The Balearic Islands fascinate and enchant. Miles of sandy beaches and magical Mediterranean waters attract tourists from all over the world. There are five Balearic Islands – Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera and Cabrera. Each of the islands is like a little gem with its own size, splendor and beauty.
Our tip: Take advantage of the opportunity to take a ferry between the Balearic Islands and get to know different islands.
Mallorca – the largest of the Balearic Islands
Increasingly attractive for active holidays, both on the water and in nature. The capital of Mallorca is Palma de Mallorca, the largest city and port on the island. The city is full of romance, beautiful landscapes and numerous architectural monuments. La Cían, Palma’s cathedral by the sea, where the modern chapel by Magel Barcelo complements the splendor of the Gothic architecture, and the former Arab and Jewish quarters, which impress with their elegant Art Nouveau buildings, transport us to another time.
In Valdemossa, a visit to the Carthusian monastery is a must. From there, you can take the impressive coastal road to Deia, where Robert Graves spent half his life. Visiting the house of the great poet and writer is a magical and intimate experience.
Cala Llombards beaches on the southeast coast near Santani, idyllic beaches such as Cala Torta in the east are ideal for children with their shallow waters and consist of a bright sandy beach with boat shelters on the rocks. Sheltered by the pine trees on Victoria Hill in the northeast of the island is the small S’Illot, a rocky cove where you can try the popular paella in a restaurant overlooking the beach. On the south coast, on the edge of the Ses Salines wetland, is the famous Es Trenc beach, which stretches for 2 km of white sand and whose more secluded sections are popular with nudists.
Ibiza – a party without end
The next larger, but no less beautiful island is Ibiza. There aren’t as many historical sites to visit here, but there are plenty of places to eat for people who like entertainment and a lively nightlife. In Ibiza Town, you can explore the island’s history in the streets of the old Dalt Vila neighborhood — the entire neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Museum of Modern Art, known by its acronym MACE, is one of Ibiza’s most famous and popular cultural attractions. The golden sands, the choice of restaurants and the view of the enchanting island of Es Vedra are worth the walk down to Cala d’Horta. Continuing along the coast of Cala Conta, you will arrive at Cala Codolar, which is protected by cliffs where the cobalt blue sea is as smooth as a swimming pool. On the other side of the island, in Aguas Blancas, wearing a swimsuit is voluntary.
Outside the club season, which usually lasts from May to October, the island is very quiet, and the weather is more suitable for active, pine-scented relaxation. Every evening you can watch the sunset in the western part of the island.
The green oasis of the Balearic Islands – Menorca
The northernmost island has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for almost three decades. Environmental protection and sustainable tourism have always been important to Menorca . Although the island is small, it has more than 200 km of coastline with dozens of virgin beaches surrounded by the Cami de Cavales hiking trail. The capital Mao is located at the end of a 5 km narrow bay and is one of the safest harbours in the Mediterranean. A walk along the 700-year-old Cami de Cavalls hiking trail is a great way to experience Menorca’s natural beauty, whether it’s birdwatching, butterflies or wildflowers, on foot, by bike or on horseback.
The coastal waters are ideal for diving and the beaches invite you to relax. The beautiful bays of Macarella and Macarelletta on the south coast are particularly beautiful. In Calo Blanc you can jump from the cliffs into the clear water, and on the north coast at Pregondà you can enjoy reddish-golden sand and pink rocks.
The 17 km long Balearic island of Formentera
The smallest of the Balearic Islands has a coastline of almost 70 km. To maintain a sustainable environment, it is advisable to cycle along one of the 32 green routes between almond, juniper and pine trees.
Coming from Germany, you land in Ibiza and then take the ferry to Formentera.
It is ideal for a family holiday. It is located south of the other three islands and, despite its small size, is a popular place for sailors, divers and lovers of solitude.
Their glittering sands are soft and white. Some have huts, others have good restaurants, most have no restaurants at all. The beach of Illetas is close to the ferry port and is really beautiful. On the other side of the island, the Migjorn stretches for almost 5 km to the small cove of Caló des Mort. Families love Cala Saona, where the sea is particularly calm.
