Balearic Islands Guide – Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza & Formentera
The Balearics lie close enough to each other for a ferry ride, yet far enough to feel distinct. Mallorca is grand and varied. Menorca is quiet and generous. Ibiza has a pulse that changes with the sun. Formentera is little more than light, wind, and a few roads running between salt flats and dunes.
Mallorca – Mountains and Sea
Mallorca feels complete: mountain ranges, markets, and wide bays that open to calm evenings. The Serra de Tramuntana holds villages of stone and olive trees, while the plains stretch towards sandy coasts. One can start the day above the clouds in Deià and finish it at a café by the water in Port de Pollença. Palma adds a touch of history, its cathedral rising like a sail at dawn.
Menorca – Quiet Paths and Old Light
Menorca moves slower. The air smells of thyme and pine. Narrow trails, the Camí de Cavalls, circle the island and lead to coves where time disappears. Mahón and Ciutadella keep traces of past empires in their ports and alleys, yet life here is measured by wind and tide, not by schedule. It’s a place to walk, swim, read, and repeat.
Ibiza – Beyond the Obvious
Ibiza is often spoken of as one thing, but it isn’t. Behind the summer pulse there are farms, towers, and hillsides that smell of rosemary. The old town, Dalt Vila, still looks out over the harbor like it did centuries ago. Along the west coast, the light deepens each evening until it feels almost golden. If you follow the rhythm of the island instead of its reputation, you’ll find peace in places where the music fades.
Formentera – Stillness and Sea
Formentera is the last whisper of the group. A ferry from Ibiza takes less than an hour, but it feels like a crossing into silence. The island is flat, easy to explore by bike. White sand, shallow water, and endless horizon make even the simplest walk feel like a small discovery. People come here to stop moving for a while — to swim, to breathe, to rest.
When to Go
- May–June · clear water, flowers, and quiet roads.
- July–August · heat, long days, and full beaches — plan ahead.
- September–October · soft light, warm sea, balanced pace.
- Winter · closed clubs, open trails, calm air.
Moving Between Islands
Ferries connect them daily. From Palma to Ciutadella, from Ibiza to Formentera, the crossings are short and smooth. Most travelers choose one main base and add a second island for contrast. Cars help in Mallorca and Menorca; scooters or bikes fit better on Ibiza and Formentera. Pack simply: water, hat, a book, and time.
Small Notes
- In cafés, mornings begin with ensaimada or toast with tomato and olive oil.
- The sea is usually calm in early summer; storms pass quickly in autumn.
- Locals greet with patience. It’s an island habit worth learning.
The Balearics are easy to visit and hard to forget. Their rhythm doesn’t come from events or itineraries but from the way light moves through a day. Sit near the sea at noon, when everything slows, and you’ll understand more than any guide could teach.