The 12 things to do in the Balearic Islands

Want to discover one of the most beautiful islands of the Mediterranean Sea? Here are all our tips to visit the Balearic Islands!

Off the Catalan coast, in the Mediterranean Sea, the Balearic Islands consists of all the more beautiful islands than others. If Majorca and Ibiza are the best known, one must not miss a tour on Minorque and Formentera, preserved from tourism. The options are therefore numerous to visit the Balearic Islands.

Majorca has dozens of natural sites to discover, as well as some of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Despite its sulphurous reputation linked to the jet-set, Ibiza is full of beautifully lost corners, away from the traditional tourist circuit.

Menorca is displayed as an ideal destination for those who love trekking and secret coves, while Formentera is exploring on a scooter as an adventurer of modern times. In this article, we have prepared a selection of the best things to do to visit the Balearic Islands and make your stay a real dream awake.

1. Palma de Mallorca

The capital of the largest island in the Balearic Islands is recognizable from the sea thanks to its imposing Cathedral known all over the world. The Royal Palace of Almudeina , a former Muslim castle, is the residence of the monarchs of Majorca. You can visit it and learn the history of the island.

But visiting Palma de Mallorca is especially lost in its alleys and discover the baroque, Gothic or Renaissance architecture of the different buildings. Don’t hesitate to take a look behind the wrought iron grids to discover the beauty of the patios and gardens that hide. Another must is Château de Bellver overlooking the city and offering a magnificent view of the bay of Palma. Visiting the Balearic Islands is above all discovering a breathtaking landscape!

2. Sóller

This small village on the northwest coast of Mallorca, at the foot of the Serra Tramuntana mountains, is one of the most beautiful of the island. A beautiful old tram line connects it to a small port, with stops at several points of view and points of interest. It follows an alternate tunnel and spectacular bridges.

• Standing in the middle of the village, the church of Sant Bartolomeu gives the place an incomparable hiding place.
• Coté port, a lovely promenade along the sea welcomes terraces of bars, restaurants and souvenir shops.
• The visitors enjoy the two beaches lined with crystalline waters that are suitable for swimming and well equipped for stuffing.
• To enjoy an overview of the harbour, go up to the Santa Catalina Mirador, a perfect place for a romantic sunset in love. Visit the Balearic Islands without seeing a sunset would have been a shame!

3. Fornalutx

Only 4 kilometers from Sóller is another unmistakable village when you visit the Balearic Islands. Elected the most beautiful village of Spain in 2017, Fornalutx is built on the slopes of the highest peak of Majorca, the Muig Majorca. It is an ideal starting point for many hiking routes on the mountain side, in a setting of olive trees, orange trees and other almond trees.

The narrow, paved alleys and stairs form a labyrinth that allows you to access the different levels of the village. Plaça d’Espanya , in the center, allows to take a coffee in the shade of the plane trees before continuing its way to the church. Don’t forget to lift your head, because in Fornalutx a tradition of ornamenting ancestral tiles and many buildings are decorated.

So when you come to visit the Balearic Islands, don't miss a stop in Fornalutx!

4. Valldemossa

Also in the province of the Serra de Tramuntana, another village is a must-see when you are looking for something to do in the Balearic Islands. It is best known for hosting a couple of famous lovers, Frédéric Chopin and George Sand. The author described their passage in winter 1838-1839 in A winter in Majorca , while a museum dedicated to Chopin will delight classical music lovers.

There is also the charm of stone houses, narrow and steep alleys that give us the opportunity of a romantic parenthesis in the heart of the mountains. A few kilometers from there, the small fishing port, which is reached in 15 minutes by a mountain winding road, welcomes us in its blue setting surrounded by calanques.

5. Cap de Formentor

More than the course, it is the entire peninsula of Formentor that is worth a visit. Don’t hesitate to rent a car from Majorca. A winding road of 18 kilometers, the Ma2210, takes you from the port of Pollença to the end of the northeastern peninsula of the island. On your way, a succession of breathtaking landscapes. You can stop at different points of view before you reach the end of the road and continue on foot to the lighthouse at the top of the cliffs.

• To visit the Balearic Islands at best, we particularly recommend the Mirador Es Colomer, probably one of the most beautiful views of the island, and the Talaia d’Albercutx, a very photogenic tower built on the edge of a precipice.
• You will also have the opportunity to stop in several more beautiful coves than others in Cala Bòquer, Cala Formentor, Cala Murta and Cala Figuera. Cala Formentor is the largest and most accessible, others are wilder: you will have to walk to join them.

To properly enjoy this peninsula of all beauty, plan at least one day, ballads and bath included.

6. Sa Calobra

When you arrive at the pass that overlooks Sa Calobra, words often lack the landscape that offers to us is spectacular. A 14-kilometre road reveals its interlaces on the mountainside like a snake that would lead us to a small hidden cove.

At the bottom, the village of Sa Calobra is built by the sea, the houses and restaurants overlooking a wide blue handle. It is possible to swim and hide and tuba in search of multicolored fish.

The highlight of the show is a few hundred meters on foot. Along the cliffs with a path that leads us through the rock, you arrive on a stretch of sand enclosed by two impressive cliffs. The crystalline water bordering the beach of Torrent de Pareis has something enchanting. In the summer, locals and tourists try to dip from the rocks, while others simply enjoy the landscape, spread over the hot sand.

The Balearic government has sacred this unique place in the world as Natural monument . A must when looking to visit the Balearic Islands.

7. Ciutadella

It is the second town of Menorca after Mahon but above all the most beautiful with its many places and its city center where it makes it good to stroll. The numerous palaces and the promenade on the port along the pier make it an ideal small town to put its suitcases before going to explore the rest of the island.

The restaurants offer as many opportunities to taste the specialties of seafood such as the small octopuses with the ink of seiche or the royal dorade grilled at the plancha. Beaches can be found on foot from the centre such as Sa Caleta and Cala des Degollador, the ideal for relaxing without having to take transport. Visiting the Balearic Islands is above all resting and relaxing.

8. The path of horses and the cries of Menorca

The bravest will be able to explore all the coves following the Camí de Cavalls. It is a path that goes around the island, along the coast for 186 kilometres, cut into 20 sections. The complete hike lasts about ten days. However, it is possible to make only ends of the way as you wish.

• Coté criques, don't miss Cala Es Talaier, a white sandy beach surrounded by trees.
• Cala Agaiarens is perfect for underwater observation, while Cala Morel is overlooked by the cliffs. These two coves are accessible by bus.
• Cala Mitjana is considered by many as the most beautiful of the island. Rocky promontories offer beautiful views. It is even possible to visit a cave at the swim!

9. Natural Park of S’Albufera d’es Grau

This natural reserve in the northeast of Menorca is a must when visiting the Balearic Islands. The landscape is completely different from the rest of the archipelago, with a mouth where lagoons and marshes form. The beaches are often deserted, because this side of the island is much more preserved from tourism.

Several routes allow you to visit the park, including a lighthouse, a mirador and the village of Es Grau.

10. Formentera

The small island south of Ibiza is the smallest of the archipelago but also the most preserved. The ideal is of rent a car or a scooter and go on adventure to discover your own secret places, between beaches and views.

• The village of San Francesco Xavier is a must when you visit the Balearic Islands and Formentera.
• You can also take a sailing tour to access the most inaccessible coves.
• Fishing ports are also a good activity when looking for what to do in the Balearic Islands.
• Don't miss the Playa de Illetas. It’s a beautiful sandy strip that goes on several hundred meters in the sea.

11. Ibiza

If it is globally known for the clubbing, jet-set and party to the end of the night, few people know that Ibiza is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity and culture. Most travellers are surprised to discover such a calm and preserved island when they come to visit the Balearic Islands.

• Dalt Vila, the old town of Ibiza, plunges you into a quiet atmosphere in the shade of the houses with a bright whiteness.
• The villages of Sant Joan de Labritja and Santa Gertudis, inside the land, seem straight out of a film as their beauty is striking.
• The view of Es Vedra Island is also not to be missed if you visit the Balearic Islands. Indeed, you must see its beaches and the mirador of Las Puertas del cielo.
• Finally, if you like to party, sit on the terrace of a _beach bar. Then,_follow the movement to live one of the wildest evenings in your life!

12. A boat ride

If you are on the way to Majorca, you should really enjoy a day to take a boat ride. Indeed renting a boat in Majorca , you will offer you the opportunity to sail on the mediterranean throughout the Balearic Islands, and to discover the beautiful marine fauna it houses.

Thus, with or without skipper, you will have the opportunity to discover Ibiza, Menorca and company, the time of a day or more...

How do I go to the Balearic?

Aircraft

Many flights allow you to visit the Balearic Islands from the France . If Majorca has the third airport in Spain, it is also possible to land in Minorca and Ibiza.

To find the offer that matches you according to your departure city and the dates of your stay, we recommend that you use Skyscanner . This comparison allows you to find flights at the best price and keep your budget for the holidays on site.

Ferry

If you don’t want to fly, it is possible to reach Barcelona then board a ferry, alone or with your vehicle. To move between the islands, the ferry is often the most economical solution.

To reach Formentera on the other hand, you will have to make 30 minutes ferry from Ibiza .

Where to stay in the Balearic Islands?

The offer of accommodation to visit the Balearic Islands is plethora, especially on the islands of Majorca and of Ibiza .

• You will find huge hotel complexes offering all-inclusive stays, such as charming establishments by the sea or inland. To be sure to put your suitcases in a place that matches you, use a Compare hotels. Pools, rooms with terraces, full board: enter your selection and let the search engine find for you.
• If you prefer more authentic and typical accommodation to visit the Balearic Islands, many Airbnb are for rent. You will find charming houses as well as comfortable villas. So, what's your choice?

You only have to pack for an unforgettable stay on the jewels of the Mediterranean Sea.