Beach in Ibiza

The Balearic Islands, a paradise in the Mediterranean

Hidden turquoise coves, charming harbour villages, golden beaches and spectacular sunsets over the Mediterranean. Discover the most authentic side of the Balearic Islands.

The Balearic Islands are right at the top of the Mediterranean's most sought-after destinations and for good reason. This beautiful archipelago a unique experience on every island: from Mallorca's secret beaches and Menorca's peaceful atmosphere, to Ibiza's vibrant energy and Formentera's unspoilt natural beauty.

On all four islands, you'll find crystal-clear waters, whitewashed villages, bustling local markets, stunning coastal scenery and a cuisine that captures the essence of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Staying in a charming B&B is one of the best ways to experience the Balearics at a relaxed and authentic pace.

Mallorca: The Island That Has It All

Expansive, diverse and a heady mix of contrasts, Mallorca is ideal for travellers looking for a little bit of everything: beautiful beaches, picturesque villages and dramatic mountains overlooking the sea. It's perfect for couples, families and anyone wishing to combine relaxation, nature, culture and excellent food in one destination. One day you might spend snorkelling in a turquoise cove; the next, wandering through a stone-built village in the Serra de Tramuntana.

Charming Villages

Scenic view of a Mediterranean hillside village in Mallorca with terracotta-roofed houses, lush greenery, and clear blue sky.

Valldemossa

Often regarded as one of Mallorca's most elegant villages, Valldemossa enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, colourful flower displays and quiet, historical atmosphere. It's the perfect place to experience traditional Mallorca in a genuine way.

Aerial view of a hilltop village with rustic buildings surrounded by greenery, overlooking the blue sea under a clear sky in Mallorca

Deià

Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Deià is a small village full of character and inspiration. Long favoured by artists and writers, it also offers easy access to Cala Deià, one of the island's most scenic coves.

Vintage tram on a sunny coastal promenade with palm trees, clear blue sky, and buildings on a hillside in the background in Mallorca

Sóller

Famous for its lemon and orange groves, Sóller combines mountains, sea views and a historic wooden tram linking the town to its attractive harbour. The Port de Sóller is particularly lovely for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.

Coastal village with white buildings, green shutters, and clear turquoise water under a bright blue sky in Mallorca

Santanyí

Known for its artsy upscale feel and its weekly local market, Santanyí is one of Mallorca's most appealing boutique towns. Nearby coves such as Cala Santanyí and Cala Llombards make it an excellent choice for combining village life with days by the sea.

Crystal-Clear Beaches and Coves

Idyllic beach cove with turquoise water, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs, under a clear blue sky.

Cala Llombards

A small white sand bay framed by limestone cliffs and pine trees, Cala Llombards is wonderfully fjord-like. Traditional fishermen's huts add to its magic, making it an ideal spot for a day cooling off by the water.

Cala Deià in Mallorca Picturesque coastal village with stone houses, a rocky shoreline, and clear turquoise water, surrounded by lush greenery in Mallorca

Cala Deià

This picturesque pebble cove sits below the village of Deià and is known for its clear waters and beautiful surroundings. It's a wonderful place for a swim followed by lunch overlooking the sea.

Beach in Mallorca  Es Trenc

Es Trenc

Known as the ‘Caribbean of Mallorca ’, Es Trenc is one of the island's most famous beaches, yet due to being located within a protected natural area, it retains a wonderfully underdeveloped feel.

Natural Park in Mallorca  Cala Mondrago

Cala Mondragó

Set within a natural park, Cala Mondragó combines stunning shallow coves perfect for snorkelling with beautiful walking trails and interior lagoons. It's perfect for those who enjoy combining beach time with gentle walks in nature.

Gothic cathedral with tall spires and arches, surrounded by palm trees and water under a blue sky.

Palma de Mallorca: The Island's Elegant Capital

Palma often surprises visitors. Its historic centre is filled with narrow winding stone streets, hidden courtyards and lively squares. The magnificent cathedral overlooking the bay is one of Mallorca's most iconic landmarks and a truly unforgettable sight. As evening falls, the waterfront comes alive, while the city retains its effortlessly sophisticated Mediterranean chic.

Menorca: The Essence of the Balearics

Smaller, quieter and still surrounded by turquoise waters, Menorca is perfect for those looking to slow down and truly unplug. It's an ideal destination for couples, families and nature lovers seeking peaceful beaches, beautiful landscapes and a gentler pace of life.

The Most Beautiful Places in Menorca

Mahón - the great port of Menorca

Menorca's capital is home to one of Europe's largest natural harbours. Its attractive waterfront, historic streets with a distinct British influence, and sea-view terraces make it a delightful place to spend an afternoon or evening.

Menorca Colorful waterfront buildings with boats docked in a sunny harbor, blue sky above, and a mix of palm trees and urban scenery.

Binibeca Vell - the most photogenic village in Menorca

With its labyrinth of whitewashed houses and narrow lanes, Binibeca Vell is one of Menorca's most photographed locations. It feels like stepping into a postcard. Arriving early in the morning or later in the evening allows you to capture its charm at its most peaceful.

Binibeca Vell , Coastal view with rocky shoreline, clear turquoise water, a sandy area, and white buildings surrounded by greenery under a blue sky.

Camí de Cavalls - the ancient trail around Menorca

This historic 185km coastal trail circles the entire island, connecting secluded coves, cliffs and diverse landscapes. Whether you try to tackle the whole thing or just a short stroll, travelling by foot or by bicycle is one of the best ways to discover Menorca's dramatic landscapes.

Camí de Cavalls in Menorca
Scenic view of a harbor in Ciutadella, Menorca, at dusk. Boats are docked by the waterfront, with historic buildings illuminated in the background.

Ciutadella - Menorca's Most Beautiful City

The former capital of Menorca, Ciutadella is opulent with history and architecture reflecting the mixture of civilisations that have called it home over the centuries. Its honey-coloured stone buildings, charming old quarter and vibrant fish market make it one of the Balearic Islands' most enchanting destinations. It's also ideally located for visiting some of Menorca's most celebrated beaches, including Cala Macarella and Cala Turqueta.

Menorca's most beautiful coves

Ibiza: Much More Than Parties

Blessed with extraordinary natural beauty, bohemian Ibiza is far more than a modern party island. Its diverse music scene dates back to the 1960s, offering sounds for every generation and taste. Beyond the clubs, it is perfect for couples seeking beautiful beaches, sunsets, and excellent dining in a luxurious Mediterranean atmosphere. Alongside this lively energy, carefree corners still offer a slower, peaceful pace of life.

Cala Vedella - a quiet cove for watersports

Surrounded by pine trees and whitewashed houses, Cala Vedella is a sheltered natural bay with unusually calm, translucent waters. It's ideal for all manner of water sports - swimming, paddleboarding, snorkelling and kayaking all in the company of million-dollar private yachts.

Scenic view of a turquoise bay with a small boat and sandy beach. Hillside with white buildings and trees under a clear blue sky.

Dalt Vila - the historic heart of Ibiza

Translated from Catalan, Dalt Vila means ‘Upper Town ’, and this is fitting for the historic heart of Ibiza Town perched on a hilltop overlooking the fashionable modern districts. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is characterised by cobbled streets, Renaissance-era walls and breathtaking Mediterranean views. It's a wonderful place to wander and discover hidden squares, trendy boutiques, and restaurants.

Scenic view of a coastal city with white buildings and a hilltop fortress, under a vibrant blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Cala Comte - turquoise paradise

One of Ibiza’s most iconic beaches, Cala Comte is actually a collection of small coves, each more secluded than the next. Celebrated for its powdery sand and turquoise waters, the beach offers a lively yet bohemian vibe with cliffside spots perfect for daytime dining, and it is widely known for being the best spot on the island to watch the sunset.

A serene beach scene with clear turquoise water gently lapping onto a sandy shore, under a blue sky with wispy clouds and a distant island.

Portinatx - the other side of the island

Start with Ibiza really is an island of two halves. Portinatx, in the north of the island, is a scenic resort town known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear waters. It serves as a perfect, family-friendly contrast to Ibiza's bustling party scene, making it ideal for travellers seeking a quieter side of the island.

Clear blue water of a beach with rocky shoreline, surrounded by trees and distant buildings under a bright blue sky.

Cala Salada - the picture-perfect haven

Cala Salada is one of Ibiza’s most rustic, unspoiled coves, surrounded by pine trees, rocks, and water so clear it resembles a natural pool. The turquoise hue here is incredible, and the atmosphere tends to be much calmer and more relaxed than at the island's more famous beaches. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours swimming, sunbathing, and completely unwinding. Nearby lies Cala Saladeta—an even wilder and more spectacular cove—which can only be reached by walking across the rocks.

Scenic view of a turquoise bay with several boats anchored, surrounded by rocky shores and lush green trees under a clear blue sky.
Sunset view of a calm sea with a rocky island and cliffside, surrounded by lush greenery, under a pink and orange sky.

Es Vedrà: Ibiza's Most Magical Sunset

Few places in the Balearics are as iconic as Es Vedrà. Rising dramatically from the sea, this mysterious rocky islet is surrounded by legends and offers some of the most memorable sunsets in the Mediterranean. Whether viewed from a clifftop viewpoint like Cala d’Hort or enjoyed over a seaside dinner, it's an experience that stays with you long after your holiday has ended. The island's southwest is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for beautiful coves, chilled beach clubs, and a laid-back vibe. Sant Josep makes an excellent base for exploring this part of Ibiza, while quieter areas like Cala Carbó offer a much more authentic experience.

Formentera: The Mediterranean's Peaceful Escape

Small, laid-back, and surrounded by astonishingly clear waters, Formentera is the perfect destination for those seeking complete relaxation. Accessible only by boat, this island sanctuary embodies a barefoot luxury lifestyle, making it an ideal destination for couples, quiet getaways with friends, and travellers who prefer spectacular beaches, great restaurants, and a Mediterranean atmosphere that is far more relaxed than Ibiza's.

Scenic coastal view with turquoise waters, clear sky, rocky shoreline, and rustic wooden structures, framed by lush greenery on the left.

Cala Saona

Cala Saona is a charming, intimate cove framed by striking reddish cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters. As one of Formentera's most scenic natural bays, it is especially famous for its beachfront bars and the unforgettable experience of watching the sky change colours at sunset by walking up the nearby cliffs of Punta Rasa.

Wooden boardwalk leading to a serene beach with turquoise waters, surrounded by lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

Migjorn

Stretching for several kilometres, Migjorn offers sweeping stretches of sandy beach, hidden rocky coves, and plenty of space, ensuring a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere even during the peak summer months. The shore is dotted with friendly beach bars and excellent restaurants, making it the perfect peaceful escape to enjoy great food and drink right by the sea.

A lighthouse stands on a rocky cliff overlooking the calm sea at sunset, with a person gazing from the edge.

La Mola Lighthouse

Perched atop dramatic cliffs, the La Mola Lighthouse offers one of Formentera’s most spectacular views. The journey there is an experience in itself. Enjoy the Mediterranean landscapes, absolute tranquillity, and a unique sense of being at the edge of the world.

Mejor playa del mundo en Formentera

Ses Illetes - One of the World's Finest Beaches

With its icing sugar sand and seemingly endless turquoise waters, Ses Illetes is the image most people associate with Formentera. Located within the Ses Salines Natural Park, it's perfect for long walks by the sea and relaxing in restaurants with incredible views. For accommodation, Es Pujols is ideal if you are looking for something on the lively side, while the La Savina area offers a much quieter experience.

Unique B&Bs in the Balearic Islands

FAQ

Choosing the right Balearic island depends on the kind of holiday you're after. Mallorca offers the widest variety, combining beautiful beaches, mountain scenery, culture and charming towns, while Menorca is perfect for those seeking peace, nature and unspoilt landscapes. Ibiza blends stunning coves with a stylish atmosphere and vibrant social scene, whereas Formentera is all about slowing down, unwinding and enjoying some of the Mediterranean's most spectacular beaches.

In most cases, hiring a car is highly recommended, particularly in Mallorca and Menorca, where beaches and villages can be quite spread out.

While Ibiza and Formentera are easier to explore without a car, having your own transport allows you to discover hidden coves and scenic viewpoints at your own pace.

The best time to visit is between May and October, when temperatures are warm and the sea is ideal for swimming. July and August offer the liveliest atmosphere but are also the busiest months. For a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, June and September are particularly appealing.

Yes. Mallorca and Menorca in particular offer many accessible beaches with gentle slopes, shallow waters and good facilities, making them ideal for visiting with children. Larger beaches such as Alcúdia Beach and Son Bou are generally the most accessible, with boardwalks, adapted facilities and easy access. Several beaches in Mallorca and Ibiza also provide facilities for visitors with reduced mobility, although access to some of the more secluded coves may be limited. For maximum comfort, it's advisable to choose accommodation close to larger beaches and well-serviced areas.