The Balearic Islands: Which Island to Choose?

The Balearic Islands: Which Island to Choose?

Have you decided to visit the Balearic Islands? With its particularly mild weather, contrasting landscapes, and proximity to France, it's a perfect choice for an extended weekend or a sunny vacation!

Like the Canary Islands, the Balearic archipelago is located in Spanish territory. It consists of five main islands, of which only four are inhabited: Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.

The Balearic Islands are primarily beach destinations! People come here for its Mediterranean climate and beautiful fine sandy beaches! But the Balearics cannot be summed up by that alone, and each island has its own charm and uniqueness. You can visit the Balearic Islands multiple times without feeling like you're taking the same trip! And you can just as easily love or dislike the Balearics depending on the island chosen! It mainly depends on what you're looking for (nature, culture, nightlife, sports activities...).

To help you find your way, here are our tips for visiting the Balearic Islands.

Majorca, the Most "Complete" of the Balearic Islands

I start with the largest and most populated of the Balearic Islands: Majorca. It is certainly the island that will appeal to most travelers as it combines several attractions!

It will satisfy your beach desires with its magnificent coastline. Between its large fine sandy beaches and its smaller, more secluded coves, the island offers a varied choice. To admire the coasts and find the most beautiful coves, I recommend renting a boat in Majorca.

Nature lovers will also find happiness here, especially in the north and west of the island! You can see beautiful preserved natural spaces, olive groves, orange trees, vineyards, and picturesque villages. The mountains of Serra de Tramuntana, Mondrago Natural Park, and Cap de Formentor reveal breathtaking landscapes!

On the cultural side, Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearics, offers a varied choice. With its Gothic cathedral, palaces, and museums, it's impossible to get bored. The city is also very lively at night, with many bars and restaurants where you can taste typical cuisine!

Minorca, the Most Beautiful Island of the Balearics

There it is said! Minorca is in my opinion the most beautiful island of the Balearics!

Minorca is smaller than Majorca but also less frequented. It has managed to preserve itself from mass tourism, protect its natural spaces and remain authentic. It will appeal to travelers looking for preserved natural landscapes, paradise beaches, and tranquility.

In terms of nature, Minorca is classified as a "world biosphere reserve" by UNESCO and is renowned for having some of the wildest landscapes in the Balearics like Albufera des Grau Natural Park. You will find numerous hiking opportunities on the island. One of the most famous is the Cami de Cavalls. The coastline is magnificent, dotted with secluded coves and absolutely paradisiacal beaches like Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta.

The old town of Ciutadella and the capital Mahon have interesting architectural and cultural heritage. The island also houses many archaeological sites, remnants of a megalithic civilization.

Ibiza, the Most Surprising

Ibiza is the most famous of the Balearic Islands! It's definitely the party island where you can gather to celebrate until dawn with friends! In this regard, you won't be disappointed for sure! In the southeast of the island in Ibiza town, you will find many nightclubs.

But really the island cannot be summed up by that alone! This image sticks with it so much that I would never have thought to choose Ibiza for a family vacation for example! Yet it would be a shame to miss out on its incredible landscapes, small coves with crystal-clear water and charming little white villages. The island also has interesting historical and cultural heritage like the walls of Dalt Vila's old town, Eivissa fortress or even Phoenician ruins at Sa Caleta.

In short, Ibiza is an amazing island that should be discovered off-season to enjoy its calmness and bohemian atmosphere!

Formentera, the Wildest

Formentera is Ibiza's neighboring island! It's the least frequented and wildest of the Balearic Islands. If you're looking for a quiet place to disconnect with beautiful beaches then this is your island. Its environment is stunning between desert stretches and paradise beaches! Ses Illetes beach is particularly well-known and even regularly features in rankings of world's most beautiful beaches. The village of Sant Francesc Xavier is also worth seeing as it has lots of charm. A few other sites deserve detours like La Mola's mills... but you'll understand that people mainly come to Formentera for a beach relaxation program!

Come discover our travel ideas for visiting Balearic Islands:

• Minorca: Between Well-being Exclusivity And Disconnection
• 5 Days On The White Island
• Discovering An Unexpected Ibiza