesco Xavier is a must when visiting the Balearic Islands and Formentera.
- You can also take a sailboat tour to reach the most inaccessible coves.
- Fishing harbors are also a great activity when you’re looking for something to do in the Balearic Islands.
- Don’t miss Playa de Illetas. This magnificent strip of sand stretches several hundred meters into the sea.
11. Ibiza
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Alex Tihonovs
While it’s world-famous for clubbing, jet-setting and partying the night away, few people know that Ibiza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity and culture. Most travelers are surprised to discover such a quiet, unspoilt island when they visit the Balearic Islands.
- Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s old town, immerses you in a tranquil atmosphere in the shadow of dazzling white houses.
- The beauty of the inland villages of Sant Joan de Labritja and Santa Gertudis is so striking that they seem to come straight out of a film.
- The view of the island of Es Vedra is also a must-see if you’re visiting the Balearic Islands. Its beaches and the viewpoint of Las Puertas del cielo are a must-see.
- Finally, if you like to party, sit down on the terrace of a beach bar. Then go with the flow for one of the wildest evenings of your life!
12. A boat trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Simon Dannhauer
If you’re visiting Mallorca, you really should take a day out for a boat trip. Renting a boat in Mallorca will give you the chance to sail along the Balearic coast of the Mediterranean, and discover the superb marine life it shelters.
So, with or without a skipper, you can discover Ibiza, Menorca and company, for a day or more…
Find a boat to rent in Majorca
How to get to the Balearics
Plane
The Balearic Islands are easy to reach from France by air. While Mallorca has Spain’s third-largest airport, it’s also possible to land in Menorca and Ibiza.
To find the offer that’s right for you, depending on your departure city and the dates of your stay, we recommend using Skyscanner. This comparator will help you find the best flight deals at the best price, while preserving your local vacation budget.
Ferry
If you don’t want to fly, you can reach Barcelona and then board a ferry, either on your own or with your car. Ferries are often the cheapest way to travel between the islands.
To reach Formentera, on the other hand, you’ll need to take the 30-minute ferry from Ibiza.
Where to stay in the Balearics?
The Balearic Islands offer a plethora of accommodation options, particularly on the islands of Majorca and Ibiza.
- You’ll find huge resorts offering all-inclusive stays, as well as charming establishments by the sea or inland. To make sure you’re in the right place, use a hotel comparison tool. Swimming pools, rooms with terraces, full board: enter your selection and let the search engine find it for you.
- If you prefer a more authentic and typical way of visiting the Balearic Islands, there are plenty of Airbnb properties for rent. You’ll find charming maisonnettes as well as comfortable villas. So, what’s your choice?
Now all you have to do is pack your bags for an unforgettable stay on the jewels of the Mediterranean Sea.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Balearic Islands