Best Balearic Islands to visit in Spain | Our top picks

Floating off Spain’s east coast, the Spain Balearic Islands often get written off by reputation. Say Ibiza, and people think foam parties. Mention Mallorca, Menorca, or Formentera, and visions of package holidays and greasy fry-ups usually follow. But drop the clichés, and you’ll find four wildly different islands – each one with a whole lot more to offer than their postcard image.

Skip them, and you’ll miss some of the best Balearic Islands experiences – remote calas (coves), cliffside hikes, UNESCO-listed old towns, and slow, seafood-fuelled days that are hard to top on any trip to Spain.

Planning a getaway? Whether you’re into diving, cycling, beach-hopping, or long, lazy lunches by the sea, there’s an island that fits. From Mallorca’s mountain trails to Menorca’s quiet beaches, here’s your guide to the best Balearic Islands – and how to choose the right one for you.

What are the best Balearic Islands to visit in Spain?

If you're putting together a Spain itinerary and looking for beach time, island life, and a slower pace, the Balearic Islands are hard to beat. While they’re often lumped together, each has its own character, and picking the right one from the best islands in Spain can shape your whole trip.

Mallorca is the biggest and most varied – mountain hikes, buzzy beach towns, and quiet inland villages all wrapped into one. Menorca is the slow burn – ideal for laid-back days and unspoiled coves. Ibiza mixes legendary nightlife with surprisingly peaceful corners, while Formentera is tiny, low-key, and all about beaches that look more Caribbean than Mediterranean.

Whether you’ve got a week or a long weekend, these islands offer some of the best places to visit in Spain for sun, nature, and sea. They’re also easy to combine – hop between islands by ferry or a short domestic flight, and you’ll see a completely different side of Spain each time.

Wondering about the best time to visit Spain for island hopping? Late spring and early autumn are ideal – warm enough for swimming, but without the peak summer crowds and prices. Come in July or August, and you’ll need to book ahead – and brace for serious heat.

Formentera: Best for nature-lovers and laid-back travelers

If you’re chasing peace, Formentera is one of the best Balearic Islands to visit. Just a 30-minute ferry from Ibiza, it feels like a different planet – one with no airport, no high-rise resorts, and no stress. While Ibiza parties hard, Formentera keeps things blissfully slow.

The island’s rugged coastline is fringed with powdery white-sand beaches and clear turquoise water – ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or diving. Ses Illetes, with its shallow, calm sea and soft sand, is regularly ranked as one of the top beaches in the Balearics. Inland, you’ll find salt flats where flamingos gather in spring and autumn, and rural trails made for cycling or scootering between hidden coves.

Formentera has always attracted the laid-back crowd. Back in the 1960s, it was a magnet for hippies, and that free-spirited vibe still lingers today. Visit El Pilar de la Mola, the island’s highest village, for its artisan market – lantern-lit in the evenings and filled with handmade crafts, jewellery, and woven goods. Finish the day at the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse for one of the best sunset views on the island.

If you’re planning a trip to Spain and want total downtime, this is where to find it – no stress, no sprawl, just sand, sea, and space to breathe.

How to get to Formentera

There’s no airport on the island. The only way to reach Formentera is by ferry – most routes run from Ibiza Town (about 30 minutes), with connections from mainland Spain via Ibiza.

When to visit Formentera

Late May to June and September to early October are the sweet spots – sunny, warm, and far less crowded than peak summer. July and August bring the heat and the day-trippers.

Menorca: Best for families and beach bums

All the Balearic Islands have beaches, but Menorca takes things further. Think Caribbean-level coves without the long-haul flight. This island is edged with white-sand inlets and calm, turquoise water that makes doing nothing feel like a full-time job.

If you’re chasing the best beaches in Spain, start with Cala Mitjana, Cala Trebalúger, Cala Macarelleta, and Cales Coves. These aren’t sprawling resort beaches – they’re compact, pristine, and often reached by footpaths through pine forest. The sand is soft, the water is clear, and the vibe is blissfully uncommercial.

Because so many beaches here are shallow and protected, Menorca is one of the best Balearic Islands for families, especially if you’re exploring Spain with kids. Little ones can paddle safely, while older kids can snorkel in rocky coves or explore sea caves. Want to try diving without committing to a course? This is one of the best spots to give it a go, with excellent visibility and plenty of marine life just offshore.

Away from the beach, Ciutadella – the island’s old capital – offers cobbled streets, Gothic architecture, and harborside tapas. Or walk a stretch of the Camí de Cavalls, a 185km trail that circles the island and offers sea views you’ll remember.

How to get to Menorca

There are regular flights from mainland Spain and major European cities to Mahón, the island’s capital. Ferries also run from Barcelona and Mallorca, though travel time is longer.

When to visit Menorca

June and September are ideal – warm enough for swimming, but without the summer crush. July and August are great for beach weather, but book early if you want family-friendly accommodation.

Ibiza: Best for nightlife and a side of culture

It’s the obvious choice – but sometimes the obvious choice is also the right one. Ibiza and nightlife go together like gin and tonic. If you’re here to party, you’re in the right place. The island’s summer season is packed with big-name DJs, beach bars that turn into sunrise dance floors, and iconic clubs that live up to the hype. From all-nighters in San Antonio to cocktails with a view in Ibiza Town, this is the best Balearic Island for night owls.

But here’s the twist – Ibiza has a quieter side, and it’s just as worth your time. Dalt Vila, the island’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, sits above Ibiza Town like a citadel. Wander through its cobbled streets, climb the ramparts, and soak up views across the marina. The vibe couldn’t be further from the clubs – slow, sun-drenched, and full of charm.

There’s plenty more here than parties. Think hippy markets in Es Canar and Las Dalias, coastal hikes, paddleboarding, and sunset watching at Café del Mar. If your things to do in Spain list includes both culture and hedonism, Ibiza does both better than anywhere else.

How to get to Ibiza

Ibiza has an international airport with flights from across Europe. You can also reach the island by ferry from mainland Spain (Barcelona, Dénia, or Valencia) or nearby Formentera and Mallorca.

When to visit Ibiza

For nightlife, mid-June to early September is prime time. For a quieter trip with mild weather and fewer crowds, aim for May, late September, or early October – still warm, but a lot more relaxed.

Mallorca: Best for travelers who want it all

Can’t decide what kind of trip you want? Go to Mallorca – the best Balearic Island if you want a bit of everything. It’s the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, and whether you're here for beaches, nightlife, history, food, or hiking, you’ll find your fix.

Let’s start with the obvious: the beaches. From wide golden stretches like Playa de Muro to tucked-away coves near Cala Deià, the coastline delivers. Nightlife? You've got everything from rooftop cocktails in Palma to salsa bars in Sóller. With over 2,500 restaurants and 41 marinas, you'll never be short on dinner options or sea views.

Mallorca also suits families, especially those with teens, thanks to its variety. Palma mixes history with style – think palm-lined promenades, Moorish palaces, and edgy boutiques. But if you’re looking to escape the city, the best areas to stay in Mallorca include Alcúdia and Pollença, where you’ll have quick access to hiking trails, beaches, and rural charm.

Planning a romantic escape? There’s no shortage of the best places to stay in Mallorca for couples – from boutique fincas tucked into the Tramuntana mountains to sleek, adults-only hotels along the coast, perfect for slow mornings and sunset drinks.

When you’re ready to slow down even more, tour the island’s underrated wine region around Binissalem, where you can visit family-run vineyards without the crowds.

How to get to Mallorca

Mallorca has an international airport near Palma with frequent flights from across Europe. Ferries also connect the island to Barcelona, Valencia, and Ibiza.

When to visit Mallorca

May to June and September to October offer the best balance – sunny skies, warm seas, and fewer crowds. July and August are peak season, with packed beaches and higher prices, but great for nightlife and festivals.