Balearic holidays and best beaches: Formentera, Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca

White sand beaches, turquoise water and sunny Mediterranean landscapes make the Balearic Islands the backdrop for a fairytale holiday. From Majorca with the highly sought-after Palm; Magaluf to the smaller and more relaxing Minorca, day-trips to the festive Ibiza to Formentera: between boat trips, pool parties and hikes, you are spoilt for choice in a Balearic Islands holiday.

1. Balearic Islands: Hiking and nightlife
   

   Boat tours, trekking and nightlife venues

2. Majorca: The most popular of the Balearic Islands
   

   Beaches and cultural visits - Excursions from Palma de Mallorca - Ideas for cruise lovers.

3. Minorca or Menorca: Relaxation and sustainable tourism
   

   Mahon, Macarella and Macarelleta - Ciutadella and Cova d'en Xoroi

4. Ibiza: Wild Nights in Mykonos of Spain
   

   Pool parties and club nights - Formentera and boat trips

5. Useful info: How to get around and arrive from your country

   Public transport, car rental and direct flights.

Balearic Islands: Boat trips, natural paradises and nightlife

Known as the "Caribbean of Europe", the Balearic Islands are the ultimate sunspot and summer tourist destination for travellers every year.

Why? You can choose between 4 beautiful islands, each with its own characteristic, but all with dream beaches, world famous nightclubs and wild places ideal for scenic walks and hiking in nature. Also remember that Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza, are part of the itineraries of the main cruises in the Mediterranean and that thousands of tourists stop off there, even for just one day.

I guess you've realized that with so many places to explore, the Balearic Islands are a perfect paradise if you're looking for a dynamic holiday full of outdoor activities. I'll give you a brief overview of the best things to do and the best excursions in Palma de Mallorca and, more generally, in the whole archipelago.

Majorca: The most popular of the Balearic Islands

You are in the largest and most famous island of the Balearic Islands, often called the "jewel of the Mediterranean" for :

• white sandy beaches - you will be amazed by Cala Llombards and Playa de Muro
• the breathtaking landscapes of the hinterland - the mountain range the Sierra de Tramontana is popular with hikers and cyclists
• cultural treasures such as the Gothic Cathedral of Palma and the Bellver Castle.

What to do in Mallorca: Beaches and a visit to Palma

The best things to do in Mallorca revolve around its naturalistic pearls and the island's long history. The first item on your must-see list is: sea! One of the best beaches to go on a trip to Mallorca is Playa de Muro, in the north of the island.

Over 6 km of sand and crystal clear sea: there are more crowded areas and others quieter, so it is easy to find a place that suits your needs. In the south-east area, instead, you will find the crescent fiord-like beaches of Cala Llombards and Calo des Moro. The first beach is ideal if you travel with your family because it is quiet and not chaotic. The second is a hidden gem because to get there you have to hike a bit in a winding road between the rocks, but the place where you put the towel is worth every effort.

• Cala Agulla, Cala Mesquida and Cala Formentor are other great beaches in Mallorca.

Main point of interest for the nightlife? In the capital there is the Paseo Maritimo, the most famous area of all Palma de Mallorca, with the historic discos Tito's and Pacha. If you are looking for transgressive, fun go to Magaluf - what about a night at the historic BCM Planet? For chic clubs and live music you'd better move to the area of Lonja.

A holiday in the Balearic Islands can also be a moment of cultural enrichment and you should not miss a visit to the city of Palma de Mallorca.

We suggest the following main points of interest and things to see on a self-guided tour of Palma:

• The old town is home to small churches: the gothic cathedral "La Seu", with Mediterranean courtyards and narrow streets worth walking.
• Stop in Plaça del Marquès del Palmer and walk through Gaudi's masterpieces
• visit the Royal Palace of Almudaina, enter the Cathedral and its museum
• take a tour of the La Lonja shopping district
• stretch out of town to the Bellver Castle.

There are several guided tours of the old town of Palma, I recommend them even if you want to taste the local delicacies.

CHECK PALMA DE MAJORCA GUIDED TOUR

Excursions from Palma de Mallorca: Caves of Hams and Sierra de Tramontana

I told you that the best way to enjoy the Balearic Islands is to organize excursions and outdoor activities. There are some spectacular places on the island that you should definitely see and the main excursions start from Palma de Mallorca.

• Majorca has many caves both on land and sea. We recommend a visit to the Dragon Caves and the Hams Caves. They are both located in the eastern region of the island, near the town of Porto Cristo (Christ Port). Descending into the bowels of the earth is an enthralling emotion: a route that leaves you speechless with choreographies of plays of lights between stalactites and stalagmites, projections of films and, at the end of the visit, an evocative final concert. Both from Palma de Mallorca and Porto Cristo start guided excursions to discover the Caves.
• You don't know the true beauty of Mallorca if you don't experience a view of the city from Sierra de Tramontana point, for many the top attraction of the island! A mountain chain crossed by a road that offers views of the sea and, along the way, villages and historic buildings to visit. Stop at the Eremo de Valldemossa, the Miramar Monastery and the Port de Soller, a village traditionally renowned for its fresh fish restaurants. The route of the Sierra is spectacular if done by bike, but you can also do it by public transport or by guided car tours.

• If you have an adventurous spirit you will love this trekking idea: make an escape to Sa Calobra, the most dangerous and exciting trail in Mallorca. The route winds for 13 kilometers along the rocks in the bay of Sa Calobra, has no guard-rails or signal lines: cross the mountain range until you reach the cove, park your car and dive into the crystal clear waters.
• Don't miss the opportunity to live your holiday to the Balearic Islands like a pasha! Here is a day trip idea: embark on the catamaran departing from the port of Palma de Mallorca and let yourself be lulled along the southern coast of Mallorca: diving in Cala Vella, snorkeling in the quiet beach of Portals Vells and eating grilled meat on board.

CHECK MALLORCA BOAT TRIPS AND TOURS

Majorca for cruise passengers: sightseeing on a stopover in Palma

Palma de Mallorca is a stopover for the main cruises in the Mediterranean and if you only have one day to spend you can't do everything.

Beware that the international lines dock at Estació Marítima, west of the city, surrounding the wide bay of Palma. From Estació Maritima it takes 40-50 minutes by foot (15 minutes by taxi or bus) to reach the historic center. Along the way, you will pass through Santa Catalina, a lively neighborhood full of bars and restaurants overlooking the marina. Here are some ideas of things to do if you are a cruiser and make a stop for one day in Palma de Mallorca:

• If you want to enjoy a morning at sea, we advice Playa del Palma - a long stretch of sandy beach - because it is easily accessible by taxi. If you don't like sandy beaches, head north to Cala Deià (an hour or so by car), a wild, rocky bay with excellent cliffside restaurants.

• In the afternoon, however, go for a visit of the historic centre of Palma de Mallorca: you will find the main attractions next to each other. An afternoon should be enough to get around the centre; the must-see landmarks of Palma are the Cathedral, the Royal Palace and the ancient walls, all concentrated in one area, as if they were crowning the splendid waterfront.

BUS HOP-ON HOP-OFF AND THE BEST PALM TOURS

Menorca: Relax and sustainable tourism

Defined the "little sister of Majorca", the island of Menorca offers a god compromise for those looking for relax, beautiful beaches and fabulous food. Compared to its older sister, it is a less touristy destination, ideal for families and for quieter travelers who love nature and country atmospheres.

• For years, Minorca has been supporting "sustainable tourism" and the best Menorca tours are focused on its incredible beaches and hidden gems.

What to do in Menorca: Walks in Mahon and tasting of typical food

Your trip to Menorca could start from a visit to the capital, Mahon.

There are no real "cult" attractions but it's all a stroll between buildings with warm tones, street-art works and little restaurants where you can stop and taste the local delicacies. Your Menorca walking tour should  end at Port Mahon, the second largest natural harbour in the world. By walking down a long series of steps you will reach a belvedere offering spectacular views over the entire bay. Enjoy a nice walk between bars and boutiques nestled throughout the area or, at sunset, see the cruise ships dock.

The eggplant or aubergines, are served in many tasteful recipes. The most served drink is a revisited version of gin-lemon. Have breakfast with the "ensaimada", the soft dessert typical of Menorca, taste the "sobrasada" (the cheese of the capital) perhaps accompanied by freshly baked bread, and, of course, the local wine.

• Talking about food, did you know that one of the most widely used sauces in the world, the mayonnaise was born here?

Menorca's three best beaches are situated all one after the other. They are at one-hour-drive distance from the capital.

Once there, you can reach the famous beaches of Macarella, Macarelleta and Cala en Turqueta even walking through the sea. Crystal clear waters, sunshine until evening and small restaurants in the surrounding area (a bit expensive, given the tourist fame). If you're travelling with kids, consider the family-friendly beaches of Playa de la Tortuga and Cala Presili: clear, super flat sea, you'll need to move to the characteristic Favaritx Lighthouse.

Menorca tours: Ciutadella and sunset in Cova d'en Xoroi

Cruises along the coast, Menorca boat trips and food and drink tours: these are the best ways to fully enjoy the most spectacular places on Menorca.

• Ciutadella is one of the most characteristic cities of the island. Romantic and peaceful streets, bring your camera to take the most picturesque corners. Its historic harbour is particularly charming at sunset - numerous guided night tours of the town are organised - and then stop to eat fish in one of the restaurants in the Mercado area.
• The "coolest" experience on the island is going from one beach to another by boat. On a day-trip you can take a dip in the most remote coves of Mallorca, between virgin beaches and turquoise water. Some boat trips or catamaran departing from the port of Ciutadella also offer lunch on board as an option.

• According to everyone, another great experience to do in Menorca is to watch the view from the Cova d'en Xoroi: a natural cave with external terraces situated on the cliff off the southern coast. You are practically on the sea and can enjoy the horizon. If you go during the day, enjoy the view while drinking a gin and tonic. At night the place turns into a disco and night-club with live music and theme parties.
• If you are a wine lover, I can only recommend a stop at the Binifadet winery. A walk among vineyards kissed by the sun and a sip of good red wine on the terrace covered with vines.

CHECK TOURS WITH DEPARTURE FROM MENORCA

Ibiza: Wild Nights in Mykonos of Spain

Ibiza is internationally recognized as a messy and transgressive island but it has to be said that its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most picturesque sites in all of Spain.

• If you're planning a holiday in Ibiza, I can tell you will have wild nights and therapeutic afternoons at the beach. But, if you're planning a relaxing holiday in Ibiza, then I'll give you some ideas for peaceful days.

What to do in Ibiza: pool parties and crazy nights in the Clubs

Clubs open 24 hours, pool parties, no limits cocktail, house music until morning. Welcome to one of the best Mediterranean nightlife destination, the Spanish answer to the most glam Mykonos. My guided tour starts from the "cool" places.

For the beach aperitif, the top is Sant Antoni de Portmany, the second largest city of Ibiza. Here, the historic bar "Café del Mar" is an institution: enjoy its drinks accompanied by music, at sunset. By daytime, Ibiza is also famous for its crazy pool parties in the hotels; the centerpiece of the island is Playa d'en Bossa, a 2 km long beach dotted with clubs and chiringuitos (the famous beach bars).

Don't know how to spend nightlife in Sant Antoni de Portmany? Here, there are loads of clubs that host many of Europe's best DJs in summer. A tip? The Elrow night at Amnesia, it's something unique!

And the best beaches in Ibizia? Cala Comte, for many the best cove in all Ibiza, Playa d'en Bossa, a crowd of young people day and night, Cala Hort and the quiet coves of Talamanca and Cala Saladeta. Ibiza, however, is not just wild nightlife: for a more cultural holiday go to Dalt Vila, the old town and historic center of the island. From a walking tour in the old town of Ibiza you can espect a journey through sparkling white buildings, colorful landscapes and photographic views. Among the cultural places to visit in the city of Ibiza, don't miss the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows.

Excursions from Ibiza: Formentera boat trips and boat parties

Due to the festive character of the island, the cooler activities to do in Ibiza are undoubtedly the excursions in the near Formentera and the boat parties with open bar, to be combined perhaps with more quiet and cultural trips.

Anyone visiting Ibiza should consider to take a Formentera tours. Its beaches seem almost tropical ones - above all Playa de Ses Illetes and Calo des Mort - not to mention the wildlife and the small whitewashed villages to walk or cycle around. Whether on a sailing boat or a catamaran cruise, Formentera is really worth a day trip!

• Drops of champagne, live shows, fresh fruit and open bar: having a drink and watching to shows at a boat party while sailing around the island is a must-do experience in Ibiza, with stops here and there for a refreshing dip in the crystal clear water.
• For a mix of culture and fun, book a guided tour of Ibiza by motorboat: see the historical monuments of the city, dive into the coral reef and watch the sunset on the beach.

FORMENTERA BOAT TRIPS AND TOURS TO BOOK ON A HOLIDAY IN IBIZA

How to get around in the Balearic Islands and how to get there

You can easily get around in the Balearic Islands by public transport. Majorca, Menorca and also Ibiza have regular bus services, reliable night-based bus service, at affordable prices. However, many visitors choose to rent a car once they arrive in the city, so to get around independently and reach the most hidden coves of the island.

• To move from one island to another, however, the ferry is the cheapest way. If you haven't already booked a guided excursion, consider that there are numerous ferry trips every day, especially during the summer, covering the route Majorca - Menorca or Ibiza - Formentera.

All the Balearic islands also have active international airports with direct flights from the main world and European airports. If you book in advance, you can find excellent offers from low-cost airlines covering the route from your country to Son Sant Joan - Palma de Mallorca Airport, the most important of the Balearic Islands - but also to Mahon Airport or to Ibiza Airport.