Best of the Balearic Islands

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Balearic Islands

Set sail for the Balearic Islands, an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea off the eastern coast of Spain. Known for its sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife, the Balearic Islands offer a diverse range of experiences across its four main islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.

Mallorca, the largest island, is a blend of scenic landscapes, historic sites, and lively beach resorts. Explore the charming streets of Palma, the capital city, with its impressive Gothic cathedral and bustling marina. Venture into the Tramuntana mountain range for hikes and picturesque villages like Valldemossa and Sóller. Menorca, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers a more tranquil experience with its unspoiled beaches, prehistoric monuments, and charming towns like Ciutadella and Mahón. The island is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat and opportunities to connect with nature, especially along its Camí de Cavalls coastal path.

Ibiza, world-famous for its pulsating nightlife, also has a quieter side with hidden coves, whitewashed villages, and a UNESCO-listed old town. Beyond the dance clubs, Ibiza's rugged coastline and pine-clad hills offer a serene escape, ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring secluded beaches. Formentera, the smallest of the inhabited islands, is a paradise for beach lovers and a haven of tranquility. Its pristine beaches, like Ses Illetes and Llevant, are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. The island is also great for cycling and exploring its rugged coastline and salt flats.

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Balearic Islands Essentials

Best Things to Do in Mallorca

Known as the "jewel of the Mediterranean," Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and offers a tropical-like coastline, chiseled mountain peaks, and a vibrant culture. Travelers flock to the island to combine relaxation with adventure. For example, enjoy a catamaran cruise while snorkeling in the Mediterranean, visit idyllic villages while hiking in the mountains, or explore caves while wine tasting. And when you need a break, dive into the island's unique and flavorful culinary scene or walk the streets of buzzy Palma.

What of the Balearic islands, calls out to you? Mallorca, Menorca, or Ibiza?

Mallorca, Menorca, or Ibiza: Which Is Best for You?

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, offers varied landscapes, from the Serra de Tramuntana to its pristine beaches, making it a haven for adventurers and sun-seekers. Menorca, often dubbed the quieter sibling, offers serene bays, UNESCO-listed sites, and a deeply preserved history evident in its prehistoric monuments and charming towns. On the other hand, Ibiza is a blend of vibrant nightlife and untouched natural beauty, attracting both partygoers and those searching for tranquil Mediterranean escapes.

The entrancing Moorish architecture of Andalusia

Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon in Spain

With one of the longest and most popular coastlines in Europe and a siesta every afternoon, Spain practically insists on its visitors relaxing. Add in one of Europe's most sensual dances, flamenco, an abundance of that ultimate sharing food, tapas and some devastatingly beautiful architecture, gardens and produce-rich countryside, and it becomes clear why this is among Europe's foremost honeymoon destinations, too. Here are the top places to visit on a honeymoon in Spain, and the top things to do in each.

Beachfront location (photo courtesy of Villa Le Blanc Gran Meliá)

The 3 Best Beachfront Hotels in Menorca

With over 80 beaches and some of the most idyllic coastlines in the Balearic Islands, Menorca is an excellent place for a beachfront hotel. Staying near the coast makes it easy to enjoy the seaside and water sports, but it also offers a quieter experience away from the cities, so you can truly immerse yourself in the island's relaxed, natural vibe.

Plastic-free luxury hotel exudes charm (photo courtesy of Cristine Bedfor)

The 6 Best Eco-Friendly Hotels in Menorca

With the entirety of Menorca being a Biosphere Reserve, you'll find a few options for eco-friendly hotels that complement the island's sustainability efforts. Our top picks offer accommodation that fits a range of budgets and feature initiatives around reducing energy, purifying water naturally, and conserving land.

Soak under historic rocks (photo courtesy of Boutique Hotel Ses Bruixes)

The 5 Best Spa Hotels in Menorca

If you want to pamper yourself while in the Balearic Islands, Menorca is a great place to do so. With its laid-back vibes and focus on the environment, you'll find several options for spa hotels with perks like thermal circuits, heated seawater pools, steam rooms, sensory showers, oxygenating sunbeds, massages, aromatherapy rooms, saunas, and more.

Warm, cozy, boutique hotel rooms (photo courtesy of Villa Le Blanc Gran Melia)

The 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Menorca

You'll find Menorca's best boutique hotels spread out across the island. Though because of the historical nature of their buildings, many are in the vibrant center of Mahón or Ciutadella. All offer unique stays with plenty of authentic character, and you'll find amenities like on-site restaurants, spas, outdoor pools, and happy hours.

Historic hotels in Ciutadella (photo courtesy of Hotel Boutique Can Sastre)

The 5 Best Hotels in Ciutadella de Menorca

Many travelers prefer to stay or base themselves in Ciutadella de Menorca, as it's the perfect gateway to the island's northern and western coasts. If you're looking for a more active vacation, this is an excellent region. And Ciutadella offers historic charm and direct access to the island's Cami de Cavlls trail that wraps around Menorca, meaning the picturesque Sa Farola Beach is just a 20-minute walk.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Mallorca

On a shorter visit to the Balearic island of Mallorca, basing yourself in the main city of Palma puts you in the center of the action, while travelers with a few more days to spend may want to head out to a countryside retreat to get away from it all. No matter what lodging you choose, all of these hotels have a story to share.

Posh perks at luxury accommodation (photo courtesy of Suites del Lagos)

The 6 Best Luxury Hotels in Menorca

It's no surprise that the Balearic Islands offer some truly indulgent properties, but Menorca adds historic and authentic charm to its five-star hotels. So though you can enjoy all the posh perks like outdoor pools, spas, beachfront locations, and rooms with private pools, the below top picks also stay true to the rustic island vibes.

Relax in the countryside of Menorca (photo courtesy of Hotel Torralbenc)

The 4 Best Rural Hotels in Menorca

The island of Menorca is a Biosphere Preserve, so rural hotels are aplenty and offer unique experiences on protected farms and heritage land. You'll have a quiet, authentic stay in historical buildings while still indulging in perks like outdoor pools, farm-to-table restaurants, and spa treatments.

Hotels in Mahón (photo courtesy of Boutique Hotel Ses Bruixes)

The 6 Best Hotels in Mahón

Many travelers like to start or make their hub in Mahón, one of Menorca's main cities and home to an airport and a major ferry port. It's recommended to stay in the city, as it has a captivating historic center, a vibrant waterfront promenade bustling with activity, and lively markets. As a bonus, all below hotel recommendations sit in charming historic properties.

Enjoy a hotel with a pool (photo courtesy of Barceló Nura)

The 5 Best Hotels with Pools in Menorca

Pools are a standard amenity in the Balearic Islands, and Menorca offers some of the best hotels with refreshing swimming spaces, whether outdoor, indoor, or private. The following properties put a focus on their pools for complete relaxation and rejuvenation, offering perks like sunbeds directly in the water, natural saltwater options, and serene gardens.

Rooms with beautiful views (Photo courtesy of Melia Cala Galdana)

The 6 Best Mid-Range Hotels in Menorca

Menorca is one of those places where its mid-range hotels live up to its luxury options, so you can enjoy an indulgent stay without pushing your budget too much. Leading mid-range properties offer five-star perks like beachfront locations, spas, gourmet restaurants, outdoor pools, and historic buildings.

Standard yet cozy rooms (photo courtesy of Hotel San Miguel)

The 5 Best Standard Hotels in Menorca

Menorca attracts a diverse range of visitors, and as it is a little more laid back than the other Balearic Islands, several affordable accommodation options exist. The only restriction is that Menorca's best standard hotels are in a city, either Mahón or Ciutadella. You'll have to stretch your budget to stay on the beach or in a rural environment, but these cities still provide a lot of entertainment and make great hubs for exploring the island.

Balearic Islands Itineraries

Beautiful coastline and beaches of the Algarve

Explore the Coastlines & Beaches of Portugal & Spain: 10 Days

Eat your way around colorful Lisbon, admire the stunning natural coastline of the Algarve, and soak up the sunshine on the beaches of Mallorca with this relaxed 10-day coastal itinerary. As you hop between Portugal and Spain, balance slow beach days and relaxation with adventure and fun activities, such as sailing to the world-famous Benagil Cave, wine tasting at a traditional quinta estate, cycling through the lagoons of Ria Formosa, and paddleboarding on the bays of Mallorca.

Finish your trip with hiking and wine tasting on Mallorca

Bask in the Beauty of the Balearics: Menorca & Mallorca - 10 Days

Grab your suntan lotion and flip-flops because you're off on a 10-day escape to Menorca and Mallorca, two stunning islands in the Spanish Balearics. In the former, you'll explore hidden corners on Jeep tours, laze on sun-kissed beaches, go kayaking, and do some wine tasting. Then experience the highlights of Mallorca, from touring Old Town Palma, hiking the Tramuntana Mountains, snorkeling off the coast, and more.

Barcelona and the Balearic Islands: Mallorca and Menorca - 8 Days

The only thing better than enjoying a holiday in Spain's Balearic Islands is stopping first in Barcelona for some culture and city life. You'll discover Catalonia's capital on a self-guided tour as well as an organized excursion to some of the most famous landmarks designed by legendary architect Antoni Gaudí. You'll then fly to Menorca for some horseback riding around the island followed by a trip to Mallorca for sailing and mountain hikes.

Barcelona and the Balearic Islands: Mallorca and Menorca - 10 Days

There are no more beautiful locales in Spain's Catalonia region than Barcelona and the Balearic Islands. You'll visit both on a 10-day excursion that begins in Barcelona with bicycle rides through its historic neighborhoods as well as tours of its most impressive Gothic buildings. The final leg of the journey will see you hiking the gorgeous Tramuntana Mountains and sailing around the rocky coves of Mallorca and Menorca.

Enjoy a private sailing trip to explore Menorca's marine life

Mediterranean Spain Luxury Getaway: Menorca & Barcelona - 7 Days

Escape to the Mediterranean on this luxury weeklong trip. First, enjoy a dose of sun, sea, and sand on the peaceful Balearic island of Menorca, where you'll laze around white-sand coves, take a sunset Jeep safari, and charter a private catamaran to explore the island's biodiverse marine reserve. End the adventure in mainland Spain with wine tasting in the unspoiled Penedès region and a tour of Gaudí's architectural gems in Barcelona.

Barcelona and the Balearic Islands: Mallorca and Menorca - 9 Days

If you want a vacation that combines a cultural immersion in a historic city with some exotic island fun, this nine-day itinerary is for you. The city in question is Barcelona, and you'll discover it on walking tours of its iconic buildings, like Sagrada Familia, as well as cycling tours of its most famous neighborhoods, like the Gothic Quarter. Then it's off to Menorca and Mallorca, where you'll both hike and sail around these gorgeous isles.

Highlights of Barcelona and Mallorca: Cities, Beaches, and Mountains - 6 Days

Six days is just enough time to relax and recharge in two of Spain's best places for just such a mission: Barcelona and Mallorca. First, you'll enjoy a bit of culture as you tour Barcelona's historic neighborhoods and stop at famous buildings like La Sagrada Familia. Then you'll visit the island of Mallorca for three days of coastal sailing trips, city tours, and mountain hikes featuring incredible views of the Mediterranean.

Barcelona and the Balearic Islands: Mallorca and Menorca - 11 Days

You'll discover everything that perfectly encapsulates Spain's Catalonia region on a visit to its capital of Barcelona. This 11-day trip includes touring its historic Gothic Quarter, bicycling around the waterfront, and sampling Catalan cuisine in the form of cooking classes and market tours. The last few days you'll fly to the Balearics and enjoy fun in the sun on two of its most beautiful islands: Mallorca and Menorca.

Spain Beach Getaway: Barcelona & Menorca - 6 Days

This brisk six-day tour of Spain not only includes visiting the most famous landmarks in Barcelona but also the most beautiful beaches of the Balearic Islands. It starts in Barcelona with an architecture tour that includes Gaudí masterpieces like Park Güell and Sagrada Familia. Then you're off to the island of Menorca, where you can explore its famously beautiful coast on both horseback and in a kayak.

It doesn't get much better than fresh watermelon on the beach in Mallorca

Family Trip to Barcelona & Mallorca - 8 Days

Combine incredible Spanish architecture, food, and history with the laid-back coastal beauty of the Balearic Islands on this fun, family-focused trip to Barcelona and Mallorca. Packed with kid-friendly guided tours, you'll spend three nights in the vibrant Catalonian capital, seeing sights such as the Sagrada Família before flying over to Mallorca to discover the island's best swimming spots, alluring villages, and charming landmarks.

Barcelona & Mallorca: Best Itinerary Ideas

A week to 10 days is a great length for a Spain trip with stops in both Barcelona and Mallorca. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in five or six days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Madrid, Seville, or Costa Brava. Keep reading for more inspiring Barcelona and Mallorca itineraries.

Spain Beach Getaway: Barcelona and Menorca - 7 Days

Whether you want fun in the sun or nights out on the town, this weeklong itinerary has you covered. It combines two great parts of Spain, the first being the historic streets of Catalonia's capital of Barcelona. After embarking on city tours of its most famous sights, you'll jet off to the island of Menorca, in the Balearics, where you'll wrap up your holiday with horseback rides along the beach and kayaking off the coast.

Mediterranean Spain Luxury Getaway: Madrid, Menorca & Barcelona - 10 Days

Sample Mediterranean culture and landscapes on this luxury 10-day trip to Spain. You'll take intimate city tours, browsing Madrid's Prado Museum with an art historian and visiting Barcelona's world-famous Sagrada Família with an architect. Sip fine wines in Penedès' vineyards and jet to the beach-studded shores of Menorca to bask on white-sand beaches, sail the Mediterranean coast on a private catamaran, and enjoy a private Jeep safari.

Spain Beach Getaway: Barcelona and Menorca - 8 Days

A vacation in the paradise of Menorca is one thing—combining it with a visit to Barcelona is quite another. This eight-day itinerary will see you live it up in Catalonia's capital on tours of the city as well as participating in a cooking class. Then you're off to Menorca, a tranquil island in the Balearics, where you'll horseback along the white-sand beaches and perhaps explore the coast on a kayak excursion.

Children sitting on stone steps in Spain

Spain Family Vacation: Madrid, Barcelona & Menorca - 14 Days

Introduce the kids to continental European life with this glorious two-week family trip to Spain. Starting in Madrid, you'll stroll medieval cobbled streets, feast on mouth-watering tapas, and experience centuries-old traditions in Toledo. Catch the train to vibrant Barcelona and gaze awestruck at the Sagrada Família as the city's turrets and steeples fire the kids' imaginations. Your trip finishes on the idyllic island of Menorca, where you'll swim in secret coves and sail the stunning coast.

Spain Beach Getaway: Barcelona and Menorca - 9 Days

This nine-day itinerary combines the best of Barcelona with a bit of an island hop. It begins in the capital of Catalonia with visits to famous buildings, like the cathedral La Sagrada Familia, as well as tours of the local markets, a private cooking class, and cycling tours of the Gothic Quarter and Barceloneta Beach. You'll cap the trip in the paradise of Menorca, where you'll ride horses and sunbathe on white-sand beaches.

Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 17 Days

This 17-day itinerary has all the makings of an unforgettable Spanish adventure. You'll not only visit the most incredible sights in the most famous cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, but you'll also make day trips to medieval gems like Ronda and Toledo. On top of taking food tours of local markets and tapas bars, you'll also head to the isles of Mallorca and Menorca for some sailing trips and coastal horseback riding.

Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 18 Days

This 18-day Spanish vacation packs in historic sights, gorgeous locales, and some of the best beaches. It begins in Madrid with a tour of its famous plazas and palaces, followed by a jaunt around Andalusia and its most beautiful cities, such as Seville, Ronda, and Grenada. But that's not all—you'll then fly off to Barcelona for Catalan culture in its Gothic Quarter before ending the trip on the postcard Balearic Islands.

Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 19 Days

The only way to improve on a journey through mainland Spain is to add an island adventure into the mix. Over 19 days you'll immerse yourself in cities like Madrid, Seville, Grenada, and Barcelona, visiting their historic sights and enjoying the regional cuisine. Beyond wine tours, art walks, and flamenco shows, you'll also jet off to the Balearic Islands and sail the sapphire waters of hot spots like Mallorca and Menorca.

Spend four days exploring the Balearic island of Menorca by Jeep and catamaran

Luxury Spain Getaway: Madrid to the Mediterranean - 14 Days

Discover Spain’s showstopping highlights on this luxury two-week tour. You’ll stay in 5-star hotels and restored palaces, joining private guides for cultural tours of Madrid, Granada, and Barcelona. Exclusive experiences include flamenco performances, marzipan workshops, and Michelin-starred dining. Take day trips to Penedès vineyards and the Alpujarras Mountains, then jet to the sun-blessed island of Menorca, where white-sand beaches, catamaran tours, and Jeep safaris await.

Barcelona & the Balearic Islands: Mallorca & Menorca - 12 Days

The only way to make a Barcelona vacation better is to include a jaunt to the Balearic Islands. This 12-day adventure begins with tours of the city's Gothic Quarter and Gaudí-designed buildings, plus a cooking class celebrating Catalan cuisine. After wine tasting near the holy site of Montserrat, you'll jet off to Mallorca and Menorca, where you'll embark on horseback rides and hikes around the islands.

Spain Highlights: Madrid, Seville, Granada & the Balearic Islands - 13 Days

You could spend a lifetime traveling through Spain and discovering its secrets, but luckily 13 days is all you need to experience the highlights. This trip begins in Madrid where you'll stroll El Retiro Park, visit the Royal Palace, and see the historic Plaza Mayor, once the heart of Old Spain. You'll then journey down to Andalusia for flamenco shows and a wine tour of the mountaintop city of Ronda before jetting to the Balearic Isles and sunbathing in Mallorca and Menorca.

Drive south to the cliffs and beaches of the Algarve before crossing into Spain

Epic Portugal & Spain Discovery Tour: Iberian Culture, Coastline & Beaches - 21 Days

Get ready for three weeks of culture, cuisine, and adventure on the Iberian Peninsula. You'll visit all the highlights, beginning with tours in Portugal's northern city of Porto, followed by a road trip south to the capital of Lisbon to explore its famous seven hills. After hiking the coast of Sintra and the Algarve, you'll hop around southern and eastern Spain, from Seville and Granada to Mallorca and Barcelona.

Spain Highlights: Madrid, Seville, Granada & the Balearic Islands - 14 Days

The standard two-week vacation is more than enough time to experience the highlights of Spain. This includes art walks in Madrid, flamenco shows in Seville, wine tours of Andalusia, and all the authentic tapas you can eat. The cherry on this delicious Spanish dessert is a jaunt to the Balearic Isles, where you'll spend a few days lazing on the beaches, hiking the mountains, and sailing the coasts of Menorca and Mallorca.

Spain Highlights: Madrid, Seville, Granada & the Balearic Islands - 15 Days

With a little over two weeks to spare, you can experience the highlights of Spain's major cities while also making time for an island getaway. This 15-day itinerary begins in Madrid with visits to the El Prado Museum and Royal Palace before continuing south to Seville for wine tours, flamenco shows, and visits to Moorish fortresses. The adventure concludes on the rocky coves and white-sand beaches of Menorca and Mallorca, two of the most beautiful islands in the Balearics.

Spain Highlights: Madrid, Seville, Granada & the Balearic Islands - 16 Days

Spain boasts some of the most impressive palaces, cathedrals, and fortresses in Europe. On a 16-day tour, you'll not only see these highlights in unforgettable cities like Madrid and Seville, but you'll also make day trips to historic locales like Toledo and Ronda. As if that's not enough adventure, you'll finish the trip on the coasts of the Balearic Isles, where you'll enjoy sunbathing, horseback riding, and sailing.

Discover Spain, North to South - 18 Days

Discover the highlights of Spain's cities and nature on this tour, starting in Picos de Europa National Park near Bilbao, and heading into Madrid via the UNESCO city of Segovia with its ancient Roman aqueduct. Visit the region of Andalucía, exploring the cities of Granada, Seville, and Ronda, plus hiking the Caminito del Rey, exploring the white villages, and enjoying an optional beach day. End your trip on the island of Mallorca, discovering its historic inland villages and coastal harbors, as well as its caves, mountains, and wineries.

Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona & the Balearic Islands - 20 Days

With two-thirds of a month free, you can really immerse yourself in Spain. This 20-day itinerary allows you to visit three different regions, including Madrid, Andalusia, and Catalonia. Throughout the adventure, you'll enjoy great food, go on wine tours, take in a flamenco show, marvel at historic Gothic architecture, and even make time for a bit of island-hopping in Menorca and Mallorca.

Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 21 Days

This three-week itinerary delivers everything you could want in a Spanish holiday. It begins in Madrid before moving south to Andalusia, with its Moorish architecture and flamenco flavor. You'll then discover the food and culture of Barcelona, capping the trip in the Balearic Islands, where you'll explore postcard coves and the azure waters off Menorca and Mallorca.

Other popular travel destinations in Spain
Madrid · Andalusia · Catalonia · Barcelona · Seville · Granada · Basque Country · Málaga · San Sebastián · Bilbao · Costa Brava · Córdoba · Ronda · Menorca · Canary Islands · La Mancha · Toledo · Mallorca · Valencia · Santiago de Compostela · La Rioja · Ibiza · Girona · Pamplona · Marbella

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