The Balearic Islands are Spain’s Mediterranean archipelago. Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, home to about 1.2 million people, combine famous beaches and coves with mountain villages, medieval towns and a strong local culture. Catalan and Spanish are both spoken.

Why visit the Balearic Islands

For clear water and varied islands: you can hike the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana, swim in quiet coves in Menorca, explore Ibiza’s walled old town or relax on Formentera’s white beaches – all a short flight from most of Europe.

The islands

Mallorca

The largest island. Palma has a Gothic cathedral by the sea and a lively old town; the Serra de Tramuntana hides villages such as Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller, linked to Palma by a vintage train.

Menorca

Quieter and greener, a biosphere reserve with coves of turquoise water, prehistoric Talayotic sites listed by UNESCO and the harbour towns of Mahón and Ciutadella.

Ibiza

Known for its nightlife, but also for the walled old town of Dalt Vila, listed by UNESCO with the island’s seagrass meadows, and for calm villages and coves in the north.

Formentera

The smallest inhabited island, with long white beaches and clear water, reached by ferry from Ibiza.

Best time to visit the Balearic Islands

Late spring and early autumn are ideal: warm sea and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy. Winter is mild and quiet, good for hiking and cycling in Mallorca.

Getting to and around the Balearic Islands

Palma, Menorca and Ibiza airports have flights from all over Europe. Ferries connect the islands with each other and with Barcelona, Valencia and Dénia. On each island, a car or the bus network is the easiest way to get around.

What to eat in the Balearic Islands

Ensaïmada pastries, sobrassada sausage, frit mallorquí, Mahón cheese, lobster stew (caldereta de langosta) in Menorca and flaó in Ibiza.