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 a long weekend or a sunny holiday!

Like the Canaries, the Balearic archipelago is located in Spanish territory. It is made up of 5 main islands, of which only 4 are inhabited: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.

The Balearic Islands are above all seaside destinations! People come here for the Mediterranean climate and beautiful fine sandy beaches. But the Balearics are much more than that, and each island has its own charm and uniqueness. You can visit the Balearics several times without feeling like you’re taking the same trip! And you can just as easily love or hate the Balearics depending on the island you choose. It all 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.

Mallorca, the most “complete” of the Balearic Islands

I’ll start with the largest and most populated of the Balearic Islands: Mallorca. It’s certainly the island that will suit most travelers since it brings together several advantages!

It will fulfill your seaside desires with its magnificent coastline. Between its large fine sandy beaches and its more or less secluded small coves, the island offers a varied choice. To admire the coasts and find the most beautiful coves, I recommend renting a boat in Mallorca.

Nature lovers will also find happiness here, especially in the north and west of the island. You can see beautiful preserved natural areas, fields of olive trees, orange trees, vineyards, and picturesque villages. The mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana, the 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. Between its Gothic cathedral, palaces, and museums, it’s impossible to get bored. The city is also very lively in the evening, with many bars and restaurants where you can taste typical cuisine!

Menorca, the most beautiful island of the Balearics

There, I said it! In my opinion, Menorca is the most beautiful island of the Balearics!

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

In terms of nature, Menorca is classified as a “world biosphere reserve” by UNESCO, and is renowned for its wildest landscapes in the Balearics, such as the Albufera des Grau Natural Park. You will find many hiking opportunities on the island. One of the most famous is the Cami de Cavalls. The coastline is magnificent, dotted with isolated 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 has many archaeological sites, remnants of a megalithic civilization.

Ibiza, the most surprising

Ibiza is the best-known of the Balearic Islands! It’s definitely the party island where you can party all night long with your friends! On that front, you won’t be disappointed, that’s for sure! In the southeast of the island, in the city of Ibiza, you’ll find many nightclubs.

But really, the island is not just about that! This image sticks to it so much that I would never have thought of choosing Ibiza for a family holiday, for example! Yet, it would be a shame to miss out on its incredible landscapes, its small coves with crystal-clear water, and its charming little white villages. The island also has interesting historical and cultural heritage such as the ramparts of the upper town of Dalt Vila, the fortress of Eivissa, or the Phoenician ruins of Sa Caleta.

In short, Ibiza is a surprising island that you should discover off-season to enjoy its calm and bohemian atmosphere!

Formentera, the wildest

Formentera is Ibiza’s neighboring island! It’s the least visited and wildest island of the Balearics. If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful place to disconnect and beautiful beaches, this is the island to choose. Its environment is magnificent, between desert stretches and paradise beaches! Ses Illetes beach is particularly well-known and even regularly features in the rankings of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The village of Sant Francesc Xavier is also worth seeing, it’s very charming. A few other sites are worth a visit, such as the Mola windmills… but as you’ll have understood, people mainly come to Formentera for a beach and relaxation program!

Come and discover our ideas for stays in the Balearics:

• Menorca, between well-being, exclusivity and disconnection
• 5 days on the White Island
• Discovering an unsuspected Ibiza