Off to the Balearics? You’re in luck! Would you like to make the most of your stay and discover every island in the archipelago? Take the ferry!
The Balearic archipelago is a Mediterranean jewel off the east coast of Spain. It comprises three islands: Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca. Each has its own particular attractions: parties, beaches, nature, gastronomy, pretty villages, etc. So, if you’re planning a vacation in the Balearic Islands, make sure you make the most of each of these little gems!
To get around between Ibiza, Menorca and Majorca, there are two main options. The first is by plane. However, flights are expensive and do not serve all the islands. The safest and cheapest solution is to travel by ferry.
All aboard!
How does it work?
If you want to travel between the different islands of the Balearic Islands, there are several different airlines to choose from. Transmediterranea and Balearia offer the most daily or weekly connections between the islands. Journey times, services and fares are fairly similar.
On board, everything is in place to ensure that passengers have a pleasant time: lounges, bars, restaurants, stores, Internet connection, swimming pool, children’s games, childcare equipment, etc. Depending on the route and time of year, the companies may also offer play or wellness workshops, or organize shows. You can even bring your own vehicle, and even your pet!
As far as fares are concerned, the youngest passengers benefit from a number of advantages. Babies under 1 or 2 years of age get a free ticket. However, they must still be registered on the reservation. For children aged 1 to 12 or 13, the ticket price is reduced.
Reservations can be made online. You can also buy your ticket on site.
Ferrying from Ibiza to Formentera
Formentera is a small island to the south of Ibiza. To get there, ferries generally depart from Ibiza’s main port, Ibiza-Ciudad.
It costs between 30 and 40 euros return to Formentera from Ibiza. More than a dozen boats shuttle between the two islands in July and August. These include the Baleària company.
If you want to get to Formentera from Ibiza in winter, from November to March, there are fewer daily connections. You’ll have one departure in the morning, one in the middle of the day and one in the late afternoon. On Sundays and public holidays, the morning departure is cancelled. In spring and autumn, the companies operate between 6 and 10 daily connections.
Ferrying from Ibiza to Majorca
Transmediterrànea operates a daily service between Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza. You can connect the two islands in 2h15. Ferries leave Ibiza at 8:30 pm and arrive at 10:45 pm. The company also offers an occasional 4-hour overnight trip from Ibiza. You’ll arrive in Majorca at 7am.
In the opposite direction, departing from Mallorca, the timetables are more interesting. Boats leave Palma harbor at 9am, arriving in Ibiza at 11.15am. You’ll pay around 51 euros per adult per trip.
Baleària operates 2 or 3 routes a day, including one night run. Admittedly, the timetables offered are not very practical. On the other hand, ferries depart from Majorca at reasonable times in the morning. The first price for a trip is 39 euros.
Ferrying from Majorca to Formentera
With Baleària, the small island of Formentera is linked to Majorca in just 2 hours. There is just one departure – in the morning – and 2 returns in the late afternoon. Prices start at 39 euros per person per trip.
Ferrying from Majorca to Minorca
Alcùdia-Ciutadella
Transmediterrànea offers 2 daily connections between the Port of Alcùdia (north of Mallorca) and Ciutadella (south of Menorca). The journey takes 1h45. Occasionally, the company offers only one connection a day.
As a general rule, you’ll be able to leave Alcùdia (Mallorca) at 8 or 9am, and at 5:30pm. The cost is around 36 euros per adult per trip. In the opposite direction (Menorca-Majorca), the first departure is at 12pm and the second at 8pm. Sometimes, only the latter time is offered.
Palma-Mahon
Transmediterrànea also links Palma (Mallorca) and Mahon (Minorca). This is a weekly service on Sundays. Ferries leave the port at 8am, arriving at 2pm. In the opposite direction (Menorca-Majorca), the ferry leaves at 5.15pm and arrives in Palma at 10.45pm. Tickets cost a minimum of 34 euros per adult per trip.
Baleària offers daily connections between the two islands, in less than 2 hours. You can connect the two islands for as little as 33 euros per person per trip.
Whichever airline you choose, you should expect to pay between €70 and €90 for a round trip between Menorca and Majorca.
Ferrying from Ibiza to Menorca
It’s impossible to get to Menorca from Ibiza, let alone Formentera. As a general rule, companies offer connections between Ibiza and Majorca and between Majorca and Menorca.
So if you want to discover Menorca from Ibiza, without passing through Majorca, you’ll have to take the plane.
Ready to make the most of your Balearic holiday? All you have to do now is organize your travel arrangements and let yourself be carried away by the Mediterranean waves!